how to select entertainment lawyer

Often, the best way to locate an attorney is through referrals from other entertainers. It's also possible to locate, interview, and hire a entertainment attorney through an online directory, such as Nolo's Lawyer Directory, which splits attorneys into different practice areas (copyright, business, litigation, and so on).

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How do I find an entertainment lawyer?

The first step in finding an entertainment attorney is to be sure you know your goals. Often, the best way to locate an attorney is through referrals from other entertainers. It is also possible to locate, interview, and hire a entertainment attorney through an online directory, like Nolo's Lawyer Directory.

What are the different types of entertainment lawyers?

There are different types of entertainment lawyers for these two broad categories of legal problems: writing a contract versus fighting a battle. Some lawyers only draft and negotiate contracts; these are known as "transactional" attorneys.

Can you negotiate with an entertainment lawyer?

Very commonly, lawyers charge an hourly rate, but it’s possible to hire one who uses flat rates for particular services as well. Should you hire an entertainment lawyer for a court case, you may even be able to negotiate having their fee—or contingency rate—come out of the expected settlement.

How to become a sports and entertainment lawyer?

While you are in law school, you should try to make connections with attorneys who are doing the work you desire to do. You should also gain an internship or fellowship in the area you intend to go into. 3. You can’t do it all There are many different types of Sports and Entertainment lawyers.

What skills do entertainment lawyers need?

Networking with clients and making new connections. Helping clients gain distribution rights for their creative works. Representing client's in court and pursuing legal action regarding intellectual property. Connecting clients with other entertainment professionals such as managers.

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.

Is it hard to get into entertainment law?

Turns out, it's really difficult to break into. It now seems to me that people break into the entertainment law field in one of three ways: Good connections, great experience on the business side, or incredible credentials.

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.

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.

Is entertainment law stressful?

Just as well, most people practicing entertainment law are in the field because they like the substantive work as well as the clients. Yes, there are the time pressures and tight budgets to consider, all of which can create significant stress for attorneys.

How do I get a job in entertainment law?

My suggestion would be to make a list of top lawyers, law firms, media companies dealing with media and entertainment law. You can find their information online. Almost all of them have a careers page or contact details. Just get in touch with them and ask about their internship programme or hiring procedure and apply!

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.

What lawyers do celebrities use?

Click here for Top 10 Celebrity Attorneys >Leslie Abramson. Celebrity clients: Phil Spector and the Menendez Brothers. ... Gloria Allred. ... David Boies. ... Alan Dershowitz. ... Martin Garbus. ... Mark Geragos. ... Allen Grubman. ... Gerald Shargel.More items...•

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...•

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

How much do celebrity lawyers get paid?

Celebrity attorneys charge a flat fee plus a commission, and generally earn $100k – $2 million.

What is 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 to do if you already have an entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles?

If you already have an entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles or entertainment lawyer in NYC, consult with them about how to move forward in such circumstances . Depending on the nature of your role on the project, they can advise about seeking in-state legal advice.

Why is an entertainment lawyer important?

Especially when it comes to negotiating contracts and handling potential litigation matters, an entertainment lawyer is key to best protecting your interests.

How long does it take to become a lawyer in California?

Between a conventional four-year undergraduate program, law school and bar exam success on the first try, a person looking to be licensed as a California entertainment lawyer may do so in approximately seven years.

What is a legal consultation?

A legal consultation is much like an interview—both for you and the lawyer. It’s important to fully utilize the time you have by coming prepared with questions, such as:

Can an emerging creative lawyer be an entertainment lawyer?

And while true that these professionals can foster your career and provide some of the same benefits as an entertainment lawyer, namely industry connections and career advice, neither have the legal expertise of an entertainment lawyer.

Do entertainment lawyers provide free consultations?

Yes, most entertainment lawyers will provide a brief complimentary consultation. Keep in mind, though, that this consultation isn’t about getting free information for a legal issue. Rather, the consultation is to determine if that particular lawyer will be a good fit for your needs. 10.

How to become an entertainment lawyer?

There are many different types of Sports and Entertainment lawyers. Check out the ABA’s Entertainment Law 101 for a breakdown in the different types of areas you can specialize in as an Entertainment lawyer. The article also includes these tips: 1 Know your stuff. Study contract law, intellectual property, tax, corporate, and any applicable entertainment guild law. 2 Attorney before groupie. Appreciate your client’s talent but never be in awe of them. If you are a fan first, you will be unable to perform the cold calculations necessary to properly advise and help them. 3 Location, location, location. Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville are key hubs where the deals get done. 4 Study the culture. Read entertainment biographies and industry news periodicals ( Variety, Billboard, etc.). Whatever others in your biz watch, read, or listen to, you must as well.

What is sports and entertainment law?

Sports and Entertainment Law encompasses several legal areas, just applied to athletes and entertainers. Depending on what your client needs, you may be expected to handle anything from criminal matters to contract disputes, estate planning to intellectual property issues. The range is very wide, so you must be able to deliver in several different areas. If you do not have an expertise in an area that is requested of you, you should know another lawyer who is to ensure your client always gets the best representation.

Why is sports and entertainment law important?

Sports and Entertainment Law is a desirable career path for many aspiring lawyers because it incorporates their love for entertainers and athletes with the practice of law. Not to mention, the fact that famous people are confiding and trusting you to advocate on their behalf. The reality is that this career path incorporates many other areas ...

Do you have to specialize in sports law?

You’ll probably have to specialize first. There are not many sports and entertainment law lawyers who are fresh out of law school. The immediate years after law school are typically spent developing an expertise in a substantive area of law in order to gain the experience necessary to properly represent an athlete or an entertainer ...

Is practicing law a nine to five job?

Practicing law in this area is not a nine to five type of job. Your clients will need your time and attention around the clock. Be prepared to never have the same workday twice!

How can an entertainment attorney help you?

Another example of how our entertainment attorneys can help you is through drafting and negotiating contracts and offering guidance. Examples of agreements we have helped our previous client with include publishing agreements, management agreements, producer agreements, 360 deals, collaboration contracts, distribution agreements, touring agreements, composer and music supervisor agreements, side artist or featured artist agreements, administration agreements, sync licenses and any other copyright licenses. For instance, if you are a new artist and are not sure if negotiating a 360 deal with a record label or hiring a manager is best for your career, our experienced attorneys can assist you with those decisions.

What is entertainment law?

Entertainment law encompasses any and all legal needs arising in the entertainment, media, and sports industries. Entertainment abounds in New York City, and people travel from all over the world to experience the city’s vibrant entertainment. From live entertainment sporting events to film and television production, unique art exhibits, museums, ...

How to protect your film rights?

Moreover, it is important to protect your film or television production’s intellectual property by utilizing copyright and trademark registration and licensing. However, sometimes the process involves multiple steps and can be complicated, so it is important to follow the lead of an experienced attorney to ensure your production is protected. The United States Copyright Office’s (“USCO”) registration requirements and processes differ depending on the type of work being registered. For instance, registration for a motion picture or audiovisual work is separate from registration of other digital content, music, plays, and visual arts. It is important to register correctly in order to obtain all the benefits of registration, such as a presumption of validity, notice of publication, and ability to collect significant statutory damages from anyone who infringes on your copyright.

What are some examples of people we represent in those industries?

Some examples of the people we represent in those industries include producers, directors, actors, dancers, models, singers, musicians, athletes, agents, managers, choreographers, composers, writers, photographers, journalists, influencers and many other creative individuals and artists.

What are some good representations for a non-WGA showrunner?

For non-WGA showrunners, talent agencies are another great option for representation of film and television projects. Ideally talent agencies will be able to leverage their other name cast and directors by “packaging” them with your series project.

What are the big four talent agencies?

That is one of the reasons why the big four talent agencies, WME, CAA, UTA and ICM have been the primary targets of the WGA dispute with agencies. These four very large agencies represent most of the biggest name performers and directors, and hence can add a lot of value to a project they represent.

Why was the Talent Agency Act created?

In fact, the Talent Agencies Act was originally drafted to protect agency clients from agents who were negotiating contracts and taking commissions, without any State license or oversight. The State Bar Act in California went into effect in 1927, more than 50 years before the Talent Agency Act.

Can talent managers pitch to production companies?

However, if you are located in either California or New York there is another hurdle for talent managers to overcome to be able to directly pitch projects to production companies and television networks. Both states have a version of the Talent Agencies Act. This was a very well-meaning law passed nearly 50 years ago. Originally it was set up to prevent agents from negotiating talent contracts on behalf of clients unless they paid a bond to the State, as well as to cap the percentage agents could charge.

Can entertainment lawyers work for talent agencies?

Therefore, entertainment lawyers are not prohibited from “soliciting employment” for clients and are the only other group besides agents licensed to represent talent clients directly to production companies and networks in California and New York. Other states have different laws, but most have subsequently passed some form of the Talent Agencies Act.

Can a talent manager represent a project?

Getting a talent manager to represent the new project is an option for both WGA and non-WGA showrunners. If you have a track record of financially successful projects you should look into management representation.

Does the WGA have a code of conduct?

So, for WGA members, none of the large packaging agencies have signed the Code of Conduct. The good news is that there are some great smaller agencies that have signed the Code of Conduct that you should consider. Otherwise, WGA members can choose between management firms and entertainment law firms for representation.