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06 Jan, 2025 by Ben simons
My wife and I have been working with her oldest brother (85 yrs old) to help him with a Will and a Living Trust. For the past 3 years we have traveled from our home in Durand Mi. to San Diego to provide him with advice and provide any help he may need to get everything right. The more we worked the more complicated and confusing this procedure became, OMG were we Stumped. This year we decided we needed professional help. So, what do you do when your 2000 miles away and don't really know anybody in a big city like San Diego, GOOGLE IT! That's exactly what we did and came up with a bunch of names of attorneys that claim to be the best anywhere. We started making calls to see who we liked the best and would be able to take care of our issues. We left voice mails and asked to have someone contact us to set up a meeting. We encountered a few who were vague and after listening to what we needed really didn’t seem too interested. Then Jason, called us and we were so happy with his attitude and wiliness to complete the needed documents on a very short notice. Everyone in that firm seemed to want to help us get everything right, signed, and registered they even worked through the weekend. So, we could rest assured that we wouldn't be caught up in a nightmare with the probate courts. Thank you, Jason, and Ashley what a great feeling to know we made the right decision when we chose you
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19 Dec, 2024 by Alicia hubbs
Wonderful experience. Jason and Ashley were so helpful and so easy to work with. Jason is extremely personable and Ashley was so patient. Highly reccomend.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Tiffani yanagishita
The team was amazing in helping us with our will and trust! They were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, supportive and patient with us as we figure out the best path forward to suit some of our very particular needs. It’s obviously not a fun or easy topic to discuss and they were so understanding of that giving us options and suggestions that could be relevant to us. And allowing us the time we needed to sort things out amongst our family. Sometimes we wouldn’t be able to resolve things easily so we would be at a standstill for a while between me and my husband but they were great about checking in regularly without creating any additional pressure. We also had some personal and particular road blocks that we come up against and Ashley was wonderful in giving us options and guidance around that. Both she and Jason were so kind and personable and professional. We had talked to several places before coming here and I’m so glad we did!
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05 Mar, 2021 by John
Mr. Witkin went above and beyond helping me understand and modify an agreement for my work as a freelance music producer. He took the time to educate me on parts of the agreement I didn't understand, as well as share his expertise as an entertainment attorney. I especially appreciated how Mr. Witkin was able to work quickly, as I was on a tight timeline and needed to sign document as soon as possible. I would definitely recommend Mr. Witkin and look forward to hiring him in the future.
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24 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Brian A. Witkin is a huge asset to have in your corner. His breadth of knowledge and work ethic is unparalleled. I really appreciated his command of the subject matter, and uncompromisingly thorough approach to the question at hand. His demeanor is equally valuable, as it helps you be at ease during a turbulent time. Highly recommended!
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22 Feb, 2021 by Sean
Brian was very informative and helpful in assisting me with some Real Estate matters. He is very knowledgeable and explains things to his clients in a way that is easy to understand. I would highly recommend him.
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17 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Matthew was a shining star when I felt so lost and overwhelmed in the business partnership I was in. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Matthew. He was so kind, so helpful, and so professional. He explained everything to me thoroughly and in terms I could understand. He was easy to get ahold of and responded in a timely manner. 10 out of 10 I would recommend Matthew to help you with any of your business needs!
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29 Sep, 2021 by Paul
Matthew helped me draw up contracts for my music business. I understood very basic levels of what I needed and he took my basic needs and created amazing templates for me to use for all future bookings and music that we obtain. Additionally he explained in great detail each section of the contracts so I knew what I was giving my artists. It was a very enjoyable and educational experience. I will recommend Matthew any time I know of somebody looking for quality legal work.
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06 Aug, 2021 by Ivy
Matthew Batista assisted me with matters of the Fair Housing Act. Over the course of a month, he gave me professional counsel and was able to break the law down and explain it to me in understandable terms. He went above and beyond, drafting me written correspondence for my communication with my landlord, and explained the applicable law to further my knowledge about the issue, making my points of communication with my landlord streamlined and compelling. He made himself available for advice whenever I needed him while being approachable and understanding. Mr. Batista is the most professional lawyer I have sought out and I’ll be coming to him with any further matters.
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22 Dec, 2014 by Cat
I have been receiving legal advise from Jonathan Geen and his team, and also recommending him to other people, for several years now. No matter what the specific matter was, he has exceeded all expectations I had regarding the services & consultations I needed, and has sincerity with his care for his clients.
Jonathan is incredibly trustworthy an knowledgeable, truly a great lawyer who any sophisticated business person should have in their 'tool box" of trusted legal advisers. Though a sophisticated lawyer who demands respect, he is an incredibly comfortable lawyer to work with, prompt and diligent with his clients needs. Thank you to Jonathan.
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07 Feb, 2025 by Mohsen nikfar
Daniel is very knowledgeable and answers your questions quickly! I enjoyed my experience with him and his team!
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02 Jan, 2025 by Renjing huang
I’m thrilled to share that my EB1A petition was just approved under premium processing, thanks to Daniel Guo’s incredible support! His knowledge, experience, and prompt responses truly made a difference throughout this process. What I appreciated most was how effortless communication felt—every concern I raised was met with clear, timely guidance, which kept things running smoothly. His professionalism and genuine dedication helped alleviate much of the stress that typically comes with case preparation. If you’re seeking a law firm that combines efficiency and expertise with a friendly, approachable style, I highly recommend Daniel; he sets the bar remarkably high for client service.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Clara ciutara
Daniel Guo helped me secure an EB2-NIW approval. In this time of uncertainty when many petitioners I know have been issued RFE, my petition was approved smoothly without hiccups thanks to his meticulous work. I strongly recommend him for various employment based immigration services
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14 Oct, 2024 by Roberto lopez
01 Aug, 2024 by Kareem radwan
I want to thank Chris and his team for representing me through a high conflict divorce. Chris is a brilliant attorney who treats his clients as if they were his own family. He is very dedicated in ensuring that his clients are always his priority. He represented me with full dedication and always made me his priority. I went through 3 attorneys until I found the right one, and it was definitely Chris who made a huge impact in my life. I highly recommend anyone going through a high conflict divorce to reach out to Chris for representation. You will always be taken care of and made a priority when represented by Chris and his firm. He always fought for me with everything he has. I don't know what I would have done if Chris wasn't the one representing me in court. Thank you Chris for all you did for me this past year and I am forever grateful for you and your amazing staff.
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24 May, 2024 by Alycia moore
Honest and empathetic law firm which is a truly hard thing to find these days.
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26 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
His expertise in intelectual property matters is second to none. We look foward to using him again in any copyright matter we are dealing with.
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17 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
I feel Tracy is not the most intelligent lawyer in this firm. First off she gave really bad advice that not only cost me time but the money I wasted on her lack of knowledge in the particular area I hired her at 400 dollars an hour to know. When she could not make any headway and I called her out on her performance she dropped the case and lead me to believe there was another solution to the case to which was even worse than her lack of performance. Other lawyers whom I have consulted in after to finish my case said her approach was not something that most would do nor would it have been successful in obtaining the contract and monetary gain I needed. The advice was not well thought out and she assumed just using her firms name would cause the client to crumble. With the strength of other attorneys this didn't happen and in the time of need she bailed. To be honest she was the worst attorney I have ever hired and the laziest.
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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.
