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25 Jan, 2025 by Tyler hoff
Finding the right lawyers to help a family member or friend can be difficult in stressful situations but working with Michael and Associates made the ordeal a lot easier. They communicated well and helped us get the outcome we needed. Highly recommend
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24 Jan, 2025 by Kyle
Thank y'all Michael & Associates ! The entire team was professional and courteous, from the first call to the last. I'm so grateful Google showed me Michael & Associates. My attorney Joseph Deeb. Thank you sir ! And thank you Roshie and the entire team. I'll always recommend Michael & Associates !
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23 Jan, 2025 by Wired. ent
Amazing service, was able to get my case dismissed
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26 Feb, 2024 by Bill happel
Outstanding service, communication, attention to detail and results. They could not have been better.
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25 Nov, 2020 by Mario montemayor
I highly recommend Doan law firm. Jimmy Doan and team are all very knowledgeable of their jobs. Everyone is professional, kind and they make you feel like your their #1 priority, they explained the process and got right to work. I would recommend them to ANYONE who came my way.
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07 Oct, 2018 by Liliana camarena
Had a great experience with this law firm. I really recommend them.
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15 Dec, 2022 by Robert cotton
Not really nice people.
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18 May, 2022 by Gary nijak
Great lawyers, especially Jeff Racho and Peter Cesaro
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28 Feb, 2020 by Sarah e.
I got in touch with Brooks for some advice about a publishing contract I was about to get into. He took the time to go over the contract and explain it to me in a way that I understood, and advised me to advocate for some changes. Thank goodness I used him; I ended up with a much better deal than I would have otherwise. His fees were lower than the two other attorneys I contacted, and he was worth every penny. I will definitely use him again.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Neal apple gate
22 Apr, 2023 by Chuck dickerson
06 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Craig Barker has represented me as a defendant and as a plaintiff in 2 very stressful legal situations. He is outstanding. He is highly skilled, extremely communicative, (always replied within a day and often within minutes!), a genuine, caring person, and he won our cases! He is extremely well respected among other attorneys, and although I was unfortunate enough to need an attorney, I was also lucky enough to have had Craig recommended to me by an attorney who specializes in a different area of law. I wholeheartedly and without reservation recommend Craig Barker Law.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Sherry
Mr. Zimmerman represented me in five different debt law suits and had everyone of them dismissed.
He’s the best, responds in a timely manner, down to earth, easy to talk to and has the best prices.
Highly recommend him.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Tim morris
29 Oct, 2024 by Ismael cantu
I reached out to this firm for representation...what a outstanding group of professionals. Responded immediately, professionally, caring and with a purpose. What a great group of people.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Brad king
Terry was organized, thorough, compassionate, and an amazing advocate for my late grandparents and mother. She had a plan for every hurdle that popped up and streamlined the process moving forward. I recommend The Garrett Law Firm for end of life and estate planning. I’ll be using the firm to arrange my own affairs.
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26 Feb, 2025 by Taylor alexander
Susan did not ultimately represent me but was kind enough to speak on the phone multiple times to answer all of my questions and put me on the right path for my circumstances.
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24 Feb, 2025 by Melvin mickens
Susan G. Taylor is an amazing attorney who guided me through everything I needed for my Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. As someone from San Antonio, I was looking for knowledge lawyer in Texas, and Susan exceeded my expectations. She was incredibly helpful, professional, and thorough, making sure I understood all the steps of the process. If you need a dedicated and highly reliable attorney, I recommend Susan G Taylor
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21 Feb, 2025 by Adam & mae
Susan, is the nicest person I’ve ever met. She helps you through the process and is very professional. I highly recommend using her if you’re considering bankruptcy. It’s an easy process using her.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Mark
Working with Matthew Rossetti from Sentient Law has been an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. From the moment I reached out, he demonstrated an extraordinary level of care and urgency. I called him about one of the most critical and time-sensitive decisions of my life, and within15 minutes, he returned my call and scheduled a consultation that same afternoon.
Matthew approached my case as though it was his own, going above and beyond to ensure every detail was handled with precision and care. It felt like having an extension of myself, someone who truly had my back in every way. I’ve worked with many lawyers in the past, but I’ve never encountered anyone with Matthew’s unique combination of professionalism, warmth, and genuine investment in his clients.
Not only did he guide me through complex legal matters with patience and clarity—taking the time to explain everything to me as if I were new to the process—but he also proactively identified potential issues in my business that I hadn’t even considered. Thanks to his insight, I was able to avoid serious risks and protect my business in ways I hadn’t thought possible. That alone was invaluable.
Matthew’s ability to instill peace of mind throughout such a stressful process is truly unmatched. Dealing with legal matters is rarely enjoyable, but having someone like him on my side made it as seamless and reassuring as it could possibly be. He’s not just a lawyer—he’s an advocate, a problem-solver, and someone you can trust implicitly.
I can’t recommend Matthew Rossetti and Sentient Law enough. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares, goes above and beyond, and treats your case like it’s his top priority, Matthew is your guy. I’ll be singing his praises for years to come, and he’ll absolutely be my first call for any legal needs in the future. I’m endlessly grateful for his support and expertise!
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14 Jan, 2025 by Michael
Fantastic experience with Sentient Law. Reliable from the start and provided high valuable solutions & recommendations very quickly when needed most. Highly Recommend!!
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14 Jan, 2025 by Caroline
Matt and his team at Sentient are absolute lifesavers! Their knowledge of corporate law and entity formation is unmatched. Anytime I’ve needed guidance, they’ve had the answers and solutions. Truly a wealth of knowledge and a go-to resource
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16 Feb, 2024 by Daniel
Cathy is some the coolest and fastest help I've ever had from an attorney!!! I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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24 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Catherine Tabor went over my driving record and knew exactly the options I had to acquire my driving privileges. When she received a curve ball in the process she didn't stop till she accomplished what I needed. After 10 years of not having my driver's license, I met Cathrine and currently waiting for the mail to deliver my driver's license.
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05 May, 2021 by Brittany
Cathy and Robert helped my husband and I put together our estate planning documents. After the birth of our daughter we knew it was important to get our affairs in order. Bob and Cathy made the process very easy and walked us through everything step by step. I would highly recommend them for any of your estate planning needs!
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16 Jan, 2025 by Jasmine garza (yasmina808)
06 Dec, 2024 by Jackie bryant
13 Nov, 2024 by Kai boy
Literally are horrible people unless you pay them an arm and leg then they’ll just take half to the prosecutor to get the case thrown. Other than that if you or anyone you know loved ones, friends, family etc. They are in for it!! PREPARE to be treated as if you wanting to know what’s going on with your case is annoying them… they will not return calls or emails! The receptionist has the attitude of a 17 year old taking orders at McDonald’s! IN OTHER WORDS IF YOU ARE APPOINTED TO THEM RUN NOT WALK TO THE JUDGE FOR A NEW LAWYER THEY WILL 1000 PERCENT SELL YOU OUT AND DRAG YIUR CASE OUT FOR MONTHS ON END !!!!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Marcus
Very helpful and provided good advice and informative. And showed concerned about my situation
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09 Jan, 2024 by Sadie
I am involved in a custody issue spanning two states and involving both state's laws as well as federal law. As one can imagine, this is nerve-wracking. Mr Moore took his time explaining in digestible bits, what is actually happening, how to best prepare and which areas to focus on. He made me feel utterly comfortable and allowed me to ask my never ending litany of questions. Dont let his calm demeanor fool you. He is a cunning strategist!
What I really liked about my consult is he was willing to help me understand realistically what I am facing, without leaving me feeling scared.
I can't say this next part enough: he never spoke down to me or made me feel like I am stupid. No matter how basic my question, he answered it with serious thought and patience. A refreshing experience from an attorney.
His demeanor made all the difference.
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08 Aug, 2023 by Jessica
Damon was referred to me by a state agency. He gave me excellent advice and was easy to work with. I would refer him to anyone who needs assistance in family law.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Layna k. gonzalez
I just became a US citizen and I do not think it would be possible without Jason. He helped me first with the resident card and removing all the conditions and then told me when I was ready to become a US citizen we could do that as well. He made the process very easy and I felt so prepared when I went to the interview to take the test. Don’t forget to study your 100 questions! Thank you Jason !
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18 Sep, 2024 by Daniela dominguez
Jason is widely considered one of the best immigration attorneys in Texas and my husband and I were impressed with how he works and the detail he put in to getting our case approved.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Daniel novales
I can’t believe how fast Jason got me my green card. Really, in just a few months I became a permanent resident. He was referred to me by other lawyers who had mentioned the success he has had with other clients and now I see why. A high quality immigration lawyer. Incredible lawyer and person! Would 100% recommend!
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14 Apr, 2015 by Diana
Rola is excellent! She is smart, on point, concise, detailed, incredibly knowledgeable, very persuasive, tough, and exactly the type of person we needed on our side!
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09 Apr, 2015 by Denele
Rola managed herself well in some very difficult situations when emotions run high.
She remained reasonable and focus even when others were trying to cause issues.
I was able to reach as needed even when she was traveling and during the holidays.
She is very good at what she does and I would recommend her.
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06 Apr, 2015 by Richard
Rola, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your professional services, outstanding legal, and personal advice at a time of my life when I needed it the most. Mine was a case with a landlord in which I felt that I was being backed into a corner without any options. I'm completely satisfied with the outcome of my case. During the entire process I never had any doubts that things wouldn't turn out all right and I credit that to you and your determination. I am deeply grateful for all of your time and efforts. Thank you for what I feel was going above and beyond and most importantly caring.
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12 Jun, 2011 by Wayne
In seeking help, Max's staff was very professional in providing me responsive help from Max himself. When I spoke with Max on the phone for the first time, Max was already familiar and knowledgable about how to help me. Max even went out of his way to meet me in person to provide me that free consultation and Max was spot on about my situation. During that consultation, he gave the pros and cons of the situation and advised me of all possible options available to me. I was willing to hire him on the spot but he recommended that I evaluate my other options before I hire him.
Max Harger is definitely one of those attorneys who is passionate about what he does as demonstrated by his knowledge. And he's definitely not of those stereotypical "ambulance chasers" as he's not concerned about the bottomline. Lawyer jokes can NOT be made about Max Harger because I definitely respect what he does for a living. I whole heartedly, without a doubt, recommend Max Harger for legal assistance.
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11 Apr, 2011 by Will
I've hired Mr. Harger to both draft and review entertainment contracts, specifically documents dealing with the Music Industry. I've been very pleased with both the quality of his work and character. Even though Mr. Harger has a lot of clients, time and time again he has responded to my inquiries via email almost immediately and answered every one of my phone calls the first time I've tried him. I would and do recommend him to any and all clients seeking a tenacious, bright and candid lawyer.
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11 Apr, 2011 by Scott
Max Harger has provided my company with fantastic legal council regarding small business formation, copyright law and entertainment law over the last 5 months. Mr. Harger also drafted a management contract for an artist that my company represents. It read intelligently and was written in a manner that reflects both artist and company interests fairly. His ability to draft complicated terms of service and compensation schemes is exceptional. He projects a knowledgeable, friendly exuberant attitude and is fair in his billing time. I could not be happier with Mr. Harger's services and will certainly continue to seek his legal council on all fronts regarding my entertainment business!
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18 Aug, 2014 by Gr
Business creation was a breeze. Joey had everything lined up including great passively delivered advice. He was very friendly and made me feel very comfortable.
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18 Jul, 2012 by Barb
Mr. Miller did not simply write wills for me and my husband. He provided excellent counsel during each step of the process. His charges were reasonable and fair. His demeanor was friendly and professional at all times. I will recommend him to my friends and colleagues.
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18 Jul, 2012 by Larry
I was very impressed with the quality of work that Joey performed for me when updating my will. All documents were very professional. Everything was explained to my satisfaction. Everything was presented to me in a nice well organized binder. I also received an original document for the executor of my will. The fee charged was very fair. I would highly recommend this firm.
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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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16 Sep, 2017 by Dawn
Mr. Lee's eye for detail can't be topped!!! He worked tirelessly on my case with an ex employer for over 2 years... He is very professional and knowledgeable.
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05 Mar, 2014 by Scott
I am writing to recommend Tim Lee for legal work. Tim has been my company’s go-to person for legal matters for over seven years. We have used him to draft, review and negotiate contracts on multiple occasions and have always been pleased with the results. He has handled our trademark and copyright filings and advised us on how to protect the intellectual property we have. Tim has also been very helpful with employment matters. He drafted our human resources policies and procedures manual and we regularly consult with him on employment agreements and other matters as they arise.
We have had several matters come up over the years that could have easily ended up in a courtroom, but Tim helped us avoid it. Some lawyers seem eager to file a lawsuit when a contract dispute arises, but Tim works with us, our clients and vendors in an effort to resolve our problems in a manner that minimizes cost and is most effective for us.
In addition, unlike other lawyers, Tim has taken the extra step of learning how our business operates and what our priorities are. We are very pleased with the legal service Tim provides us and hope to keep him as our attorney for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Scott
President/Founder
Screamer Co.
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29 May, 2015 by Jesus
RC is a great lawyer, very knowledgable and attentive. When I first met him, it was thru some acquaintances, he was able to help us get some legal stuff done for our company in an efficient and prompt way. I always recommend RC when anyone asks me for a lawyer referral and I'll continue to do so. Furthermore, the firm where he works is terrific, if its not within RC's expertiese he will sure point you in the right direction with one of the attorneys at the firm.
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10 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I recently had the pleasure of working with Lisa Thorsen, an experienced M&A attorney who helped me navigate the complexities of an Asset Purchase Agreement as a buyer. I was impressed with Lisa's knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail throughout the entire process.
From the initial consultation to the final signing of the agreement, Lisa was always available to answer my questions and provide guidance. She took the time to explain the legal jargon in a way that was easy for me to understand, which was especially helpful as someone who is not well-versed in legal matters.
Lisa's expertise and attention to detail were instrumental in ensuring that the Asset Purchase Agreement was thorough and comprehensive, leaving no stone unturned. Her ability to identify and mitigate potential risks and liabilities was a testament to her extensive experience in M&A transactions.
Throughout the process, Lisa demonstrated a high level of professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication to ensuring that my interests were protected. Her commitment to achieving a favorable outcome for me as the buyer was evident in every aspect of her work.
I highly recommend Lisa Thorsen to anyone seeking an experienced and knowledgeable M&A attorney. Her expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to her clients make her an invaluable asset to any transaction.
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30 Jun, 2024 by Rachelle87778
Chuck was present and went above and beyond the call of duty. He took extraordinary measures to keep an eye on things. His actions were beyond compare. It is difficult to find the proper words to explain just how exceptional his services were compared to that of my expectations and I am still to this day; stunned.
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28 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
Chris has represented my record company for eight years. He gives practical advice and is a big part of steering my company through difficult times. He has great experience to draw on and it shows!
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10 Sep, 2015 by Rick
I hired Natalie to paper the sale of my business. She was knowledgeable of the pertinent issues, bringing things to my attention that I had not considered. She was responsive to my emails and was easy to work with. I would hire her again in a heartbeat and would not hesitate recommending her to others. Overall, working with Natalie was a very positive experience.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Andrew yoder
One of the most prominent law firms in Texas, and a nationally known Big Law firm with offices globally.
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23 Sep, 2019 by Shannon roper
02 May, 2018 by Joseph washington
30 Apr, 2024 by Neal apple gate
22 Apr, 2023 by Chuck dickerson
08 Jul, 2024 by Paul whinnery
27 May, 2020 by Diana hajali
We had an initial consultation with Brian Sledge. I believe we will retain him.
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13 May, 2015 by Sarah
Matthew provided legal support to my organization navigating city regulations. He was quick to come up to speed and very professional.
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24 Apr, 2015 by Patricia
Matthew did quite a bit of research for our case, and explained everything to us in layman's terms. He also let us know when it was better to take a different approach. We won our case, and the judge was very happy with the way everything got handled from our side. He is also a really trustworthy guy and pretty easy to work with.
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25 Jan, 2025 by Tyler hoff
Finding the right lawyers to help a family member or friend can be difficult in stressful situations but working with Michael and Associates made the ordeal a lot easier. They communicated well and helped us get the outcome we needed. Highly recommend
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24 Jan, 2025 by Kyle
Thank y'all Michael & Associates ! The entire team was professional and courteous, from the first call to the last. I'm so grateful Google showed me Michael & Associates. My attorney Joseph Deeb. Thank you sir ! And thank you Roshie and the entire team. I'll always recommend Michael & Associates !
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23 Jan, 2025 by Wired. ent
Amazing service, was able to get my case dismissed
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26 Dec, 2024 by Keri gann
Good representation and easy to work with.
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26 Dec, 2024 by Jeffrey mercado
Couldn't have been happier with the whole process. Getting a lawyer to fight TDI wasn't what I had planned but I needed help and Bertolino was there for me. My case was assigned to Mrs Acklin she knew this was my 1st time dealing with something like this so she was my legal counsel, therapist and should when needed.
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26 Dec, 2024 by Lisa martinez
31 Oct, 2024 by Layna k. gonzalez
I just became a US citizen and I do not think it would be possible without Jason. He helped me first with the resident card and removing all the conditions and then told me when I was ready to become a US citizen we could do that as well. He made the process very easy and I felt so prepared when I went to the interview to take the test. Don’t forget to study your 100 questions! Thank you Jason !
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18 Sep, 2024 by Daniela dominguez
Jason is widely considered one of the best immigration attorneys in Texas and my husband and I were impressed with how he works and the detail he put in to getting our case approved.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Daniel novales
I can’t believe how fast Jason got me my green card. Really, in just a few months I became a permanent resident. He was referred to me by other lawyers who had mentioned the success he has had with other clients and now I see why. A high quality immigration lawyer. Incredible lawyer and person! Would 100% recommend!
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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.
