how to be a music lawyer

How to Become a Music Attorney.

• 1. Understand the skills required to be a music attorney. As a music attorney, you will represent musicians in the music industry. You will be ...
• 2. Learn about the music industry. In addition to your law degree and board certification, you should have intimate knowledge of the music industry ...
• 3. Consider majoring in a related field for your undergraduate degree. An undergraduate degree in a related field, such as Business with a ...
• 4. Attend law school and pass your state's bar exam. You will need to attend law school and earn your Juris Doctor degree. You will then need to pass ...

Full Answer

Is it easy to become an attorney in music law?

Anything in law can be made simple. My goal is to explain a lot of things so people understand. Building relationships and being good with people—that’s the vital thing. As long as you’re a relatively intelligent person you can figure out the law behind music and become an Attorney.

What does a music lawyer do?

As a music attorney, sometimes referred to as an entertainment lawyer, you're responsible for handling an assortment of legal issues for clients working in the music industry. In this career, you will help your clients with legal issues ranging from copyright to contract legality to trademark issues.

How do I become a lawyer?

You will need to attend law school and earn your Juris Doctor degree. You will then need to pass your state's bar exam to practice law in your state. Most state bar exams require extensive knowledge of the legal system, with written examinations covering both the law and ethics.

How to become an entertainment lawyer?

Entertainment Lawyer Your career as an entertainment lawyer will start the same way as the career of any lawyer - with a law degree. You can begin this process by enrolling in a bachelor's degree program.

What skills do you need to be a music lawyer?

Music lawyers have extensive relationships within the entertainment industry that can yield opportunities for musicians, a knowledge of music law and intellectual property, attention to detail, and a strong awareness of risk management.

Do entertainment lawyers make a lot of money?

The average annual salary for Entertainment Attorneys is approximately $117,600. The salary range for Entertainment Attorneys runs from $77,000 to $186,000.

What do lawyers do in the music industry?

Lawyers for musicians are legal representatives who specialize in the music industry. These lawyers represent record labels, musicians, and others in the music industry and focus on issues like trademark disputes, copyright violations, and even recording contract signing.

How much do music lawyers make UK?

PRS for Music Salary FAQs The average salary for a Lawyer is £61,881 per year in United Kingdom, which is 8% higher than the average PRS for Music salary of £57,034 per year for this job.

Who is the highest paid lawyer?

Top 10 Highest Paid Lawyer In The WorldRichard Scruggs — Net Worth: $1.7 Billion.Joe Jamail Jr. ... Willie Gary — Net Worth: $100 Million. ... Roy Black — Net Worth: $65 Million. ... Robert Shapiro — Net Worth: $50 Million. ... John Branca – Net Worth: $50 Million. ... Erin Brockovich – Net Worth: $42 Million. ... More items...•

What type of lawyer gets paid most?

Medical Lawyers typically make the highest yearly salary. This type of lawyer provides their clients with a variety of legal advisement and services related to medical law. This includes the areas of health care law, personal injury, medical malpractice and a variety of other related areas.

Can I be a music lawyer?

Music lawyers specialize in the intricacies of music law. Though they may share some of the same qualifications as lawyers in other fields, they are more familiar with how the industry itself operates. have a greater level of expertise in this field and can understand minute details that anyone else might miss.

Who is Drake's lawyer?

In court documents obtained by Radar Online, Drake's lawyer, Stanton “Larry” Stein, sayid Collins has no legal representation and that she hung up on him when he called to discuss her “frivolous” lawsuit.

Are entertainment lawyers in demand?

Entertainment Lawyer Growth Trend Jobs for lawyers, including entertainment lawyers, are expected to increase 9 percent in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS.

What GCSE Do you need to be a lawyer?

What GCSEs should I take to become a lawyer? To study law, you'll need at least five GCSEs (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications) at grade 4/C or above, including Maths, English Language and Science. Courses are competitive, so you should aim for the highest grades possible.

What is the highest paying job?

anesthesiologistThe highest-paying job in the world, in a traditional sense, holds the number one spot in this article: anesthesiologist. They are also the only job listed above $300,000 a year. The list, however, does not take into account mega-CEOs like Warren Buffett and Jeff Bezos, who make considerably more than that.

Is media law well paid?

It is however very lucrative. If you are working in a media law firm, chance are your clients are blue chip companies, large organisations or wealthy private individuals. All of these types of clients pay well, or are expected to pay well. As a result you are likely to receive a good salary or level of remuneration.

What Inspired You to Become an Entertainment Lawyer?

It was kind of an evolution. After graduating from Dartmouth with a degree in mathematics, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue creative endeavors in the film business. Then I started to get into the business side, and formed a production company with two partners. I was having the time of my life but lacked discipline and structure.

What kind of educational background should an aspiring Entertainment Attorney have?

We always look for strong academic performance, great writing and communication skills, and ideally some transactional experience as a Lawyer. While in law school, “Contracts” is essential (and required at most schools), and copyright and trademark courses are very important.

Do you have any suggestions for extracurriculars, collegiate associations, or student jobs that would be helpful while still in law school?

During law school, I worked at Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. I believe a lot of law schools have something similar where you do pro bono work for clients that can’t afford a Lawyer, and you’re supervised by a Lawyer.

Is there anything you see young Entertainment Lawyers struggling with early on in their careers or any mistakes you see them making? If so, do you have any advice that could help?

There are two major areas in which I’m very critical. One is not being careful enough (i.e. making mistakes or typos). We strive for our work to be perfect, and I expect the people that work for me to be meticulous.

What is music law?

Music law includes any laws of any kind that apply to the business of creating, selling, performing and listening to music. Music law is a part of entertainment law.

Why is music law important?

Music law is important to creating and performing music . Music lawyers do their part to help their clients understand the laws and protect their interests. While the music industry primarily involves licensing and contract law, music law may involve a number of different types of law that are all a part of creating and performing music.

Why are contracts important in music?

Many performers and event producers are independent contractors, and music producers rely on distributors to sell their work. For all of these people in the music industry, contracts are important to make sure that everyone involved has clear expectations. Even consumers use contract law in the music industry. Anyone who buys a subscription to a music service or even buys a concert ticket has some interaction with music-related contract law.

What are the entities that broadcast music?

There are many entities that broadcast music. Radio stations, television stations, bars, restaurants and even schools broadcast music or perform it live. There are music laws that determine what a person or group must do in order to broadcast or perform music. Because the creator of a musical work gets a copyright for the work, ...

Do musicians need a visa to travel to another country?

To enter the United States, non-citizen musicians generally need one of a number of different P category visas depending on the nature of their work. Music lawyers must help their clients secure the visas that they need in order to enter the country for their intended purpose.

Is music a federal or state law?

Music laws may be federal, state and local. There are a number of federal laws that impact the music industry. There are also state laws that may vary from one state to another. Even a local authority like a municipality may make a law that impacts the music industry. Music attorneys must be careful to look at all sources ...

Can you buy sheet music without a license?

Buying the sheet music alone doesn’t give a consumer the right to perform a musical work. Instead, the purchaser needs a license to perform the work live. Exceptions to licensing requirements are called Fair Use. The courts look at fair use exceptions on a case by case basis in order to determine whether the performer violates licensing laws by performing the work without a license. Some fair use exceptions include:

What does a music lawyer do?

For superstar level clients, the Music Lawyer may also assist in licensing their image for merchandising purposes or handling the paperwork on sponsorship/endorsement deals. They may even get involved in non-business legal matters , such as prenuptial agreements or divorce settlements.

What do entertainment lawyers major in?

Many Entertainment Lawyers majored in Legal Studies or Music Industry Studies as undergraduates. A degree in Music Industry Studies or something similar can give the future Lawyer an understanding of the many areas of the music business before they hunker down and dive deep into the law at law school.

What is entertainment attorney?

Entertainment Attorneys help their clients to understand legal agreements, ensuring that the terms are in their clients’ best interests. They work with Recording Groups, Record Producers, Songwriters, Music Publishers, Record Label Executives, Music Producers, and Composers. They negotiate recording, merchandising, touring and publishing contracts, as well as Producer agreements.

How much do entertainment attorneys make?

Entertainment Attorney salaries can range from $77,000 to $186,000. Moo says “there are a couple different ways” Entertainment Attorneys are paid. “The flat fee for reviewing contracts is the most common because it’s the most affordable, especially for newer musicians.

What do people think of entertainment attorneys?

When most people think of Entertainment Attorneys they envision a flashy, high-powered office and an intense workload. While this is certainly the case at many big-name firms, other Attorneys find this type of corporate environment doesn’t sit well with their creative clients.

What is the best book about music?

There’s a great book called All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald Passman. That’s a terrific book to read because it gives a real overview of how the industry is. Figure out what kind of music you like. If you can find great music and bring it to a company or develop it yourself that’s super valuable.

Do you have to wait for someone to hand you something?

You have to go out and do it yourself, and then you have value in the entertainment industry. That’s creating value.”. “Don’t wait for someone to hand you something. When you’re in school you should try to get internships to learn how the industry is set up.

What to Know Before You Seek an Attorney to Represent You

Heather McDonald wrote about music careers for The Balance Careers. She has worked in the music industry for over two decades.

Determine Your Needs

Music lawyers are under the umbrella of entertainment law, and many specialize in a certain part of the music industry. Understanding what you need legal help with will make it easier for you to find a lawyer who is up to the task. Knowing whether you are looking to build a long-term relationship with a lawyer is also something to consider.

How to Find a Lawyer

Once you know what you need from a lawyer, start asking those in your music industry circles. You are almost certain to know someone who has had to visit a lawyer for a music industry issue before.

Meet With Your Short List

Whether you do it by phone or in person, have a brief question and answer session with your short list of lawyers. Find out what they specialize in, how soon they can work on your case, how much they charge and what their payment terms are. If you get a bad feeling or just don't hit it off with a candidate, don't feel any obligation to hire them.

Who Does Music Law Impact?

Federal, State and Local Laws May Apply

Licensing and Publishing

Broadcasting

Live Performance

Other Areas of Music Law

Who Practices Music Law?

Why Become A Music Lawyer?

Keeping The Beat with Music Law

• Music law is important to creating and performing music. Music lawyers do their part to help their clients understand the laws and protect their interests. While the music industry primarily involves licensing and contract law, music law may involve a number of different types of law that are all a part of creating and performing music.

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