Lawyers map
>89
experienced lawyers
Filter by
19 Dec, 2024 by Henry s
I highly recommend Law Brothers. I was able to receive the medical care that I needed to recover from the injury that I sustained during a "hit & run" car accident. My case manager, Leslie was very helpful. She kept me informed about the legal process and made sure that my physical therapy sessions and medical procedures did not conflict with my work schedule. I also received a very nice financial settlement.
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Eric sood
The LAW BROTHERS are the BEST!
I had LESLIE CRUZ as my attorney and Team Leader, much Appreciated They took care of EVERYTHING and made my Life much Easier. MUCH LOVE
THANKYOU
WOULD Recommend to EVERBODY
Happy Holiday's
Read more
14 Dec, 2024 by Sylvia gil
Giselle Dominguez was a huge help with my case! She kept me updated and worked in a timely manner. A nice woman who provided excellent customer service! I highly recommend Lalezary's Law Firm.
Read more
01 Nov, 2024 by Urian schimmeyer
Sam Gellar is an amazing attorney. Explains everything very thoroughly. Will go above and beyond for you as his client. Highly recommend!
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Player dash
“Thank you, Mr. Samuel. He is very cooperative, professional, intelligent, and respectful. Thank you, and I wish him continued success.”
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Margarita andino
Having Nick as a Lawyer was a pleasure. His honesty made a Big difference in helping me understand my case. Although it was very stressful I felt he had my best interest at heart and that helped.
Read more
11 Jan, 2025 by Ryan
Lindsay and Michael carry a great deal of empathy in their work. They have the true care and expertise which is necessary in legal services. Spiller Law will tailor their service to your exact need!
Read more
12 Dec, 2024 by Paige
I reached out to Lindsay for help with a proposal for a professional transition from my current job. Lindsay was incredibly knowledgeable and offered great advice for how to structure my transition to this new role. He really listened to me and drafted a proposal that was amenable to all parties. I was very happy with the outcome and I don't think I would have reached my goals without his assistance.
Read more
19 Sep, 2024 by Pang
I had a pleasure to meet and speak online with Mr Spiller. He was super helpful and willing to do everything to help and super patient with me.
Read more
07 Jan, 2025 by Angelica
If I could give zero stars, I would. This attorney is, without question, the most unprofessional and incompetent individual I've ever worked with. Not only did she completely mishandle our immigration cases, but she also demonstrated an alarming lack of knowledge and expertise at every turn. She charged us exorbitant fees while delivering absolutely no results--just empty promises and excuses.
When we started questioning her work and requested a refund for her failures, she blatantly ignored us, blocked all communication, and refused to take any responsibility for her actions. What kind of professional behaves this way? If she can't even handle her own business and treat her clients with respect, how can she possibly help anyone else with theirs?
Disappointed but not surprised that other people who have left reviews seem to have experienced the same mistreatment. It's clear that this pattern of incompetence and negligence is not an isolated incident. She has repeatedly proven that she cannot be trusted to handle her clients' legal matters.
This is someone who clearly prioritizes taking money over delivering results or providing any real legal support. Her lack of accountability and ethics is appalling, and I can only hope others avoid falling victim to her greed and deception. If you're considering her services, run--don't walk--in the other direction. Save yourself the time, money, and frustration of dealing with someone who has no business practicing law.
Read more
01 Nov, 2024 by Urian schimmeyer
Sam Gellar is an amazing attorney. Explains everything very thoroughly. Will go above and beyond for you as his client. Highly recommend!
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Player dash
“Thank you, Mr. Samuel. He is very cooperative, professional, intelligent, and respectful. Thank you, and I wish him continued success.”
Read more
14 Feb, 2021 by Kevin
I hired Justin to help with my website terms and conditions and privacy policy. He was very communicative throughout the process. The final results he delivered were on time and most important, were fantastic. I highly recommend Justin!
Read more
29 Dec, 2020 by Shawn
Justin is a superb lawyer- He helped me get my music business in order- Justin is Very skilled and on point- All around a cool dude!
Read more
02 Apr, 2020 by Kim
Justin Glyer helped me with a very tricky legal situation. I found him attentive, a good listener (somewhat rare for a lawyer), resourceful, knowledgeable and attentive. He's very generous with his time. I recommend him highly and without reservation.
Read more
01 Nov, 2024 by Urian schimmeyer
Sam Gellar is an amazing attorney. Explains everything very thoroughly. Will go above and beyond for you as his client. Highly recommend!
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Player dash
“Thank you, Mr. Samuel. He is very cooperative, professional, intelligent, and respectful. Thank you, and I wish him continued success.”
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Margarita andino
Having Nick as a Lawyer was a pleasure. His honesty made a Big difference in helping me understand my case. Although it was very stressful I felt he had my best interest at heart and that helped.
Read more
11 Dec, 2019 by Masa
David is a well-experienced corporate lawyer, especially in the game industry. We are a startup company located in San Francisco. He works closely with our team and always meets our expectations even we have a short deadline. We would strongly recommend him to anyone who needs an excellent and trusted corporate lawyer.
Read more
04 Oct, 2019 by Joshua
We have relied on David and his team to support us for over twenty years, through multiple financings, corporate and shareholder matters, licensing and the whole range of US legal needs for our rapidly-growing e-commerce businesses. They are responsive, they understand our business and their advice and support have been invaluable.
Read more
03 Oct, 2019 by Vince
As a scrappy startup, working with David from the early days of our business, we were able to secure multiple deals with major publishing and entertainment entities in Japan which were not only critical contributors to our success but also withstood the rigors of 2 exits. David's solid knowledge of the entertainment industry combined with his Japanese language ability and expertise in dealings with Japan were perfect to support our business.
Read more
21 Oct, 2011 by Jane d.
I really can't thank Alex Austin enough for the Pro Bono legal advise I've received. Alex is a prince in a pond teeming with toads!
Read more
03 Oct, 2011 by Maria
Austin Law Group is not only knowledgeable and professional, but also
incredibly supportive. In this day of "bottom line" and economic
distress, it's nice to know someone's looking out for you and continuing to provide top-notch customer service. Austin Law stands out from the pack.
Read more
30 Sep, 2011 by Lisa
Alex has helped me greatly in providing legal counsel for my annual comedy event, Kung Pao Kosher Comedy as well as for my film, Esther & Me. I have used her services for filing trademark forms, writing cease and desist letters for trademark and copyright infringement, and for general legal questions in making my first documentary. She is a joy to work with, knows her stuff, goes above and beyond to help her clients, is a real pro, is very personable, and is a mensch (the highest Jewish compliment). I have recommended her services to numerous fellow artists and producers and will continue to do so.
Read more
20 May, 2014 by Lianne
Liz Hasse and her team have been our legal counsel for many years. Besides drafting/reviewing contracts in the area of co-production, filming financing, engagements for actors, writers, directors and producers and other creative members for film productions, Liz has advised us in all legal aspects of film productions. She is professional, experienced and knowledgeable. Having her as our legal counsel has assured us the control and confidence we need for dealing with complex legal matters.
Read more
20 May, 2014 by Rudy
Liz Hasse is the gold standard of lawyers. She is always on call, always calls back promptly, is always on top of her game with information, insights, wisdom, resourcefulness, creativity, persistence. She has become more of a partner in our filmmaking company, having earned the respect and trust of a wide array of personalities and high-level players, including creative talents such as writers and directors, in addition to attorneys representing "the other side." She has negotiated complex film financing, distribution, screenwriting, directing, book option and purchase and marketing deals with major writers, studios, investors, publishing houses and directors. She is tough but personable, a consigliere in the most difficult of circumstances, unafraid to hold my own hands steady and, when necessary, my feet to the fire. In a word, Liz Hasse is brilliant.
Read more
30 Oct, 2011 by Karin
Liz and her team at CILG have represented me for almost 5 years. I first hired Liz in 2007 after being disappointed by two other legal teams during an incredibly difficult, emotional and complicated legal battle surrounding a media production which ended up in arbitration.
In the end, thanks to Liz and her team, I received everything in the arbitration we had asked for and deemed fair. I was at my wit's end when I came to Liz, having never experienced such a challenging dispute. Liz picked up the reins and became the game changer. She created peace where there was war -- and dialogue where there were only insults and threats. Liz handled herself and my representation with the utmost grace, calm and logic -- always communicating with total integrity and working strategically towards a win-win outcome.
Her intelligence, expertise and wisdom are what caused the other side to shift and be willing to compromise, and what progressed a long, tedious battle towards resolution. She and her team even worked through Thanksgiving and Christmas to make sure everything was filed on time and communicated with accuracy. She is one of the most brilliant, gracious people I've ever met and I recommend her wholeheartedly.
I only wished I had sought her legal protection and expertise right away as opposed to wasting time and much money with other less experienced and effective representation. She literally saved my neck and I'm eternally grateful to her. I'm also greatly inspired by her as a human being.
Most recently she and her team have helped me to launch my start-up, expertly handling initial agreements and securing trademark approval.
Read more
15 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
It's hard to know when you hire someone especially an attorney if they're going to do a good job for you because you're putting a lot into their hands. I am happy to say that Arash did a fantastic job for me. He guided me the whole process and was very calming and assuring. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing Legal Services. He is very experienced, finally and professional.
Read more
22 Jun, 2020 by Patrick
I was very satisfied by the work of Mr. Moussavian. I found myself in need of a lawyer, and was lucky to have had this fine lawyer help with my case. Because of his on point expertise, I got the best outcome I could. He is a very good communicator, always available for questions throughout the months of preparation. He is open to discussing all sides of the problem, and advises with common sense and knowledge of the law. Because he does so many cases, he knows the people in the courts, so his experience is very valuable while making decisions. I never had to appear in court personally, as Arash handled my case every step of the way. This enabled me to not loose valuable work time during my case. Always on time, always present, never missing an appearance, always returning my phone calls or emails, provided me with a sense of security that my best interests were first and foremost. He is very understanding, helpful, and extremely respectful. His honesty was greatly appreciated, I always knew were I stood in this case. I highly recommend Arash, peace of mind is guaranteed with him at the helm.
Read more
16 Jun, 2018 by Otis
From the moment that we hired Dale and his team, we were thoroughly impressed with his thoughtfulness, professionalism and comprehensive approach in handling our personal injury case. His first priority was to make sure that we had all of the support necessary to fully recover from our very serious injuries. Then he methodically went through the process of investigating the accident, contacting the representatives of the responsible party, obtaining additional medical evaluations of our injuries, and negotiating a reasonable settlement. Throughout this one and half year process, we were able to focus on our recovery, and we were not confronted with legal bills, inquires from the insurance companies or Medicare, or contact with representatives of the responsible party. Dale and his team made all of this happen. The final settlement was more than we expected. In spite of the unfortunate circumstances of our accident, our experience with Dale was 100% positive. We cannot think of one negative thing that occurred in the one and half year interaction with Dale and his team. We highly recommend Dale.
Read more
29 Jul, 2020 by Jessica ramos
Excellent at getting back to me and settling my case. Was able to settle my case quickly and got me more than I had hoped for. Would highly recommend this attorney for employment matters.
Read more
15 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Sometimes the most unexpected can happen and all of a sudden you need an experienced and qualified attorney. The unexpected event for me was being hit by a speeding automobile when I was in the crosswalk while out for my daily run on a sunny day. It happened in a nightmarish flash, and my life changed that day. However, Nick Carlin and Phillips, Erlewine, Given & Carlin LLP were able to help me and my recovery. If you need an attorney or law firm that knows how to handle a complex personal injury case, knows how insurance companies operate, and most importantly knows how to look after the interest of their client, you need to give Nick Carlin at Phillips, Erlewine, Given & Carlin LLP a call. When you have a complex personal injury case, you need an attorney and a law firm that have trial and litigation experience and are willing to take your case to trial. I was expecting to go to trial and felt that a trial would maximize my recovery. However, just prior to setting a trial date, my wife encouraged me to settle the case, so I could continue my recovery. By this time, the case was ongoing for over one year and was taking an emotional toll on me and my family. The injuries, pain, trauma, suffering, and emotional impact of the traumatic accident was taking a toll on my life, my wife and family, and my career. I’m still suffering from the effects of being hit by an automobile; however, with love from my family, an understanding workplace and therapy have helped in my recovery. Nick and Phillips, Erlewine, Given & Carlin LLP also provided invaluable legal and practical advice over the entire process, while treating me with respect. Nick has an experienced and companionate staff that also helped and were always available. Nick was also able to get the experts for this complex personal injury case. There were at least ten special medical and non-medical experts involved in the case, and the defendant was represented by two national insurance companies. The settlement that Nick was able secure for me was in the seven-figure range. If you, a family member, or loved one is involved in a personal injury case, and you need an attorney who will put your interests first, you need to give Nick Carlin a call.
Read more
09 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
It was an ugly case, but Ms. Carranza held my hand through the process and responded to all my concerns immediately. She put in the time and attention. We settled the case well below what they were asking for thanks to her knowledge of the case and the law. I'm lucky she was on my side looking out for me.
Read more
02 Nov, 2023 by Camila banfi
10 Jul, 2020 by Ben mcallister
#1 place to work for a reason
Read more
02 Jan, 2019 by Monica marks
03 Dec, 2019 by Ian montgomery
If you are shopping for a divorce attorney, you have my sincere sympathies. Its an awful process and was certainly one of the lowest points in my life. When looking for and attorney I was told to meet at least a few and find the right fit. I did that but after meeting the first two, I was disgusted. All I got was "we will go after them for this and that..." it was a process that seemed to be designed for them to make as much money as possible. Then I met Bill Parks and everything felt much better. Bill is a very calm person who instantly makes you feel like you are in the right hands. I think its very rare to be able to say this, but Bill genuinely cares for his clients and understands what you are going through is tough. I really can not recommend Parks Law Group highly enough.
Read more
29 Jul, 2020 by S anderson
Great service, good beer, large interior, with a great deal of memorabilia, including caddyshack!
Read more
20 Jan, 2025 by Joel maldonado
Estoy muy satisfecho por el trabajo realizado, van 5 anos de espera pero todo excelente.
Read more
16 Jan, 2025 by Arthur pham
I've been working with KPB for three years on my L1B/Green card and their services have been nothing less than exceptional! Clear line of communication, always available, quick to respond, I can't recommend them enough!
Read more
06 Jan, 2025 by Claudia llanos
Quality work. Their service is excellent, most inquiries are responded on time. Their payment plans are very reasonable as well.
Read more
31 Jul, 2024 by Megan inaba
Ottinger Employment Lawyers provided incredibly helpful counsel in dealing with a past employer. Robert Ottinger is responsive, professional, knowledgeable and above all effective in his advice and representation. His office and support staff are also quick to respond to all client communications and will go the extra mile to be helpful. I would recommend this firm without reservation to anyone who is in need of representation for employment issues.
Read more
22 Jul, 2024 by Jeffrey lem
Robert is one of the most conscientious, hard-working and knowledgeable professionals, I’ve ever met. I had some work related issues that he helped me with. Without even me having to ask, he reached out to numerous colleagues to help me rectify and come to a conclusion about a particular problem I was having with an injury. This helped save me a ton of money and time,
He’s a tremendous attorney. Robert is an extremely kind individual who I can tell, really cares about his clients. He’s also smart as a whip and Super sharp as far as his knowledge of the law and how it applies to employment law. One of the best professionals I’ve ever worked with. If I could give him 10 stars, I would!
Read more
19 Jul, 2024 by Kelly mckinley
I received exceptional service and advice from Robert. He was responsive and took the time to ensure he fully understood the issues by asking lots of questions. He was both clear and supportive in laying out my options for action and their respective risks and opportunities. I highly recommend Ottinger Employment Lawyers, and wouldn't hesitate to seek their counsel in the future.
Read more
18 Nov, 2024 by Tamara williams (tammy)
17 Nov, 2024 by Louis rodriquez
11 Nov, 2024 by Foster yanko
13 Jul, 2023 by Saravanakumar natarajan
10 Dec, 2024 by Ilene barroteran
The Cardoza Law firm helped me with some issues I had with my credit .They communicate effectively informing me of updates on my case in a timely manner . Working with this law firm lifted a big burden off my back. I would definitely recommend them to family and friends .
Read more
25 Nov, 2024 by Taylor evans
Cardoza Law was a pleasure to work with! The process was very smooth and I didn't have to worry about anything. HIGHLY recommend!!
Read more
19 Nov, 2024 by Dcthebreaker
Very easy to tall to and made answering my phone safe again. Exactly as advertised!
Read more
11 Dec, 2024 by Andrew terekhine
We followed our amazing lawyer, Emily Wilson, to this company when she transitioned from her previous firm - and we couldn't be happier with our decision! Our case wasn't straightforward; it involved an immigrant visa for one of our workers, complete with complications and challenges. Other firms had dismissed it as impossible, but Emily proved them wrong.
Working with her was a game-changer. She's incredibly professional, highly responsive, and takes the time to explain everything in detail, no matter how complex. Her meticulous attention to even the smallest details ensured that nothing slipped through the cracks, and her goal-oriented approach kept us on track every step of the way.
We've seen firsthand the kind of results she delivers, and there's no question about who we'll turn to the next time we need top-notch legal expertise.
Emily doesn't just solve problems; she turns them into success stories!
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Francis neely
I was run over by a car in December of 2022. My injuries were serious. My wife contacted Mark Fong at this firm based on friends’ advice from prior experience. My case lasted for over two years. Mark was kind, thorough, and communicative throughout. His assistant, Erica Sullivan, was also considerate, helpful, and prompt. Without revealing details, my family and I are completely pleased and satisfied with the outcome. Nothing can put things back the way they were. But Mark, his firm, and those assisting him on this case were excellent. I feel lucky to know them and consider them competent, serious, and honest. I have no other experience with law firms but strongly recommend this one based on our experience between 2022 and 2024.
Francis Neely and Victoria Gatzke
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Estefany loza
I have an extremely well documented and legitimate employment matter that I need representation for. I showed this place the wrongful termination message evidence and after that they asked for all of the other messages which I submitted in a drop box, and then they decided to not take on the case. I understand not taking on cases that are not well documented, but this is a clear cut case with strong evidence. I felt that Sean, and Christine just didn't want to do any of the work. If you are looking for representation steer clear of this place.It is frustrating because I am dealing with an extremely illegal matter that they just brushed off. I personally would not trust the other reviews. Keep searching.
Read more
17 Dec, 2024 by Jeff benton
Not real sure why they didn't think my landlord violating a disabled veterans rights under the disabled persons disability act as well as thoroughly documented instances of retaliation and harrassment and also refusal to make repairs from landlord didn't meet their criteria to offer legal representation to me, I'm guessing it was to difficult of a case for them to handle and wasn't just an easy cash grab. Oh well. Just one more bad landlord who gets away with violating a tenants rights and harrassment.
Read more
13 Dec, 2024 by T
My friend is filing a class action against them. anyone had negative experience with this firm, please come forward contact us and join the lawsuit, you are entitled to get compensation. You will not be paying anything, and the major bay area TV is covering the story.
This firm is definitely the worst firm, they are unethical and commit fraud. They settled the case with defendants and took the money without telling the clients.
For those of you that is seeking a tenant lawyer, go with another firm, not this one, unless you want to sue this firm.
Read more
12 Nov, 2024 by Carole dooley
This firm has Refused to send a vision challenged senior citizen a copy of contract so I can read it BEFORE I sign it, or they think I need to drive to a library instead of just providing necessary access. WHAT could be the reason to discriminate against non computer owning senior citizens?? I cannot read it on my phone-it’s too small & when I tried to send it to my printer, something covers half of it. So I wonder if I can even have a copy after signing now….. Google AI says it’s required anyway….. “Yes, a California attorney is required to provide a client with a printed copy of a contract, particularly a fee agreement, before they sign it, ensuring the client receives a fully executed copy of the document; this is mandated by the California State Bar rules and regulations regarding client representation and informed consent”
Read more
30 Mar, 2015 by Robert lynn
Owen Seitel is an outstanding intellectual property law and entertainment attorney. He is responsive, thorough, creative and collegial with others. He is caring, responsive, thoughtful and knowledgeable across a broad range of entertainment and intellectual property law issues, able to foster agreement among parties with vastly different goals and concerns and always mindful of bottom-line business practicality. I have been using Owen for well over a decade as counsel for all of my activities as a screenwriter, director and producer of feature-length films for both independent features and studio deals with Warner Brothers, 21st Century Fox, etc. He has always provided valuable advice, and, when necessary, aggressive representation, in my activities in the entertainment industry. Owen has been and will continue to be a trusted advisor.
Read more
04 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I spoke with Owen Seitel about various legal issues. I found him to be concerned, knowledgable and we fully discussed how to proceed. I was impressed with his total grasp of my situation and would recommend him without reservation
Read more
06 Apr, 2012 by Will
I would never recommend Owen Seitel as Entertainment Attorney. While he give fantastic advice on the initial formation of a company and the traditional dues and don't he's has trouble with listening. I had the feeling that since I'm not an attorney he feels he knows all the answers and all I'm good for is questions. Owen Seitel replies very quickly with an uninformed decision. Without truly listening to your situation, he goes on a rambling binge that covers useless topics. And guess why that is TERRIBLE for you... yup, you guessed it, you'll be charged $395/hour to listen to him talk about a host of issues that do NOT pertain to your current situation. e.g. Owen SeiteI sent me two long detailed emails informing me to send him my LLC operating agreements so he can then obtain my Federal I.D. # and establish separate bank accounts. He told me the bank accounts should be separate so that the funds wouldn't " bleed into " one another. What frustrated me is that I ALREADY formed two separate bank accounts and had he LISTENED to me he wouldn't have spent his time/my money typing an unnecessary email. He then sent me another email asking me to authorize payment for minute books but had he been listening I already HAVE minute books for both companies. I had to Donald Trump (YOU'RE FIRED) Mr. Seitel and search for another Attorney who knows how to listen before replying. I hope you found this information useful.
Read more
22 Aug, 2023 by Kreyer family trust
This man is a horrible lawyer, as far as I’m concerned he is a criminal, and a bully - he billed my family over $80,000 and didn’t fight to present crucial evidence when it came down to the wire..
He is a liar, a megalomaniac, a horrible person, and I would absolutely NOT recommend him unless your willing to waste tens of thousands of dollars to listen to him lecture and insult you while telling you crucial evidence is worthless. He abandoned me twice during hearings he promised to appear for, as he said he would not leave me out to dry - yet abandoned me day of the trials/hearings and I lost horribly due to his malpractice and misrepresentation of his skill set
I went in on my own for trial and was ten times more effective than he was in all three years of his representation combined!
I will gladly share more information with anyone considering hiring Wallace. Unlike him, I’m not scared to present it. He has threatened to sue me for defamation when he knows he’s failed me as an attorney - the only thing he did well was a deposition - which Yorker a ton of evidence he never presented.
This man is a joke and a hot head - do not waste your money or energy depending on him to do the honest Abe ethical thing.
Feel free to message me for further detail and evidence.
I’m reporting him to the bar and trying to recover the money wasted on this man’s ego.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
