Behind the Scenes: How Lawyers Help Entertainers

Five entertainment attorneys explain their role in the industry

By Bobbi Dempsey | Reviewed by Canaan Suitt, J.D. | Last updated on March 27, 2024

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LL Cool J hit it big with his first album, but some other guy claimed that his was the voice on the album. It’s the kind of thing that can land a fledgling artist in Milli Vanilli territory.

Fortunately, LL Cool J hired a good entertainment lawyer, Charles Ortner. “As soon as an artist starts to become successful,” he says, “they are a target.”

What Does an Entertainment Lawyer Do?

Entertainment lawyers are misunderstood, says Michael Rudell, a founding partner of Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo and a past chair of the American Bar Association Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries.

Among other legal services, they handle:

  • Drafting contracts and contract negotiation;
  • Copyright disputes; and
  • Intellectual property rights in the performing arts.

“Most of our time is spent representing [stars] in intellectually challenging and demanding transactions,” adds Carole Aciman of Hughes, an entertainment and IP law attorney.

Richard Heller, a member of the Committee on Entertainment and Sports Law of the New York City Bar and a partner with Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, says the entertainment industry entails a vast array of legalities.

John Breglio, a partner with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, says a love of theater helps him relate to his clients. With 35 years as an entertainment lawyer, Breglio says, “The great thing about this job is [that] something new can happen every day—and it always does.”

Find an Experienced Entertainment Attorney

No matter your role in the entertainment or music industry—filmmaker, actor, songwriter, social media influencer, and beyond—if you have legal issues related to contracts, intellectual property rights, or other industry matters, don’t hesitate to reach out to an attorney for legal advice in this area of expertise. Even the savviest celebrities would be in trouble without a competent attorney watching their back.

For more information on this area of law, see our overviews of entertainment law, intellectual property law, and contract law.

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