what do i have to major in to become a music attorney

by Anissa Medhurst 5 min read

In order to become a music lawyer, one must first earn a bachelor's degree in any major. Undergraduate courses that are recommended for pre-law students include English, public speaking, philosophy, history, and economics.

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.Jul 3, 2020

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How do I become a music lawyer?

Oct 20, 2021 · In order to become a music lawyer, one must first earn a bachelor's degree in any major. Undergraduate courses that are recommended for pre-law students include English, public speaking, philosophy, history, and economics.

What degree do I need to be a lawyer?

Jul 03, 2020 · 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.

What degree do I need to be an entertainment lawyer?

Jan 31, 2022 · During college you may also prepare for this career by beginning to learning about the entertainment industry. Students may take entertainment-related courses in film studies, cultural studies, communications, literature and music, which can provide insight into how the creative industries have evolved and function. Such coursework also allows students to gain an …

What degree do I need to work in the music industry?

Dec 04, 2012 · The bottom line is that it's generally tough to become a full-time music lawyer, especially if you live outside of a major music industry city (Los Angeles, Nashville, New York). A few tips: 1) Be willing to work in related fields or jobs. Many music lawyers start out practicing in other fields while they cultivate a music law practice.

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What to study if you want to be an entertainment lawyer?

Some aspiring entertainment lawyers choose to study an entertainment subject, such as music or theater. This can give them industry knowledge and insight into the entertainment field....1. Earn a bachelor's degreeEnglish.Economics.Political science.History.Business.Sociology.Psychology.Apr 8, 2021

What is a celebrity lawyer?

Celebrity lawyers evaluate all of the strengths and expertise in their toolbox to understand how those skills will best help them to achieve their goals. They understand their priorities and make certain that everyday life encompasses those ideals and beliefs.May 15, 2015

Where do entertainment lawyers make the most money?

Average salaries for entertainment lawyers vary by city. For example, Law Crossing reports that average salaries were highest in Los Angeles where they earned ​$165,000​ per year. Those working in Glendale and San Franciso averaged ​$164,500​ per year. New York City entertainment lawyers averaged ​$161,000​.Jan 20, 2022

What is the role of a music lawyer?

Essentially, a music lawyer is part of the team, advising on legal issues and helping to guide the business aspects of a career in collaboration with other members of the team such as the manager and accountant.Jan 23, 2020

Is Kim K an attorney?

Kim Kardashian has passed a law exam and moved a step closer to being able to practice as an attorney in the state of California. Kardashian revealed that she passed the exam at the fourth attempt in an Instagram post published Monday.Dec 13, 2021

Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer?

Kim first announced her decision to become a lawyer in April 2019 and is currently set to take the bar exam in 2022.Dec 14, 2021

How much does a music lawyer earn?

The average annual salary for an Entertainment Attorney is approximately $117,600. Entertainment Attorney salaries can range from $77,000 to $186,000.Jul 3, 2020

What type of lawyer makes the most?

Types Of Lawyers That Make The Most MoneyMedical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaPatent attorney: $180,000.Intellectual property (IP) attorney: $162,000.Trial attorneys: $134,000.Tax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.More items...•Dec 14, 2021

Who do music lawyers work with?

We often work with artists, writers, producers and managers at the start of their careers to help support their craft, develop their reputation and to protect their rights.Mar 26, 2021

What type of lawyers work in the music industry?

A music lawyer is a specialized attorney who deals with legal issues surrounding the music industry. They are trained to handle a wide range of legal issues, like contract management, copyright claims, trademark disputes, artist representation, and many more.

Why do artists need lawyers?

Trademark and Copyright - Prevent Others From Using Your Work. Artists need help doing a trademark or copyright. They need that type of advice from a lawyer or they can find themselves in litigation. People will also take artists' art, design, or photos and post them on social media channels or web pages.

Unions, Groups, Social Media, and Associations

Entertainment Attorneys and students of entertainment law can join the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers. Moo also suggests networ...

What Is The Single Biggest Suggestion You Would Give to Someone Wanting to Get Into This Career?

“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 l...

What’S The #1 Mistake People Make When Trying to Get Into This Career?

“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 b...

What Is The Question People Should Ask About This Career but Rarely do?

“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...

If You Could Describe in One Word What Makes You Successful, What Would It be?

“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 be...

What does a music lawyer do?

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.

What do entertainment lawyers major in?

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.

What is entertainment attorney?

Entertainment Attorneys help their clients to understand legal agreements, ensuring that the terms are in their clients’ best interests. They work with Recording Groups, Record Producers, Songwriters, Music Publishers, Record Label Executives, Music Producers, and Composers. They negotiate recording, merchandising, touring and publishing contracts, as well as Producer agreements.

How much do entertainment attorneys make?

Entertainment Attorney salaries can range from $77,000 to $186,000. Moo says “there are a couple different ways” Entertainment Attorneys are paid. “The flat fee for reviewing contracts is the most common because it’s the most affordable, especially for newer musicians.

What does Moo say about being successful?

Of the experience and skills necessary to become successful, Moo says, “it goes back to just being good with people. A lot of clients have said to me, ‘You’re so easy to talk to; the last Entertainment Attorney I talked to was a real jerk and made me feel stupid.’ It’s not brain surgery. Anything in law can be made simple. My goal is to explain a lot of things so people understand.

What do people think of entertainment attorneys?

When most people think of Entertainment Attorneys they envision a flashy, high-powered office and an intense workload. While this is certainly the case at many big-name firms, other Attorneys find this type of corporate environment doesn’t sit well with their creative clients.

Who is Kamal Moo?

Los Angeles-based Entertainment Attorney and Manager Kamal Moo focuses on indie artists and labels, having worked with a wide range of clients from Grammy-nominated hip-hop violinist Josh Vietti to Warped Tour and ex-Epitaph Records band I Set My Friends on Fire.

What degree do you need to be an arbitrator?

They need a bachelor's degree, a familiarity with the law, and the ability to recommend contract terms for the parties to agree on.

What degree do paralegals need?

They are required to have an associate's degree.

What are some examples of legal representation?

Typical examples include writers' strikes, defamation suits and contract negotiations. You can represent individuals, like actors and directors, and firms, such as production companies. You'll apply your extensive training in areas such as copyright, contract and intellectual property law.

What are the responsibilities of an entertainment lawyer?

Job Responsibilities. Provide legal counsel to businesses and individuals in the entertainment industry; negotiate contracts and handle issues related to defamation, copyright, and intellectual property; argue in court when necessary. Licensure.

What is entertainment law?

Entertainment lawyers focus on the entertainment industry. They work with contracts in the music, television, film and publishing industries. They advise clients on the terms of the contract, alert them to any concerns with the contract, and may also draft contracts for companies or individuals.

What do lawyers need to know?

Lawyers require extensive legal knowledge . They must have a Juris Doctor degree, and must also pass the bar exam before they can practice law. They often specialize in a specific field of law, such as criminal law, business law or immigration law. Entertainment lawyers focus on the entertainment industry. They work with contracts in the music, ...

How many hours does the BLS take?

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reports that 48 states use the 6-hour Multistate Bar Exam, and some states use the 3-hour Multistate Essay Examination ( www.bls.gov ).

Who is Heather McDonald?

If you're entering into any kind of deal in the music industry where money and contracts are involved, you should probably hire an entertainment or music lawyer.

Should a lawyer be present during a contract negotiation?

If possible, your lawyer should be present with you during any negotiations with the other party. At the very least, your lawyer needs to read over and approve any contracts or other documents before you sign them.

What do music attorneys do?

A music attorney represents various types of clients in the music industry, such as artists, producers, songwriters, and record labels. A transactional music attorney will deal with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and help to protect the client’s intellectual property.

What kind of music business clients do you represent?

All kinds, from hip hop to jazz to rock. My current clients include music icon Janet Jackson , Lil B, and several independent record labels and artists.

What services do you offer your music industry clients?

I’m a transactional music lawyer, which means I draft, review, and negotiate contracts for my clients. Many times artists and songwriters will reach out to me and request that I shop their music for a deal — unfortunately, this is not a service I offer, so I usually put that disclaimer out there right away.

Can you help with disputes between people working in music?

Yes, however, ethical rules prevent me from representing two parties on opposite sides of a conflict. So, if there is a conflict, I can only represent one of the parties.

What makes you a good music attorney?

Having been a personal manager, I can say that I really do care about my clients. Also, I am always willing to explain each contract to my clients so they know what they’re getting themselves into. I’m also huge music fan, so I always love hearing my clients’ music and that helps motivate me to do the best job I can.

When would you recommend someone contact a music attorney?

If you’re ever offered a contract that has anything to do with your music, I would definitely recommend reaching out to an attorney. It’s always worth it to pay for professional advice avoid problematic legal issues down the road. Signing a bad deal can negatively affect your career for years to come.

How much do you charge for your services?

It all depends on the situation. Sometimes clients will bring me a contract that they just want me to review, and in those situations I’ll usually charge a flat fee. Other situations will require a retainer. But, overall, I always try to create a fee structure that makes sense for each client.

What do philosophy majors study?

Philosophy majors delve deep into the study of logic, ethics, and morality —areas of thought that also happen to be the cornerstones of law. You'll debate with classmates, present arguments and do a lot of research to support your case, which is not all that different from what lawyers do to prepare for court.

What is the closest thing to law school?

Political Science. Of all majors, this may be the closest to a "law school" curriculum as you can get. In this major, you'll study political systems, public policy, international relations and the relationship between government, the law, and individual rights, among other things.

What is an economics major?

Not only are economics majors trained to think logically and analytically, but economic policies and procedures, as well as how resources are distributed and managed, are topics closely connected to the legal issues you'll encounter as a lawyer.

What do history majors learn?

From a practical standpoint, history majors are also tasked with lots of research and writing and must learn to draw conclusions based on historical documents, a great precursor to the work you'll do in law school.

Is business a good major?

A business major is a good option for those who plan to go into corporate law. That said, be sure to supplement business fundamentals with humanities and liberal arts electives so you can train your analytical and critical thinking muscles, as well as practice research and writing, too.

Does it matter what you study as an undergraduate?

If you have your heart set on landing a legal gig, it's important to know that it doesn't necessarily matter what you study as an undergraduate. This is truly a profession suited to those coming from vast educational backgrounds.

Is Discover Student Loans affiliated with LSAT?

LSAT is a registered trademark of the Law School Admission Council, Inc., and is not affiliated with Discover Student Loans.

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