What is Entertainment Law
While the term entertainment law may seem like a niche industry on the surface, it is a decidedly broad area of law that in reality contains a number of different legal specialties, all touched by the prolific nature of the entertainment industry. The lawyers who work in this area of the law provide assistance to their clients in areas such as contracts, intellectual property, privacy, and licensing. In fact, there are so many areas of the law that touch upon the entertainment industry that the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries is currently organized into six divisions: Film & Television, Music, Theatre, Intellectual Property, Litigation/Alternative Dispute Resolution and Sports . These lawyers may work within a particular practice of the law, or for a law firm, and their clients are often particularly well-known people such as artists, athletes, or entertainers, or the companies and associates who work alongside them.
While entertainment law is practiced all around the world, it is particularly important in New York, and lawyers who specialize in this area of the law make up a sizable portion of our overall legal workforce. As long as the entertainment industry continues to boom, media and technology will continue to develop. This means that lawyers who work within the industry will continue to see fun and fulfilling careers in the years to come.
Entertainment Law Job Variety
While some may think working in entertainment law means spending all your time in the courtroom, the truth is that the vast majority of entertainment lawyers are employed either in-house or by private practice firms in transactional roles that focus on contract negotiation and intellectual property. In-house lawyers are typically staffed by large corporations, such as television and movie studios or record companies, and tend to have more access to business and finance executives. Private practice lawyers, on the other hand, are usually divided into said corporate divisions and litigation divisions.
Most lawyers in private practice are employed in either "entertainment groups" or "IP groups." Entertainment groups focus on negotiating talent, event, studio financing and production and distribution agreements while IP groups focus on infringement disputes and disputes concerning the ownership of copyrights and trademarks.
Entertainment groups also usually have sub-groups devoted to specific areas of entertainment, such as TV, film, music, theater, and publishing. In addition, many in-house lawyers often perform services for an exclusive client in return for a salary but no other financial participation, such as a share of profits. Thus, even the highest-paid executive is ultimately dependent on the continuing success of his or her employer.
Education and Skills Needs
To embark on a career in entertainment law, the first milestone is enrolling in a law school that has a program specializing in entertainment. While Juris Doctorate programs are usually three years, those schools that have a specialty program may allow for shorter time-frames or partner with music or film institutions, such as the renowned Berklee College of Music. A prospective student can benefit from researching schools that have on-campus clinics, so that they can gain first-hand experience while in school. Internships are invaluable, both during and after law school, to gain the experience necessary to land a legal position. Following law school, an attorney must take and pass the bar exam for the state in which they hope to work in. In addition to being a licensed attorney, there are several soft skills that are critical to success in this legal profession. An entertainment lawyer must be organized, be able to work on projects simultaneously without sacrificing attention to detail, and have exceptional communication skills; both verbal and written. It is essential to be able to convey ideas clearly and concisely to clients, free from legal jargon. Networking is also paramount for a successful entertainment law career.
Key Employers and Gigs
In New York City, law firms are the dominant employers of entertainment lawyers. Firms such as Paul Hastings, Squire Patton Boggs, Hogan Lovells, Bond, Schoeneck & King and Fox Rothschild have dedicated practice groups focused on media and entertainment law. These leading firms in Chicago and Washington, D.C., have saw a great deal of activity on the East Coast in terms of deals involving New York based motion picture and television companies or their subsidiaries. Other top firms with strong practices in this area include Heller Ehrman, Reed Smith, Husch Blackwell, Haynes and Boone, Holland & Knight and Morgan Lewis.
For entertainment professionals looking for a non-law firm position, demand has risen for in-house counsel at media companies, publishing or recording companies, video game companies, television networks, publishing companies and talent agencies. This role typically involves the oversight and strategic guidance of various business deals, including the negotiation and drafting of third-party agreements with directors, producers and writers when acting on the studio’s behalf (or that of an affiliated company), and occasionally directly negotiating with talent . Some other opportunities such as marketing and/or promotional work with a publishing company will not involve any significant entertainment law-related functions.
There are opportunities available working with boutique entertainment in New York City, which is home to several successful boutique firms specializing in this area. Some of the more successful of these firms are Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams, and Sheppard. Several boutique firms have also been recognized for their successful market practices in New York including: Debevoise & Plimpton; Cynthia Dubin Group; hiresight; and Jermaine M. Hardy & Associates.
Finally, and perhaps most important for entertainment professionals trying to break into the industry, there are several talent agencies that need staff assistants. The "Big 4" agencies (WME, CAA, UTA, Paradigm) have both entry-level and mid-level positions available. These agencies often seek entry-level assistants, who have a college degree in either Marketing or Business Administration, or have worked in an entry-level position at an agency, and have a long-term interest in pursuing a career in the industry.
Networking and Professional Growth
In a city as vibrant and competitive as New York, networking is crucial for aspiring and established entertainment law professionals. Networking provides opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career growth. From industry conferences to local bar association events, building a professional network can open doors to new clients, projects, and career advancements. Joining industry-specific organizations and bar associations is a great way to meet colleagues and learn about the latest developments in the field. Attending seminars, workshops, and other events can help build visibility and credibility, while also providing valuable insights into the industry. Social media platforms and online forums can also be effective tools for connecting with colleagues and potential clients. Mentorship and networking can often go hand-in-hand. Senior attorneys and other industry executives can provide mentoring opportunities, which can be an invaluable asset in developing a successful career in this field.
Obstacles to a Career in Entertainment Law
Working in entertainment law, particularly in a place as competitive as New York, can present professionals with an array of complex challenges. Even beyond those that attorneys in virtually every part of the country experience, and even beyond those specifically related to the entertainment industry, the unique nature of this area of practice can prove difficult to navigate and overcome. Perhaps the most prominent is the high level of competition present in New York. From when one seeks to enter law school to when they apply for jobs after graduating, the city is home to a large portion of attorneys in most every area of practice. If you are seeking to make it as an entertainment attorney, this means that when you have graduation as your goal, you must also be thinking about your post-law school career. This is in part due to the fact that while there is a large number of entertainment lawyers in New York City, there is also a large number of people looking for entertainment lawyers . With so many law firms and other corporations seeking out attorneys with these skills, you may find yourself up against other firms, but you could just as easily find yourself going head-to-head with an aspiring director or producer who has very little money to her name but requires expert legal services to navigate an increasingly complex industry. The legal community is as tight-knit as any other. As such, it is key to find opportunities to network and connect. That is true in virtually every practice area, but particularly true in entertainment law careers. Many entertainment lawyers are deeply embedded in the industry, or would like to be. As such, networking opportunities are rife. When they present themselves, at film festivals, openings, and other such events, it is an opportunity that should be seized. That said, it is also important that you take care to avoid ethical dilemmas. You cannot sacrifice your professional integrity and, ultimately, your reputation, to achieve results for clients.