As a music attorney, sometimes referred to as an entertainment lawyer, you're responsible for handling legal issues for clients working in the music industry.You will help your clients with legal issues such as copyright, contract legality, and trademark issues.A background in music, a strong interest in the music industry, and extensive knowledge of the law are what many music attorneys have.
Step 1: Understand what it takes to be a music attorney.
Music attorneys represent musicians in the music industry.You will be responsible for drafting agreements and facilitating contract negotiations, as well as working with other musicians, record labels, and other industry parties who want to employ your client.You should know about intellectual property law.You can either be hired for a one-time contract negotiation or on retainer to a particular artist, label, or other music industry party.The median income for an entertainment lawyer was $131,990.You are likely to be paid on an hourly basis.
Step 2: Understand the music industry.
In addition to your law degree and board certification, you should have a strong network within the music industry to be a successful music attorney.Many music attorneys have a background in music.If you have experience as a musician, you can give you first hand experience on how to become successful in the industry.If you are aware of the legal issues your clients may have to deal with in the industry, you can negotiate the best deal for them.If you are willing to represent a friend's band or act, you can get real-world experience.When you are first considering a career in entertainment law, you should seek out mentors in the music industry.
Step 3: For your undergraduate degree, consider majoring in a related field.
An undergraduate degree in a related field, such as Business with a specialization in Music, Media Production, or Public Relations, can help you apply for internships in the music industry.Preparing for your courses in entertainment law while in law school will be helped by doing this.
Step 4: You should attend law school to pass the bar exam.
You will need a Juris Doctor degree to attend law school.To practice law in your state, you will need to pass the bar exam.The law and ethics are covered in the written exams for most state bar exams.You may need to demonstrate moral character in some states in order to practice, such as a clean background check and good references of character.There are law schools with a strong music industry.New York City, Los Angeles, and Nashville are the main centers of the music business.There are schools in these towns that have strong entertainment law programs.There is a concentration of music labels in some areas.Specialty courses in entertainment law should be taken at law school.Specific areas of the legal process in relation to the entertainment industry will be the focus of these courses.Music industry law, arts law and taxation and intellectual property law are some of the courses you should take.
Step 5: While in law school, do an internship or mentor.
Many law school programs have internship or mentorship programs where you can learn from music attorneys.When you're still a student, it's best to set up interviews with music attorneys.Speak to your law school advisor for more information on possible internship opportunities.If you have graduated from law school and passed the bar exam, you should reach out to your former professors or peers for internship or mentorship opportunities.
Step 6: There are music industry events.
Networking at music industry events in your area will widen your circle of contacts.The major hubs for the music industry are located in Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York, so if you live close to any of these cities, consider attending music events or conferences to network in these areas.You can attend music industry festivals like the South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, where industry insiders and other music attorneys can get together and network amongst each other, as well as among emerging artists and musicians.
Step 7: There are positions at law firms.
It can be hard to get a job at a law firm straight out of law school.Many firms look for candidates that have gained experience in the field through internship or mentorship.If you can use a networking contact at a firm to act as a reference, it will help your application.You will need to be persistent and patient if you want to get a position.Informational interviewing is an important way to get into this field.Establish meetings with people who work at firms that interest you.It's important to keep an eye on any opportunities that could lead to your first client or an additional client.A well known entertainment lawyer landed his first client by reading an interview with a hip hop artist's wife who was upset about royalty payments.The lawyer reached out via email.An established law firm hired the hip hop artist after he became his first client.
Step 8: Continuing legal education courses can be taken in entertainment law.
You can connect with other music lawyers through these programs.Try to get her to see you as a colleague.The senior attorney can help you retain clients, hire you to do contract work, and give you guidance as you start your career.Your state's bar association sponsors most continuing legal education courses.Call your state's bar association to find out more about the programs in your area.