what percentage does entertainment lawyer earn

How can you become an entertainment lawyer?

Jan 20, 2022 · The average annual salary of entertainment lawyers, including music lawyer salary, is $116,800 , as reported in 2022 by Law Crossing, a legal job site. For purpose of comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, indicates that entertainment lawyers in the motion picture and video industry earned an average annual salary of $218,360 as of ...

How to become an entertainment attorney?

Oct 23, 2014 · Most Entertainment lawyers who work on a percentage basis charge 5% of the talent's gross income from all sources. If the lawyer finds the opportunity it can go to 10%, like an agent, because, in effect, by creTing the opportunity, the lawyer is the agent.

How much does an entertainment lawyer cost?

May 14, 2015 · A lawyer specializing in the entertainment field usually charges an hourly fee or a percentage of the money value of your deal. Hourly rates generally run from $300-$500 and up.

Why do lawyers earn so much?

Mar 09, 2022 · So after the brief “free” consult, paying for the lawyers’ time will likely come up. Some entertainment attorneys will give you an hour of their time – a la carte – for a fee, often between about $350 per hour to $600 or more per hour (the closer to L.A., New York, or other major cities, generally the higher the hourly fee).

How much do top entertainment lawyers make?

How much money do celebrity lawyers make?

Can entertainment lawyers make millions?

Where do entertainment lawyers make the most money?

What is the highest paid lawyer?

How much do Nintendo lawyers make?

How much does a music lawyer earn?

What does entertainment law consist of?

How much do entertainment lawyers make in NYC?

How much do entertainment lawyers make Los Angeles?

How much does a medical lawyer make?

How much does an entertainment lawyer make in Canada?

Steven Joseph Pena

For representing talent (e.g., actors, directors, writers), an attorney usually receives 5% of the gross earnings. However, if the talent isn't represented by an agent or manager, the percentage can increase to up to 10%. Some lawyers will set a dollar amount "floor" since the gross earnings could be too low to generate an appropriate fee.

Michael Charles Doland

Based on my very, very limited experience here in Los Angeles, the 5 - 10 percent answers are correct. However, there is an assumption that someone will agree to take you on in the first place. For unknowns, plan on being turned down by many and a higher percentage from the few lawyers who agree...

Marc Jacobson

Most Entertainment lawyers who work on a percentage basis charge 5% of the talent's gross income from all sources. If the lawyer finds the opportunity it can go to 10%, like an agent, because, in effect, by creTing the opportunity, the lawyer is the agent...

Michael J. Thomas

There is no set or standard rate. The rate generally depends mainly on the attorney's level of experience in the industry. 7-10% is not unheard of.

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.

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.

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.

What is retainer fee?

It’s common practice for an entertainment lawyer to request a retainer fee, which is an upfront cost paid for their future services.

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.

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.

Do you need to know everything about the entertainment industry?

As an artist or creator in the entertainment industry you do not need to know everything about the business in order to succeed, but you should hire people who do. When I was a teenage recording artist back in the late 70's, I can remember being intimidated by the "suits". Now that I am on the other side of the desk, I have a broader perspective.

Can you sign anything without a lawyer?

As a final piece of free legal advice, never sign anything – other than an autograph – without having your own lawyer review it first.

Is a lawyer with other big name clients necessarily the best lawyer for you?

Keep in mind that a lawyer with other big name clients is not necessarily the best lawyer for you; if it comes down to taking your calls or those of a superstar, which do you think will get preference?

Is a lawyer a fiduciary?

It is not necessary that your lawyer like or even understand your creative endeavors be it an app, a book, music, your film or TV pilot idea. It is more important that you feel he or she is a trustworthy and competent advisor. The lawyer/client relationship is known as a "fiduciary" relationship which means that a lawyer must always act in your best interest and not his own or that of anyone else. Your lawyer is also under a duty to keep your conversations with him confidential. It is often in your best interest that it stay that way.

Do lawyers have to be written?

You should realize that in retaining a lawyer you are making a contract even if your agreement is not written. In return for a fee, the lawyer promises to render legal services on your behalf. However, some lawyers may want a fee arrangement in writing (specifically in connection with a percentage deal) and/or a payment direction letter. A cautious lawyer will advise you that you have the right to seek the advice of another lawyer as to the propriety of a percentage fee arrangement.

How much does an entertainment lawyer charge?

Some entertainment attorneys will give you an hour of their time – a la carte – for a fee, often between about $350 per hour to $600 or more per hour (the closer to L.A., New York, or other major cities, generally the higher the hourly fee). However, sometimes lawyers will require a “retainer” representing at least several hours worth of his/her time – for example, a retainer of $1000 or more, against which the lawyer will bill time as it is used for your needs. Often the retainer can be paid by credit card. And if you don’t use the time represented by the retainer, it may, or may not, be refundable. As the relationship moves from simply discussing your needs to drafting contracts, negotiations, etc., the lawyer will “bill” his time against the retainer amount held. If and when the retainer amount is exhausted, you will likely be asked to refill the cup with another retainer.

How much is a retainer for a lawyer?

However, sometimes lawyers will require a “retainer” representing at least several hours worth of his/her time – for example, a retainer of $1000 or more, against which the lawyer will bill time as it is used for your needs. Often the retainer can be paid by credit card.

What is the role of a production counsel in a film?

Option 4: Production Counsel – Very often a funded film will engage a lawyer as “Production Counsel,” to handle all legal needs of the film, through pre-production, post-production and distribution. For a flat fee, often tied to a percentage of the film’s budget, the lawyer may draft all necessary contracts and agreements, handle or participate in negotiations of various aspects of the production, and also serve as general adviser on legal and business issues.

Who said a lawyer's time and advice are his (or her) stock and trade?

As Abe Lincoln said, “a lawyer’s time and advice are his (or her) stock and trade.” So few lawyers are likely to give away knowledge and advice for which other clients pay actual cash. And that position is further justified when you remember that sometimes lawyers are sued when the advice they gave was free! (Note the disclaimer on this blog). That probably wouldn’t be a “winning” lawsuit, but it’s certainly an unwanted distraction. So lawyers, always loath to open themselves up to liability, are especially leery of doing so for absolutely no compensation.

What is an attorney in the entertainment industry?

For better or worse, however, attorneys are part of the fabric of the entertainment industry. They facilitate connections between performers, producers, and venues, and assist in drafting and negotiating contracts.

Why do entertainers hire lawyers?

The most common reason that an entertainer hires a lawyer is to review, draft, or negotiate a contract.

How to switch attorneys?

The easiest way to switch attorneys is to find a new attorney and ask the old one to send the file to the new one. In that case, before terminating your current attorney, you would have another attorney prepared to take over any outstanding legal work.

How much do attorneys charge per hour?

Understand up front that most attorneys bill on an hourly basis (often between $300 and $700 an hour) and send a bill at the end of each month. Some attorneys bill on a fixed-fee basis, in which you pay a set amount for services (expect to pay $5,000 to $25,000 to negotiate a major entertainment deal, for instance).

How to avoid hourly rates?

If you can, get your attorney to agree to fixed fees for certain work rather than hourly billings. For example, if your attorney is negotiating a merchandising deal, get a flat rate for the whole job. That way, you will know exactly what to expect. If you cannot get fixed billings, ask your attorney to estimate fees for work and to explain any time that the bill exceeds the estimate.

How to choose an attorney?

Don't choose an attorney purely based on his or her "know-how." Consider also style and personality. While these qualities might seem superficial, remember that you may spend long hours working together. You may prefer to be represented by an attorney whose style and demeanor correspond with yours. Do you want someone aggressive? Ambitious? Accommodating? Serious? Boisterous?

What is a lawyer called when they draft a contract?

Some lawyers only draft and negotiate contracts; these are known as "transactional" attorneys. Some only handle lawsuits and represent actors (or producers or venues); these are known as " litigators ."

How much do corporate lawyers make?

In most cases, a corporate lawyer’s salary will start somewhere between $30,000 and $100,000 a year, depending on the size, location and financial condition of the employer. The best graduates of top law schools can expect much higher salaries and lucrative careers right after they graduate if they have the right skill set and have performed well during their internships. The Forbes website lists several first rate programs, such as Columbia Law School, whose graduates can expect an average starting salary of $165,000.

How much do tax attorneys make?

As shown below, the median annual salary for tax attorneys in 2014 was $99,690. Starting salaries tend to be somewhere between $55,000 and $83,000; lawyers who remain in the field of tax law can expect a steady increase in their annual earnings as their career progresses.

How much do personal injury lawyers make?

The average annual pay for a personal injury lawyer is approximately $73,000. Many attorneys in this field do not have a set annual income as they work for contingency fees. This means that they earn a percentage of any compensation settlement the plaintiff receives. As in most cases, lawyers working for non-profit organizations or the government tend to earn the least, while their colleagues in big law firms are the top earners.

What is real estate lawyer?

Real estate lawyers assist their clients in a variety of ways regarding commercial and residential real estate. Issues regarding tenants, neighbors, zoning and property development also fall under the umbrella of real estate law.

How much does a family lawyer make?

The median annual salary of a family lawyer, according to PayScale.com, is $70,828. In family law, an attorney’s degree of specialization and experience strongly correlates with compensation. Experienced family lawyers in the private sector are the top earners in this group, and have higher earning potential than their counterparts in the public sector.

What does a personal injury lawyer do?

In case of an accident or injury, personal injury lawyers represent their clients to obtain justice and compensation for any losses or suffering. The vast majority of these cases fall under the area of tort law.

How much does Columbia Law School make?

The Forbes website lists several first rate programs, such as Columbia Law School, whose graduates can expect an average starting salary of $165,000. Other institutions that produce top earners in the field include Stanford University, the University of Chicago, Harvard University, and the University of Virginia.

How much do lawyers make?

Lawyers made a median salary of $122,960 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $186,350 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $80,950.

What are the top paying industries for lawyers?

The top-paying industries with the highest average annual salaries for this career are cable and other subscription programming ($224,970); motion picture and video industries ($216,800); highway, street and bridge construction ($215,850); computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing ($210,310); and engine, turbine and power transmission equipment manufacturing ($207,880).

Which state pays the highest salary to a lawyer?

The states and districts that pay Lawyers the highest mean salary are District of Columbia ($192,180), California ($173,970), New York ($168,780), Massachusetts ($164,800), and Illinois ($157,010).

Which state pays the most lawyers?

Best-Paying States for Lawyers. The states and districts that pay Lawyers the highest mean salary are District of Columbia ($192,180), California ($173,970), New York ($168,780), Massachusetts ($164,800), and Illinois ($157,010).

What is the job of assistant city attorney?

Assistant City Attorney PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION: Provides legal advice and representation; drafts and administers a variety of contracts for which the City is a party; conducts significant and ...

Olga Michelle Seanez

I have seen commissions range from 5% to 20% of the gross received by the client. Generally speaking, with my clients, I usually try to keep managers' commission in the 5%-10% range as they are there to assist the client in the management of their career, not act as an agent.

Richard Byron Jefferson

I somewhat agree with the previous posting, but more frequently see 20% than 15% (which may be more typical for a newer manager). I just want to add that you want the scope of the management agreement to match your manager's experience.

Pamela Koslyn

I've seen some higher % commissions, lots at 15%, and a few lower %s. But you should have your contract reviewed to see if it's fair otherwise, and you shouldn't assume that a contract that offers 15% is fair or that that's the only provision you should be concerned with.