how to get a great music lawyer to type your contracts

by Dr. Vada Stroman II 9 min read

In any first meeting, you want to make sure the lawyer has worked in music law. Ask about the specific kinds of work he or she has done in the music industry. 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.

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

Full Answer

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.

Do I need a lawyer to manage my record label?

That kind of arrangement is more appropriate for a label managing multiple artists, or someone negotiating numerous contracts with different parties. Maybe you need help with contract negotiation or dealing with intellectual property issues. If you're not sure, better to get a lawyer to find out.

Do I need a lawyer for a contract negotiation?

Maybe you need help with contract negotiation or dealing with intellectual property issues. If you're not sure, better to get a lawyer to find out. If possible, your lawyer should be present with you during any negotiations with the other party.

What should I look for when hiring an entertainment lawyer?

You're looking for someone who specializes in things like record label contracts, and who knows the industry. Finding an entertainment lawyer for the first time can be a little overwhelming, but it is possible to find one who understands your needs and your budget.

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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.

What do you call a music lawyer?

Also Called. Entertainment Lawyer, Music Lawyer. Entertainment attorneys provide legal advice and representation to individuals and businesses in arts and entertainment industries.

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 is the role of an entertainment lawyer?

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.

What kind of lawyers do musicians need?

Generally there are two types of musician's lawyers. There are litigators (or courtroom lawyers) and transactional lawyers (non-courtroom business-y lawyers). Just like in other professions, litigators are used when (or hopefully if) you are being sued or if you are suing someone else.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaTax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.Immigration attorney: $84,000.Estate attorney: $83,000.Public Defender: $63,000.More items...•

How do you become an entertainment lawyer?

How do you become an entertainment lawyer?Earn a bachelor's degree. The first step to becoming an entertainment lawyer is earning a bachelor's degree. ... Pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) ... Apply for law school. ... Earn a law degree. ... Consider a certificate. ... Pass the bar examination. ... Gain professional experience.

How much do art lawyers make?

The salaries of Art Lawyers in the US range from $16,565 to $441,998 , with a median salary of $79,440 . The middle 57% of Art Lawyers makes between $79,442 and $199,923, with the top 86% making $441,998.

Who needs entertainment lawyers?

If you are a talent manager, entertainer or involved in the media industry, you should get in touch with an entertainment lawyer.

How much do top entertainment lawyers make?

Salary Ranges for Entertainment Lawyers The salaries of Entertainment Lawyers in the US range from $10,018 to $187,200 , with a median salary of $18,674 . The middle 57% of Entertainment Lawyers makes between $18,674 and $74,346, with the top 86% making $187,200.

Do entertainment lawyers work with celebrities?

Who deals with an entertainment lawyer? Some entertainment attorneys work as a celebrity's personal lawyer, but the majority of work with celebrities' agents and managers. These clients have a team of business and legal advisors which include agents, managers, and other attorneys.

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.

Who are Lawyers for Musicians?

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.

Why Do Musicians Need Lawyers?

Going into the music industry involves more than getting paid to make music. 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.

Common Contracts Used by Musicians

Having a lawyer to consult and trust in when it comes to contract signing is one of the biggest benefits for musicians who hire entertainment lawyers. Since contracts in this field can deal with huge amounts of money and can span several years, signing without a professional on your side is not something you want to risk doing.

How Much Does a Music Lawyer Cost?

Contracts in the entertainment industry can get long, complicated, and confusing. The good news is music lawyers are well-versed in reading, editing, and making sure these contracts benefit you. However, there is a price that you must pay for that expertise.

How to Find a Good Music Lawyer

Locating a good music lawyer might seem like a daunting task, and it can be intimidating, especially if you have no experience. However, it is not as difficult as it may sound. Here are three quick steps you can take to make sure an entertainment lawyer is the right fit for you:

Meet some of our Lawyers

I'm a business law generalist with over 24 years of experience, including as in-house General Counsel, as outside counsel through my own firm and as an attorney in an Am Law 100 law firm. My employers and clients uniformly appreciate my ability to (i) negotiate and close transactions quickly and effectively, and (ii) to make the complex simple.

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 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 ...

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 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.

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.

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.

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