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06 Jan, 2025 by Amira collison
I am so grateful that I found Joshua Fabian at Boyd Law to represent me as my lawyer for my restraining order case, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. What stood out to me the most was his kind, warm, and empathetic personality. Dealing with a stressful legal situation and the emotional pain of assault was incredibly difficult, but Joshua’s understanding and compassion made the entire process much more manageable.
Not only is Joshua Fabian a genuinely caring person, but he is also exceptionally intelligent and deeply knowledgeable about the law. I always felt confident that he was working diligently on my behalf and had my back throughout the entire process. Joshua was incredibly thorough and took the time to fully understand every aspect of my case and how to get me justice. He ensured he was well-prepared at every step, which made me feel so relieved, and that I didn't have to worry as much, because he had things handled.
Joshua Fabian at Boyd Law is an excellent family law attorney who is not only skilled but also truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal services in this area.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Lisa morris
05 Jul, 2024 by Richard forensky
Consulting Ethan Tidwell was an absolute godsend during my complex divorce case that involved the nightmare complexities of custody issues, finances, and an abusive/vindictive ex-spouse who falsely spread accusations about me during the divorce in an attempt to secure sole custody and leave the state with my children. And prevent my children from having a relationship with their father. Whenever Ethan was available for consultation, he was consistent in providing extremely valuable, honest, and reliable information. I was impressed in how I could ask Ethan any question and he always had an answer right away backed by extensive knowledge, objective facts, and a strong understanding of the inner workings of family court. He is also able to remember facts well and can regurgitate granular details from our conversations of months prior. This gave me confidence in speaking to him about my case. His guidance helped me in not only the legal aspects of my case but also in maintaining a positive bearing during what was one of the most emotionally-difficult periods of my life. Ethan has a good grasp of knowing what is important and what isn't, which often provided relief for me on many occasions when I was overstressed out about something. He gave solid guidance prior to my custody/fact finder evaluation. Ethan was always available in some form or fashion, which is rare with busy attorneys. If Ethan was in trial or mediation, he would always make a transparent attempt to let me know what he was doing whenever he was available to do so. And after he would reach back out, which speaks to his ability to juggle many cases at once. I have personally witnessed how he works hard around the clock. I remain more than impressed in how he continued to provide support for my case despite sometimes having to travel long distances within the state of California to represent his clients in other counties/jurisdictions as not all of his cases remain solely in Los Angeles. Additionally, Ethan is a family man and somehow has found a balance between being an active father and supporting me during my divorce. To me, this speaks to his time management, character, and credibility of being an attorney who cares despite all that life will throw at one in their personal life. I have a lot of respect for him not only as a professional, but also as a friend. Thank you Ethan!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Bruno herrera
The service was excellent, kindness was excellent as the client's attention and lawyer García's professionalism was the best, thanks to lawyer Garcia.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Emmanuel valencia
Hands down best Law group and personal Lawyer! I highly recommend The Garcia Law Group. They handled my case with unique clarity and attention to detail. Very professional services. I would choose this Law firm if I had to go through it all over again.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Natasha mcclellan
I could not have asked for a better lawyer. Joel was kind, knowledgeable, communicative, and ultimately made a stressful situation so much easier to handle. Not to mention, we won my case due to his advice and hard work. Services were exactly as promised and affordable compared to other options. I would recommend Garcia Law Group to any of my friends needing legal help.
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16 Apr, 2015 by Jessica
I've been working with Mr. Sharifi for quite some time now. He is thorough, informative, considerate, professional, well versed in practices, and a good friend. He is truly shocking as far as lawyers go and I've worked with many. I would't want anyone else on my side. Go Sharifi! Thank you into infinity.
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19 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr. Sharifi when I was looking for a lawyer to handle my tech startup. I needed someone who was knowledgeable and had experience with trademark registration and business formation. We quickly set up an appointment and he took the time to give me an initial consultation detailing the steps needed to begin my new venture. After concluding our meeting, I knew I had found an excellent lawyer to handle my business. He is knowledgeable, personable and takes the time to explain everything in detail. I have since hired him and my dealings with Mr. Sharifi have been stellar! He is detail oriented, a forward thinker and has the client's best interest at heart. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a reputable and ethical lawyer who uses his knowledge and expertise to get the best results for his clients. He is excellent to work with!
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14 Mar, 2013 by Vince
During the course of the last 4 years I have had the pleasure of working very closely with Nima for all of my business entertainment production needs. He is consistent, resourceful, easy to work with, and an overall very talented attorney. Nima has proven track record of delivering excellent results, maintaining integrity/ethics in our business dealings and also is very fair + competitively priced. In short, Nima is phenomenal and I will be utilizing him for all of my legal needs now and in the future as well. I highly recommend you take a meeting with Nima if you want things to get done right the first time and many more times to come.
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17 May, 2017 by Rt abbott construction
RTA is a substantial ultra high end construction company that engages in luxury homebuilding in Bel Air, Holmby Hills, Beverly Hills and other Southern California communities. David Rudich has been our attorney for many years. His work has been highly skilled and he has great expertise with respect to contractual and regulatory matters, especially with respect to real estate and construction. Also, his fees have consistently been very reasonable.
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10 May, 2017 by Emil
David has represented me for over twenty years on matters of substance that range from Real Estate Investments as well as General business matters with an emphasis on contract oversight.
The attention to detail and legal insight ,born out of many years of practice at the highest levels, is apparent in all of his work.
There is a reason as to why I intend to continue to use him, he's is simply the smartest most conscientious lawyer I know.
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01 Oct, 2015 by David
Mr Rudich has worked with our group on various matters for over 20 years. He is ever there, quick to respond and aggressively address any matter/issue that comes up. His is a cherished relationship, one that has saved us from ourselves on several occasions, and in the process saved us now in the low millions of dollars in operating expenses due to his unflinching grasp of existing and developing law as it applies to our field, which happens to be medical. I'm proud to count him as more than just a friendly acquaintance. He is a friend -- and a powerful one at that.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Lupita cano
Gracias a Bedford Law Group estoy muy agradecida, todo el personal son muy amables siempre contestan a todas mis preguntas es por eso que los recomiendo cien por ciento.
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12 Oct, 2024 by Imari meyer
I am so grateful for Shawn Azizzadeh and Bedford law! They took care of my case very quickly, were very communicative, and I got all the care that I needed as result from the damages caused to me by my case.
Mayuri de la Cruz is another honorable mention - she scheduled me with the best doctors to fit my needs and I am so grateful for her and all her hard work 🤩🤩🤩
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11 Oct, 2024 by Mgalarraga05
Shawn and his team provided excellent representation. I highly recommend them.
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06 Feb, 2015 by Jessica
Brigit Connelly has provided legal services for me in both a personal legal matter and a contractual small business matter. I found her to be extremely helpful, well thought out and always able to anticipate my opposing parties next move. She is incredibly knowledgeable in legal matters but also extremely personable and approachable. She is not uptight and out of touch with the the rest of society as I have often found some well established lawyers to be. I would highly recommend her for for legal issues big or small as she helped me get through mine!
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30 Jan, 2015 by Lindsay albanese
Brigit has been my lawyer for over a year handling various deals that come my way in the entertainment industry. She's very meticulous and explains everything easily and thoroughly so I know exactly what I'm getting into with any contract. She is my trusted legal counsel before I sign the dotted line!
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27 Jan, 2015 by Toddrick
Brigit has been my trusted resource for legal counsel, negotiation and review for nearly 6 years. I cannot recommend her services highly enough. She is extremely knowledgable, highly skilled, easy to talk to and a consummate professional and I plan to continue working with her for years to come.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Tim
I had the pleasure of working with Christiane Kinney through one of the most challenging legal battles of my life. I was being sued by someone making a series of false claims, and after years of fighting, we finally went to trial. The trial itself lasted nearly a month, but Christiane handled it with absolute professionalism and skill. Her attention to detail, strategic planning, and dedication to my case were unmatched. She not only won the case for me but also managed to secure a reimbursement for my legal fees from the opposing party, which was a huge relief. On top of that, she negotiated an incredible payment plan, making sure the person who tried to sue me was held accountable. Throughout the process, she made me feel comfortable and confident, always keeping me informed and guiding me with her expertise. If you need a strong, compassionate, and incredibly skilled attorney by your side, I highly recommend Christiane. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome or a better advocate in my corner.
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16 Feb, 2020 by Josh
I was a musician living fist to mouth when I first spoke with Chris about a lawsuit that was brewing. She didn't know me at all, but took my call and advised me out of the goodness of her heart. Then, when I got dragged into this bogus lawsuit, she took me on pro bono and worked like it was the most important case of her life. Her communication, research, and knowledge of the law was THOROUGH, and I can confidently say that not only was she the smartest lawyer in the room, she was also the most respected. Chris is an excellent attorney and an even better human being. If you’re turned off by a lawyer who also happens to be a really good person, then pray to God you never have to battle her in court. She’ll CRUSH you.
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07 Feb, 2020 by Greg
We thought we could handle our own work-for-hire contracts, just simple stuff anyways… until we got successful and then things got ugly. Another attorney tried to fix it, but only dug a deeper, more ambiguous hole. Then the litigation threats started and we felt sunk. Christiane fixed it all, but not without extreme finesse and careful maneuvering that showed us just what a REAL Attorney looks like! Since those dark days, she has been such a great partner to listen, support, explain, and guide us thru to successful conclusions on many fronts! So happy to have her on our team!
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12 Oct, 2016 by Sara
Ms. Kimble was incredibly helpful in drafting agreements for my non-profit to use when forming partnerships with universities and secondary schools. After just one phone call she quickly helped me identify the necessary components and explained anything that was unclear given my lack of legal background. Ms. Kimble efficiently and effectively listened to my needs and was always available by phone or email for questions.
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10 Jun, 2016 by Robert
Leticia Kimble has been a key asset of my team as a freelancer in entertainment matters. There's no deal that she hasn't been able to close with speed, accuracy and aplomb, and it is a pleasure to deal with someone who can anticipate your thoughts and be pro-active on your behalf without strain or additional stress.
No matter what type of agreement or situation my or my team have thrown at her, she's been able to adapt and deliver quickly without missing a step. She's also adept at the people part of legal matters, being able to communicate with both my clients and VIP's with the same ease and ability to get things done.
We've hired her again and again, and we will continue to be repeat customers as her skills are unmatched and her patience is unending, as we work together to navigate the wild wild west that is the continuously morphing entertainment industry.
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24 Oct, 2015 by Danielle
Leticia Kimble is a fantastic lawyer! She's quick and aggressive and best of all, takes the time to explain everything that's going on. I received some legal papers that didn't make any sense and Leticia Kimble was great at taking the time to explain everything. I really felt empowered and I got a great result. She is simply the best and I would definitely use her again.
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12 Nov, 2020 by Tara
I interviewed several lawyers to assist my mother and I create Revocable Trusts this year (2020). During Covid it has not been easy and when I found Naomi, I knew this was the team I wanted to work with. She is highly professional, patient, friendly, efficient and easy to work with. She was able to translate the difficult law language that made creating our trusts easier. I highly recommend this company and Naomi Stal specifically.
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20 Aug, 2012 by Ilan
we wanted to have a prenup as an act of love before getting married. never thought it would be so difficult. we were so lucky to have naomi stal prepare it for us. being as we are, we wanted a less standard prenup, that would also consist of some personal items one normally wouldn't find in a dry legal document. even the standard items weren't that standard when it came to us. however, naomi guided us professionally and patiently. her hard work and dedication is invaluable. thank you!
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03 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Contract negotiation for my small business. She was great- flexible with my financial needs and responsive and negotiated a great contract for me.
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29 Sep, 2015 by Steve
I got a DUI back in 2014. Without getting into the details, my DUI case is not the typical DUI case and the DA was playing "hardball." Annie spent over a year fighting for me, filed motions to suppress evidence and was ready to take my case to trial. She refused to take just some plea deal. Annie was always on top of my case and kept me informed and updated. I don't know any attorney that would have put in as much time and effort as Annie did. I knew I was in good hands with Annie and I could not be happier with the outcome of my case.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Milo
My case had to do with intellectual property being infringed upon by some VERY big names in the entertainment business. Before coming to Annie, I had my case reviewed by several other lawyers who, I felt, were intimidated because of the high profiles maintained by the potential defendants in my case. NOT ANNIE, however! She displayed an outstanding grasp of the issues involved in my case from our very first meeting . She understood the delicate nature of my relationship with Blink 182 and handled my case with much discretion. She also really understood my music, which was extremely important to me. Annie's kind, caring nature and her prompt response to my e-mails and phone calls allow me to recommend her professional services to potential clients without reservation.
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27 Feb, 2015 by Reid e. martin
I had a Workers Comp case handled by a Law firm who used Hearing Representatives instead of Attorney's. After three Mandatory settlement conferences and false promises over a two year period the firm woke up and brought Annie Berlin to join the firm. Annie got more done in a three week period than any Hearing representative did in a two year period. At the settlement conference she was dynamic, professional and took my interest in the settlement. Thank you Annie for stepping up and getting this case settled and keeping me informed of everything that was going on with this case.
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09 Mar, 2020 by Buddy
My production team has been searching for the right attorney for years. When contacted Kamal he had great customer service, quick response times and was very honest about what was needed for our agreements. We are grateful to have found and look forward to building a relationship with Kamal.
Thank you for all you help!!!
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12 Feb, 2015 by Leon
Kamal is one of the best lawyers in Los Angeles, he helped me with a guy who was trying to steal money from me, Kamal was incredible, I would recommend him to everyone, no one is better he is dedicated and knows the law very very well, I am so thankful for him
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24 May, 2016 by Ken
Joshua has a high motivation to help you with your case(s). He has a knowledge to search and find the truth. Last year, he helped me by saving me from the Plaintiff who tried to blame their fraudulent activities on me. He did some research and found out that I was innocent and the plaintiff couldn't argue back because Joshua has found the truth. The plaintiff was scared that they told the judge to let me off from this case. I thank him for saving me from attempt of crime by the Plaintiff. Thank you for defending me, Joshua.
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24 Feb, 2015 by Bill
I give Mr. Eichenstein my highest recommendation. He did an excellent job on my case, and I will definitely use him again if I need to in the future.
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05 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Loggia was very helpful in starting and building my business. He went beyond the legal work into areas of branding and marketing which helped my business a lot. He's also very personable and easy to work with. I would highly recommend him.
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03 Jul, 2014 by Marc
Michael has been an incredible asset to my start-up involving musicians, actors, song-writers, singers and other creatives. He was exacting in answering all of my questions and providing solutions to my challenges. I never felt rushed or unheard, and he delivered in a timely fashion. Michael is truly supportive and a pleasure to work with.
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13 Mar, 2021 by Angel
WOW.
He is AMAZING!
Fast response time, going above and beyond to answer all my questions, potential fraud cases. Additional research and reasoning, putting everything into layman's terms. Thank you so much for the research, that was highly appreciated, unexpected.
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25 Nov, 2014 by David
I hired Josh to help me with a website was hijacked by a web designer, I had a functioning site and with one disagreement it was shut down and a message put up saying that I do not pay my bills. Not true.
The webmaster decided on well over $30,000 for the site and with little recourse I had our attorneys battle it out.
I wrote a check for $5,000 a month later and learned 2 valuable lessons.
1 - Always consult with the lawyer before you sign a deal with anyone for a business opportunity.
2 - Call Josh if you are being bullied and do not know what to do.
Thanks man
Davidkimmerle.com
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26 Oct, 2017 by Ionel dinu
My first contact with this office was with Mr. Aldo Gusman, very professional and well prepared in Lemon Law,
My cas was that kind that take time. After few months I was contacted by Mr. Jordan and from that time everything start to move in the right direction. I filled like he dedicated his time, his knowledge and persuasivity to push this cas. So I understood I’m in good hands and soon he informed me that my case in coming to an end.
I was a lucky guy contacting this company and superlacky when Mr. Jordan got my case.
Thank you very much for representing me, Mr. Jordan against a big company like Fiar Crysler Automakers.
Finally a lower who care for the little persons!
Thank you!
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10 Aug, 2017 by Alan
Jordan was very helpful and nice communicated back with me in a timely manner and solved my issue of me almost losing my money on a new jetski I had bough from a dealership. The ski is going to get diagnostic and the problem should be fixed by the manufacture. I had spent so much money trying to find the problem with the ski at so many dealers but they couldn't find anything and when I would call the Manfacture they would tell me your out of luck. Thanks to Jordan for talking to them and getting me a good will service diagnostics my ski will be running and operating again and I don't have to just throw away the 20k I spent on the ski. I couldn't have had asked for better service from Jordan where no one wanted to take my case because either they said there's no money or profit margin innit for them or they just don't deal with water sport.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Sierra collins
Absolutely brilliant job done by the entire team at Weinberg Law Offices! Less than a year to settle a complicated accident claim with lots of medical expenses. Yoni, Manny, and Nira exceeded my expectations and were incredibly easy and helpful in the process!
Thanks Weinberg Law Offices!
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12 Dec, 2023 by Dr. annalisa wilson
25 Sep, 2023 by Elizabeth leckenby
Yoni has been such a pleasure to work with. He handled our case when we couldn't find someone to help us. He spoke to us personally whenever we had questions. In the end he did exactly what he said that he would do for us. I really couldn't of ask for a better attorney to of handled our case.
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30 Dec, 2020 by Amin
Saam Takaloo came to our nonprofit's rescue at its most needed time and helped us recover from our contractor's unfair business practices. With him, expect the full force of their legal firm behind him as he lays out a sound plan to navigate any complexities that may come your way. We are grateful for his efforts, expertise, and commitment as he was always a step ahead throughout the legal process. We truly felt being in safe hands by having him by our side. Through strong representation, our contractor agreed to settle the case and accept our terms to cover the damages.
Our nonprofit owes Saam and his firm a great deal of gratitude for their services. As far as we are concerned, they are a true Five Star team.
Amin Siavush
President & Chair
CyVush Students Foundation
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16 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Ms. Forman has represented my family business since 2007. Whether it be drafting and negotiating contracts with clients, defending the company against claims, or prosecuting mechanics’ liens, Ms. Forman obtains excellent results in the most efficient manner possible.
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27 Dec, 2012 by Estevan
Many lawyers initially feigned interest but then disappeared. Mr Betinol kept responding and providing solutions to my situation. Best of all, his office worked with me to provide affordable solutions. When legal situations branched outside unknown variables, his next response impressively reassured me stating he already had an appointment scheduled to resolve the discrepancy. In a time where most businesses are out for profit and themselves, I think Mr. Betinol deserves a Humanitarian Award. Very helpful, very friendly, and very professional.
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13 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I worked with Michael for several years and always found him to be extra nice, as well as competent and caring. I recommend his services highly in whatever capacitiy.
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24 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
William Archer & Don Engel were great. Bill was brutally honest & straight forward in regards to the good as well as the bad possiblities in a litigation of the agreement. It was refreshing to hear an honest take rather than fluff. Bill was dedicated to our case, got us the best result possible and kept his hours to a minimum. His dedication was not billable hours but getting the best results for his clients.
We found having him review our future agreements keeps us out of the litigation chair (or minimizes the ordeal), so we hire him for transaction work as well. It save quite a bit of money in the long run.
I have recommended him often and no one has ever regretted the decision but instead thanks me for the introduction. We cannot recommend Bill more.
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29 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
Brenda is a super lawyer with the highest ethical standards. She takes her clients matters very seriously. She is also a master negotiator and has always in the many times I have used her for entertainment and publishing contracts gotten me a better deal than I would have ever imagined.
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24 Jan, 2013 by Giovani
He is the best of the best!!!
Tom save my life and I mean it! Prior to Tom, I had 10 lawyers and endured 4 years of a vindictive government investigation. Tom outshone all ten of them and proved that the government was on the wrong side of the case.
Read My Lips: Tom is the lawyer in town for any federal defense case and all other cases. In addition, he has a great team of lawyers working for him.
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11 Jul, 2012 by Kristin
Morris prepared a trust for my husband and I as well as both our wills and other legal documents. He was absolutely fantastic. I was really a pain as a client. He sent the documents promptly for signature after they were prepared and I was horrible about returning them. He was incredibly patient and gently reminded me until I reviewed and executed them. I can't say enough good things about his work. I have recommended him to my colleagues and my own clients.
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12 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Dean has taken on many different legal responsibilities for me from intellectual property advising, contract writing and review/negotiation, car accident injury, and employment matters. I feel satisfied with the conclusions of all matters handled by Mr Hadaegh. Ive even recommended him to my clients, family, and friends.
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22 Sep, 2014 by Albert
I contacted John from overseas as I am not based in the US. He was always prompt, professional, and easy to deal with. His professional advice was based on excellent knowledge of the law and was very helpful. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to deal with a professional and honest solicitor. Thank you John.
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08 Jul, 2024 by John
I retained Adam Streisand in one of the most complex and high profile cases in the country. He devastated the opposition. He is not only incredibly smart but his skill in the courtroom is unparalleled. I've employed many lawyers over many years. This guy is a killer.
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24 Jul, 2015 by Ken
Eric responded immediately with cut to the chase questions. My feelings (or rather anxieties) about my lack of knowledge were totally relieved. It left me with a feeling of assurance that he is an advocate on my side. I could not have expected a better situation. Thank you Eric. Ken
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07 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
One of the most passionate, focused lawyers I've ever worked with. He is a natural in front of a jury.
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26 May, 2020 by Anonymous
KLP’s consultations are always incredibly helpful and very thorough. The KLP team has a very obvious devotion to their work and to their clients; Harrison Kordestani is one of the warmest and most down to earth lawyers Ive ever met. We will only work with Harrison, even though we’re a Texas oil and gas company, and he’s based out of Los Angeles
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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.
