entertainment law

RIAA Hosts Rap on Trial Panel

RIAA Hosts Rap on Trial Panel

The RIAA hosted a panel discussion of the Restoring Artistic Protections Act introduced by Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) with 300 Entertainment executive Kevin Liles, BMAC co-founder Prophet, entertainment attorney Shay M Lawson, professor Jack Lerner, and attorney Dina LaPolt

Read more about the panel and the successful passage of AB 2799 in California preventing the use of rap lyrics in criminal prosecutions over on Variety here

Shay M Lawson Named to Billboard Magazine 2022 Top Music Lawyers List

Shay M Lawson Named to Billboard Magazine 2022 Top Music Lawyers List

Attorney Shay M Lawson was named to BIllboard’s 2022 list of Top Music Attorney.

FIND THE COMPLETE LIST HERE: https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-top-music-lawyers-2022-list/

PODCAST: Promotion Basics for Indy Music Artists w/Moses Davis Southeast Promotions Manager Columbia Records

PODCAST: Promotion Basics for Indy Music Artists w/Moses Davis Southeast Promotions Manager Columbia Records

Is radio really dead? Do major labels care about follower counts? Moses Davis, SouthEast Promotions Manager for Columbia Records joins the podcast this week to give major label insight into what it really takes to move music and make it a hit. You can also catch this episode on youtube for the video interview.

Negotiating with Confidence [Video]

Negotiating with Confidence [Video]

I’ve spent almost a decade honing my negotiation skills to get my clients network and digital television series deals, record label and publishing deals, brand sponsorship and partnership agreements with Apple Music, Youtube, Pandora, Nike, Pottery Barn and more. I negotiate not just for what they deserve but what they are truly worth and I don’t mind passing the wealth on to my readers!

Click the video and see the transcript below to learn how you can easily negotiate like a pro using the 7 tips I use as a lawyer to negotiate top dollar and amazing deals for my clients

Negotiate Like A Boss: Free Products Aren't Enough x How to Get Paid as a Social Influencer

I have done influencer deals with brands like Nike, Target, Wendy’s, Pottery Barn, and more. It is not always as simple as “charging what you’re worth” especially if you don’t know your worth just yet or have a lawyer like me to negotiate that worth with brands.

Here is the one key differences between influencers who get paid and those who just get free product:

Client News: Trap Karaoke x AT&T Codes of Culture

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Trap Karaoke is by far one of my most fun clients on the roster and working on this deal was yet another awesome intersection of social media, cultural influence, and a great brand partnership with AT&T.

If you missed the summer tour be sure to check the #codesofculture hashtag online and visit www.trapkaraoke.com so you don’t miss the next shows!

Featured Speaker: A3C 2019 Recap

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[A3C IS A WRAP] I was honored to provide FREE LEGAL ADVICE in the Creator Complex hosted by @cdbabymusic at @sae_northamerica and connect with some really great creatives like this @iamjsmash who is lighting the industry up as a producer/engineer/musician working with artists like Dave East and BJ the Chicago Kid!


I will share a few of their questions AND my answers on my "Minute of Your Time" podcast so be sure you are subscribed to my YouTube channel!

Featured Speaker: A3C Music Festival & Conference

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A3C IS ALMOST HERE!!

MEET ME ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 12TH AT THE CDBABY CREATOR COMPLEX AT 1:30PM! I'll be giving FREE one on one LEGAL ADVICE SESSIONS!

In 2017, A3C launched the Creator Complex to help provide additional value for artists traveling from across the world to Atlanta.

In addition to me there will be keynotes from Kevin Liles, Bozoma Saint John, Dapper Dan, 2Chainz, and more!

FULL SCHEDULE & PASSES HERE: https://www.a3cfestival.com/creator-complex

Client News: Emmy Nomination x Surviving R. Kelly

Kitti Jones Emmy Nomination

Congratulations to the entire team of Lifetime Surviving R Kelly on your Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Informational Series!

Standing beside my client Kitti Jones and watching her incredible strength and courage to tell her story along with each of these women despite the naysayers and bumps in the road has been so amazing, inspiring, and life changing experience as a her lawyer, as a woman, as a black woman.

Thank you Lifetime for your care in telling their stories. Thank you television Academy for acknowledging the power and value in the telling of black stories.

#tellblackstories #emmyawards

Rolling Stone x Arrest of R. Kelly

ROLLING STONE reached out about today’s charges. I shared my opinion from a legal stand point quoted below:

“Although long over due I am pleased that authorities have finally stepped up to the plate and done a thorough investigation. But I want the public to keep in mind from a legal standpoint this is just the beginning. The real fight is in front of us. We've been here before with R Kelly and he walked away a free man. So I'm putting my hope that this time will be different, that this is the beginning of the process that brings an actual conviction and justice for survivors like my client Kitti and the families waiting to be reunited with their daughters.”