top of page
Writer's pictureCasey Graham

How to find the RIGHT Lawyer for your Record Label



What's the Deal? Life is Crazy

As a new record label owner, you need a lawyer that you can afford. Even though you’re low on funds you lack one thing. Connections! The problem is you don’t know where to start looking and neither did I, in the beginning. This leaves you feeling Intimidated because this is one of the first doors you must unlock to get real access to the music business, especially in a world where the population doesn't speak to many face-to-face anymore as they used to. No new record label owner should be left in the dark about where to find their first attorney. Lawyer listings should be readily available even though they’re not and I’m going to show you how to find them.


How to find a lawyer in your region or online.

  1. Ask for referrals from other artists or industry professionals who have worked with an entertainment lawyer.

  2. Attend industry events, such as conferences and networking events, and meet with entertainment lawyers who are attending

  3. Search online directories, such as the American Bar Association's directory or Martindale-Hubbell's directory, which list lawyers by practice area and location. Also, search through linked in.

  4. Contact your local bar association or state entertainment association and ask for a referral to an entertainment lawyer.

Find a lawyer that understands your genre and your position.

After you've found a lawyer in your region you'll want to make sure they understand your music and the market you are pursuing. Let them know that you are just getting started so they know your positioning. Ask them if they have experience with the type of music you are producing and the geographic region you want to market in. You'll want to see if the clients they have or are currently representing are related to your style of music. If not, then it is likely that they will not be able to help you as effectively as you'd like.


Don't get stuck on big names.

In the beginning, all we need is a contract drafted at the moment we don't need retainer services. Once you have a contract in place, you can begin building your relationship with the attorney. If they cannot give you the type of service you need at this point, you can easily cut ties and move on.


Takeaway: Don't get too hung up on finding the 'best' lawyer. You need to find the best fit for you and your business, and if that means you have to start with a contract only, then so be it.


What if...

I thought I would be looking for a lawyer to last me for a while. You are but sometimes you just need to get that contract and bail. Trademark services will be coming next and if you like them you can come back.

How do I know that they are the right lawyer for me? You'll have to put them to the test with the contract first.

What if I'm not happy with their work? Then you'll have to take a loss. I've bailed on attorneys fees before so it's not like it doesn't happen. You just can't bail on the final draft.



Ready, Set, Execute



At the end of the day...

The contract that you receive from the lawyer will always be better than the contracts you will download from google. Your agreement will be more solid and you'll sleep better at night knowing that your interests are secure.

If you get the google contract then you better know what you're signing and how to read it.


...You'll come out on top!

If you were intimidated in the beginning now you know how to find an attorney. You're one step closer to becoming that record label boss you always wanted to be!


---------------------------------------------------------------


Follow Me and the Show


Video Copyright © 2022 Casey Graham (www.musicmoneymakeover.com)

---------------------------------------------------------------




Comments


bottom of page