how to find a music lawyer

by Johnny Bailey I 9 min read

How to Find a Legitimate Music Lawyer

  • Finding an entertainment lawyer. The first (and most important) step is actually finding a lawyer you trust and that you’re comfortable working with.
  • Setting up a meeting. Before you meet with a lawyer, you need to know exactly what you want. ...
  • Working with your lawyer. The number one key to maintaining a relationship with your lawyer is to keep the communication going.

One of the best ways to find a music lawyer is by referrals from friends and relatives or from people you trust in the music business. You can also research music attorneys online. Check out Music Connection's Directory of Music Attorneys. Entering into a written attorney/client fee agreement is important.Oct 31, 2016

Do I need a lawyer in the music industry?

She has worked in the music industry for over two decades. If you're entering into any kind of deal in the music industry where money and contracts are involved, you should probably hire an entertainment or music lawyer.

What is the best way to find a lawyer?

Recommendations are the best way to find a lawyer. But obviously, you should decline any advice from the party on the other side of your legal issue. They may have good intentions, but you can't be too sure. You want someone who is representing your interests without any conflicts.

Do you need an entertainment lawyer?

Do you need an entertainment lawyer on a one-time basis, or do you need to keep a lawyer on retainer? If you're new to the business and this is your first contract, you probably don't need to put a lawyer on a (costly) retainer.

Should I hire a lawyer?

If you get a bad feeling or just don't hit it off with a candidate, don't feel any obligation to hire them. After you have had your initial meetings with your short list, choose the lawyer that has the skills for your particular case at a price you can afford. It is also important that you feel comfortable with your lawyer.

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Do musicians need lawyers?

Artists need help doing a trademark or copyright. They need that type of advice from a lawyer or they can find themselves in litigation. People will also take artists' art, design, or photos and post them on social media channels or web pages.

What thing do music lawyers deal with?

A music lawyer is a specialized attorney who deals with legal issues surrounding the music industry. They are trained to handle a wide range of legal issues, like contract management, copyright claims, trademark disputes, artist representation, and many more.

Why does a musician need a lawyer?

There are extensive record deals to be signed, intellectual property to be protected, and trademarks and copyrights to establish. Musicians need lawyers because navigating these areas can be difficult and sometimes even impossible without the right know-how.

How much does a music lawyer cost UK?

A variety of contracts are available with prices ranging from 9.50 to 75.00 GBP each. Covers legal aspects of music law including managers, agents, copyrights and live performance.

What do entertainment attorneys do?

What is an entertainment lawyer? Unlike divorce or corporate lawyers, an entertainment lawyer represents and protects the interests of creatives, companies and others in the many areas of the entertainment industry, such as film, television, new media, theater, publishing and music.

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.

How much of a song can you use UK?

You can not use 10 seconds of copyrighted music, or 100 seconds, or even 1 second without a license. Using any duration of a sound recording, no matter how long, will constitute an infringement unless you have permission. Remember, the owner of the recording had to license the song from the owner of the publishing.

How to maintain a relationship with a lawyer?

The number one key to maintaining a relationship with your lawyer is to keep the communication going. Be extremely clear about what you want, and if you don’t understand something, ask the lawyer to explain. Do as much reading on the subject as you can so you’re able to actually participate in the discussion and understand the impact of the decisions. Remember – this is your career, and you want to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into, especially before signing any kind of contract. The more you personally know, the better decisions you can make.

What to do if a lawyer has never done what you need him or her to do?

If a lawyer has never done what you need him or her to do, you may end up paying for the hours spent learning the subject . Try to get a list of musicians he or she has worked with. These are people you could call up for references. You also want to get a feel for the lawyer’s payment system.

Where can I register my copyright?

You can even register your own copyrights on the US Copyright Office’s website. To do this, however, you need as good an understanding of copyright law as possible.

Do lawyers pay retainers upfront?

Often, you’ll pay a retainer upfront, which is what the lawyer's payments will come out of. Larger firms will charge higher fees but may also have more experience. In contrast, smaller firms may be able to provide you with more personal attention and place higher priority on your issue.

Can a lawyer hold the label's interests above yours?

In this case, the lawyer could hold the label’s interests above yours.

Do I need to know music industry experts?

You don’t necessarily need to know music industry experts – other musicians are often the easiest route to great music business connections, especially in your town. If you know or collaborate with other musicians, chances are they’ve either worked with an entertainment lawyer themselves or know someone else who has.

Who is Dave Kusek?

Dave Kusek is the founder of the New Artist Model, an online music business school for independent musicians, performers, recording artists, producers, managers, and songwriters. He has worked with musicians his entire career, providing tools, mentoring, and knowledge necessary to be successful in the music industry.

What is a music attorney?

Music attorneys generally fall into two categories: litigators or transactional attorneys. Litigators are hired to represent individuals and companies involved in the music business in court, arbitration and mediation. For instance, if you are owed money on a contract or you have a copyright infringement case.

How do music attorneys get paid?

Music attorneys are paid in several different ways: A. By the hour: Under this arrangement, the attorney will bill you by the hour (or part of an hour), with an upfront deposit (retainer).

What are some examples of music lawyers?

Some examples: recording, music publishing and songwriter contracts, management or music producer agreements, and touring and merchandising agreements. Some music lawyers do both litigation and transaction work, but most are one or the other. A few music attorneys may be willing to “shop” an artist, meaning they will look for a recording ...

Where can I find a music lawyer?

Most of the music attorneys are in New York and Los Angeles, but you can also find them in places like San Francisco, Nashville, Miami, Chicago, Minneapolis and Toronto. One of the best ways to find a music lawyer is by referrals from friends and relatives or from people you trust in the music business. You can also research music attorneys online.

Who is Glen Litwaak?

GLENN LITWAK is a veteran music and entertainment attorney based in Santa Monica, CA. He has represented platinum-selling recording artists, Grammy-winning music producers and hit songwriters as well as management and production companies, managers, music publishers and independent record labels.

Can I terminate my music attorney?

You can terminate your music attorney for a good reason, a bad reason or no reason. But you will be liable for the attorney fees up to the date of discharge. If you decide on termination you should do it in writing and make arrangements to pick up your file.

How To Reach Music Lawyer Quickly

In the course of music lawyer quickly, there are things that you need to know how to reach music lawyer. The first and foremost is that if you’re dealing with disputes, then a lawyer is definitely needed. There’s nothing worse than getting into a heated discussion with someone over a song without the proper knowledge of how to proceed.

Music Lawyer Quickly How To Reach Best No1 Ideas

In conclusion, how to reach Music Lawyer Quickly is easier than you think. If you are being charged with a crime, hire a lawyer to represent you. If you are innocent, you need a lawyer to build your defense for your case.

Do I Need a Music and Recording Attorney?

For many, considering a music and recording career does not equate to hiring a music and recording attorney. Depending on what you plan on doing in the music and recording business, this may be one of the most important decisions you make. Not only who to hire, but when to hire a music and recording attorney should be considered.

Benefits of Music and Recording Attorneys

If you are in the music industry and are presented with a contract, it is a good time to think about hiring a music and recording attorney. An attorney can often provide advice on both the wording of any contracts or agreements, as well as help draw up any legal documents you require.

How much does it cost to register a trademark?

Unfortunately, registering a trademark is pretty expensive. Without legal counsel it costs $275, but it’s strongly recommended you hire a lawyer. Again, there is a lot of legal jargon to sift through and it’s worth covering all your bases.

Can you sign a management deal without a lawyer?

Never, ever, ever sign a management deal without having a lawyer go over it and explain it. The language is very dense and difficult to understand and most importantly, the clauses within them will affect your career for literally years.

Is it a bad idea to sign an agreement between band members?

It’s never a bad idea to sign an agreement between band members regarding a few key issues. Principally, who owns the copyright on the songs, how royalties are distributed, and who owns the band name are the matters at stake.

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