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02 Jun, 2010 by Kavita
I was involved (starting in 2004) in a probate case with another lawyer. I spent the next 5 years trying to get him to be a lawyer. He was very incompetent and the experience was horrible. I needed someone to help me out of the mess the other lawyer created. And it was a mess and complicated by this time. I found Eric Gordon by a referral, and from that day my entire case began to look like something that We could resolve. Eric shared with me all the unethical actions of the other lawyer. Once he took on my case it all came together in MY favor. Eric walked with me through the legal system steps and all that he needed to do so that I always knew what was going on. Huge for me since the other lawyer was impossible to get return calls and emails from. Besides his total professionalism, Eric was available to me on every level. I felt watched out for and cared about as a real human being. He goes the extra mile to do what is necessary . A rare trait these days. Not only is the whole case finally behind me, I was also, with Erics help awarded a settlement!! If I ever need a lawyer again, I only wish It could be Eric Gordon.
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02 Jun, 2010 by Layla
By their very nature family disputes are disruptive and emotionally taxing. Eric Gordon has created a professional relationship built on trust and confidence as well as effectively and economically representing me in the resolution of custody and support issues. Mr. Gordon is extremely mindful of the long-term effects of marital dissolution and how the children and myself are affected. He has constructively advised me on countless preventive actions as well as applying a holistic approach to counseling me throughout this taxing process. Mr. Gordon has worked closely with my accountant and financial advisor. He has provided a depth of knowledge in all ancillary issues arising from the dissolution of my marriage, including the complicated division of income properties as well as navigating complex tax and estate planning consequences. We are going on a year and a half together through this process and it's not over yet. I am extremely grateful to have Eric Gordon on my team.
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02 Jun, 2010 by Hoppy
Eric had a very "neutralizing" effect on a stressful situation. His expertise in the field of family law and his calm demeanor most likely kept me from being the lead story on the Eleven O'Clock News. His tenacity and extreme advocacy for his clients makes him a diamond in the rough. I highly recommend Eric Gordon.
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15 Jun, 2022 by Kent jacobs
Is an amazing law firm I’ve been using Ben for over 20 years. And I can’t say enough great things about him and how he conducts business and his fairness all the way around. I highly recommend him.
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11 Oct, 2021 by Edgar espinoza (kidross)
Looks safe
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17 Apr, 2021 by Susan lanier-bramlett
Ben McLane is one of the most informed and nicest attorneys you could ever meet. He knows the law and is extremely knowledgeable with the up-to-date entertainment media trends as they continually evolve. So happy I was referred to him!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Shirin afar
Mr. Gentry is a class act and the most capable attorney I have ever worked with! He has handled several cases for me over the years and his main priority has always been getting me a fast resolution with the least amount of expense and pain. He delivered for me yet again this past month with another very complicated contract dispute/ fraud case! I am very very happy with his professionalism and services and recommend him very highly to be a capable and knowledgeable attorney.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Samuel clark
The Gentry Law Groups was very professional, supportive and caring. Their conversations and replies to my situations was the best support I could have not imagined.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Julian cooper
After experiencing a lengthy and emotionally draining custody battle, I reached out to Mr. Gentry and his office regarding the issue. The kindness and knowledge of the complex issue at hand, as well as the advice given was nothing short of incredible. Mr. Gentry not only listened to my issue, but provided concrete steps that I could take action on to get my case resolved. I cannot recommend him enough, if you are having a difficult custody battle, run, don’t walk to the phone and call this man.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Anthony moreno
I couldn't be happier with the way my Lemon Law case was handled. From the start, Rafy was super hospitable and really easy to talk to, which made everything way less stressful. He always answered my calls,never ignored me once, and was always there to answer my questions, no matter how small. He was super professional too, especially when dealing with the other lawyers. You could tell he knew his stuff and had my back the whole time. He worked really hard to make sure I got the most money possible, and he was extremely helpful every step of the way. Honestly, I felt like I had a friend on my side who just happened to be a lawyer. Good to know there’s people who still care out there. 10/10 would recommend and definitely returning for any automotive law related matters!
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28 Apr, 2024 by Nikki ekem
Thanks from Mr. Adler gave me the best tips, which caused i won my case. He returned my call soon and helped me with the his advise
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10 Feb, 2024 by Ulisses alvarado
Handled our case with care and very understanding people. The best in my opinion.
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17 Sep, 2024 by The prince
We had an extremely great experience with Mr Fredrick G. Voigtmann. My girlfriend was having so much trouble with her ESTA and Mr. Voigtmann came in and saved the day. Not only did he help us extremely quickly with our issue, he was a very pleasant man. Very experienced and helpful. Thank you again! Definitely will contact again for future cases!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Issac castro
This law office has been the biggest breath of fresh air for my partner and I. I seriously do not know where we would be without them. Immigration law can be a very complex and nerve-wrecking thing. But from the moment I first talked with Fred and his team they were incredibly understanding to my situation. This review alone does not justify how helpful and amazing they have been but I hope it shines a light on how amazing they are. We are very fortunate to have people like them specializing in such a complicated profession and do it in a way that feels less stressful through thorough detail, and kindness/friendliness. One of my biggest worries when finding a law office to help us was that they would not listen to me in detail and just want the 'shortened' version of things rather than understanding the full range of the situation and what led to our nail-biting situations. Fred and Stephany carefully listened to every single thing I had to say, and I honestly felt as if they cared for my partner and I as if we were their close-family. I genuinely felt a connection with them and felt that they wanted the best for us. It's hard to explain that connection over a review, but your best bet is to find out for yourself. I highly suggest that if you are seeking for legal advice to please consider their office and find out for yourself why the office is so highly reputable. I stand by my word when I say you will not regret it one bit.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Lauren clayton
This entire office was a pleasure to work with! My wife and I are a queer couple and the entire office was so kind, respectful and really spent the time with us at each step. The entire process was sooo quick! Extra special shout out to Stephanie, as she put our anxieties at ease and really took care of our concerns and our case as a whole. They were quick to file, quick with email correspondence. I highly recommend this firm esp if you happen to be LGBTQ+.
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04 Jan, 2024 by Marie kinsey
If want to lose your case.. I would highly recommend him.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Alexus bell
I'm not one to write reviews but I felt I had to save someone the time and money. I'm a single mother and hired Mr Morris back in October 2023. When I called he immediately answered but told me he was at church and would get back to me. He did indeed got back to me. I told him I really needed help and I needed an aggressive attorney dealing with my Childs father for my child custody case. I decided to go with him because he seemed trustworthy and he was the only lawyer that allowed payments towards the retainer fee. I felt so relieved to have an attorney and someone to represent me. After my contracts were signed he was so difficult to get in touch with. He never asked me questions about my case and I never heard from anyone unless I called them. He has a call center answering once you become a client and he has 2 paralegals named Amy and Kristina. I always spoke to Kristina and she said I needed to relax and that my case was a simple case. Implying that it was going to be smooth and I had nothing to worry about. When they finally filed the paperwork for me to serve my daughters father I had to keep calling them in regards to that matter also. It was a week before my case and I still hadn't heard anything back from Kristina or Mr Morris.. Coming to find out she had a death in her family and Mr Morris was on vacation in Belize. Since he was gone my daughters fathers attorney managed to get the case moved to the Whittier courthouse when we filed in LA and had them served. So now I'm the recipient and he's the petitioner. He let this other Attorney walk all over him and call the shots. Btw The judge in Whittier was a nightmare. She has terrible reviews and is bias. But At this point my anxiety is through the roof because I can't get in touch with anyone, we don't have a case to present because they still haven't asked or guided me on anything to do. He didnt tell me to start documenting anything or pulling up text! Nothing. I had to have my mom call from her number because once you become a client they screen your calls. She pretended to be interested in hiring him and guess what! He called her back. After a month of not speaking to me at all. So he finally gave me an appointment to meet him at his office to go over my case. He never wrote down any notes of asked me what the other party could have against me. Nothing! Finally court, Mr Morris showed up 30 minutes late to court! He didn't register us, when we were in front of the judge he didn't know my case. The Judge asked him what was the status quo and he turned and asked me. I almost got contempt of court because he wasn't saying anything of substance out of his mouth that I told him. They judge kept asking him what was his point. He was talking circles. It was completely embarrassing. He had no fight in court! He didn't take notes at all in court either. You are better off representing yourself. After that horrible experience, I was so distraught. I fired him the next day. He still proceeded to tell the third party who I was going through to pay for him that he rendered all my services and I still owed him 4000 dollars. I will be suing him and reporting them to the bar. He's a money hungry lazy attorney that uses his faith as a front. He doesn't care about making sure you keep your family together.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Epic fun
I had a conversation with Morris to get some clarification on a legal matter and he was very helpful and gave good advice.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.