A music lawyer is an attorney who specializes in the legal and contractual needs of musicians/singer-songwriters and producers and can also act as the business affairs contact internally at record labels. They will negotiate every aspect of a contract, including the overall recording deal, royalties, licensing fees, sponsorship packages, tours and music placement.

Suggestions on How to Hire Music Lawyer

As an entertainment professional, hiring a music lawyer takes some time. Figure out what you need from your relationship with your lawyer. This will help determine if the lawyer can be hired on an hourly basis or on retainer. Ask for recommendations--everyone knows a lawyer.

Lawyer and Client

As a musician, the relationship with the lawyer should elicit positive results in the form of career advancement and opportunity. The lawyer needs to have the client's best interests at heart and be able to negotiate the best rates and terms for the artist. This in turn leads to a win-win situation for the overall lawyer-client partnership.

Fun Fact

Although music lawyers procure recording contracts for clients and help guide and advise clients' careers, they don't regularly book artists' personal appearances. They will, however, make recommendations, facilitate relationships and help create opportunities.

Credentials

The music lawyer is an ABA (American Bar Association) member in good standing, having had to graduate from an accredited law school.

Take the Legal Bull by the Horns

When shopping around for a good music lawyer, use the Internet to do some research. Take a meeting. Ask questions. Don't be shy. This is a relationship that should last for a long time.

Source:

eHow: Music Lawyer