The job of an in-house entertainment attorney may sound all fun and the chance to spend time with television and film artists, musicians and other celebrities, but it is a very demanding job. It requires deep understanding of how the entertainment industry functions, an extensive knowledge of contract law and since piracy plays a big role in the entertainment world, strong fundamentals in intellectual property law are of paramount importance.
It is quite common to find candidates seeking in-house entertainment attorney jobs in New York. The city has been billed as the new Hollywood and is the second largest center for films in the country. Moreover, the city’s entertainment industry is also composed of radio, television, publishing, and theater and job-openings exist for entertainment attorneys in all these areas. There are few entertainment attorneys (except big names) working solo, and most prefer to work for law firms that specialize in this field. But those wanting to join an in-house legal team must understand that the options are limited because the competition is high – and choice openings are few. To ensure that you stay ahead of the competition it is best that you intern with entertainment firms, learn all about writing contracts, and get a basic idea of how the industry works. Internships could also help build contacts that could later come in handy.
New York is the best city for entertainment attorneys since it has a huge media market, which includes such giants as NBC Universal, Time Warner and Viacom. Top record labels have their headquarters in the city and many films are produced here. The American television industry found its roots here in the city and broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC are all here. More than 100 television shows are produced here each year.
The huge entertainment and media industry that exists in New York needs their rights and products to be protected and safeguarded. Piracy can cost a singer millions in losses whilst pirated films could undermine the box office success of a film and attorneys specialized in entertainment law are always in demand in New York City.
Attorneys practicing entertainment law stand to earn good money. Many receive percentages on the contracts that they negotiate for their celebrity clients and since this is big business are likely to earn in six digits. However, a more conservative estimate would be an annual salary of $83,000. However, an entertainment attorney would earn substantially more in New York than what he would in Dallas or Las Vegas. According to a job website, in 2013 such attorneys earned $106,000 in a year in New York whereas those in Dallas earned $87,000 and in Las Vegas a mere $71,000.
Brushing shoulders with celebrities, filing suits over pirated music, ensuring that a stuntman is well covered for incase of injury all seem challenging and hugely interesting making in-house entertainment attorney jobs in New York City lucrative, fun and worthwhile.