What Is An Entertainment Lawyer And How To Hire One

Professionals who want to become lawyers can select from a range of legal disciplines. An entertainment lawyer is a sort of attorney who provides legal counsel and protection to entertainment professionals.

Learning more about this profession may help you decide whether it is the best legal path for you. In this post, we will discuss what an entertainment lawyer is, what they do, where they work, and how to become one.

What is an entertainment lawyer?

An entertainment lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in legal issues concerning the entertainment business. Entertainment lawyers may specialize in advising clients on entertainment contract laws, intellectual property, or entertainment labor legislation.

Entertainment lawyers can represent a wide range of industry workers, including authors, music producers, and actors. They can work with clients from any entertainment industry, including:

• Music
• Print media
• Digital media
• Film
• Television
• Comedy

What does an entertainment lawyer do?

An entertainment lawyer can specialize in certain entertainment industries or legal aspects. Their duties can vary depending on their area of specialization, but common responsibilities can include:

• Assisting with the negotiation process for entertainment contracts
• Drafting deal and payment agreements regarding bookings or events
• Advising clients on legal matters and answering questions related to the entertainment industry
• Establishing intellectual property rights for clients
• Protecting a client’s intellectual property rights
• Networking with clients and making new connections
• Helping clients gain distribution rights for their creative works
• Representing client’s in court and pursuing legal action regarding intellectual property
• Connecting clients with other entertainment professionals such as managers

Where does an entertainment lawyer work?

Entertainment lawyers can work in a law firm or for a major entertainment company. Many entertainment lawyers live in or near large cities because they provide more entertainment options. An entertainment lawyer may opt to work in a certain location based on their specialty. For example, if they desire to practice film law, they could work in a city with several movie studios.

How do you become an entertainment lawyer?

If you are interested in becoming an entertainment lawyer, consider following these steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree

The first step toward becoming an entertainment lawyer is obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Law schools do not require a specific major, but aspiring lawyers may choose to study a discipline that will help them develop important legal skills such as communication, negotiating, and writing. Some majors to consider are:

• English
• Economics
• Political science
• History
• Business
• Sociology
• Psychology

Some prospective entertainment lawyers prefer to study entertainment-related subjects such as music or theater. This can help them get industry knowledge and insight into the entertainment industry.

2. Pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

After completing their bachelor’s degree, aspiring entertainment lawyers can apply to law schools. To apply to law programs, candidates must first take the LSAT. This test consists of five multiple-choice sections that cover reading comprehension, analytical thinking, critical thinking, and argumentative abilities. The textual segment follows the multiple-choice portions.

Many legal students prepare for the test for several months. They could take an LSAT prep course, join a study group, or take practice exams. When students feel ready, they can register for the LSAT at a variety of testing venues. If you want to become an entertainment lawyer, look into preparation and testing possibilities in your area.

3. Apply for law school

After passing the LSAT, you can start applying to law school programs. Consider investigating and exploring programs in your chosen field. Some schools provide specialist entertainment law programs. Attending a school with this focus may help you start your career. These programs are generally located in or near major cities. During their studies, students may participate in an internship program at a local entertainment law firm or company.

When preparing your law school applications, you may need to gather the following documents:

• Undergraduate transcripts
• Proof of passing LSAT score
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation

4. Earn a law degree

The next stage in becoming an entertainment lawyer is to obtain a law degree. The Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is commonly held by entertainment lawyers. This degree program usually takes three years to finish, however many colleges now offer part-time options. Part-time programs typically take four years to finish.

Consider taking entertainment law classes as part of your education. In the first year, law students normally study general legal ideas, but in the second and third years, they can specialize. During this time, you may decide to study things like:

• Copyright law
• First amendment practices
• Intellectual property law
• Negotiations
• Income taxes

You can also select electives relating to the entertainment field you want to work in. Some curricula, for example, include music and film law courses. This might be an excellent method to hone certain talents and get industry information for your job.

5. Consider a certificate

Some law schools provide an entertainment law certificate. This can help you launch or enhance your career. Law students can obtain this qualification while pursuing their legal education. This program allows students to learn legal principles linked to the entertainment industry, such as contract law and labor regulations. When selecting a certificate program, consider the field of entertainment in which you wish to work.

6. Pass the bar examination

After completing a law program, aspiring lawyers must take and pass the bar exam. States can establish rules for this exam, however it is usually a two-day test. Lawyers must pass the bar exam in the state where they plan to practice. For example, to practice law in California, you must first pass the California bar exam.

Geographic location is a significant aspect of entertainment law since certain cities provide more job prospects in the entertainment sector than others. When completing the bar exam, think about where you want to work. Investigate locales that offer opportunities in your entertainment field. For example, if you wish to work in the music industry, look for areas with a high concentration of music studios or merchants.

7. Gain professional experience

After passing the bar test, lawyers can begin practicing law. Many entertainment lawyers start their careers as legal associates. When looking for entry-level legal jobs, investigate both law firms and entertainment companies. Some large corporations employ in-house entertainment lawyers. For example, a major film studio may retain its own lawyers to prepare contracts.