“What exactly does an entertainment attorney do?”

I get this question all the time—from prospective clients, other attorneys, my own family... Some people think it means I specialize in <ahem> adult entertainment” (no judgment, but no). Others think it means I’m a TV personality lawyer like Nancy Grace or Judge Jeanine (definitely not).

Quite simply, I’m an expert who specializes in the complex intersection of art, law, and business.

So why should an artist care about hiring an entertainment lawyer? Here are the top 5 non-obvious answers.

1. Consultation = Education.

The most important service I provide to clients is education through legal consultation. I help fast-track clients through the steep learning curve of the entertainment industry, whether it’s teaching clients how to collect royalties in music industry or how to succeed in independent film production. Knowledge is power, and the more I can empower my clients, the better the prospects for both of us. You can’t succeed in an industry you don’t understand, so it’s critical that artists have a firm understanding of the structure, hierarchies, and language of the entertainment industry. Education is an investment that lasts forever and always pays dividends.

2. Your Own Personal Interpreter.

The language of the entertainment industry (especially music) might as well be a foreign language. Words don’t mean what you think they mean. Only those of us who have studied and speak the language fluently truly understand it. For example, I’ve seen countless music producers confuse the term “public performance” with “live performance.” These are NOT the same thing, and these kinds of subtleties can have an enormous impact on an artist’s career and earning potential. Don’t disadvantage yourself by dismissing the need for an interpreter while trying to compete in a world where everyone else is fluent.

3. What’s NOT in the Contract?

It’s not just what’s IN a contract you have to worry about; it’s also what’s NOT in a contract that’s important. For example, a contract can always have stronger protections for an artist, but the artist has to specifically request it. So how do you know what to ask for? Answer: You have to handle these types of contracts a lot (which I have) and keep up-to-speed on evolving industry standards (which I do). Without legal counsel, you’re going in blind. I can provide you with 20/20 vision on the basis of my experience.

4. The Vision Board.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Conceptualizing the Big Picture can be challenging for artists when the future is so uncertain. But when I evaluate a contract for a client, I’m not just thinking about their short-term gain; I’m also considering their long-term strategy. Does this contract, this person, this relationship help advance the client’s career? Or could it be a terminal set-back for what lies ahead? Everyone believes they’re perfectly unique in the grand scheme of the universe, but the truth is that patterns exist everywhere. I’ve seen firsthand the patterns that lead artists either to success or failure, and the value of my services lies in identifying those patterns over the course of many years.

5. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Let’s face it – the entertainment industry is not just about art, it’s about image. You want to project a powerful and compelling image that earns the industry’s and consumers’ respect. “Unprotected” artists (i.e., artists without legal representation) unknowingly signal to others in the industry that they’re naïve and susceptible to bad deals. Contrary to popular belief, hiring a lawyer is not an act of aggression, it’s an act of self-preservation—and yes, it’s a bit of a “power move” (nothing wrong with that!). Having a lawyer in your corner signals to others that you command respect and shall not be taken advantage of.

Beth B. Moore, Esq. is an entertainment attorney with Vivid IP + Entertainment Law in Atlanta, Georgia. She specializes in copyrights, contracts, and business consultation in the entertainment industry, with a particular focus on music, film and TV. She also represents clients in literature, theater, web development, gaming, e-sports, and other industries involving intellectual property and publicity rights. You can contact Attorney Beth B. Moore by visiting www.vividip.com.