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29 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Joe Habachy was excellent! He was very calm, reassuring and did exactly what he said he would. Joe was very fair and honest. He was extremely communicative and always returned any correspondence within 12-24 hours. I felt like I was in good hands AND I was!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I was facing an incredibly stressful and life-altering situation after being falsely accused of a felony for criminal trespass, despite not having trespassed at all. From the very first consultation, Joe Habachy stood out as a beacon of hope. He was confident, professional, and reassured me that we could get the case dismissed. His confidence was not just words—he delivered. Throughout the entire process, Joe kept me thoroughly informed, explaining each step and making sure I understood all the legal jargon that came my way. He was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small or how often they came up. His dedication to my case was evident; he worked tirelessly to ensure that justice was served. When the day finally came, Joe secured the dismissal of all charges against me. The relief I felt was indescribable. Joe not only defended my innocence but also restored my peace of mind. If you need a criminal defense attorney who is not only skilled and knowledgeable but also deeply committed to their clients, I cannot recommend Joe Habachy highly enough.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Weeks before graduation, our daughter—a high school senior, scholar-athlete, and honor roll student—and her friends were arrested for a senior prank that went wrong. They accidentally targeted the wrong house with toilet paper and chalk, leading the homeowner to falsely allege exaggerated charges and damages, which triggered a full police response. This resulted in felony criminal damage charges in a county known for severe penalties on minor offenses.
Facing the potential of not being able to walk at graduation and significant disruption to her college plans at a top university due to a lengthy court process, we (along with several of the other families) turned to Joe Habachy. He acted swiftly, working with the district attorney to expedite the process and resolve the case with a dismissal of all charges and an expungement of our daughter's record.
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06 Jan, 2022 by Ayrianne
Karen Robinson was a great help to me. Not only did she get me through my situation, but she also taught me about things I needed to know. I recommend her to any “first” time writers who require guidance through all the legal mess of the writing world. Karen maintains friendly yet professional behavior, and her patience is immaculate. You won’t go wrong if you work with her.
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18 Dec, 2014 by Jaci
Karen came to me already highly recommended and did not disappoint. She is knowledgeable and detail oriented. Beyond that, she applies her skills using thoughtful analysis and deep compassion. It is obvious that she is driven to achieve the best outcome for the client. This is what makes Karen absolutely invaluable. She has now handled two delicate cases for me. I’ve come to trust her advice, strategy and tactics so I am very pleased to recommend her services.
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06 Oct, 2014 by Tim
"It is with much thanks and appreciation that I recommend Attorney Karen M. Robinson. As owner of A’s Ice House Jewelers, a jewelry store in Marietta, GA, I found Karen to be exceptionally professional, understanding, knowledgeable, caring, informative, and one who pays special attention to the best interest of her clients. She in my opinion, is the quintessence of Attorneys."
- Tim J, Owner – A’s Ice House Jewelers
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08 Feb, 2015 by Eric
I have had multiple occasions that I have needed the services of Matthew Schwartz over the past several years, and he has surpassed my expectations in every case. These cases have ranged from contract negotiations with large corporations to debt collection. Mr. Schwartz has been ethical in all matters, dependable, and professional in every regard. His concern for my investments exceeds my own at times, and is refreshing in a legal partner. Additionally, his ability to see the unforeseen problem, such as intellectual property management, has prevented disputes from developing with my business associates.
Overall, the best lawyer I have ever worked with.
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08 Feb, 2015 by Avie
Matthew Schwartz has assisted my wife and I with several legal issues and we were very pleased with the results. He was very knowledgeable, responsive, personable, and achieved the results we hoped for. I would highly recommend him.
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29 Jan, 2015 by Steve
We have worked with Matt for over two decades in complicated transactions in the entertainment and software sectors. Matt's firsthand knowledge and vast experience in securing and protecting IP and trade secrets has allowed our company to grow in a safe and secure environment.
Matt is always available and has an excellent relationship with our key employees. He has guided us to successfully negotiate complex international licensing agreements in North America, Europe and Asia.
Matt also has a great deal of experience in HR and real estate. He has extensive contacts in Georgia, the Northeast corridor and California.
Matt's "can-do" attitude has consistently results in lowering our overall legal budget and at the same time providing the highest level of protection and security for our IP. I cannot recommend him more highly.
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11 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I am extremely pleased with the results of my case due to Mr. Rose’s exceptional services. I highly recommend his services to anyone in need of a lawyer who advocates vigorously for their clients. I was constantly updated on my case; never left unsure or worried!
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11 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Rose a couple months ago to help with a legal situation I had been dealing with for a while. Although reaching out to several different attorneys, Mr. Rose was the only one who was attentive enough to make me feel that he had my best interest in mind. He was attentive to every detail and he truly had a sense of urgency with dealing with my case—which helped ease my mind. Legal cases can be very stressful, but I must say Mr. Rose was very patient with all my questions and constantly made himself available to address my concerns. On top of his expertise in crisis management and his professionalism, he was very personable which made it easier to discuss any problems or frustrations I had with my case. Mr. Rose will definitely be my attorney of choice if I ever find myself in a legal mess again.
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24 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Rose was exceptional in providing contract review, negotiation tips, and clarity of contract terms and amendments to contract. In that service, he was steadfast, clear, concise, and precise. At every point of emphasis I was re-assured my best interests would be at the forefront. I will continue to see John for any and all contractual and legal matters.
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16 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
She was great !!! Very knowledgeable, helpful and personable. I will definitely recommend Ms. Brooks for anyone.
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13 Jan, 2019 by Anthony
The consultation I received was not only thorough, it was concise and made me feel confident in the overall plan. Aurielle goes above and beyond and combs through the task at hand, communicates and gets the job done. She was also to come up with plenty of alternatives to some of the obstacles we came across. I would recommend Aurielle to anyone that needs to get the job done, without having to worry if it will be completed correctly. Her personality made the experience even more enjoyable. She offered a sense of relief when I saw how relatable she was and understood the goal I had in mind. I will definitely be hiring Aurielle again in the future.
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09 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Aurielle was first hired to trademark my business logo. She kept me updated throughout the entire process which led me to hiring her for two more trademarks. Aurielle is very good at communicating and easy to work with.
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14 May, 2019 by Rita
Ms. Davis was hired to obtain a trademark with the USPTO for my company logo. Michelle has in-depth knowledge in the area of Trademark and Patent Law; her keen insights helped in providing appropriate descriptions of the logo and the trademark was approved. In addition, she willingly helped with some other legal issues.
Besides exceeding my expectation in her expertise, Michelle has an easy going personality, and a generous nature. I would highly recommend Michelle Davis as an attorney without any hesitation.
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22 Feb, 2017 by Morgan
I recently started by own business and needed to develop a services agreement quickly, as well as guidance on a number of other issues. Michelle was extremely quick to respond and worked within my tight turnaround time. She was helpful in walking me through the process and asking the right questions, making sure I was covered in areas I may not have considered. She made the whole process extremely simple for me, as well as fun - she is kind, cheerful and genuinely cares about helping people establish new businesses. I would recommend her highly!
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05 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I was referred to Michelle for some copyright work by a real professional in the entertainment business. I'm a lawyer who fools around with music, and I could not have been happier with the referral. Michelle laid out exactly what I needed to do to help her do the job I needed done. She was persistent and professional, and the fees were appropriate. I enjoyed working with her, and the work product was great.
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09 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
My Lynch, has helped me and my daughter with our legal matters, he is a very well prepared attorney. His response replies are very timely . I recommend Mr. Lynch.
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29 Mar, 2012 by Gbr
One of the best legal experiences. He handled my case professionally, diligently and successfully. Handed the entire matter over to him and he took care of it! Thank you Mr. Lynch
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28 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
He helped my family and I tremendously. I will never forget his kindness, diligence and persistence to win. God Bless Him!
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27 Feb, 2020 by Iraida
Enrique assisted me with a demand letter to my apartment complex. There were issues with a leak in my apartment, that they could not fix, which resulted in mold. My furniture was damaged, and the humidity from the leak caused mold to spread everywhere. Enrique informed me of my rights as a tenant and was able to get the apartment complex to reimburse me for the damages and cost of moving to the unit.
He also assisted me in reviewing a non-compete/non-solicitation agreement with my current employer.
I would definitely recommend!
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31 Jan, 2020 by David
Enrique was exactly who and what I needed when I was offered a production deal on my autobiography. He communicated often and provided valuable information and insight all the way through to execution. Since our initial transaction together, Enrique has remained my attorney on all matters relating to my production deal. I am grateful to have someone like Enrique helping me with these contracts. He cares. This isn't just work for him.
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31 Jan, 2020 by Chozy
Enrique helped me with multiple copyright and trademark registrations in the past year. He also helped me form my first LLC. He was easy to work with, knowledgable and passionate about helping others. A++ in my book.
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05 Jan, 2025 by Megan poveromo
Bo has gone above and beyond in addressing any questions or concerns I’ve had regarding my film and its protection! His genuine desire to see people succeed in the industry is evident in everything he does. I’m incredibly grateful for his professionalism, expertise, and willingness to assist in any way necessary.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Clay ballentine
Bo Bowen & Anna are really what you would want if you sat down and said "what do I want in an attorney" It's such a pleasure to do business with them. But only for a day or so. Bo smelled out a scam and really saved me from loss. I can tell you that his character shows through right away and it's obvious. Anna is a top lady on managing the client and is always there for you. I cannot recommend Bo & Company any less than fabulous. I was fortunate to meet their firm.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Chris bowe
Bowen Schmidt is great! Very helpful, prompt responses to any inquiries I had, and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend!
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13 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Mufwene has given us everything you would look for in excellent representation. If there is any issue(s) they are dealt with promptly and professionally. One of the most impressive attributes is her outstanding "character". She is supported by a solid network of top tier legal eagles. She is calm, cool and collective and fair. Her effectiveness has led us giving additional referrals who are equally pleased.
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13 May, 2015 by Sean brian
I have worked with many attorneys
on several different levels that surrounds
the entertainment industry also she has been very informative, responsive, attorney with extensive litigation experience and just a pleasure to work with on every level.
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11 Jul, 2017 by Russ
Originally, I was searching for an attorney to help me sort out all of the issues involved with starting an online business. Since then, I have found numerous reasons to call on AJ for his wisdom, guidance, and contract production services. He truly cares about his clients and their businesses and I'd highly recommend him!
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10 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Having AJ help me navigate a difficult contract situation was the best move I could have made. His knowledge and communication skills throughout the process were excellent and made all the difference for me. I would undoubtedly have him represent me again.
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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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21 Mar, 2015 by Rlb
Attorney Pearson does a remarkable job representing her clients. She took the time to listen and understand my family's complex and difficult situation. She kept us informed and responded to our concerns. Her recommendations were based on facts and the law rather than opinion. She and her staff are highly qualified, profession and handled our matter in a timely and efficient manner.
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12 Mar, 2015 by Anthony
"I cannot say enough wonderful things about Laquetta Pearson. I was treated with respect and there was not one time I felt that my case was not important to me. Great communication, phone calls answered personally & quickly. I would highly recommend anyone seeking an attorney for their case...look no further, you have found the best!!"
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19 Apr, 2024 by Olivia white
28 Oct, 2023 by Mackenzie clark
08 Sep, 2023 by Kayla jones
This firm gets the job done! They will go above and beyond for you, they truly care. I’ve worked with a few firms previously and none compare to Merritt and Merritt! The customer service is top tier from the staff as well as the attorney!
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19 Apr, 2024 by Olivia white
28 Oct, 2023 by Mackenzie clark
08 Sep, 2023 by Kayla jones
This firm gets the job done! They will go above and beyond for you, they truly care. I’ve worked with a few firms previously and none compare to Merritt and Merritt! The customer service is top tier from the staff as well as the attorney!
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19 Apr, 2024 by Olivia white
28 Oct, 2023 by Mackenzie clark
08 Sep, 2023 by Kayla jones
This firm gets the job done! They will go above and beyond for you, they truly care. I’ve worked with a few firms previously and none compare to Merritt and Merritt! The customer service is top tier from the staff as well as the attorney!
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24 Apr, 2017 by Ben
Chris Troutman is the champion of the client. Very patient. Very efficient. Able to process legal jargon and communicate to lay people with normal language. Would definitely recommend to family and friends as well as request his services for myself in the future.
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14 May, 2014 by Breigh
Perry has surpassed every expectation I had for him as my legal aid. He keeps his clients informed with all information he receives. Perry is professional, personable, and proactive. Attorneys like Perry Bailey help to make lives easier, and give great peace of mind! I would recommend him to anyone!
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28 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Keisha is one of the most professional attorneys I have ever worked with. When she says she will do something she does it to the best of her ability and delivers great quality. I love working with her and would recommend that anyone who is looking for a good attorney to find her.
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15 Dec, 2014 by Trin
Attorney Canada was excellent at handling traffic ticket in court for me. She is really knowledgeable about the law. The judge dismissed my case with her. Thank you Attorney Canada.
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18 Sep, 2023 by Shannon
When I found Ms. Koefod, I was really frustrated as I had consulted with a few other attorneys who did not seem to take me seriously. I started out with an e-commerce business and launched a Marketing firm but am pretty young and it is all online. I felt like Ms. Koefod was not only really well versed on what I needed, but also took me seriously and gave me great advice about suggestions to protect my business. She took care of my business formation and got my trademarks filed. It was nice to know the fee up front since everything was a flat rate and I got office hours and personalized attention that was focused on my specific business needs. She was very responsive and helpful and I now use her as fractional General Counsel so that I have an excellent attorney if and when things come up as my business grows! I felt really comfortable working with her. She wasn't stuffy and spoke to me in a clear way. The office is also really up to date on technology so I could do all my communications with them through my phone since I am on the go so much. I am suggesting Ms. Koefod to friends who are starting businesses and even side hustles and was excited to hear that the firm services can grow along with my company. It felt like a very tailored bespoke solution.
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24 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Danica assisted me with getting my licenses for my event space. She was professional and thoroug, I highly recommended her.
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15 Mar, 2016 by Marion
Frank Winn was a great lawyer for myself and my daughter. He done a wonderful job on my case many years ago. and now he is working on my daughter case. he keeps her updated and will always return your calls back. If you are looking for a attorney that will do a great job Frank Winn is that man.
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18 Mar, 2015 by Martin
Ms. Stokes did an excellent job handling my suspended licence and speeding ticket (30 miles over the speed limit). She was able to get the ticket thrown out and my licence reinstated. I was very pleased with her attention to detail, focus, personal attention to my case, and the end result. I highly recommend Ms. Stokes.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Travis
Beyond pleased with the work Mr.Copeland and his team put into my case. If it wasn’t for Mr.Copeland, I would have most likely been charged with charges I didn’t commit on top of other charges I occurred. I was able to beat my whole case, no probation, no record, nothing. Mr.Copeland is a miracle worker and I’d recommend him to everyone.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Ardasia faine
Raina will always be my go to. Unfortunately I was involved in another car accident 6months after my first accident. I was 8months pregnant and in a Lyft as a passenger this time. Another terrible experience, but I came back to Raina law office and she did what she always do, made sure my family and I was in good hands, with all of my therapy and appointments. Raina is very informative, helpful, and my experience will forever be a 10/10. Thank you again!… Highly Recommend Law Office for your car accidents.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Tiffany mccombs
I am so grateful that I found Attorney Raina Spencer on social media! I was in an accident and didn’t know which direction to go in order to pursue filing a lawsuit for my bodily injuries! I came across her profile and knew immediately after reviewing a few posts that she was the one that I wanted to work with. She was very knowledgeable, she gave so much information in her posts, and I could tell that her personality and attitude would be a good fit for me! Working with her was flawless. She kept me updated on my case, and was available any time I reached out to her or had a question! Her assistants were amazing as well. They kept me informed throughout the whole process. Her prompt attentiveness and hard work resulted in my case settling pretty fast! I settled and walked away with what I feel was a great and fair amount! I would recommend her to represent anyone with bodily injuries! I am so satisfied with my case, and it was a pleasure working with her, and her firm!
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04 Oct, 2024 by Patricia perez
I had the pleasure of working with Raina Spencer, and I can’t say enough good things about her. From start to finish, she demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for my case. Raina was always available to answer my questions and guide me through every step of the process. Her attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best outcome made all the difference. If you’re looking for a lawyer who truly has your best interests at heart, I highly recommend Raina Spencer!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Maxx patano
Hammers Law Firm made it easy when deciding to have them represent me and my case. Their team was responsive and always kept me updated on the progress with their easy portal system. Thanks to their expertise I was able to receive a favorable settlement that helped me move forward with my life. Thank you for everything Hammers Law Firm! Highly recommend.
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25 Sep, 2024 by John bell
I cannot recommend Hammers Law Firm and their team enough. From the moment I called for a consultation and spoke with Aryana, I knew I was in good hands. The entire team was professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate throughout my case. Molly fought tirelessly for my rights to ensure I received the compensation I deserved. I am so grateful for their hard work and dedication to my case. If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer, look no further than this amazing firm. They truly go above and beyond for their clients. Words cannot express my admiration for this team of attorneys and their staff. Thank you doesn’t seem enough.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Abbie collie
31 Dec, 2022 by Tereon mattox
VERY PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONABLE LOVE THE ATMOSPHERE
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27 Oct, 2022 by K. bourroughs debrow
28 Sep, 2017 by Arvind raina
25 Oct, 2021 by Patrick cline
09 Jan, 2019 by Rashad mcfarland
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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.
