What Does an Entertainment Legal Intern Do?
As an entertainment legal intern, one’s day is typically busy and intellectually stimulating. Most of the time, the intern will divide their time between performing traditional intern tasks and legal work. The latter can include any number of things, like researching a legal matter for an attorney or paralegal, reading or reviewing a contract, or even sitting in on a deposition. In entertainment firms, interns may find themselves working heavily with intellectual property transactions and media technology law works. For the most part, entertainment law interns work under the supervision of a senior-level attorney, often conducting research and completing more menial tasks for them. However, in some firms, interns are given the responsibility of working on cases independently. While this is less common, it does happen , offered only to the most competent and responsible interns. During the task of interpreting a legal query or reviewing a legal document, interns are expected to exhibit the same level of diligence as a professional attorney. This means paying attention to detail, making absolutely no mistakes, and delivering high-caliber work. The goal is to be entrusted with more substantive, client-facing work in the future, which is one of the biggest advantages to being an entertainment law intern. Conventional internships are often considered excellent opportunities for students hoping to make a career in the industry. Those who are selected for these positions have the potential to make invaluable firsthand contacts and network with industry professionals. They’ll also gain experience and knowledge that serves as a strong resume builder.
What Skills Are Necessary for an Entertainment Legal Intern?
Having an affinity for music, theater, television, film, fashion and other forms of entertainment is obviously important for someone who is considering entering the world of entertainment law. However, becoming an exceptional entertainment legal intern takes a more expansive skillset than an interest in entertainment. Some of the key skills and competencies necessary to achieve success as an entertainment legal intern include: Attention to Detail. Perhaps more than in any other industry, the devil is in the details when it comes to entertainment law. The oral and written work that entertainment attorneys do must be 100% free of typos and other errors. Contracts between companies and A-list movie stars for major motion pictures are often worth millions of dollars and the language used in those contracts can make a significant financial difference to all parties involved. Spelling mistakes are not simply annoying typos in the world of entertainment law – they can literally change the meaning of a contract. Leadership. While young lawyers – even legal interns – tend to be more concerned with impressing their superiors than exhibiting their leadership skills, in the fast-moving world of entertainment law, taking the lead on projects when you are uniquely qualified to do so can be a critical quality. Entitlement and ego have no place here – humility, tact and respect will go a long way toward establishing your brand as an entertainment legal intern. Teamwork. Entertainment attorneys are often juggling multiple files simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Being able to adapt to day-to-day changes in projects and priorities is key if you want to build a reputation as an entertainment legal intern who can help keep the office running smoothly. Critical Thinking. Interns often lack practical experience in the legal field, which can leave them overly focused on the details of a task without considering the bigger picture. Entertainment legal interns should be able to think critically about the issues they are working on to determine how they may be best resolved – including potential risks, benefits and consequences of any given approach. Social Intelligence. The entertainment industry is heavily focused on social skills. From red carpet events to backstage gatherings and beyond, having the social intelligence necessary to navigate a career in entertainment law and to work well with colleagues, clients and other professionals in the field is vital. Technology. Computer proficiency is essential for entertainment legal interns. You must be able to stay organized and keep track of the many projects you are working on. Communication is also done via email, cloud-based software and other technology, so being able to work in these spaces is a must.
What Networking Tips Are Most Useful for Entertainment Attorneys?
Once you secure an in-house position as an entertainment legal intern, the next step in the process is figuring out how to network with your fellow employees and network and build relationships with other entertainment lawyers. For a law student considering a career in entertainment law, networking should be an ongoing process that nets you relationships with new contacts and helps you maintain them. Establishing and maintaining relationships with industry professionals, including other entertainment attorneys, is integral to securing a future career in the field. When you are working as a legal intern, your primary goal is to impress the legal team you are working under. However, you do not want to sit at your desk quietly without engaging in workplace interaction, especially on your lunch break. Go to lunch with your co-workers, especially those legal professionals, and make sure that you discuss more than just work. Ask questions about their lives; learn about them. You may be surprised at how much they open up to you. Relationships with legal professionals you network with during your internship can potentially lead to a job opportunity down the road. In terms of networking with legal professionals who are not currently in the office with you, one excellent way to gain exposure to key industry players is by getting involved with bar associations including the California Lawyers Association (CLA), and its Entertainment & Sports Law Section. Attending their events will introduce you to industry professionals who are in a position to help you secure a permanent position in the industry later on. Any opportunity to network with three or more entertainment lawyers will provide you with excellent opportunities for building your career. In addition to attending law association events, you might also reach out to professionals individually and request informational interviews. Make sure that you come prepared with some excellent questions tailored to each specific contact. An excellent option for entertainment law students is the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. They put on premiere events in the area, which often include expectations in attendance that include top talent agents, literary managers, and corporate entertainment attorneys. The free seminars presented by the school represent an excellent opportunity for networking with elite professionals in the entertainment law field. Networking as a law student is the most important strategy you can employ to secure a future career in entertainment law. Getting involved with organizations like the CLA and UCLA will help you meet professionals in the field. Securing internship positions with top talent agencies or law firms handling entertainment law specialty positions will offer you excellent opportunities to network with industry professionals. Through careful networking, research and interviews, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the next successful entertainment lawyer in your area.
What Hardship Do Entertainment Legal Interns Face?
All jobs come with a certain set of challenges to be met and overcome. These can range from annoying and mundane, such as clerical work, to more intense, like working under the fear of upsetting the wrong person and losing your job. The most common obstacle interns face is having to do work which may not apply directly to their future aspirations in entertainment law. While you may have always wanted to focus on intellectual property rights, you may spend the majority of your internship in a field other than IP law, such as employment law, music licensing, or even corporate law. This may feel especially frustrating when peers from your legal class are living the glamorous dream of entertainment law right in front of you while your work consists mainly of proofreading contracts and filing paperwork . How do you stay engaged and passionate about your work when you are handling menial tasks some days?
You keep in mind the bigger picture. While it may seem tedious right now, viewing your internship as a whole will help you see the value of your work. Take a step back and appreciate how the paperwork you filed gave someone else the time they needed to break into a new artist, or otherwise help prepare the way for a new endeavor in the industry. Your role isn’t to make the big, sweeping decisions and to force the legal process to meet your particular style. It’s to learn and grow as you gather valuable insight into the inner workings of the industry and the business of the law. View every paper you file and every phone call you take as your way of getting on the inside, so you can establish a real connection with the industry, and maybe even get asked back again once you have passed the bar exam.
Where Does an Entertainment Legal Intern Go After the Internship?
Interning at an entertainment/ media law firm can open a number of career possibilities.
In-House.
Some interns find jobs in-house at various studios or production companies. Often, these positions will involve reviewing or drafting contracts on the business side and performing legal research when necessary.
A few examples of in-house jobs include:
• Business Affairs Managers
• Associate Business Affairs Managers
• Contracts Managers
• Sr. Contracts Managers
• Production Counsel
• Intellectual Property Counsel
• Paralegals
• Junior Contract Managers
• Business Affairs Associate
• IP Counsel – Trademark and Copyright
• Business Affairs Director
• Associate Business Affairs Director
Rare among the options is an in-house corporate lawyer, who may handle several types of in-house transactional work in addition to entertainment matters, or an in-house litigation lawyer, who usually handles defamation suits and contractual disputes relating to entertainment matters.
Law Firms.
Some of the best firms in media and entertainment have in-house entertainment and media departments. Many of the larger firms also have both plaintiff and defense litigation departments, which are generally more stable and less transaction oriented than the transactional departments. However, these firms typically deal with a much smaller number of clients . Multi-disciplinary firms also offer practice groups specializing in all aspects of entertainment/media law.
Positions at law firms include:
• Associate
• Staff Attorney
• Counsel/ Senior Counsel
• Partner / Of Counsel
For example:
• Associates work with senior attorneys to represent clients in entertainment transactions.
• Staff attorneys advise clients on risk factors and non-standard provisions in contracts.
• Senior counsel and partners negotiate production, development and distribution agreements and represent clients in entertainment litigation.
Various Types of Organizations.
Another route to take is to pursue a career with an organization that provides low-cost legal services or legal and business advice to clients in certain areas of entertainment (i.e. large non-profit organizations). Credentials are often required for some governmental and quasi-governmental organizations as well as in-house counsel positions. These can be obtained by working in government positions or in agencies regulated by the government.
Other possibilities include:
• Public Counsel
• Trial Attorney
• Assistant Attorney General
• Staff Counsel
• Director of Corporate Sponsorships and Partnerships
Professional Associations.
Membership in professional associations is encouraged. By becoming a member of professional associations and organizations, individuals can stay updated on industry trends and changes.