6 steps to success for entry-level entertainment lawyers

Lights, Camera, Action!

You dedicated many years to studying, passed the bar, and decided to become an entertainment lawyer.

Now you're in the spotlight and trying to figure out which skills make a successful career as a lawyer in the entertainment industry.

Following this structured 6-step plan will help you stand out in the field and achieve success as an entry-level entertainment lawyer.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

As an entertainment lawyer, you will be hired as a junior or legal associate and represent clients in the entertainment industry.

Pick an Entertainment Area

Entertainment is a broad sector, so you must pick one or two areas to specialize in.

Main areas within the entertainment industry:

• film

• music

• broadcasting

• performing arts

• games

• television

• sports

Decide: Litigation or Transactional Law?

You'll be able to practice entertainment law in two modalities: litigation and transactional.

Litigation practice involves disputes of many kinds, such as contract violations, intellectual property issues, copyright, personal injury cases, defamation, and invasion of privacy.

If you decide to practice litigation, be ready to

• stay updated on law changes

• handle complex disputes

• review lengthy documents and contracts

• resolve disputes in court

Transactional lawyers are known as "deal makers." This practice involves negotiations and deals, often handling contract drafts.

Practicing transactional law, you'll:

• write detailed agreements between parties

• negotiate what's best for your client

• protect intellectual property

• help with financial and business structure, making sure legal requirements are met

Choose the Right Location for You

Location is a factor that weighs in as an entry-level entertainment lawyer.

Most entertainment lawyers decide to work near big cultural hubs where networking opportunities are more likely to happen.

Cities like Los Angeles, New York City, and Nashville are the most chosen by entertainment lawyers. in the US.

Decide: Law Firm or Entertainment Company?

Working for an entertainment law firm "in-house" will get you access to clients within the areas this firm specializes in. In a firm, you'll get the chance to:

• interact with a variety of clients (artists, producers, and agents)

• attend industry events

• explore the social aspect of the entertainment business

When working for an entertainment company such as a studio or agency, you represent this company's interests.

Working for a company is a good option if you'd like a more stable and predictable work environment and routine.

As an entry-level entertainment lawyer, cultivating the right skills will help you stand out and master any challenges.

Hard skills, the teachable, knowledge-driven skills required to perform this job, were widely discussed during your graduation, and you probably rehearsed them for your next job interview.

Some ways to improve hard skills as an entry-level associate:

Updated Knowledge of the Law, Regulations, and Company Policies

Ask a senior attorney which sources they actually read. Start there instead of trying to follow everything at once. Bloomberg Law is a good starting point.

Intellectual Property Knowledge (Copyright, Trademark, and Royalties)

When a contract crosses your desk with a copyright or trademark clause, don't just process it. Look up why that clause exists and what happens when it's violated.

Intellectual Property Toolkits from the U.S. Copyright Office are a helpful resource.

Research and Writing for Litigation

Ask for feedback on every memo or brief you submit, even when none is offered. One specific note from a senior attorney is worth more than a style guide.

Follow these tips from the American Bar Association for effective litigation writing.

Financial Knowledge

When you see a deal term tied to revenue or profit (like "royalty rates" or "backend"), research the concept on sites like Investopedia.

Request a copy of a profit participation statement from a closed deal and ask a senior colleague to explain the deductions line by line.

Ask someone to walk you through how the money actually flows before you draft around it.

Soft skills are interpersonal and subjective skills that can help you not only excel at your tasks and deliver better results but also foster a stronger relationship with senior associates and other coworkers.

While hard skills are essential, don't overlook the soft skills.

Active Shadowing

Request to shadow attorneys on live deals and client interactions.

Before each meeting, read any background materials on the deal or client.

Then, write down one decision the attorney made that surprised you and ask them about it. Turning observation into a question makes it stick.

Interpersonal Skills

Entertainment law runs on relationships. Clients choose lawyers they trust, not just lawyers who are "right".

In client meetings, pay attention to how the attorney adjusts their tone and language depending on who's in the room.

Practice by leading small talk before a meeting starts: introduce yourself, ask a genuine question, and hold the conversation for two minutes without defaulting to legal topics.

Communication

You'll constantly translate complex legal language for clients who aren't lawyers.

Clarity is as important as accuracy. After each client interaction, pick one phrase a senior attorney used to explain something simply and try using it yourself in the next similar situation.

Draft a short email explaining a legal concept to a non-lawyer friend. If they understand it, you've got it.

Adaptability

Shadow different deal types and clients.

When a deal type or client is unfamiliar, write down three things you don't know about it before you begin.

Finding the gaps yourself will allow you to adapt faster than waiting to be surprised by them.

Time Management

Entry-level lawyers often underestimate how long tasks take and overestimate how much they can handle informally.

Block specific time for each task on your calendar, and treat those blocks like meetings.

At the end of each week, note which tasks took longer than expected and adjust next week's blocks accordingly.

Negotiation: the Golden Skill

Most entertainment deals don't go to court. They're settled through negotiation.

Lawyers who can't negotiate either give too much away or create unnecessary conflict. Both hurt your client and your reputation.

Before any negotiation, write down what you think the other party actually needs.

The ask and need are often different, and the gap between them is where deals get made.

Volunteer to negotiate minor deal points as a form of real-life practice.

After each session, write down one concession you made and ask yourself whether you had to.

Over time, you'll see where you fold too early and where you hold firm effectively.

Feedback rarely comes in a formal sit-down. It's usually quick, indirect, and easy to miss.

Common examples of feedback you'll receive:

• An associate marks up your draft without explanation

• A client looks confused after your explanation, and a senior attorney steps in

• You're left off the next client call without being told why

None of these are formal reviews, but all of them are feedback.

You won't always get detailed explanations, but these moments provide valuable information.

Ask clarifying questions when something is vague and write down what you learned before you move on.

How to Learn from Feedback

Always listen to feedback without becoming defensive. Even criticism you disagree with carries something useful.

Act on the feedback quickly and visibly so senior attorneys see that you take your growth seriously.

Over time, patterns in the feedback you receive will reveal your biggest areas for improvement, so treat every note as a roadmap, not a personal attack.

You can also:

• Ask for feedback and take notes after each task or meeting

• Schedule regular check-ins with a mentor

As an entry-level entertainment lawyer, feedback is your fastest path to growth.

The lawyers who improve fastest aren't the ones who make the fewest mistakes but the ones who get the most out of each one.

Photo by Resume Genius on Unsplash

As an entry-level entertainment lawyer, learning to navigate the career challenges will highlight your skills and boost your confidence.

These are some challenges you might encounter as a beginner in the field:

Competition

Entertainment is a high-stakes industry, which makes entertainment law a very competitive field.

Cutthroat competition might seem intimidating, but it can also represent:

• Growth and productivity encouragement

• Skills development

• Recognition and promotions

• Better performance and results

Pro tip: Learn by observing your coworkers. Competition won't seem challenging once you master the right skills and are confident in your role.

Stress and Conflict

In entertainment law, stressful situations can show up just like in any other job.

You might feel stressed about approaching deadlines, closing important contracts, and figuring out budgets. Clients and colleagues can also create tension with difficult demands.

With colleagues, be collaborative and respectful.

With clients, always be professional, responsive, and honest about what you know and don't know. Avoid overpromising before fully understanding the deal or the law involved.

Pro tip: If a situation feels too pressuring, ask for help. Doing it shows awareness and a will to learn and solve problems.

Location Changes

While it's possible to build a career away from the main cultural hubs, keep in mind you might have to be available for travel for work-related projects, collaborations, and deals.

This is actually a great perk if you have a wandering spirit!

Pro tip: If frequent trips aren't your thing, see it as a chance to explore the "backstages" of the industry and build connections in the field.

Workload

As an entry-level entertainment lawyer, you'll be responsible for a variety of tasks that will require time management and flexibility.

Your main daily tasks will include:

• Drafting and revising contracts

• Conducting legal research and due diligence

• Sitting in on negotiations and taking notes

• Following up on pending deals and emails

• Reviewing industry news and trends

Routine and structure will help you handle a heavy workload.

Pro tip: AI legal tools can help you with time management.

Entertainment law is as challenging as any law field, but most entertainment lawyers like practicing this area because of the routine and the clients.

According to Harrison Barnes, a legal career recruiter:

A position in the entertainment field can achieve the sense of excitement and visibility that will leave you with a level of job satisfaction you have not yet experienced.

Being an entry-level associate, taking time and effort to build a network will help you:

• Gain visibility: Attend industry events. Introduce yourself to one new person each time.

• Facilitate deals: Volunteer to assist on active deals. Stay present from start to close.

• Build a client base: Follow up with every contact you meet. Stay consistent when communicating with them.

• Understand industry trends: Read one industry article daily. Share insights with your team.

Entertainment law is a highly relationship-centered field. You'll be invited to and expected to attend openings, ceremonies, press conferences, congresses, and parties.

Some ways you can develop your network as a beginner in the field:

• Reach out to experts on LinkedIn

• Use social media to your advantage

• Be present at events related to your niche

• Attend local bar association events

• Show genuine interest

• Be humble and respectful

Check out this short video with tips on how to carry on a conversation at a networking event:

Follow these steps, and you'll build a solid base for your career and make a difference in the entertainment field.

As you prepare for your next career steps: