Entertainment law is a branch of the legal system in which lawyers represent individuals or organizations in various areas of the entertainment industry, such as film, television and music. If you want to break into the entertainment industry without being in the spotlight, entertainment law may be the perfect career for you.
Entertainment Lawyer Responsibilities
As an entertainment lawyer, some of your typical responsibilities would be negotiating contracts to ensure that clients are properly compensated for their work and protecting clients’ intellectual property from copyright infringement. For example, American attorney John Branca, who concentrates on representing musicians, has regained several of his clients’ song royalties and negotiated contracts regarding record deals. John Branca has previously represented world-renowned musicians such as Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac.
Career Path
If you’re considering a career in entertainment law, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree before being able to apply to law school. Once you have earned a law degree and joined your state bar association, you can begin practicing entertainment law. Some common entry-level positions include law firm associates or legal assistants. Keep in mind that gaining real-world experience in the entertainment industry in the form of internships or networking can help you land a job more easily. Gaining experience is a great way to get your foot in the door and form long-lasting connections with individuals in the music industry, who can provide you with guidance along the way. Qualities such as ambition, enthusiasm and an entrepreneurial spirit will benefit you in your goal of becoming an entertainment lawyer.
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, entertainment law is projected to grow by approximately 10 percent in the next decade, indicating a higher-than-average growth rate. Because the entertainment industry depends on television and music revenue, which continue to remain strong, there is no better time than the present to pursue a career in entertainment law.
Salary
Entertainment lawyers receive a certain percentage of money from the contracts that they create for their clients; therefore, the more clients an entertainment lawyer has, the more money they are likely to make. Additionally, factors such as experience and number of years in practice can contribute to an increase in an entertainment lawyer’s salary. Entertainment law is a lucrative career option, with an average annual salary of approximately $117,600.
Entertainment law is an exciting and profitable industry that will allow you to work closely with directors, music producers and songwriters. If you’re interested in protecting your clients’ creative inventions, this guide can help you get started in the entertainment industry.
We are not lawyers and this is in no way intended to be used as legal advice . We cannot be held responsible for your results. Always do your own research and seek professional legal help.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.