APRA AMCOS’ Post

For the past few weeks, I have been trying to compose a new song and I figured out (or maybe I am trying to establish a bridge between music and law subconsciously) the following- The common ground between music and law is “Creativity” . I have been practicing music since grade 8 and practicing law for 3.5 years. This journey made me realize that, music and law both push your brain to think creatively, critically and independently. To produce something out of these two fields you really need to be in a “Zone”. Interestingly, both of the subjects appreciate “Originality”. #law #music #thoughtsoftheday.

'Golden Rule in Commercial Mediation.' That is the title of my next article, which the editor at the Law Society Gazette informed me today, has been accepted for publication. I will post a link on LinkedIn & on the 'Publications' page of my website www.carlislam.co.uk following online publication in the Law Society Gazette. For a global audience, the CMC with the pemission of the Law Society Gazette, are also re-publishing on their website, my article - ‘Commercial Mediation of Music Disputes’, which was first published in the Law Society Gazette 01.12.2023. See also the 'Mediation of Music Disputes' page at www.carlislam.co.uk which contains a longer version, with links to source material.

From Law School to Music: My Journey of Pursuing Passion Discover the story of how I made the bold decision to leave law school and pursue my true passion in music. Learn about the challenges I faced and the lessons I learned along the way. #PursuingPassion #LawSchoolToMusic #JourneyofSelfDiscovery #FollowingMyDreams #ChasingPassion #FindingMyPath #MusicalJourney #LeavingComfortZone #MusicPassion #ChasingDreams

[PDF] The Professional Musician's Legal Companion Esq. Michael Aczon digsell Do you find the legal aspects of the music business daunting? Are you seeking recording contracts or other business relationships, but you have financial concerns over the costs of attorneys? Have you, like many musicians, had a bad experience or bad impression of entertainment attorneys? If you’re ready to address these issues and embrace the responsibility of your career, let this guide be your legal companion. By taking the time to become well informed and prepared, you’ll be able to work better with an attorney to suit your style and specific needs. In an effort to get to the core … Read More » https://lnkd.in/eeJTW_bY

Every time I feel like an oddball, something comes along to remind me that I'm not so different after all. This morning, it was the below article on Law360.com from Jeff Wakolbinger, titled "Performing Music Makes Me a Better Lawyer." Like Jeff, I majored in music performance in college. Also like Jeff, I then worked as a professional musician after graduation doing all kinds of crazy gigs--which in my case, including supporting national touring productions of Broadway shows, playing festivals with the jazz guitar version of Michael Winslow from Police Academy, and performing in a duo act at an LGBTQ laundry bar. Then, like Jeff, I went to law school and found my calling as an IP lawyer. And now, like Jeff, I primarily play alone, except for occasionally jamming with my kids...and my annual gig accompanying the holiday singalong at their school. So this article resonated with me--particularly Jeff's observations on how his music performance background benefited him as a lawyer. A few observations of my own: ● Improvisation. I studied jazz performance in school, and much of my professional work had some element of improvisation. Successful improvisation relies on careful listening and reacting in real time in a way that advances the musical conversation. There are obvious parallels to litigating in court--which requires careful listening not to the judge, opposing counsel, witnesses, your colleagues as they whisper comments, etc., and reacting in a way that optimizes your position. ● Vocabulary. Music is a language. A big part of learning to improvise is assimilating the musical phrases, chord voicings, and rhythms that are idiomatically appropriate to the style of music. Law is no different. Going to law school was like learning a new language, and the start of my professional career was focused on becoming a proficient speaker. Now, as an experienced lawyer, I think intentionally about deviating from the linguistic rules, such as by simplifying my writing, omitting legal jargon when possible, and splitting the occasional infinitive. ● Hustle. As a professional musician, you hustle. Having world-class chops won't get you far if you don't get a gig, which depends on meeting people who will hire you. Then, when you do get hired, you need to act like a professional--show up on time, know the music, and treat people respectfully (incl. the other musicians, the techs, management, the audience). Similarly, as a lawyer, a significant part of my time is spent building my network. When clients are gracious enough to hire me, my focus is on providing timely advice and work product, knowing the facts and law cold, and acting respectfully to the people I'm working with (incl. our clients' entire teams, my colleagues, opposing counsel, etc.). Many thanks to Jeff for the great article. Please give it a read. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Musicians, protect your creative efforts! Legal foresight is as crucial as musical talent. Trademark law and clear contracts are vital to avoid disruptive legal battles. EC intellectual property partner Carrie Ward secured a win for Split Decision Music, LLC, highlighting the importance of legal considerations in the evolving music industry. Brand and recognition are key to success! Check out the full case here- https://lnkd.in/gjzGhdrv #MusicIndustry #TrademarkLaw #LegalProtection

Getting ready to teach my Saturday morning law class. Today's topics include an introduction to music law, which typically results in mass confusion among the students for the first week or so. Among all of the areas of entertainment law, music law is the most conceptually difficult to figure out, at first.

Why do musicians need an attorney? A music attorney is essential for musicians due to the complexities of the music industry. They handle contract negotiations, ensuring your rights and interests are protected in deals with record labels, publishers, and other parties. Copyright issues are another critical area, where they help secure and protect your intellectual property. Music attorneys also ensure you receive the correct royalties and advise on the best ways to collect them. In disputes, they represent you in legal matters, safeguarding your career. Additionally, they assist in setting up business structures, like LLCs or corporations, for liability protection and tax benefits. Music attorneys manage licensing agreements and permissions, ensuring fair compensation for your work. Their ongoing legal advice helps you make informed decisions, navigating the industry's legal landscape with confidence. #musicattorney #musician #musicbiz #musicbusiness #legal