Do you need a music lawyer? If you’re a musician who is entering into a business deal where there is a contract or money involved, it would be wise to hire an attorney. Likewise, if you feel your intellectual property or contractual rights have been violated, you’ll want to check into getting one.
Finding an attorney to represent you in the music world can be overwhelming but it’s a lot easier if you follow these seven suggestions steps:
- Area of specialization. Determine what services you’d like the lawyer to perform. Attorneys have different practice areas of expertise. It’s best to know what your requirements are before shopping around. While one attorney may be the perfect fit for a musician looking to have his or her record label contract looked over or written up, another might be an excellent litigating lawyer who is outstanding in representing clients who have been wronged. Remember, just because an attorney offers a service doesn’t mean that’s his or her area of expertise. It’s best to do your homework so you know what services you need and can go with a lawyer who is outstanding in that particular area of law.
- Music law. Find an expert who deals with law in the entertainment field and if possible, choose one who concentrates specifically on the music niche. The music industry is unique in many ways. It can be complicated. It’s a good idea to look for an attorney who knows and understands the exact needs in music law that you may have. Some performers who are in both the music and movie industry have separate attorneys for each – if that tells you how important industry-specific representation is.
- Shop attorneys. Some attorneys not only offer legal services for musicians, they are also “shop” artists who try to get you deals by submitting your music to record labels and music companies. Not all lawyers or even music lawyers offer this service so if you are wanting this service, be sure to ask before making an appointment.
- It’s imperative for you and your lawyer to have a good relationship. You want to be comfortable with him or her as a person and as a professional. To determine if the two of you connect well, you may have to set up an initial consultation. Often the first visit is free. Look for an attorney who you personally like and feel you can do business with. It’s important that you feel you can trust your legal counsel too. Communication between the two of you should come easy. Above all, be certain you feel he or she has your best interest at heart.
- Negotiation style. Attorneys have different negation styles meaning they have different approaches to the way they go about practicing law – especially in the court room. You’ll want to go with one who is a good fit with your own personality and the way you envision law should be practiced. If you are a laid back, gentle soul who wants to settle things in a mild-mannered fashion, choose an attorney who is a calm, cool, and collected businessperson. If a more aggressive style is what attracts you, you’ll find “bulldogs” and “screamers”. Some specialize in being paper-pushers which is a consideration if you simply need your contract examined.
- Word about attorneys gets around in the legal field. You will want to be sure the lawyer you choose has an impeccable reputation with his peers and with other clients. A little research goes a long way. Make sure the attorney you’re considering has a website. Look it over to check out his or her style. Find impartial third-party reviews and feedback from past clients. Ask others in the music industry what their opinion or experience with him or her is. Go online and look for any publicity on past cases – good or bad. Last but not least, pull up the State Bar website and conduct a search on the attorney to see if any disciplinary action has been taken or is pending against him or her.
- Chances are, you’ll need to meet with your attorney more than once. Furthermore, lawyers are licensed by state. It’s important to get one in your state and who is within reasonable driving distance from your home or studio or you’ll spend a lot of time and money going back and forth. Then again, if there are no good attorneys in your area or you have found one who you absolutely love but isn’t nearby, the trip may pay off.
- An attorney can be the best in the business but if you can’t afford the rates he or she is charging, they are not going to do you much good. Investigate into the way the attorney prices too. Some charge flat fees while others go by the hour. Still others take a percentage of your income or deal or winning in court if it’s a lawsuit. Check to see what the details of the price entail. Can you make payments or is all due at once? Is a retaining fee required? Will you owe for each visit with him or her or is the case all inclusive? It is vital to know the specifics of the charges before you commit to counsel.
As your music career advances, you may find you need an attorney. It can be for good reasons, like examining your contract or shopping for record deals on your behalf. Or, it may be because you’ve encountered foul play and need one to represent you to right a wrong.
Whatever your specific need is, following the suggestions above will help take the stress and frustration out of the equation so you can focus on finding the ideal attorney for your situation. The more you know about what details to look for in a lawyer, the more likely it will be that you’ll find the perfect one.