Question 1

How do Music Lawyers get paid?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

Music Lawyers on staff at law firms receive a regular salary. On the other hand, Music Lawyers who work for themselves (aka freelancers) charge a set fee for certain services and longer-term project, an hourly rate for shorter-term projects, and a retainer for regular, ongoing projects.

Question 2

What should I major in for entertainment law?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

Many Entertainment Lawyers majored in Legal Studies or Music Industry Studies as undergraduates. A degree in Music Industry Studies or something similar can give the future Lawyer an understanding of the many areas of the music business before they hunker down and dive deep into the law at law school.
Look for law schools that have a focus on entertainment law when you’re applying at the graduate-level.

Question 3

What does a Lawyer do in the music industry?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

Music Industry Lawyers handle many different aspects of their clients’ business. They draft and review touring, music distribution, music publishing and recording contracts for artists. Sometimes they handle intellectual property disputes, such as when one artist accuses another of sampling their work without licensing it or of ripping off their melody or lyrics. 
For superstar level clients, the Music Lawyer may also assist in licensing their image for merchandising purposes or handling the paperwork on sponsorship/endorsement deals. They may even get involved in non-business legal matters, such as prenuptial agreements or divorce settlements.
For more info on the lifestyle and work of a Music Lawyer, check out this blog where we talked with bicoastal entertainment attorney Paul Rothenberg, who works with artists like Trey Songz, Logic, Charlie Puth, D’Angelo, Andra Day, and ASAP Ferg.

Question 4

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Kamal Moo · Accepted Answer

“Try and have more of a broad set of classes you take. For example, learning tax law was really helpful for me but I also wish I would’ve learned litigation. Broaden your horizons. Even if you don’t plan on becoming a Litigation Attorney and going on trial, knowing that stuff is very valuable because it’ll make you more effective as an Attorney.
Learn personal injury [law] because it’s not like you’re going to graduate and become an Entertainment Attorney right away. You can open your own practice and can pay your bills by doing personal injury or immigration law.
Don’t think you’re going to want to do entertainment fifteen years from now because you might change your mind.”

Question 5

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Kamal Moo · Accepted Answer

“It’s great to have drive and focus and I respect that. It’s great to be passionate but the reality is that the entertainment industry is only so big and not everyone who wants to be in it can be in it and earn a living.
That’s why it’s good to do things that are more broadly applicable. Even if you have to do something besides entertainment you can make a living. If you only study Artist Management that’s a very narrow skill set and you’re not doing yourself any favors.”

Question 6

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Kamal Moo · Accepted Answer

“The thing they should ask themselves beforehand is ‘Is this something I really want to do?’ They should really investigate and learn what it means to be an Attorney, with the debt involved and the responsibilities. 
“I’ve always had a good aptitude for school and been a strong writer, but I had a friend, for example, who’s more of a numbers guy and after practicing for a few years he was a miserable wreck. He’s not involved in law at all now because his mind isn’t wired to work that way. 
“If numbers are your thing, maybe law school isn’t for you and you should get an MBA. But if you’re good with words, communicating and writing…maybe law is better for you.”

Question 7

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Kamal Moo · Accepted Answer

“Perseverance. Honestly, there’s going to be a lot of stuff that goes wrong along the way and that’s just life in general. There have definitely been times along the way when I’ve thought ‘I should go do something else in my life that has nothing to do with entertainment’ because some deals fell apart or something. 
“Luckily my wife has been super supportive. What has served me well is my perseverance and not getting too down in the dumps if a deal falls apart or something didn’t go my way. If you look at anyone in entertainment they’ve had ups and downs. It’s not going to be a smooth straight line from beginning to end.”

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