Jodi Sax answers the burning questions about her lawgirl.com website and the practice of law....
Are you really a lawyer? What type of law do you practice?
How did you get into intellectual property/entertainment law?
What types of clients do you represent?
Can I hire you to be my lawyer?
How do I become an entertainment lawyer?
Can I send you my demo tape or script to review?
Why is your site so weird and un-lawyerlike?
Q: Are you really a lawyer? What type of law do you practice?
Yes, I am really a lawyer. :) I have been a lawyer since 1992, and have always practiced in the areas of entertainment and intellectual property law. My practice involves representing clients in all facets of contractual negotiation, licensing and intellectual property (specifically copyright and trademark) protection. I have offices in Los Angeles, California and New York, New York. Still curious? Click here for my bio...(ah, the wonderful world of me.)
Q: How did you get into the area of intellectual property/entertainment?
I was very fortunate to have landed a position in entertainment while I was still in school (I worked in the Law Department at NBC). Thereafter, I went to work in the Intellectual Property department at the Los Angeles branch of a large firm. Mind you, this was before the internet took off. Most of my work in these days involved software anti-piracy and complex copyright litigation. Thereafter, I went to work in the Intellectual Property department (and later Motion Picture/Television department) of another Los Angeles firm, well known for its entertainment (and, in particular, music) practice.
I now have my own practice. I am fortunate in that I had a solid background in both intellectual property and entertainment before the internet boom hit. I have been able to combine my experience in these two areas in my current practice which largely involves counseling clients in the entertainment industry regarding their internet ventures. I also do "traditional" intellectual property and entertainment work, such as counseling clients on copyright and trademark issues, record and film deals, and the like.
Q: What types of clients do you represent?
Over my 13 years in practice, I have represented a variety of clients, large and small, in all areas of entertainment, media and intellectual property work. My clients have run the gamut from major studios, recording companies and tech conglomerates to first time authors and musicians signing a small deal. My practice has been just as varied, diverse and interesting. I have participated in lawsuits involving alien autopsy footage, Kurt Cobain and Elvis impersonators and have protected the intellectual property rights of Godzilla, a religious cult, and a notorious madam. And some days I just come to work and draft a simple agreement.
Q: Can I hire you to be my lawyer?
Certainly. I would be delighted to speak with anyone about retaining my services. I can be reached at 310-729-2092.
Q: How do I become an entertainment lawyer?
This is one of my most frequently asked frequently asked questions. There really is no one way into this business. Most of the people that I know who work in entertainment law got there in one of the following ways (or by a combination of the following): Hard work, being in the right place at the right time and/or knowing someone. While the value of the latter can't be underestimated, that isn't to say you can't break in without connections (I did). The number one thing that I tell people who aspire to a career in entertainment law is to do well in school. If you are an undergraduate, get good grades and get into the best law school that you can. It doesn't matter what you study (my undergraduate degree is in DESIGN!) Just do well. Going to a good law school (and doing well once you are there) will give you a huge advantage in the job market. Also, network, network, network. Even if your uncle isn't the head of a label or your mom isn't a partner at an entertainment law firm, don't despair. You can meet people and they will be willing to help you. You may be surprised. Finally, if you can, try to get a clerkship or internship while you are in school in the field in which you would like to practice. These positions are easier to get than a regular job, and will help you get experience and have a relevant entry on your resume before you apply for your first attorney job.
By popular demand, I have expanded this question into its own page which you can find here.
Q: Can I send you my demo tape or script to review?
To be honest, I don't listen to or read unsolicited materials. The reason for this is really one of time constraints. I am not an agent. My main job is to represent my clients to the best of my ability, not to focus my attention on finding work for clients. There are some attorneys who do shop tapes or scripts as part of their practice, but I typically do not. (As a sidenote, it is my opinion that you should be wary of any attorney who charges you a fee for shopping your tape or script.)
Q: Why is your site so weird and un-lawyerlike?
I started lawgirl.com in 1997 as a homepage and it grew from there. At that time, I wasn't thinking of an audience; I created the site purely for my own amusement (and to learn how to make a website.) I have just continued along those same lines. My site is a reflection of my interests and my aesthetic sensibilities. Hopefully you all find it useful and informative too.
Still stumped? Check out my new page on getting in to entertainment law and if you're still stuck feel free to write: mail [at] jodisax [dot] com. Let me just reiterate, though, as I still get many inquiries about this: I DO NOT SHOP SCRIPTS OR TAPES FOR NON-CLIENTS (i.e., people for whom I am not otherwise doing legal work)! Sorry!
modified 8/05