 |
|
- [JPF Home] [Networking] [Mentors] [Member Pages] [Resources] [JPNotes] [Chapters] [RoadTrips] [Music Awards] [About Us]
|
|
Mentor Ben McLane
Q: When should an artist hire a lawyer to pitch their project? Do you hire more than one lawyer to pitch to multiple sources, or just one to hit everyone? Also, how do you find a lawyer with contacts in the right genres? Should you have a lawyer from your own home town, or find one in a major music town like LA, NYC or Nashville? And finally, how do you know if your major music market lawyer isn't connected to (i.e., also working for) the labels you want to approach? If so, would that violate the law or some type of conflict of interest code?
A. Only approach an attorney (or anyone for that matter) to pitch your material when you feel that it is the best and most commercial it can possibly be. Find an attorney situated in LA, NYC or Nashville. Make sure the attorney is genuinely excited about your project. If they are willing to work on a contingency (% of the deal), this should be a good sign. Since there are a small number of attorney's who do entertainment, it is possible that an attorney has worked for the record companies before. If there is any conflict, they have a duty to inform you in writing and get your written consent before going forward.
Q. Everyone says to hire an attorney before signing anything. So what should we expect from an Entertainment Attorney? Are there general rules of thumb in what they can and can't do? Can a lawyer be the one to team you up with the right singers and musicians if you are just a writer? Also, how do you find a good one, with the thousands of lawyers out there looking for your money? What are some interview questions you would suggest asking an Entertainment Attorney when picking one? And how should they answer those questions? Are there special licenses or degrees that a legit Entertainment attorney should have? Help!
A. Generally, an attorney's job is to advise you. An attorney will negotiate on your behalf to attempt to get you the fairest deal. The best way to find a good attorney is to ask other people in music who they recommend. If you do know anyone to ask, just cold call attorney's from an industry list and ask the attorney for references. Only work with someone you feel comfortable with. Make sure the attorney has a background and other clients involved in music.