One of the biggest names in entertainment law, John Branca, has seen it all in his 40+ years representing musicians, actors, and other entertainers. The job is rarely easy, but many young law students aspire to do what he has done in his long and successful career- represent celebrities and help with negotiations.

1. Go to Law School 

First things first, to become a lawyer of any kind, you’ll have to go to law school and pass the infamous bar exam. Many prospective law students follow a Pre-Law curriculum in undergrad, though you can be admitted to law school with nearly any undergraduate degree. Some of the most common ones include English, business, philosophy, and psychology.

Getting into law school isn’t easy, and neither is getting through law school once you’re admitted. Once you decide that entertainment law, or law in general, is what you want to do, you will need drive, focus, and discipline to obtain that law degree and pass the test to call yourself a lawyer.

2. Study Business on the Side

It’s not enough to become a lawyer and call yourself an entertainment attorney. You’ll also need to be familiar with the business, as that is a major aspect of entertainment law itself. Branca recommends taking some business classes on the side, and familiarize yourself with the way the entertainment industry works.

This business is notoriously competitive and difficult, but by immersing yourself in the world of entertainment business information, you can give yourself an important leg up on the competition.

3. Stay up-to-date About Entertainment Trends

Entertainment, whether it’s music, movies, or anything else, never stays the same. This business is always changing, and new trends are constantly emerging. This is what keeps the entertainment interesting, sure, but it can also weed out those who aren’t regularly familiarizing themselves with the new trends that come about.

You can do this in a variety of ways, but many aspiring entertainment lawyers find it helpful to read articles by cultural critics who constantly analyze the cultural space we live in.

4. Stay Committed to Your Client

It’s hard to obtain clients when you are just starting out, but once you do, it’s imperative to be there for your client through thick and thin. You never know where this professional relationship will lead, and it may very well help you obtain other clients in the future if you are able to prove yourself.

Not everyone can make it in the entertainment law business, but it’s an industry full of fascinating people and incredible compensation for those who can stick it out.

Edward Bertrand