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05 Oct, 2024 by Scott y.
I recommend you look somewhere else for an attorney. This one is an ahole, just like Lynn Bradshaw-Hull.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Kimala ned
Christopher Hall Attorney He is not good with returning calls and do not keep you posted with your case...... State Bar Associates needs to be contacted A. S.A.P
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22 Jul, 2023 by Ehuerta37
His license should be revoked for malpractice. I contacted State Bar of Texas a few times. Money is the root of all evil, and I pray people like this God will handle. To many times he avoided me, over the years, a case by default judgement and he said he never collected.There was a Lien placed on the property so they wouldn't sell unless we got paid, but guess what ? I did my own research and someone got paid because the apt. Complex was sold, and the Harris Cnty records ,show that my case was paid, but never received a penny. Don't waste your time.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Scott y.
I recommend you look somewhere else for an attorney. This one is an ahole, just like Lynn Bradshaw-Hull.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Kimala ned
Christopher Hall Attorney He is not good with returning calls and do not keep you posted with your case...... State Bar Associates needs to be contacted A. S.A.P
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22 Jul, 2023 by Ehuerta37
His license should be revoked for malpractice. I contacted State Bar of Texas a few times. Money is the root of all evil, and I pray people like this God will handle. To many times he avoided me, over the years, a case by default judgement and he said he never collected.There was a Lien placed on the property so they wouldn't sell unless we got paid, but guess what ? I did my own research and someone got paid because the apt. Complex was sold, and the Harris Cnty records ,show that my case was paid, but never received a penny. Don't waste your time.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Fallon s
Took about 3 years to barely make a file. When fired charged all the hours to retainer fee. Basically took all the money and did not do work
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29 Jan, 2020 by Mo jag
Don't deal with this firm. I was impressed with the way they held my hand and helped me get my case approved 15 years ago. I made a mistake by giving them the job of applying H1B for my employee. I had practically everything. The staff is very rude. Jerry Zhang is not even in USA. We had to call several times to get the job done. He should be paying money to us. They just send you a DIY template and we have to work on it. They don't offer any help. They are in the business of just charging money. Don't waste your time by dealing with them. I am a successful businessman take my advise. I've seen how success has hit this company. They don't care for customers any more like they used to. They offer "0" support and no customer service plus they are all very rude. The attorney I was dealing with yelled at me several times. Their team is in China, they just outsource everything.
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05 Nov, 2019 by Felix banguera
Working day
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28 Feb, 2013 by Thebeasley
I retained Attorney Justin L Writt to represent us with a simple name change. After three misguided directives from Atty. Writt I was finally advised of a court date of 1/25/13 at the 247th District Court @ 9am. Atty. Writt was 40 minutes late. Upon entering the court room, he went directly to the clerk's desk and held a five minute conversation. He approached me and motioned for me to step out of courtroom. He proceeded to explain that the clerk failed to add my case to the docket. I questioned how he was notified about the date and he said he received a phone call. Having knowledge of court proceedings, just receiving a call was not customary. I called my Estate Planning Attorney who advised me to request a copy of the Notice of Publication, required to be filed as public notice and proof of submission to the court. His first response was to inquire what that was. He then stated it was in at his office and we could get a copy of the entire file. I arrived at his office prior to him and was greeted with profanity and abusive language by Atty. R L Manor who was speaking to someone on the phone. When he noticed I was in the office, he asked "How you doin' ?" To which I replied "offended" Atty. Manor proceeded to explain that someone was talking bad about his wife and he didn't take that. He then stated "this is my house and my receptionist should have informed him they had company". I was seated in his front office. As I continued to wait for Atty. Writt to supply the proof if filing, I could hear a discussion going on between both attorneys regarding my request for the Proof of Publication document. Finally after having waited nearly an hour, the receptionist handed me an envelope with documents dated prior to October 2012. Atty. Writt refused to come discuss why there was no document confirming his submission of the Notice of Publication. Instead, I heard Atty. Manor state "I'll tell her'" in a manner that suggested Atty. Writt was avoiding me. At which point Atty. Manor approached me stating that I would need to make an appointment for the following week to discuss the missing document. His tone was aggressive and his body language threatening. When asked why Atty. Writt would not come speak with me, Atty. Manor became belligerent and said "I told you, make an appointment!" and he proceeded to show me the door. When I advised Atty. Manor that I would be contacting another attorney and the Bar Association, he challenged me by stating "go ahead, if you really have one." We retained Atty. Writt for a simple name change preceding. It was emotionally devastating to have been failed by him as a result of his incompetence. But to have been verbally assaulted by his partner while Atty. Writt was able to hear the entire exchange was disheartening. We later confirmed with the court clerk that there was never an actual court date assigned because of his failure to remit the required documents.
What both of these attorneys are ignorant to is the fact that I really do have outside legal representation, who is very experienced with filings with the Attorney General's office, the BBB and the Bar Association.
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04 Oct, 2010 by Blanca
Justin me represento en un caso criminal y fue pasienten y educado al esplicarme mi caso
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16 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
Never responds to your phone calls.... Told me that ALR was not any importance... Didn't take any consideration that the ALR hearing was a chance to cross examine the officer... Nobody knows him, not the judge or even other criminal attorneys... When I asked him about my case... he needed to consult with other attorneys to provide an answer.
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08 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
I wish I'd never spoken to Mr. Barrett. He was quite personable on the phone. We had some nice, very brief chats, but when he wants to disappear, he WILL disappear. I went ~42 days with nothing which would be absolutely fine but you have to manage expectations, and not say 4 days then go 42. Bizarre. Oh and he never withdrew from my case. The case continued and the entire process was a nightmare. I’m still baffled.
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24 Dec, 2022 by Frank
Retained Kenneth Royce Barrett after the initial consultation to ensure it was understood in that the rodent infestation I was dealing with inside apartment dwelling was clearly conveyed to property management; however, property management ignored the problem and failed to provide exterminating services despite monthly reminders for six months after infestation compounded exponentially. Served with eviction notice, sought an attorney and foolishly relied on the Peer Review provided to this attorney during selection process. Suddenly, Barrett increased retainer from $450/2 hours to $1,000/4 hours. After retainer was remitted, he immediately came back to me concerned in that level of case perceived difficulty had increased though no changes resulted to warrant any concerns for any increases in case perceived difficulties. This implied Barrett was forewarning of the potential need for additional funding. I decided to instead to negotiate an Exit Strategy with property management myself and did given I’d already relinquished $1.0K to Barrett for essentially no reason. Informed Barrett who then advised to not let property know of move out intentions in writing. Then he became unreachable. Three weeks later I requested my residual retainer be refunded on two different days before he responded with having had Covid and was behind on record keeping tasks but would resolve following week. This did NOT happen. Four months later I contact him again to learn he’s suffered another bout with Covid and remains behind on work tasks. He then tells me he advised me to remain in my previous apartment. Another lie. So I investigate to learn he has a reputation for being dishonest. Another month passes, seven months after initial retainer paid, request formal contact information for litigation purposes and receive nothing. As 100% Disabled American Veteran unable to work, trusting this person created a financial hardship I continue to struggle with present day given the unexpected relocation expenses and non-refunded retainer in part or in whole.
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26 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
This attorney I wouldn’t hire at all, he hardly ever shows up to court for you, also he has a hard time doing his job when it needs to be done. I feel sorry for whoever has him at their attorney.
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18 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I don’t know how James Pizzitola still has his license. He is not only uninformed but is also unprofessional and quite frankly unpleasant to meet with. Steer clear.
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27 Apr, 2022 by Sylvia
Rodney Minger was a court appointed attorney that was assigned to my brother's felony case. We repeatedly asked him if probation was an option and he indicated that it was not on multiple occasions. He is nice and personable and tells you what you want to hear, but does not follow through with what he indicates that he will do and will not work the case if it is a court appointed case. We finally hired an attorney who took the time to research and work the case and my brother was able to get probation after all. Mr. Minger lives in the Woodlands, but takes court appointed cases in rural counties in East Texas. He may be a decent attorney after all, but be cautious if he is court appointed to your case.
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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.
