Entertainment law is a highly specialized field that requires knowledge in a wide range of topics. An entertainment attorney represents the interests of artists and companies in the music, TV, film, publishing and theater industries. This is an exciting area of law to practice and has many differences from other traditional specializations. Although it may seem like all fun, entertainment lawyers face many unique challenges.
Working With Creative Types
It may seem like an adventure to work with actors and musicians, but creative types are notoriously difficult to advise. Traditional lawyers usually have an office and regular hours. Entertainment lawyers are expected to work on tour buses and take meetings at coffee shops. Artists and producers often work at night and on weekends, and that is exactly when they will have questions for their lawyers.
Professionals in entertainment also have a lot of exposure. Entertainment attorneys need to be prepared for their client's work and life to be scrutinized by the public and in the news. This adds a whole new challenge to protecting their interests. John Branca, one of the attorneys for Michael Jackson, is still combating negative press to protect his client's legacy even after Jackson's death.
It may seem like an adventure to work with actors and musicians, but creative types are notoriously difficult to advise. Traditional lawyers usually have an office and regular hours. Entertainment lawyers are expected to work on tour buses and take meetings at coffee shops. Artists and producers often work at night and on weekends, and that is exactly when they will have questions for their lawyers.
Professionals in entertainment also have a lot of exposure. Entertainment attorneys need to be prepared for their client's work and life to be scrutinized by the public and in the news. This adds a whole new challenge to protecting their interests. John Branca, one of the attorneys for Michael Jackson, is still combating negative press to protect his client's legacy even after Jackson's death.
Collaborating With Managers
There is some overlap between what managers and entertainment lawyers do for their clients. That being said, each professional has their own lane. This means that attorneys must be able to effectively collaborate with their client's manager and any other professional who is involved in their business. This is sometimes a tricky balance. Managers use connections and follow trends when giving career advice. Lawyers focus more on negotiating contracts and preparing for possible litigation. Managers, agents, and lawyers all need to work together to get the best contracts and form the most lucrative deals for their clients.
There is some overlap between what managers and entertainment lawyers do for their clients. That being said, each professional has their own lane. This means that attorneys must be able to effectively collaborate with their client's manager and any other professional who is involved in their business. This is sometimes a tricky balance. Managers use connections and follow trends when giving career advice. Lawyers focus more on negotiating contracts and preparing for possible litigation. Managers, agents, and lawyers all need to work together to get the best contracts and form the most lucrative deals for their clients.
Doing a Little of Everything
Entertainment lawyers are responsible for reviewing contracts for their clients. However, depending on the day, they need to be prepared for anything. Besides reviewing and creating contracts, lawyers need to protect their client's intellectual property. People in the entertainment industry may want to license, option or infringe on this intellectual property. Anything that is created needs to be protected.
Entertainment lawyers act as a sounding board for their clients on a variety of topics. This may include child labor laws if music videos contain some underage dancers. It may include advice on payroll and the difference between employees and contractors. In this field, lots of moving parts must work together. So lawyers practicing in this field must become experts in multiple areas.
Entertainment lawyers are responsible for reviewing contracts for their clients. However, depending on the day, they need to be prepared for anything. Besides reviewing and creating contracts, lawyers need to protect their client's intellectual property. People in the entertainment industry may want to license, option or infringe on this intellectual property. Anything that is created needs to be protected.
Entertainment lawyers act as a sounding board for their clients on a variety of topics. This may include child labor laws if music videos contain some underage dancers. It may include advice on payroll and the difference between employees and contractors. In this field, lots of moving parts must work together. So lawyers practicing in this field must become experts in multiple areas.
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