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07 Dec, 2016 by Melissa
Mr. Bethea responded to an inquiry I posted to have a NCND drafted. He walked me through every step, and has continued to advise me since drafting the contract and editing my business overview, which I had in my possession within 48 hours of our original conversation! Mr. Bethea's fees are very fair, he produces quality work and offers honest and sound advice.
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05 Dec, 2016 by Sahir
When hirring a atternoy I feel consistency and communication is key. And so far since hirring my atternony he has done that, I've had all my questions and concerns met within a phone call or text, Couldn't be happier
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13 Apr, 2015 by Larry
Steve is a thorough and detail oriented attorney with in depth knowledge of the law in many categories. He has represented me in many different types of activity and has always been diligent and tenacious in accomplishing the intended goals. His broad knowledge base and historical perspective has been instrumental in his representation. I recommend him highly.
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13 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
I've hired several lawyers in past for my business as well as for my personal matters. I sometimes was disappointed for their work for price I had paid, however, Steve was very different from some lawyers "do very little and take a big chunk of check" .He is very trustworthy, responsible, and Knowledgeable lawyer who everyone needs. With Steve, you do get excellent legal help for what you paid, I highly recommend him.
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23 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Craig is a skilled attorney and business advisor. He understands how to manage and navigate client's business needs effectively and efficiently.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Ken
Part of my role in the sales process was to successfully have the client execute our Master Services Agreement. Most of the time this required the involvement of Craig Besnoy to protect our business risks while getting the deal done. Craig has been extremely responsive (getting back to me at night and weekends) and highly effective. He has been great to work with and we've always been able to negotiate win-win agreements.
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07 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Marc Ostrow is truly an exceptional attorney. An outstanding listener and thoughtful problem-solver, he finds a way to achieve the best results for his clients. His knowledge of the law and expertise in a variety of areas are extraordinary. Marc has handled several matters for me, from copyright agreements to employment. His negotiation skills are exemplary and he has consistently delivered excellent results. I could not recommend him more.
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06 Jan, 2014 by Christopher
Marc is my lawyer, and he's negotiated some sensitive contracts for me, like major-label publishing deals and unauthorized sampling/copyright infringement cases. He's very courteous and knowledgable, and is a beast of a negotiator. He's also very good at educating his clients on everything from the basics of copyright law to the nitty-gritty of advanced royalty terms. Highly recommended.
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07 Sep, 2021 by Marie
My friend and I are starting a music licensing partnership. Bruce offered a one-hour consultation for a very reasonable rate. He made clear that he does not act as an agent or manager, but he was interested in our project, spoke at length about music licensing and law, and referred us to numerous helpful sources. Bruce is smart, articulate, and easy to talk to. He invited us to call him again for additional help at any time.
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29 Aug, 2014 by Gary
As a professional photographer in New York, I found myself in a situation where I needed the representation of a lawyer in a copyright infringement matter I brought up with a major company. I came across Bruce Colfin at The Firm and gave him a call. I was left with a good impression from my initial consultation but wanted to look into some others before hiring. After calling and speaking with several other lawyers I decided to go with Bruce.
He was personable and down-to-earth as well as straight forward and professional. He kept me informed throughout the case and advised me of all options along the way.
We settled the matter quickly and with a favorable outcome, and in addition his fee was very reasonable with no "surprises" during or at the end of the case.
I highly recommend Bruce Colfin
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16 Feb, 2022 by Amuchechukwu joshua amuchi
Amazing
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13 Oct, 2020 by Luciano
I am a composer and needed copyright advice concerning a rather tangled music matter that was cause of many headaches for over a year. Mr. Wilcox was recommended to me by friends due to his vast knowledge in the area that pertained my case: I am very glad I followed that recommendation!
After spending time understanding in depth the nuances of my case, Mr. Wilcox gave me first-class advice. All my questions were addressed in a timely fashion, and the matter was rapidly resolved. I plan to contact him for any future copyright law matter.
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10 May, 2011 by Steve
Dan is an excellent attorney. He handled my matter with ease and kept me well informed. I have since found him to be a great friend and an excellent resource for finding solutions both inside and outside his practice areas. If Dan can't help me, then he knows just the right person who can. Every person who passes through this life should have the opportunity to work with someone like Dan, the world would be a better place if every attorney was just like him in how they handle and manage their clients.
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28 Dec, 2009 by Amy
I've known and worked with Dan Schneider for more than 12 years. He's one of the few lawyers I've come across who actually seems to care. Not just about the end result, but about the person involved. He's capable of speaking plainly and with little legal jargon, so you understand without feeling condescended to, and his approach inspires confidence and comfort.
One of the most remarkable things about Dan is his resources. Although the bulk of legal work he did for me happened quite some time ago, we've always stayed in touch. He handled smaller legal issues that cropped up, but was most generous with his contacts. He's an expert networker, always brainstorming, introducing and connecting people.
This has been helpful in innumerable ways over the years. Dan's not just focused on getting the job done, he's capable of the sort of out-of-the-box thinking that can solve a problem, make an important connection or open up new vistas for your business.
A lawyer with both a mind and a heart. You can't beat that!
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13 Jul, 2023 by Alexandra
As a shareholder of a closely held company, I initially brought Sam on to help restructure the business after having some disputes with my counterparts. Since then, he has become my go-to, both when business opportunities arise and when I need strong legal counsel.
I have worked with other lawyers before, and what truly sets Sam apart is how he balances his knowledge of the law and keen business sense with a truly personable and accessible style.
I have come to him many times feeling feeling paralyzed by what seems like an insurmountable challenge, only to be met with kindness and patience as he breaks down my problems into small, manageable tasks that allow me to feel confident and act upon.
I would ABSOLUTELY recommend Sam to corporations big and small. He is someone who has become pivotal in my organization in bringing inspiration that drives change.
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09 Oct, 2019 by Ivan blanco
Nice
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09 Oct, 2019 by Ivan blanco
Nice
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04 Nov, 2023 by Chris
While facing the most difficult time of my life, Albert stood by my and my family's side guiding us through the battle. After 2 years of having my life and future hang in the balance, Albert ultimately had all charges dismissed. Excellent lawyer!
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09 Oct, 2019 by Ivan blanco
Nice
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26 May, 2015 by Lizbeth
David Smallman has been an invaluable help to me for many years, both with personal and artistic legal issues. No lawyer I have ever known is more responsive, more thoughtful, considered, generous with his time, or better able to negotiate the best possible outcome. I trust him implicitly, and have recommended him many times, to friends and family. All agree: Smallman is at the top of his profession.
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22 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
Paresh is an expert technology, media and communications attorney who understands both business and legal intricacies of complex deals.
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22 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Represented our Corporate legal and financial interests with absolute care, thoughtfulness, and responsibility.
We would not hesitate to recommend her for her integrity and competence. Ms. Miles is results-oriented!
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28 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
We worked with him years ago when we went through several rounds of funding for a biotech start-up. He was on top of it, much more responsive than the partner and we all thought he did a great job in closing the round for us (dealing with ten separate investor groups). He put in the effort to get to know us and understand our business which you don't see with many associates these days. Very nice guy to work with.
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29 Oct, 2014 by Craig
The finest attorney I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Knowledgeable, efficient, what more could you ask for. 5 stars by Mr.Kaye of E.M. and associates.
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11 Jun, 2015 by James
Justin is one of the smartest IP lawyers I have ever met in that he is always looking for a way to make things happen. His view is to try to find a way for business persons to do what they want instead of telling them why they can't do something. This is an admirable quality. He looks at legal issues with a critical mind and his recommendations are complete and useful. He has branched out from a traditional law practice to include business and marketing activities. A very well rounded individual and very good lawyer and advocate.
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05 Apr, 2015 by Peyton
She absolutely got the job done and it was a pleasure working with Palisa on my reality television project. I was in the dark, and had many, many questions but she answered them all and guided my team through every step of the way and helped me close a deal that will protect my interests going forward. She gave me the attention that I needed to feel comfortable and the rapport she built with everyone was immeasurable. I have recommended her to four other people since then and if my deal is picked up by a network, I'll be back her offices.
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18 Sep, 2015 by Jennie
Mr. Davidowitz has had to handle several cases for our family,unfortunately. But in every incidence he has successfully recovered serious damages and offered GREAT compassion towards us. I have had many experiences in dealing with the temperament of attorneys and Craig is a rare professional!
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13 Nov, 2009 by Jason
Meir was referred to me by another lawyer for his understanding of immigration in the context of business and work visas.
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06 Sep, 2009 by Jonna
I am writing to recommend David F. Schwartz, who I am proud to call my attorney.
David has been my attorney since 2002, when I formed an LLC and took on investors to produce the play, “Jonna’s Body, Please Hold,” that I wrote and star in. He expertly led me and my co-producer through all the contracts, filings and paperwork. We raised the funds and had a great 7-week run (the play was nominated for two LA Ovation Awards – Best World Premiere Play and Best Lead Actress).
Since then David has ushered us through numerous contract negotiations as we formed a second LLC to produce the movie version and made a licensing agreement with a major corporation to fund it. On the movie itself David has served as our production counsel, handling all our Above- and Below-the-Line contracts, Promissory Notes, and Licensing Agreements. I’d like to add that this has been a somewhat fraught production full of clashing artists’ egos. Some of the negotiations have been difficult, and throughout David has acted with nothing but equanimity, thorough consideration, and deft protection of me and my interests.
David is cheerful and optimistic, a problem solver. He outlines the legal issues for me clearly and thoroughly. His writing is impeccable. His manner when negotiating is clear and direct, firm yet friendly. I found his legal advice to be thoughtful and fair. On rare occasions when he notes unfamiliarity with a particular issue, he has been diligent and prompt with his research, quickly getting me the answers I need.
I think the best way to sum it up is to say that I feel absolutely safe in David’s hands. I am not a natural business woman, but I feel confident and protected knowing I have David looking out for me. I consider his work the most important and rewarding business investment I’ve ever made.
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02 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Professional and knowledable at evey turn. Her awareness of legal and situational nuance was impressive. I would be happy to work with her again.
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28 Aug, 2009 by Sal c.
No one can compare to her knowlege and know how, she is a true professional.
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20 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Smith was retained to assist our firm with significant contract disputes. He kept my partners and I abreast of all aspects of the litigations and, in the end, saved us a great deal of money and our reputation. We will forever be indebted to Mr. Smith and his team of attorneys.
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04 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
He gave me advice no one else did. He steered me in the right direction and I’ll be forever grateful ………..
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01 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Outstanding insights on intellectual property law ... and integrated us seamlessly with his firm's amazing depth of experts in trademark.
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02 Jul, 2007 by Anonymous
Bob is a very affable guy who truly cares about musicians. My three favorite things about Bob: (1) He's got years of fantastic experience and a great sense of humor, (2) He always sought to educate me about the legal and business nuances of a deal so that I could take better care of myself (he was never patronizing), and (3) he billed me so fairly - often on a flat-fee project basis that I could budget for.
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11 Jun, 2011 by James d foster
This attorney has always been great. The few times I've had to aquire his services he's been dead on. He's always with the right legal advise.
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22 Jan, 2013 by U.n. owen
I originally came in contact with Peter in a circuitous way (he's the Junior lawyer to a family member's lawyer).
My original situation (landlord/tenant - typical, here in NYC...unfortunately) was resolved 'painlessly' - and by that I mean painless for me.
My next - and current - situation is a whole different area, and, I need him as private counsel in a multi-party suit.
Peter's top-notch.
Don't be disuaded by the 'Jr.' - he's on-the-ball, he's smart, he's professional, but, above all - he's personable.
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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.
