Whether you are entering the entertainment industry as a singer, songwriter, or a record producer, you definitely need a music attorney. Being new in the business means that you may have not much knowledge about the trade. You may have formed a team composed of personal assistants and managers but hiring an entertainment lawyer is different. He works on the legal aspect of your career, and you may not be able to do away with it during your first years in the music industry.
Understandably, you may be confused during your first meeting with a music lawyer. You may still do not know what to ask but being honest with what you are thinking can be helpful. You can treat the opportunity as a means to gain each other’s trust, so you can freely ask what you have in mind. You can ask about copyrights, trademarks, infringements, and every issue you heard about the music industry. You may also try to know an attorney’s asking price during the first meeting.
As much as possible, meeting other music lawyers can help you decide which one you will hire. The following tips will surely help you zero in on the best music attorney out there.
Hire an Experienced Music Lawyer
You need someone who has been in the business for many years. Hiring a newbie can get you more confused with the intricacies of the entertainment industry. From contract preparation and signing, you will be guided accordingly. It will only be with a topnotch music lawyer that you may be able to clinch the biggest contract of your young career.
Get Recommendations from Insiders
You must have made acquaintances and friends in the industry already. You can get their recommendations. Ask past clients about their experiences and how the music lawyer helped them with their careers. Are they better off with a particular music lawyer, or do they think they should have done better with another?
Know the Music Lawyer of Successful Artists
The more established music attorneys must be lawyering the more successful performers, songwriters, and record producers in the industry. If you can afford it, why not choose one among them?
Have Meetings With Different Lawyers
You should never limit yourself to only one meeting with a lawyer. As much as possible, meet up with several lawyers. This way, you can make a comparison. Which do you think is the best? Who has the most expensive professional fee? You should also never discount your compatibility. It’s always good to work with a person you are comfortable with.