LAW 101: Hiring An Entertainment Lawyer – Select The Right One (Part 1)

Artist, managers, actors, and any other individuals who have careers in the entertainment business should hire a reputable attorney. Entertainment attorneys are pertinent because they understand the business. They can decide what contractual agreements are beneficial for the client(s). Lawyers help navigate a client’s career from a legal and monetary aspect. But, not all lawyers are efficient. There are attorney’s that lack experience and proper know-how. So, it is up to you (the client) to do research before hiring one.

To find the right entertainment attorney for you, there are several key things that MUST happen. According to MusicConnection.com, those actions are as follows:

1. Referrals. Generally, the best approach is to ask people you know who are in the music business and who have previously hired an entertainment attorney. Find out whether they had a good experience, whether the legal matters the attorney handled were similar to the legal matters you need help with, and whether the attorney’s fees were reasonable.

 

2. Music Business Directories. There are music business directories which list entertainment attorneys, often by geographical area. For example, Music Connection Magazine publishes an excellent annual directory of entertainment attorneys every year. (The newest one is in the January, 2013 issue.)

 

3. Music Business Conferences. Music business conferences—especially the large conferences like SXSW—are a good way to meet entertainment attorneys and to have some casual interaction with them. That way, you can get a sense of whether they’re a good fit for you. Usually you can find entertainment attorneys on some of the panels at the conference (you’ll often have the opportunity to speak with them after the panel), and also at the scheduled mentoring sessions available to conference attendees.

 

After you’ve completed your research, the next step would be to visit the firm’s or attorney’s website. From their website, clients can get more information on their background, work history, clients, and opinions/reviews of the attorney’s services.   Having a reputable lawyer can save you a lot of heartache down the line.The key is to conduct a thorough background check on several attorney’s before deciding on one.

Stay tuned for Part 2: Hiring An Entertainment Lawyer – Getting to Know Them as we discuss ways to find out more about an attorney before retaining them for services.