Finding An Attorney
by Ben McLane, Esq.
"I understand that it's important for bands to have legal representation,
but at what point should we start looking for a lawyer?"
In my opinion - and this would apply to any industry person you would want to
approach, be it an attorney, manager, booking agent, PR rep, label, etc. - the
best time to hit up an attorney is when you have laid the proper foundation to
give the attorney the tools to work with so that he/she can actually help
you, or have a reason to help you (e.g., touring history, fanbase, great
songs, killer image, stability); without these elements in place, you are
probably not yet a real business, and despite how "hooked up" the attorney is,
it is probably too early to get him/her involved because any situation he/she
would introduce you too would no doubt require these elements.
"Is there anything wrong with just going with an affordable attorney we've found
through the Yellow Pages?"
Yes, I think this is a waste of time. The entertainment industry is unique in
that the type of services a music attorney would offer are generally not geared
toward the general public, and thus are not on par with the types of services -
legal or otherwise - someone would look for in the phone book (e.g., a
plumber). I personally do not know any genuine entertainment attorney that
advertises his/her services in this fashion; through word of mouth and
reputation is the best way to find a music attorney. Remember, you get what you
pay for.
Copyright 2006, Ben McLane
E-Mail Us
McLane & Wong
11135 Weddington Street, Suite #424
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Telephone: 818.587.6801 Fax: 818.587.6802
Email: bcmclane@aol.com
|