what can an entertainment lawyer do for you?

by Selmer Schmitt 6 min read

Entertainment attorneys have the following responsibilities, among others:

  • Drafting and negotiating contracts
  • Drafting and pushing marketing and merchandising deals
  • Preparing agreements for clients, including the traditional legal duties such as facilitation and distribution deals for projects
  • Working on investments and financing for grants and projects

More items...

Full Answer

What is the job description for an entertainment lawyer?

  • #1 thing is network. Meet people in the industry whenever you can. ...
  • Start to think about what you want to do and if being an Entertainment Attorney is really for you. ...
  • Try to learn. There are lots of books and blogs out there, lots of ways to learn about the industry. ...
  • Figure out what kind of music you like. ...

How to become an entertainment attorney?

  • The Great Resignation and the pandemic added responsibilities and changed priorities for Hollywood HR execs.
  • Insider is highlighting 7 top HR execs at Disney, NBCUniversal, and more entertainment companies.
  • The execs said that competition for workers in areas like data science has intensified.

Who are some of entertainment lawyers?

Entertainment lawyers provide services to the entertainment industry, including film, music, television, theater, publishing, visual arts, and multimedia. They also represent sports stars and other celebrities. Entertainment lawyers negotiate and write contracts, deal with intellectual property issues, and practice employment and labor law.

What are some duties lawyers have to do?

What does a Lawyer do? A lawyer is licensed to practice law, and is obligated to uphold the law while also protecting their client's rights. Some duties commonly associated with a lawyer include: providing legal advice and counsel, researching and gathering information or evidence, drawing up legal documents related to divorces, wills, contracts and real estate transactions, and prosecuting or ...

What is entertainment lawyer?

Is a manager or agent discounted?

Do entertainment lawyers provide free consultations?

Is an entertainment lawyer an employee?

Do entertainment lawyers charge hourly?

Can an emerging creative lawyer be an entertainment lawyer?

See more

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What does entertainment law handle?

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 do entertainment lawyers do on a daily basis?

Entertainment lawyers focus on the following tasks: Preparing and negotiating development and production contracts, and distribution deals; Working with financial agreements, loans, and investment documents; Reviewing contracts and analyzing a client's rights.

Do entertainment lawyers work with celebrities?

3. Entertainment Lawyers Have a Diverse Clientele For many attorneys, this is a reality, but many more do not work directly with celebrities. In fact, entertainment lawyers have a wide variety of clients. To start, not all entertainment lawyers are independent entities.

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.

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.

What should I study for entertainment law?

The common degree for entertainment lawyers is the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. This degree program typically takes three years to complete, although many schools now offer part-time programs....4. Earn a law degreeCopyright law.First amendment practices.Intellectual property law.Negotiations.Income taxes.

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...•

How much do celebrity lawyers get paid?

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

Who do entertainment lawyers work for?

One excellent example of this is an entertainment lawyer. Entertainment lawyers are hired by those in the entertainment industry to deal with creating or negotiating contracts as well as dealing with litigation, if necessary.

Do celebrities have personal lawyers?

They're the lawyers to the stars – and there are many. The highest-profile legal eagles, like Mark Geragos and the late Johnnie Cochran, have become TV celebrities unto themselves. But some of the busiest celeb lawyers in town these days are non-household names.

Can entertainment lawyers make millions?

The top entertainment lawyers in Hollywood are raking in millions each year. And they're probably letting their broke clients crash in their guest house on occasion. Assuming you do all the right things in law school, you should be able to find an entry-level job within nine months.

Entertainment Lawyer Description

In this post we look at what is an entertainment lawyer and when you might need one. In addition to providing an entertainment lawyer definition, we’ll also cover how to find one so that you know where to turn and what to look for when selecting an entertainment lawyer.

Entertainment Lawyer Definition

An entertainment lawyer practices a specialized type of law specific to the entertainment industry. When you think about what is an entertainment lawyer, an image of a slick Hollywood type looking to take advantage of a naĂŻve performer may come to mind.

Entertainment Attorney 101

First things first: if you are in the entertainment industry and have questions about contracts, copyright claims or infringement, or any other legal information related to your creative work, do not seek advice from a non-industry lawyer.

When and Why You Need an Entertainment Lawyer

As a screenwriter, director, musical artist, fiction writer, or a performer with a public image or voice, you own creative copyright.

What to Look for in Hiring an Entertainment Attorney

Now that you understand the role of the entertainment lawyer, it is good to think about what you need help with and select an entertainment attorney carefully. Entertainment lawyers can help with a variety of scenarios and provide critical advice for key moments in your career.

UP NEXT

Legal and insurance issues are not most creatives’ favorite topic! Nonetheless they are vital to any production. In addition to realizing all the details of the creative vision for your project and managing the production tech and details, it is also good to have someone on your team looking out for liability.

Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards

Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.

Entertainment Lawyer: Understanding Their Importance

In some instances, general law may help you to understand the various requirements in your industry. For example, drafting up an employment contract may be something that looks relatively similar for a wide variety of business models.

What Role Do They Play in Your Business?

Of course, the above definition is a very broad overview of the responsibility of an entertainment lawyer in your day-to-day business. The work that they undertake on behalf of your company is essential to keeping your company and its employees protected as you continue operations.

Why Might You Need to Enlist the Help of an Entertainment Lawyer?

Asking when you should reach out to an entertainment lawyer depends entirely on your individual situation. However, looking deeper into an entertainment lawyer's role can help you better understand if and when you'll need to take advantage of their services.

How Do I Go About Hiring an Entertainment Lawyer?

Although this guide dives deeper into what an entertainment lawyer is and what role they play, the truth is that there are all kinds of entertainment lawyers that specialize in various areas of law as well as provide specific services designed specifically for the situation you may find yourself in when you seek out their help.

Meet some of our Lawyers

Diana is a registered patent attorney and licensed to practice law in Florida and in federal courts in Florida and in Texas. For nearly a decade, Diana has been known as the go-to brand builder, business protector, and rights negotiator.

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.

Is a manager or agent discounted?

The value of a manager or agent shouldn’t be discounted. The former can provide important career guidance. Both have industry connections. And the latter can secure project deals. However, it’s important to keep in mind that none of these services, those of an entertainment lawyer included, come free.

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.

Is an entertainment lawyer an employee?

Is an entertainment lawyer hired as an employee or contractor? Unless you are potentially forming a company that would require the ongoing services of an entertainment lawyer, they would not be hired as an employee. Rather, they are a contractor who is part of a law firm or the proprietor of their own business. 16.

Do entertainment lawyers charge hourly?

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.

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.

Why do entertainment lawyers need to be familiar with the entertainment industry?

Because the industry utilizes so many different fields of practice, entertainment lawyers must have extensive knowledge about multiple legal categories. They must also be familiar with various sectors of the entertainment industry, though some choose to work in just one sector such as music or film.

Where do entertainment lawyers work?

Entertainment lawyers can work in law firms or as in-house counsel for corporations. This type of attorney tends to practice in entertainment hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Nashville, though some find employment across the nation.

How to become an entertainment lawyer?

The first step one must take to become an entertainment lawyer is earning a bachelor’s degree from a college or university. After completing the four years of undergraduate study, the student then takes the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

What do lawyers do after graduation?

After graduating, many lawyers begin their careers by working as law clerks after graduation. Since it is a very specialized field, it is not uncommon for entertainment lawyers to work in a different area of law before finding a job in the entertainment industry.

What is entertainment law?

Entertainment law, sometimes referred to as “media law,” provides various legal services to individuals and businesses involved in the entertainment industry. This area of law covers all different types of media including: Film. Music. Publishing.

What is a masters in law?

A Master of Law degree (M.L. or LL.M) is available for students wanting to take a closer look at the law after receiving their Juris Doctorate degree. The degree is internationally recognized, and it can broaden a person’s career horizons.

Do attorneys need retainers?

Regardless of whether the attorney charges hourly or a flat rate fee, they may also require a retainer. A retainer is a portion of the estimated total costs paid to the lawyer up front. The retainer is put into a special account and is used as the lawyer works on the case.

What Does An Entertainment Lawyer Do?

In short, entertainment lawyers work with filmmakers to provide legal advice and counsel on a range of specialty topics. Entertainment lawyers mainly work with producers and executive producers. However, talent such as actors, directors, and writers may also need to hire one during their career.

Do You Need An Entertainment Lawyer?

The answer to whether or not you need an entertainment lawyer is: it depends. While beginning filmmakers and screenwriters typically don’t need a lawyer to start out, as your career advances, you may find yourself needing professional legal advice.

How To Find An Entertainment Lawyer?

Like all jobs in the film industry, most work comes through recommendations. If you know anyone who has previously hired an entertainment lawyer, ask them about their experience. Alternatively, a production company you know might be able to endorse a firm.

What Is The Cost Of An Entertainment Lawyer?

Whether you hire through a law firm or work with a freelancer, every individual will have a unique cost. Most lawyers have an hourly wage, but you can negotiate a flat fee for their services throughout the whole project. Many lawyers will also give a free consultation and use this time to ask straightforward about their services and costs.

In Conclusion

Entertainment lawyers advise and provide essential legal advice for filmmakers. Finding a good lawyer can be difficult, and you will need to negotiate terms in detail before hiring. They are also expensive, and you should consider their cost during your early budget breakdown.

What an Entertainment lawyer can do for you

If you are an entertainer, movie producer, or musician, an entertainment lawyer can assist you with important legal issues, including intellectual property rights. Hiring an entertainment attorney will enable you to negotiate or write your contracts, deal with intellectual property issues, and work on publication deals.

Why hire an Entertainment attorney

Entertainment lawyers provide services to the entertainment industry, including film, music, television, theater, publishing, visual arts, and multimedia. They also represent sports stars and other celebrities. Entertainment lawyers negotiate and write contracts, deal with intellectual property issues, and practice employment and labor law.

Did you know?

Although entertainment lawyers do assist their clients with legal decisions such as contracts, compensation, real estate purchases, etc., entertainment attorneys also use their skills to help further a client's career.

What does an entertainment lawyer do?

Entertainment lawyers represent people in the entertainment industry (authors, musicians, actors, producers, etc.) in lawsuits and can advise them about contracts they’re entering into.

What to do if you are being sued?

If you’re being sued, an entertainment lawyer will do their best to prove your innocence or reduce any charges against you. There are no guarantees in a lawsuit, but having a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the law and court procedure will give you your best chance.

Is Rocket Lawyer a lawyer?

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.

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.

Is a manager or agent discounted?

The value of a manager or agent shouldn’t be discounted. The former can provide important career guidance. Both have industry connections. And the latter can secure project deals. However, it’s important to keep in mind that none of these services, those of an entertainment lawyer included, come free.

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.

Is an entertainment lawyer an employee?

Is an entertainment lawyer hired as an employee or contractor? Unless you are potentially forming a company that would require the ongoing services of an entertainment lawyer, they would not be hired as an employee. Rather, they are a contractor who is part of a law firm or the proprietor of their own business. 16.

Do entertainment lawyers charge hourly?

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.

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.

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