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26 Jul, 2020 by Jesse
Scott represented my interests in a divorce case. My experience with Scott was excellent. He listened to my needs and provided realistic expectations. I hope I never need another attorney for a similar situation but was very grateful to have him in my corner through a difficult time.
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10 Nov, 2016 by Matt
Scott has done great work for me on two occasions and in both he has been very helpful at explaining and helping me understand the various details and issues involved in the case(s). He's a master communicator, and his advice has be sound. Scott has always been patient with me when I need help understanding the steps involved in litigation and I trust him to represent me and anyone in my circle of friends.
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03 Jun, 2017 by David taylor
Mark took my case when other attorneys thought my case would be too difficult. He was pleasant, very organized and detailed, and took the time to explained everything I needed to know. He was empathetic to the situation I was going through, and made me feel secure and confident. Mark is someone I can trust and respect, which tends to be hard to find these days.
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25 Feb, 2016 by Steven
Mark is an exceptional attorney and well worth every penny paid. He represented me in many different proceedings. I always knew what was going on and that every effort would be made to accomplish the goals we decided upon. He will give you a straight answer to your legal questions so you know what to expect.
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22 Mar, 2018 by Lucy
Ash helped my company set up our service mark. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him -- he is knowledgeable, professional, and responsive. Whenever I had a question, he was very willing to chat via email/phone and explained everything to me patiently. I would definitely recommend Ash to others.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
This was my first time dealing with music publishing. My partner and I wanted to straighten out all the legalities for the future.
Ash went above and beyond spending many hours with us spelling the music industry out to us and guided us towards a healthy business relationship.
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14 Sep, 2017 by Nanci
I highly recommend Pete Reid. My son had a signed contract for a condominium and the seller reneged on the contract. Mr. Reid wrote a very thorough letter to the seller and I believe it was this letter that influenced her to proceed with the purchase of the contract. The entire time we dealt with Mr. Reid he was courteous, professional, and caring. He also explained things very thoroughly each step of the way. Two lawyers have since reviewed his letter, as well as the real estate company, and all were very impressed with his work.
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08 Sep, 2017 by Dan
Pete was referred to me by another attorney in Austin. Since then I have retained him on two occasions (both related to business litigation). Both times Pete helped me accomplish my goal with a minimum of frustration and stress. I highly recommend him.
I have been impressed by a few things about Pete:
He's very good at what he does. He's great at writing statements and filings, of course, but he's also great at understanding a case and seeing it from different perspectives. Both times I worked with him he pointed out things I hadn't considered.
He's also very friendly and engaging. For example, your phone calls with him are never stressful. Part of that is his great sense of humor. In fact, one of his responses to opposing counsel holds a permanent place in my personal hall of fame of "witty comebacks."
Another thing that really stands out about Pete is his candor. I've worked with a fair number of attorneys in the past. They generally refuse to give helpful answers to questions like "Can I do X?" or "What are the odds of Y?". Pete will give you a straight answer, like "The odds are probably 75%". That's tremendously valuable when you're trying to weigh your options and make the best choice.
If you need help with business arbitration or litigation, you're in very good hands with Pete.
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30 Jan, 2016 by Stella
Malcolm represented me in a consumer protection case in mid 2015. He was very understandable and listened to my concerns carefully and gave the most honest recommendations including- the best or worse possible outcomes from the case. He did not pressure me to make any decisions, rather would advice and give me enough time to make my own decisions in accordance to what I was comfortable with.
His communication skills were excellent. He literally informed me about every new finding and details about the case as soon as he can- through email, text or phone call. If Malcolm were running late for a meeting, he would call and inform me about it and even give the reason as to why he is late.
Malcolm is kind. For services that I could not afford, he referred me to the Memphis Area Legal Organization to aid me with some form of assistance. He also provided me with invoice documentation of every cost of his excellent services. Prior to my case, his good heart was also shown when he donated his car to benefit an organization I was working for as an intern- the Church Health Center, a clinic providing coverage for the working uninsured poor in Memphis.
He is a fast thinker, calculates his opponents’ thoughts wisely and makes a smart moves based on that. Due to his demands, the company I was suing was willing to drop the case even before heading to court and reimbursed me with enough money to recover my property. And with wonderful twists to the story, it was also featured on the commercial appeal newspaper. Malcolm is an excellent lawyer. I would highly recommend him for all your legal services matters.
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14 Jul, 2015 by Matthew
Mr. Futhey has helped our company and personally on many occasions. His response time and willingness to take care of our problems is A-Plus. I recommend him to anyone needing his services.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Petar salakov
After being charged for 2 counts in VA, the plaintiff brought the same charges in the state of MD. This is when I hired Ms Riggins.
She took my case, help me overcame my frustration and then represented me in this matter. There were three counts against me in MD. There was also a bench warrant issued for me in the state of MD. After hiring LIsa- Marie, I did not have to worry and deal with the prosecution and the state of MD. She consolidated all 3 cases in one and then on December 1, 2015 we appeared in court and all the criminal proceedings were dismissed.
Thanks to her knowledge of law and professionalism, I did not have to worry for a second that I would be found guilty of a crime. She kept constant communication with me explaining how she handled my case and the communication with the prosecution. I was left with no doubt that she was working hard and build a wall between me and the prosecution.
The result was that the 3 counts were dismissed and I was found not guilty of a crime.
LIsa Marie is a former prosecutor. She knows the law of MD and VA very well. She is aware of how the prosecution works in both states and can apply this knowledge and find any legal door to prove her client's innocence.
I would like to thank her for her hard work and legal expertise that helped me stay out of criminal convictions. I would also like to thank her for providing me with moral support to overcome the nightmare I went through. She believed in my innocence when taking my case and several months later the court in Maryland ruled accordingly.
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24 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
After facing a serious civil suit which threatened my career, financial, and family livelihood, I retained the services of Lisa Marie Riggins. Her kindness, and professionalism alleviated a great deal of stress during this tumultuous period. Also I would like to note that she was not judgmental towards me, which helped me maintain full transparency regarding my case. To my surprise, Lisa was able to negotiate a settlement which was exponentially lower that what the opposing counsel demanded. My life has returned back to normal, I can provide for my family, and I have a second chance. She is truly heaven sent! I would defiantly recommend her services!
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06 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Makarov represented me on 4 related traffic violations that had serious implications including potential incarceration and steep fines in NJ. Mr. Makarov calmed me down and helped me understand my rights and the potential outcomes. He helped me post bail and handled all interactions with the prosecutor and judge in multiple court proceedings. He was able to build a solid defense and reasonable doubt in order to have the charges negotiated down with the prosecutor. I am really grateful. He took a hands on attentive interest in my case which made all the difference as the circumstances of the case were key in this case. We need more lawyers like Mr. Makarov who will go to war for their clients and are truly able to empathize!
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06 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I received a 5-point speeding ticket and was in jeopardy of losing my license. Not only did Michael help me avoid a license suspension, but he also managed to reduce the violation to 2 points.
Michael handled the entire process in a professional matter. He explained my options, and was realistic about what I could expect. He kept me informed throughout the entire process and made me feel at ease. I was pleasantly surprised when Michael informed me of the deal reached with the prosecutor.
I highly recommend Michael to anyone in need of a conscientious attorney.
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12 Nov, 2022 by Jeff cobb
02 Mar, 2018 by Durée ross
It is such a pleasure to work with BMO’s labor and employment team. In our professional relationship, we value their ethical standards and dedication to clients. Time and time again, BMO delivers proven results while adhering to the highest industry standards. We highly recommend this wonderful team of professionals to anyone looking for legal counsel.
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05 May, 2022 by Miguel paredes
Very professional team.
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01 Mar, 2022 by Ap riv
11 May, 2015 by Bill
On each and every occasion we needed legal guidance / representation Lesli has been there for us. She has also represented our high profile clients on many issues including serious stalking cases. Lesli has support each issue with the highest decorum and kept all matters confidential. She has never discussed the case when pursued by media and coordinated with the DA's office seamlessly. We feel she sees around corners and is always one step ahead.
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11 May, 2015 by Chad
Over the past couple of years, I have had the opportunity to work with Lesli pertaining to several high profile stalking case. On each occasion, Lesli was very professional, trustworthy and most of all wanted to protect the client and making sure this did not get leaked to the media.
I would highly recommend Lesli for your matters and I think at the end of the day you will be very pleased she is on your side representing you.
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16 Apr, 2018 by Stacey
I am a business attorney who has referred a number of friends and clients to Humberto, and he gets nothing but rave reviews. Always helpful, positive, available and knows how to make the immigration system work for you, regardless of your immigration problem! And his office staff is great as well.
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14 Sep, 2013 by Dom
Humberto Grey is a very good,passionate immigration lawyer. I went to many others before i went to him and they told our case is difficult and can t be done. Humberto was so confident and told us to extend our E2 Visa should not be a problem. Well,we got our extension and very grateful to Humberto. His team is great too and they always answered my questions and the communication was awesome. He truely cares about his clients and makes sure that everything is 100% correct. I definitely can recommend him and he is worth it the money. GREAT EXPERIENCE AND 5 STARS TO HUMBERTO AND HIS TEAM!!!!
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24 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I run a startup company in LA and I've know Hector for some years now. I refuse to call anyone else for legal help and advice regarding my entertainment based business. He most recently amended a contract and completed the revisions in a couple of days. I would absolutely recommend Hector to anyone looking for great legal representation and advice.
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10 Mar, 2015 by Greg
Got him through a recommendation from a friend. Glad I did because he was great. I had to get a Chain of Title opinion. Three previous lawyers did not know what this was! Hector knew exactly what this was and told me what he needed and he was on top of it immediately. In the world of small film distribution, this is important. I told him he is now my "Go to guy" for law and I meant it.
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02 Dec, 2022 by Jean bialke
We highly recommend Sholly as he was supper helpful with our situation with a contractor. He was very professional but yet showed us such kindness, help and thoughtfulness. Took his time to reassure us and answer all our questions and concerns. Guided us well all the way. Thank you Sholly.
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22 Apr, 2020 by David vinje
I cannot begin to thank Sholly for his work on a couple business cases, my company unfortunately needed him for. In the 14 years in business, we have not had clients try to take funds that were due to us. He helped us go to mediation, win and collect on the one case and on the other avoid all of that while still getting paid for our services rendered. He is straight forward and tells it like it is, and being in business I can afford not to be told what the facts are. I would highly recommend Sholly to anyone needed legal services related to your business. It is very refreshing to find someone like this.
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09 Mar, 2020 by Buddy
My production team has been searching for the right attorney for years. When contacted Kamal he had great customer service, quick response times and was very honest about what was needed for our agreements. We are grateful to have found and look forward to building a relationship with Kamal.
Thank you for all you help!!!
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12 Feb, 2015 by Leon
Kamal is one of the best lawyers in Los Angeles, he helped me with a guy who was trying to steal money from me, Kamal was incredible, I would recommend him to everyone, no one is better he is dedicated and knows the law very very well, I am so thankful for him
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12 Sep, 2018 by Zephyrion
04 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I can speak from the perspective of having worked for him for nearly 6 years. He is an amazing, hard-working, detail-oriented attorney who will do what it takes to get the best deal for his clients. He has a heart of gold with an extremely generous heart and great sense of humor. He was Harvey Specter and I was Donna. Best boss I've ever had!
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26 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
I have used Matt for many years, in particular in structuring Private Placement Memorandums, SEC compliance, company documentation, Purchase and Sales agreements for real estate and Construction Contracts.
Matt’s legal, financial and analytical skills are an asset to any organization or individual. His prompt attention to his clients makes it a pleasure to do business with him. I highly recommend Matt to anybody how is looking for excellent legal advice.
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21 Sep, 2010 by Tom
I have been using Matt for 10 years. What I like about him is that he creates solutions for a variety of situations. Very good solid solutions. He is down to earth, yet very very bright. I use him as a sounding board for my ideas. He helps get me to the finish line in the daily life battles. I very highly recommend him. A very quality individual
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06 Jul, 2016 by Jessica
Adam was so easy to work with. He kept me and my boyfriend in the loop of every at every stage of our matter. He was diligent, kind and so easy to talk to. Would highly recommend him to any and all looking for entertainment related services...
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09 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
I reached out to Adam and he got back to me immediately. I explained my legal needs and got very clear answers right there and then. I hired him to assist on various legal matters and he came through with great results. I will continue to work with Adam on all contractual and legal needs for my business, as I am convinced he is one of the last honest, trustworthy and credible attorneys left in this city.
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05 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Jackson is a very sharp, knowledgeable, patient and caring attorney. His knowledge and execution were beyond reproach, resulting in an effective resolution of my problem in a very short period of time. Words can't describe how thankful I am for his representation. I would recommend Mr. Jackson to anyone who is looking for a great attorney.
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03 Dec, 2019 by Logan
I hired Austin to review a contract that a brand sent me for a social media marketing partnership and he truly went above and beyond in his services. So much so that I've hired him for every contract since! Thanks for all your help Austin!
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12 Jan, 2017 by Delman
I am so thankful I was referred to Adia May to review a series of entertainment contracts and to advise me on how to best navigate an television opportunity I was considering. Attorney May exhibited a depth of knowledge and expertise that saved me a great deal of time, effort, and costly decision making. She was very accessible and responsive. I HIGHLY recommend her without reservation.
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11 Aug, 2015 by Brandon
Attorney May helped us through a very trying time as first time filmmakers. The Jerico Movie Production went smoother than anticipated due to her wealth of knowledge and execution of invaluable documents for big time talent needed to legitimize our production.
We know that we are protected by those documents executed by this outstanding attorney.
We are all in high hopes of getting this film distributed as a result of her hard work and dedication to this project.
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03 Jan, 2018 by Thomas
The world would be a whole lot better place if more people were like Attorney Ama Appiah. Ama's work while representing my appeal aided me fully. I understood the harms that occurred to my development team and I, and the injustice that took place as well. If you are looking for an attorney that will be professional, thorough and timely, with an attentive care for your legal needs, you are in great hands with Attorney Ama Appiah!
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30 Dec, 2017 by Camila
Ama Appiah is a very professional Attorney. I am so glad she took care of my care I I would recommend her services for people who really want to be safe and taken care of. She goes beyond, even when you have the most complicated case, which was my case, she solved it. I believe an Attorney needs to be able to combine technical knowledge with heart and Ama Appiah does it with perfectionism.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Taylor
I couldn’t afford a lawyer…I had detectives charge me with a substance that wasn’t true. He made the “lab” retest and was able to get charges dropped from a felony to a misdemeanor charge. Trying to prove a cop was lying ain’t easy…he was my Public defender assigned to my case last minute…and he fought tooth and nail. I had only met him once for 15min in person, and he took on my case like a pro. This man cares. And he’ll do what it takes no matter what. Definitely recommend his services.
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23 Sep, 2016 by James
I'm very happy with the results obtained by the Law Office of Robert Eckard & Associates, specifically attorney Darrin E. Johnson in representing me on my DUI. I was facing losing my drivers license permanently. Very thorough representation. - James
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15 Feb, 2022 by Suzanne raina
I've been referring cases to Merino Yebri since 2016, to both Alex and Sam. They are prompt at communication, thorough in their analyses, and fight hard for their clients. My clients, friends, and contacts whom I've referred have been happy with their representation, and they honorably pay referral fees. Highly recommend.
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13 Nov, 2014 by R g
Best legal experience I've ever had. Sam is hard working and truly cares.
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08 Oct, 2022 by Ray burchette
07 May, 2018 by H d
14 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr Malevitis is a wonderful Attorney and I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants the best attorney out there. He knows how to fight for your rights. He gets the job done. He is very knowledgeable. His approach and his ability to explain complex issues made me feel at ease. He answered all my questions. He was always available to me . I felt confident because of his high level of expertise and his approach in court and working with other attorneys. His advice was extremely valuable.
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24 Aug, 2012 by Peter
I had John as my lawyer in a hotly contested divorce proceeding which featured the withdrawal of the other side's lawyers during the case and the hiring of new ones midstream. John Malevitis guided the case through to a quite favorable settlement and conclusion for me. I have since hired him for various other business related matters. P.S. I asked John about the negative rating on Avvo received by a former client and I was advised of the client name, so I looked it up on the Court docket and found that in fact John had attended Court on her behalf about 30 plus times and that finally he had to withdraw when she was not cooperating with him and failed to attend Court as required. I don't understand how someone could publish these inaccuracies without first taking the time to look up the Court docket as I did!
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13 Apr, 2015 by Heather
Carson has been and continues to be extremely supportive, knowledgable and reliable. Our work together began when I reached out to him for assistance with a corporate agreement. I needed opinion from a legal counsel, and he has been so supportive in helping me compete the task while thoroughly educating me along the way. I highly recommend Carson Saporta.
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07 Apr, 2015 by Josh
I've had the pleasure of working with Carson on multiple projects with him providing legal services for both in-house use and contracting needs. He is very efficient, knowledgeable and fair. We needed contracts for clients who hired us for services, we had several Master Services Agreements and Agency Of Record contracts that he helped draft and update, and he drafted contracts we use in-house for employees and other services.
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14 May, 2008 by Anonymous
my experience with this guy has been wonderful. he has been a great lawyer for me and a true supporter of my work. I recommend him to anyone who is in search of a lawyer in the Tallahassee area. Thks Chris for everything
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13 May, 2008 by Aliyah
Attorney O'Neal has been my personal attorney for the past five (5) years and our business attorney for the past two (2) years. He has proven himself to us over and over again. He's reliable, dependable, and you can count on him covering all bases. He's resourceful and comes up with options if possible. I highly recommend Attorney O'Neal to all of our associates, clientele, friends and family.
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28 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Confronted entrenched and powerful interests on a rezoning opposition case and set up case for strong litigation position resulting in tremendous settlement. At every stage of approval process, precisely predicted moves of developer and city allowing perfect position for large settlement.
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09 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
John helped carry forth our vision of obtaining quality master planned community approvals that provided us with an edge versus our competition. Expanded the utility of existing development law and unafraid to push boundaries of interpretation with municipal actors. Creatively read and applied existing laws to help us craft new approaches to annexation, special taxing districts, development standards and limits on liability. Fearless and not able to be intimidated by in-house and outside firm municipal counsel. Regularly obtained entitlements better than competition.
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02 Nov, 2022 by Magaly de la rosa aguilera
Mahnífica atención, muy profesionales .
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25 Mar, 2015 by Diego
Luis Fernandez is an OUTSTANDING attorney. He is the fighter you want at your side when entering the court room. He was also the glue to our family when all seemed so dark.....and all this for a humble price. This guy walks in wielding his sword of Justice, kicking @$$ and taking names. All this while maintaining full and honest communication with his clients. WOW JUST WOW. Looking for a Champion? Want Justice served? Does it seem like the end? THIS IS YOUR REPRESENTATION RIGHT HERE. He is truly a MAESTRO at his craft.
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16 Sep, 2015 by Cydni m
I ended up meeting/working with Omar by chance, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. He has been instrumental in helping me on the legal side of building my business. He provides timely responses and is able to break down legal issues to a level that most of us can follow. I would definitely recommend him to a friend or anyone looking for legal services. He's geat!
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15 Sep, 2015 by Gabriel
I originally consulted with Mr. Landery for advice on how I should proceed with my music. I had already written/recorded a lot and wasn't sure about the next step. I knew I wanted to make the right one so I figured talking to an IP attorney would provide me with the information I needed. Thankfully I stumbled upon Mr. Landery. He not only gave me options but even offered to show me how to do a few things myself so I could save some money. I'm a struggling artist so every little bit helps. After doing that, how could I not hire the guy?
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10 Mar, 2023 by Lawrence anaya
Great lawyers of very good reference
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01 Dec, 2022 by Shane maier
I have worked with Frank Davis on multiple high value cases and he is always a professional and great attorney.
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Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Entertainment Lawyer Can Do for You
An entertainment lawyer specializes in legal matters related to the entertainment industry, including film, television, music, publishing, sports, and digital media. They assist artists, creators, producers, and companies with contract negotiations, intellectual property protection, licensing deals, royalties, and disputes. Entertainment lawyers also help clients navigate complex industry regulations and ensure their creative rights are protected.
Whether you're an actor, musician, producer, writer, or influencer, an entertainment lawyer can help safeguard your rights and ensure that your business deals are legally sound.
When Should I Hire an Entertainment Lawyer?
You should consider hiring an entertainment lawyer in a variety of situations, including:
- Contract negotiations: If you're signing a contract for a film role, recording deal, or publishing agreement, an entertainment lawyer can review the terms and negotiate on your behalf to ensure your interests are protected.
- Intellectual property protection: If you're a creator (musician, writer, filmmaker), an entertainment lawyer can help secure copyrights, trademarks, and licensing agreements to protect your work from unauthorized use.
- Disputes or litigation: If you’re involved in a legal dispute, such as breach of contract, copyright infringement, or defamation, an entertainment lawyer can represent you in negotiations or court.
- Representation agreements: If you’re hiring or entering into a contract with a manager, agent, or publicist, a lawyer can ensure that the terms of representation are fair and comply with industry standards.
- Royalties and licensing: If you're licensing your work for use in film, TV, or digital platforms, a lawyer can negotiate royalty agreements to ensure you receive proper compensation.
- Talent contracts: Whether you are hiring talent for a project or negotiating your own appearance or performance fees, an entertainment lawyer can ensure the terms are legally binding and beneficial.
- Film and television production: If you're producing a film, TV show, or other media project, a lawyer can handle contracts with crew, talent, and distributors, and ensure that all legal aspects of the production are covered.
Hiring a lawyer early in your entertainment career or project can prevent costly legal mistakes and protect your creative and financial interests.
What Does an Entertainment Lawyer Do?
An entertainment lawyer provides a range of legal services to professionals in the entertainment industry. Their responsibilities often include:
- Reviewing and drafting contracts: Entertainment lawyers review, draft, and negotiate contracts for talent, production, licensing, distribution, and endorsements. This ensures that the terms are fair and protect their client's interests.
- Securing intellectual property rights: They help clients obtain copyrights, trademarks, and patents for their creative works, and assist with licensing those rights to third parties.
- Negotiating deals: Whether it's a film deal, music contract, publishing agreement, or endorsement, an entertainment lawyer ensures that their client gets favorable terms and is protected from potential legal pitfalls.
- Handling disputes and litigation: In cases where contract terms are violated, intellectual property is infringed, or other legal issues arise, an entertainment lawyer can represent clients in negotiations, arbitration, or court.
- Advising on industry regulations: Entertainment lawyers help clients navigate industry-specific laws, such as union regulations, labor laws, or FCC rules for broadcasting.
- Managing royalties and residuals: They assist in tracking and collecting royalties or residuals for music, film, television, and digital content to ensure clients receive the compensation they are owed.
- Talent agreements and representation: Entertainment lawyers often work with talent agents and managers, ensuring that their clients' representation agreements are legally sound and financially beneficial.
How Are Entertainment Lawyers Paid?
Entertainment lawyers may be paid in various ways, depending on the type of service provided. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many entertainment lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $250 to $1,000 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fee: For specific legal services, such as drafting a contract or filing a trademark, some lawyers offer flat fees. Flat fees are common in simpler or one-time transactions.
- Contingency fee: In some cases, especially when working with talent, entertainment lawyers may charge a contingency fee, meaning they take a percentage (usually 5% to 10%) of the client's earnings from a particular project.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal services, such as managing contracts and royalties over a long period, a lawyer may require a retainer fee. This is an upfront payment that covers future legal services, and the lawyer bills against the retainer as they work on the case.
It’s important to discuss fee structures with your lawyer at the outset to ensure you understand the total cost of legal services.
How Much Does an Entertainment Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an entertainment lawyer depends on the complexity of your legal needs, the lawyer’s experience, and the type of fee arrangement. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Entertainment lawyers typically charge between $250 and $1,000 per hour. More experienced lawyers with extensive connections in the entertainment industry may charge higher rates.
- Flat fees: For simpler services like drafting a basic contract, flat fees can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the agreement.
- Contingency fees: Lawyers working on a contingency basis typically charge between 5% and 10% of the earnings from a project or deal. For example, if a lawyer helps you secure a $100,000 film contract, their fee might be $5,000 to $10,000.
- Retainers: For ongoing legal representation, retainers can range from $2,500 to $50,000 or more, depending on the scope of the legal services and the length of the engagement.
Always discuss the costs and fee structure during your initial consultation to ensure that the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Entertainment Lawyer
Before hiring an entertainment lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they are the right fit for your career or project. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have in entertainment law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in your specific area of the entertainment industry, whether it's film, music, television, or digital media. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, flat fee, or contingency fee, and ask for a detailed cost estimate. -
Do you have industry connections?
Ask about the lawyer’s experience and connections in the entertainment industry, which can be valuable for contract negotiations and deal-making. -
What contracts or legal issues should I be aware of?
Ask the lawyer to identify potential legal pitfalls in your specific project or career and how they would help you avoid them. -
What intellectual property protections do I need?
If you’re a creator, ask how the lawyer will help protect your intellectual property rights and prevent others from using your work without permission. -
How will you negotiate deals on my behalf?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to negotiating contracts, ensuring they focus on getting favorable terms while maintaining strong industry relationships. -
What happens if there is a dispute?
Ask the lawyer how they handle disputes, including whether they aim for negotiation or litigation and how they would protect your interests.
How to Check the Credibility of an Entertainment Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable entertainment lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for entertainment law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in entertainment law and have successfully handled cases or negotiations relevant to your industry.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients say about their experience with the lawyer, especially in terms of contract negotiations and industry knowledge.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on entertainment-related matters.
- Check for industry memberships: Membership in entertainment law organizations, such as the Beverly Hills Bar Association Entertainment Law Section, can indicate a lawyer’s dedication to staying up-to-date on industry trends and regulations.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with an entertainment lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Current contracts or agreements: Bring any contracts you have already signed or are considering, such as talent agreements, recording contracts, publishing deals, or management contracts.
- Intellectual property portfolio: Provide details about any copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property you own or are seeking to protect.
- Project details: If you’re working on a specific project (e.g., film, album, book), provide a summary of the project, your role, and any legal needs, such as contract negotiations or copyright protection.
- List of collaborators or stakeholders: Provide information about other parties involved in your project, such as agents, managers, producers, or distributors, and any contracts related to them.
- Questions about your legal needs: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, potential issues, and how the lawyer can help you protect your interests.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your legal needs effectively and provide the best possible advice tailored to your entertainment career or project.
