why i chose to be an entertainment lawyer

by Opal Lebsack 10 min read

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.

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What does an entertainment lawyer do?

May 18, 2021 · Having an entertainment lawyer on your side almost always guarantees a favourable deal for you. Networking. Having an entertainment lawyer on your side has an unwritten advantage. A good entertainment lawyer has the ability to help their clients connect with those in the business, including agents, labels with artists and musicians, and vice versa.

What is it like to work as a lawyer?

Mar 12, 2018 · Published March 12, 2018 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.

What are the benefits of a career in media law?

Jul 23, 2021 · Why employers ask why you wanted to become a lawyer Asking this question gives your interviewer insight into your interests, drive and motivation. Your answer to this question (or a similar variation of it) will help the interviewer understand your core values, philosophies and perspectives on practicing law and how these ideals match up with ...

How do I become a media lawyer?

Nov 20, 2019 · The Intellectual Challenge. Working as a lawyer is one of the most intellectually rewarding jobs on the planet. From helping to patent a trade secret, or devising a trial strategy, to forming a multi-million dollar merger, lawyers are problem-solvers, analysts, and innovative thinkers whose intellect is crucial to career success.

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What is the purpose of entertainment law?

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 is it like working in entertainment law?

The entertainment law practice area is described as mild to very hot. Within a law firm that specializes in media law, the practice itself can be quite varied with clients in all sorts of stages of completion with their projects. Those stages can include: Development.

What do entertainment lawyers do on a daily basis?

For example, lawyers representing an actor or musician usually need to know the ins and outs of contracts, but they also need to know intellectual property law, labor and employment basics, as well as rights of privacy, publicity, not to mention the occasional foray into corporate law. Entertainment lawyers are called ...Jul 20, 2012

Is it hard to be an entertainment lawyer?

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.

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.Apr 8, 2021

What is media law like?

Media Law is a legal field that relates to legal regulation of the telecommunications industry, information technology, broadcasting, advertising, the entertainment industry, censorship, and internet and online services among others.

What type of law is entertainment?

Entertainment law, also referred to as media law, is legal services provided to the entertainment industry. These services in entertainment law overlap with intellectual property law. Intellectual property has many moving parts that include trademarks, copyright, and the "Right of Publicity".

Is entertainment law competitive?

2. Entertainment Law Is Competitive It's no secret that entertainment law is a competitive area of law in which to practice. Who wouldn't want to work with major musicians, actors, directors, and producers? For those reasons, entertainment law can be a hard niche to break into.Jun 15, 2020

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Types Of Lawyers That Make The Most MoneyMedical 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.Dec 18, 2020

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.

Where do entertainment lawyers make the most money?

Average salaries for entertainment lawyers vary by city. For example, Law Crossing reports that average salaries were highest in Los Angeles where they earned ​$165,000​ per year. Those working in Glendale and San Franciso averaged ​$164,500​ per year. New York City entertainment lawyers averaged ​$161,000​.Jan 20, 2022

What does a media and entertainment lawyer do?

Lawyers specializing in the field are required to act as commercial-legal production counsels for advising, structuring and negotiating deals across various production and distribution models, for syndication and licensing of content for domestic and international film distribution across platforms (traditional and new ...Mar 5, 2020

What is Entertainment Law?

There isn’t actually one area of the law that is set aside as Entertainment Law, in the way that other fields of law such as Corporate Law or Finance Law have.

Why study Entertainment Law?

To gain an excellent understanding of the important aspects of the law that apply to the Entertainment industry. Entertainment lawyers must have knowledge of many different aspects of the law, such as Business Law, Tax Law and Contract Law, along with being skilled negotiators and networkers.

Where is it used?

Entertainment Law is used in lots of different parts of the Entertainment industry such as representing musicians, actors, sports personalities and representing businesses and organisations that work in the Entertainment industry, and this industry ranges from work in film companies to museums and art galleries.

Where can you study an LLM in Entertainment Law?

If you know where you want to be based after you have completed the course, then it is a good idea to study at a local law school to benefit from contacts the law school has for your future career. In the US, UCLA in Los Angeles offers a course featuring Entertainment Law as does Pepperdine University also in California.

What is studied on an LLM in Entertainment Law?

Many Entertainment Law LLM programs also include elements of other areas of the law such as Media Law. The LLM program at UCLA includes modules on topics such as Telecommunications Regulation, Trademark Law, International Intellectual Property, Copyright Law and Motion Picture Distribution.

LLMs in Entertainment Law

Here are some examples of LLM programs in Entertainment Law available to study at universities in the US and the UK, and the ways that you can study them.

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.

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 ...

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.

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 to answer why you want to become a lawyer?

You can answer this question by following the steps below to highlight your strengths and make a great impression on the interviewer: 1. Focus on your strengths and skills. Give examples of your strongest skills that make you successful as a lawyer. For instance, your ability to communicate ...

What are some examples of skills that make you successful as a lawyer?

For instance, your ability to communicate persuasively, your attention to detail and your compassion towards your clients are strengths that you can have as a lawyer that make you successful at doing your job. Your pride in your skills and expertise can show the interviewer how motivated you are to succeed in the career.

What does it mean to interview for a lawyer?

Interviewing for a position as a lawyer means you'll likely encounter several different types of questions that will help the interviewer get to know you, assess your skills and compare your qualifications with what they're looking for.

What do you want to know about practicing law?

The interviewer will likely want to see that your core values and philosophy about practicing law connects with the job responsibilities and their firm's mission and values. Describe the character traits you feel you have developed as a lawyer and how these traits helped shape the values you have today. Then, relate these values to what you know about the company and the clients it serves.

Why are lawyers important?

Lawyers are in a unique position to help individuals, groups, and organizations with their legal problems and to further the public good. Public interest lawyers champion legal causes for the greater good of society and help those in need of legal assistance who might not otherwise be able to afford attorneys.

Where do lawyers work?

Work Environments and Perks. The majority of lawyers work in law firms, government, and for corporations. In an age where cubicles have become the mainstay of the modern workplace, lawyers typically work in offices with four walls.

Why do lawyers do pro bono work?

Lawyers in private practice often perform pro bono work to help low-income individuals and underserved portions of the population , such as the elderly, victims of domestic abuse, and children. In fact, many bar associations require that attorneys commit to a certain number of pro bono hours each year.

What is the most rewarding job?

Working as a lawyer is one of the most intellectually rewarding jobs on the planet. From helping to patent a trade secret, or devising a trial strategy, to forming a multi-million dollar merger, lawyers are problem-solvers, analysts, and innovative thinkers whose intellect is crucial to career success.

What is prestige in law?

The Prestige. A career as a lawyer has been a hallmark of prestige for generations. Impressive degrees and a certain authority over others have placed lawyers in an elite circle of professionals who command respect and embody the definition of success.

What is the role of an attorney in society?

Attorneys have stood at the center of society for centuries. They're in a unique position to affect societal change as lawmakers and thought leaders. They write the laws, rule the courts, and hold influential positions in government.

Do lawyers make big bucks?

Keep in mind, however, that not all lawyers make big bucks. It can depend on employer size, experience level, and geographic region. Lawyers employed in large law firms, major metropolitan areas, and in-demand specialties generally earn the highest incomes.

What Is Media Law?

Media law governs what can be published and broadcast. Some of the elements that media law includes are censorship and the tort of defamation, as well as privacy.

What Do Media Lawyers Do?

Day-to-day responsibilities differ depending on whether you are a solicitor or barrister.

Media Law: Pros

The benefits of a career in media law include how topical it is. As the world of media moves so fast, you can expect to see the things you work on in the news and all around you, from advertising billboards to shops and even TV.

Where Can I Practise as a Media Lawyer?

As media and entertainment law encompass so many industries within media, it’s difficult to summarise the top UK law firms which specialise in media law. Some of the top UK law firms include:

Is it for Me?

As you might have guessed by now, media law is very fast-paced and, because of the nature of the industry, is heavily client-focused.

Routes Into Media Law

Media lawyers either work for law firms, in-house or chambers – as such, you should expect to follow the usual path to becoming a solicitor or barrister.

Work Experience

Work experience with student societies which demonstrate an interest in media or media companies (whether gaming, journalism, theatre or other forms), is important if you wish to follow this career path. This is because it allows you to develop commercial awareness, which is vital for getting a foot in the door.

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 is an agent in music?

Basically, it means that an agent is the only person who can seek out employment opportunities for artists. The practical result is that in the music business an agent’s job is to book tours and appearances, and in the motion picture business an agent’s job is to get their clients roles in movies.

What is the difference between a manager and an agent?

Licensing. One main difference between a manager and agent is that an agent has to be licensed by the state and a manager does not. This is why so many artists are managed by an uncle, brother, or best friend (think of the character “E” from HBO’s hit show “Entourage”). If you want to become a manager, just find an artist willing to hire you and, ...

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