Skip Navigation

Columns

Advertisement

Social

Five Reasons Entertainment Law Rules

by Mister Bitter
02:19 AM, 01/25

After analyzing every possible legal niche in the universe, Bitter Lawyer has determined that, hands down, the best law gig in the world is… Entertainment lawyer.  As our interviews with top entertainment attorneys Carlos Goodman and Tara Kole attest, if you have to be a lawyer, practicing in Hollywood is where it’s at.  (If you can break in.) And here are five simple reasons why:

1.  MONEY—BIG MONEY

The top players in the field make $5-10 million per year.  “Successful” players make $1-5 million.  Back in 2001, Forbes listed the highest paid lawyers, and three entertainment attorneys made the list.  Allen Grubman: A cool $10 million for a year’s work.  Harry (Skip) Brittenham: An honest $6.5 million.  John Branca: $6.5 million—which is before you even factor him becoming the administrator of Michael Jackson’s estate last year, which may result in a continuous 10% of all thinks MJ.  Tough to argue with numbers like that.

2.  BILLABLE HOURS DON’T EXIST

The reason these cats make so much money is because they charge clients 5% of the transaction.  First off, that means entertainment lawyers aren’t slaves to the clock.  If they can get something done in ten minutes, they do.  If they want to take a few days off, they do.  Second, that means if Tom Cruise makes $40 million on a movie, his lawyers pockets $2 million!  If you think about it, the economics are staggering. 

For example sake, let’s say it takes 40 hours to negotiate and draft a “movie” contract.  (For the record, I’d be shocked if it took 10 hours).  At $500/hour, that would be $20,000—as opposed to 5% of 40 million, or $2 million.  Ask me, that’s a hell of a business model.

Anyone care to wager what entertainment contracts lawyer Leigh Brecheen pulled in for a week’s worth of work that ended with Conan O’Brien walking around Los Angeles with $32.5 million in his pocket?

3.  IT’S KINDA EASY

For the most part, entertainment lawyers negotiate and draft contracts between studios (Warner Bros., Paramount, etc.) and talent (actors, directors, writers, etc.), which means they argue about how much money Leonardo makes for the movie, the sequel, the prequel, etc… They also argue about how to define things like “net profit” and “overhead.” The contracts—and the negotiations—are intense and sophisticated, to be sure, but that doesn’t mean they’re hard.  They’re certainly not as involved and complex as a public company merger transaction or patent infringement trials. 

Moreover, entertainment transactions are essentially unregulated.  There’s no prevailing statutory body, such as the SEC or Federal Reserve Bank, breathing down your neck.  That means there are no filing deadlines or disclosure obligations.  In other words, it makes life a lot easier.

4.  R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Inside Hollywood, entertainment lawyers are treated more like rock stars than fungible deal processors.  The studios fear them; the agents depend on them; their clients revere them.  That means these folks actually walk around feeling good about themselves. 

Good luck finding that in BigLaw.

5.  HEATHER THOMAS & JAIME PRESSLEY

Entertainment lawyers like Skip Brittenham and Simran Singh marry entertainment sex symbols.  BigLaw litigators don’t.  End of story.

Read more from Mr. Bitter on Bitter Lawyer.
Check out other lists, tallies and scores to settle in Bitter by Numbers.
Join Bitter Lawyer on Facebook.  Follow on Twitter.
Buy Bitter Lawyer merchandise.


Page 1
  1.  
    BigLaw Tool | January 25 | 07:00 AM Okay, I'm sold. Sign me up. How the hell does someone get one of these gigs (or women)?
  2.  
    BL1Y | January 25 | 07:28 AM Thanks for the shout out at the end, but uh...it's a little confusing.
  3.  
    Entertainment Lawyer | January 25 | 12:47 PM It's not easy as you think.
  4.  
    Guano Dubango | January 25 | 01:52 PM Dudes, if we could guarantee a piece of these women just by virtue of our being "entertainment lawyers" we would all have signed up long ago. I am sorry to have to report that I know an entertainment lawyer who does not have a prayer of getting any action of the sort.
  5.  
    Anon | January 25 | 02:02 PM Wow, Guano, you mean to tell me that ALL entertainment lawyers don't marry hot women? You're such a tool!
  6.  
    Anon Female | January 25 | 02:35 PM Yep sign me up 2.
  7.  
    Kristian | January 25 | 04:42 PM Jaime Pressley isn't that big of a deal. When I was working the nightclubs prior to law school, one of our BS worm$#!t little "managers" was dating her. That tells me her standards aren't that high...at least, at the time.
  8.  
    Guano Dubango | January 25 | 09:57 PM Anon, you are, what we say in my country, is a hyena-wipe. You need special instruments to keep clean, but I suppose it is difficult for us to tell you US lawyers too much. Please to understand that as a hyena-wipe, women will keep their distance from you, as they too do not want to be downwind from same.
  9.  
    Robbin Smith | June 03 | 09:06 PM Law Help
  10.  
    Cougay | July 13 | 02:10 PM Wow, that means I can marry some closeted young actor ready to retire from acting and be a young kept thing. Chace Crawford, where are you? :P
  11.  
    replica handbags | July 28 | 12:43 AM Louis Vuittons gucci handbags sale exigency to disposition. To cheap bags safeguard this, all Louis Gucci Travel & Business outlet Vuitton bags are made discount Gucci Travel & Business in fact by cooperation. replica handbags online Louis Vuitton stores around gucci sale the system push on Gucci Handbags on sale the companys standards of cheap Chanel Cambon quality again pricing. The Gucci Travel & Business on sale exactness of bags purchased gucci handbag in that these specialist outlets is guaranteed. Online ma
  12.  
    Anonymous | July 28 | 02:56 AM ing them Christian Dior jewelry because extensive underdogs to Gucci jewelry extend to the to Links of London Earrings be. dogged on by tiffiny Diego, Werder Bremen pulle tiffany and co discount Links of London jewelry replica Juicy Couture jewelry Fashion Jewelry cheap Gucci Necklace Pandora jewelry store
  13.  
    sunny | July 31 | 02:39 AM 10-ALL products that we offer here are so much more than affordable fake designer handbags. And our quality assurance starts way before that. From the very beginning, each of our replica handbags is designed to mimic the exact style you would expect to find from your favorite designer. Gucci replica handbags have the trademark design that will fool even the most discerning eye. Our Replica Louis Vuitton Handbags will have that French inspired flare that you would receive had you purchased it from an expensive designer store. Bottom line. From the very beginning, each of our chanel handbags is designed to mimic the exact style you would expect to find from your favorite designer. Gucci handbags have the trademark design that will fool even the most discerning eye. Our Chloe handbags will have that French inspired flare that you would receive had you purchased it from an expensive designer store. Bottom line, we duplicate, down to the tiniest detail, all of the charming aspects of an authentic designer handbag and pass that along to you at a great savings.you will find Balenciaga Handbags,chanel handbags, Replica Prada Handbags ,you can Miumiu Handbags, My friends buy Fendi Handbagsfrom here. i very like knock off designer handbags.My mothe want me help me buy replica designer handbags.Why many men like replica designer bags.you should see Hermes Handbags and alexa mulberry bag replica.you will like the gucci 2010 handbag. you should buy louis vuitton handbags.they are best replicas. my friend like Valentino Handbags. eblogslife eblogsnews eblogslive
  14.  
    Coleni | August 01 | 05:59 PM ked about making greener bags choices when shopping for handbags. A new eco Gucci boutique just opened down the street from our workplace, and it was filled with cute, stylish wholesale handbags clothing that I would wear to work or outside of work. Unfortunately, most of the Gucci bags weren’t fitting into my teacher-salary budget. When it comes to buying greener Gucci handbags, most people have two options: buy used or buy eco-sensitive. I love thrifting, and I get a lot of my designer handbags that way. Sometimes, though, particularly when buying Gucci replica clothes, I can’t find what I need, and it’s time-consuming (although fun!) When I need something new, I don’t have a problem finding clothes I love that are made more sustainably. My problem is finding affordable wardrobe solutions. Yeah, yeah, I know that cheap clothing is cheap for a reason (or several): exploitative labor practices and environmentally-destructive materials, to name a few. And I support paying a premium for items that are ethically made, just like when I grocery shop. It’s still hard for me to plunk down my hard-earned cash for upscale sustainable go
  15.  
  16.  
    Anonymous | August 12 | 02:32 AM

    Are Gucci bags fashionable and comfortable or unfeminine and ugly? Regardless of how much you may or may not like discount gucci handbags, this is a trend that does not seem to be going away any time soon. This is becoming more and more obvious in the fashion meccas of the world and the clientele that gucci outlet has been attracting in the last few years.There really are a lot of reasons to love gucci handbags and I suppose just as many not to as well. Personally I am of the mind that gucci bags sale are cute and I proudly wear mine frequently. What do you think? Are you pro or con designer gucci handbags?

    reytryr
  17.  
    greatugg | August 13 | 12:16 AM We are proud of providing all sorts of discount ugg boots Classic Cardy Australia for women in different colors, including white, rose, purple, oatmeal, gray and chocolate, and three oversized wood buttons are very unique for you. The Classic Cardy ugg boots uk clearance for sale online feature knit uppers which are made up of the authentic wool blend for utmost comfort and warmth. In additional, these women classic cardy ugg outlet on sale with sheepskin sock liner and suede heel guards construction is to support durability and traction wear all the time. Wish you be pleased to buy sheepskin discount ugg boots for women from ugg boots sale online!5
  18.  
    james lee | August 14 | 11:59 AM I think these rights are definitely needed. I am glad to see it. Keep up the good work. accutane lawyers
  19.  
    Pandora beads | August 17 | 01:32 AM guoweigang Decide whether you want to go ahead and get him a Pandora bracelets silver necklace or a gold one. Pdf gdxcgay attention to the kind of jewelry that they are already wearing. This will give you an idea as to which one you'll get. Third, Pandora Bangles Sale consider your budget for the jewelry. Even if you might want to splurge and get the best piece for the person, it is important that you keep yourself within budget. Choose cheap pandora bracelets from jewelry that is within your price bracket so that you will not overspend when you get the jewelry.A majority of men's cross necklaces are not only ideal to be worn as a fashion piece Pandora bracelet , but also meant to be worn to help showcase personality as well as beliefs. Although it's not very common to see men that like to sport necklaces, there are quite a number who like to show off Beads bracelets their personality through their jewelry.The cross necklace or pendant is just one of the many preferred design choices that men like to have and wear. Other common design choices for buy pandora bracelets men include dogtags, pandora bracelets and charms which can be personalized according to the preference of the wearer. You can also find many other designs that men wear.
  20.  
    Anonymous | August 18 | 06:18 PM Mbt Shoes will show you most information about Mbt Shoes the Women Mbt Shoes have a Separate page to show the information to the female friends also have some information about which shoes is Womens Mbt shoes . If you like wear Mbt Shoes you can found the Cheap Jewelry Blog on line. You also can say something you want in the blog. Maybe the Mbt shoes sale Can cause you more concern that right every day we have the Discount Mbt Shoes. Especially the MBT Sneaker always have more shoes to discount I hope you concerned about the information if you need a pair of Discount MBT Shoes .According to the Taiwan news reports, the day WangJinPing hosted by invitation, vice chairman of Mens MBT Shoes and seven. WangJinPing straightforward, Mr Ma said that although life, but have no hope "so", still want to wish Mr Ma happy birthday.retrytyt
  21.  
    Anonymous | August 18 | 06:18 PM Mbt Shoes will show you most information about Mbt Shoes the Women Mbt Shoes have a Separate page to show the information to the female friends also have some information about which shoes is Womens Mbt shoes . If you like wear Mbt Shoes you can found the Cheap Jewelry Blog on line. You also can say something you want in the blog. Maybe the Mbt shoes sale Can cause you more concern that right every day we have the Discount Mbt Shoes. Especially the MBT Sneaker always have more shoes to discount I hope you concerned about the information if you need a pair of Discount MBT Shoes .According to the Taiwan news reports, the day WangJinPing hosted by invitation, vice chairman of Mens MBT Shoes and seven. WangJinPing straightforward, Mr Ma said that although life, but have no hope "so", still want to wish Mr Ma happy birthday.tytryr
  22.  
    maggie | August 19 | 01:08 AM When you buy replica Frank Muller watchesfrom us you know that you are getting not only the best price,Replica Franck Muller Casablanca Watchesbut the best product as well.Replica Franck Muller Conquistador.
  23.  
    handbags | August 21 | 12:35 AM My handbag, I bought it have a few years from AOU, so they must have very good customer base right business? I just love their LV Suhali Leather and LV Monogram Mini Canvas, it's refreshing! I love Chanel Handbags, and actually saw a few Burberry Handbags Alex Drake in the spoon in the past month. Happy! I usually Fendi Handbagsbunch of junk ... I'll be careful, but next time maybe I'll find another Coach Handbags store!
  24.  
    Bvlgari Jewelry | August 21 | 12:37 AM They also recommended that Tiffany Jewelry potential ou
  25.  
    wholesale cell phones | August 23 | 07:02 PM For the entry-level products, the functions of I68 4G are really simple. Because Wholesale Iphone 4 Accessories is an entry-level products and solar panels to also cannot let the machine has many functions. But here please not worrry, it is assured that the function of I68 4G are a few, but most are useful to the users.
  26.  
    replica watches | August 25 | 11:49 PM Pew's research reveals a versace sunglasses women sharp rise in cash advance versace shoes for women fees, continued widespread use of tissot classic watches other penalty interest rates and replica watch an emerging trend of credit chloe bags card companies failing to disclose mulberry handbags penalty interest rates in their Coach bag online terms and conditions. An unintended versace for men consequence of the legislation is Marni bag that it is harder for gucci 6800 those with bad credit to anya handbag get approved for a card, Christian Dior gauch and those with good credit discounted tiffany jewelry find it harder to get gucci peggy a card with low fees/low Vivienne Westwood jewellery interest rates/rewards, and even consumers versace jewelry with great credit are sometimes 2010 chanel seeing their rewards slashed, which versace clothes would have been unthinkable pre-CARD iwc schaffhausen Act, says Joel Ohman, a hermes kelly bag 32cm certified financial planner and founder cartier roadster replica of CreditCardChaser.com.
  27.  
    replicas-relojes | August 26 | 05:44 AM cvb Well.I like it, Its a really nice article I've saw :) , now, please allow me introduce a site made by my friend. you can click the link to view his site and find yours favourite

    www.replicas-relojes.net


    REPLICAS RELOJES
    REPLICAS DE RELOJES ROLEX
    IMITACIONES DE RELOJES SUIZOS LUJO

    Shop popular stores to find christian louboutin shoes women's fashions on sale - all in one place. replica handbags wholesale.

    christian louboutin shoes
    christian louboutin
    Tiffany wholesale  What a perfect thing, it attracted all the attention, the miraculous birth of boundless charm. It is worthy of appreciation and ownership.

    We accept Paypal，and free shipping !

     Others, we also supply discount fashion handbags, replica ugg , and high heels .

     

    We supply cheap and high quality replica  watches. fashion watches in here.

    Best Quality and Services
    Only the finest high quality replica watches are sold at watcheshappy.com, but we don't stop just there. Our aim is to provide you with first class services as well as best imitation watches, and make your online shopping experience a wonderful one.

  28.  
    gltriver | August 27 | 02:03 AM GLT10a08river27 Unique butterfly brooch bracelet diamond unique as a hermes handbags black mark by Omega Watches include processes including laser is limited to the embedded as diamond Diamond logo will shine with the full long version. Omega Constellation Watches replica hermes luxury of a different design, and Hermes Bag Unified dial diamond bracelet and case is presented in three different styles. Diamond in the luxury version of the cheap hermes handbags clock at the most beautiful mosaic snowflake “Art is so much embroidery in gold case and bracelet and regulations.
  29.  
    ghd straighteners | August 27 | 10:44 PM 0The Cheap ghd salon Sale comes in a high gloss white accompanied by a beautiful heat-resistant case adorned with a matching white flock pattern. Unique digital technology means that the temperature is automatically controlled even quicker for even better styling. The Cheap GHD Instyler Sale is all you will ever need to create perfect curl, movement, volume and Cheap GHD Rare Sale, contribute to its advanced technology and smart features. You will be satisfied with this stylish Cheap GHD Purple Sale | Cheap GHD Pure Sale | Cheap GHD Pink Sale | Cheap GHD Red Sale Sale | Cheap GHD Green Sale | Cheap GHD Blue Sale | Cheap GHD Black Sale | CheapGHD Mini Sale | Cheap GHD Limited pink Sale | Cheap GHD Limited Christmas Sale | Cheap GHD KISS Sale | Cheap GHD In Styler Sale | Cheap GHD IV MK4 Straighteners Sale | Cheap GHD IV MK Sale | Cheap GHD Black/Pink Sale | Cheap GHD Limited 2009 Edition Straighteners Sale | Cheap GHD Limited 2008 Edition Straighteners Sale sale online.
  30.  
    ghd straighteners | August 27 | 10:48 PM uThe Cheap ghd salon Sale comes in a high gloss white accompanied by a beautiful heat-resistant case adorned with a matching white flock pattern. Unique digital technology means that the temperature is automatically controlled even quicker for even better styling. The Cheap GHD Instyler Sale is all you will ever need to create perfect curl, movement, volume and Cheap GHD Rare Sale, contribute to its advanced technology and smart features. You will be satisfied with this stylish Cheap GHD Purple Sale | Cheap GHD Pure Sale | Cheap GHD Pink Sale | Cheap GHD Red Sale Sale | Cheap GHD Green Sale | Cheap GHD Blue Sale | Cheap GHD Black Sale | CheapGHD Mini Sale | Cheap GHD Limited pink Sale | Cheap GHD Limited Christmas Sale | Cheap GHD KISS Sale | Cheap GHD In Styler Sale | Cheap GHD IV MK4 Straighteners Sale | Cheap GHD IV MK Sale | Cheap GHD Black/Pink Sale | Cheap GHD Limited 2009 Edition Straighteners Sale | Cheap GHD Limited 2008 Edition Straighteners Sale sale online.
  31.  
    Anonymous | August 30 | 09:16 PM For example sake, let’s say it takes 40 hours to negotiate and draft a “movie” contract. (For the record, I’d be shocked if it took 10 hours). At $500/hour, that would be $20,000—as opposed to 5% of 40 million, or $2 million. Ask me, that’s a hell of a business model. Red Caviar
  32.  
    Anonymous | August 30 | 09:32 PM Second, that means if Tom Cruise makes $40 million on a movie, his lawyers pockets $2 million! If you think about it, the economics are staggering. Fertility Clinic Massachusetts
  33.  
  34.  
    Susancai | August 31 | 06:15 PM Those reasons are reasonable. I think we need to be more hardworking in order to be a successful lawyer. classifieds |advertising|prodigy adjustable bed
  35.  
    anlia | September 01 | 06:38 PM gucci outlet is the leading name in luxury and style gucci sale. The women’s Gucci low shoes are very popular nowadays. With gucci sneakers its outstanding quality buy nfl jerseys, exceptional beauty buy jerseys online, and the finest nfl jerseys for sale Italian craftsmanship gucci sunglasses, the discount gucci shoes offers you only the best gucci shoes for men | gucci belts of the best gucci women shoes. Are you still looking for a pair of Gucci Boots for Women that is both stylish gucci hats for men and quality discount gucci handbags | Gucci Sandals assured? If your answer is yes, then you may be satisfied with the Gucci Apparel | Gucci Trousers showed gucci men shoes | gucci jeans | gucci hats | gucci bikini below.32
  36.  
    Anna.J | September 02 | 09:37 AM Basketball Shoes Buy Online brings top quality athletic shoes all you need to your door. Discounted wide selection authentic quality of new, custom and retro Cheap Jordan Shoes, Women Jordans, nike air force ones shoes, Women nike air force ones, air jordan force fusion, nike hybrid shoes, custom air force ones shoes, kids nike shoes, big size shoes is out of this world! Jordan Melo M5 Shoes Jordan Melo M5 Shoes | Jordan Melo M4 Shoes Jordan Melo M4 Shoes | Air Jordan Melo 5.5 Air Jordan Melo 5.5 | Air Jordan CP3 Shoes Air Jordan CP3 Shoes | Air Jordan CP3 II Air Jordan CP3 II | Air Jordan CP3 III Air Jordan CP3 III | Air Jordan Flight 45 Air Jordan Flight 45 | Jordan Ol School II Jordan Ol School II | Air Jordan 2.5 Team Air Jordan 2.5 Team | Air Jordan Dub Zero Air Jordan Dub Zero | Air Jordan Olympian Air Jordan Olympian | Air Jordan Jumpman Team Pro Air Jordan Jumpman Team Pro | Air Jordan 15 SE Air Jordan 15 SE | Air Jordan XIX SE Air Jordan XIX SE | Jordan Jumpman Elite 1 2009 Jordan Jumpman Elite 1 2009 | Jordan Collezione Countdown Pack Jordan Collezione Countdown Pack | Jordan Defining Moments Package Jordan Defining Moments Package | Nike Air Flight Condor Nike Air Flight Condor | Air Jordan 60 Plus Air Jordan 60 Plus | Air Jordan Flight 9 Air Jordan Flight 9 | Jordan Pro Classic Jordan Pro Classic | Nike Air Yeezy Nike Air Yeezy | Air Jordan 25th Anniversary Air Jordan 25th Anniversary | Jordan Flight Team Jordan Flight Team | Jordan Accolades Jordan Accolades | Air Jordan L'Style Advanced Air Jordan L'Style Advanced | Jordan Comfort Max 11 Jordan Comfort Max 11 | Air Jordan Rare Air Air Jordan Rare Air aj
  37.  
  38.  
    NikeAirMax | September 07 | 08:30 PM nike air max,nike shoes，nike air max sale，nike air maxseries sales ugg boots sale,ugg boots，ugg boots online sales，ugg boots tall sale，ugg boots short sale Gucci handbags,gucci shoes,gucci online，gucci online shop，discount gucci handbags on sale gucci shoes sale,gucci online,gucci bag chloe bags,Chloe Handbagsbags sale，chlone bags online shop，discount chloe bag on sale Christian Louboutin shoes,Louboutin Shoes，christian louboutin shoes on sale，christian louboutin sale UGG Classic tall,ugg boots ugg wholesale,UGG Classic Tall，ugg wholesale online shop，discount ugg classic tall reebok shoes,reebok easytone,skechers sale，skechers sale online，discount reebok easytone and MBT shoes sale Reebok easytone,Reebok Zip Pulse,reebok shoes，discount reebok shoes sale，reebok easytone sale mbt shoes,mbt sandals,Louboutin Shoes，MBT shoes online shop，discount mbt sandals sale94