CLE 6: Hardcore Legal Issues for Artist-Owned Labels

In these times, the responsibility for artist development often falls on . . . the artist. More than ever, the developing artist may need to be as adept at business as they are at art. The panel reviews essential business issues required for self-development.

Presenters

MODERATOR

David Lessoff

Atty

Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP

David Lessoff is a Los Angeles-based counsel in the Entertainment Practice of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, with extensive legal experience in connection with recorded music, music publishing, Internet/technology and entertainment contracts with minors.

Prior to joining Manatt, Mr. Lessoff was the Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs at Rhino Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Music Group, as well as managing partner in his own legal practice based in Los Angeles, California, representing recording artists, record companies, publishing companies, film companies, producers and songwriters. During his career, Mr. Lessoff has served as senior in-house counsel for New West Records, one of the country's most respected and successful independent record labels, and as a senior Legal & Business Affairs executive at Capitol Records for more than nine years. Additionally, Mr. Lessoff also has extensive experience handling recorded music audits, having served as the lead lawyer handling audits for both Capitol Records and Rhino Entertainment Company.

Mr. Lessoff's work includes all music-related legal and business matters in connection with the creation, marketing and exploitation of music and artists, including recording contracts, producer agreements, publishing agreements, soundtrack albums, Broadway cast albums, distribution agreements, music brand and sponsorship agreements and Internet/technology agreements.
- See more at: http://www.manatt.com/DavidLessoff.aspx#sthash.NgklSFG4.dpuf

Monika Tashman

Partner

Fox Rothschild LLP

Monika Tashman is a Partner in the Sports and Entertainment Department at Fox Rothschild, LLP. She has been a practicing entertainment attorney for over 14 years and has been in the music, and related businesses, for over 20.

Her practice is diverse and her approach pro-active with clients that include independent and artist owned record companies, musical artists, media entrepreneurs, actors, authors, producers, directors, writers, industry executives and others in the literary, music, theatrical and film and new media industries.
In the ever-evolving entertainment landscape, Monika helps clients navigate the various distribution platforms and the complexities surrounding the digital revolution. She has a great depth of experience in optimizing business dealings and connecting the dots to ensure her clients make sound business decisions that mitigate their exposure to risk and maximize their opportunities for success.
For further information: http://www.foxrothschild.com/attorneys/monika-tashman.html

Janine Small

Partner

Carroll Guido & Groffman LLP

Janine Small is a partner with Carroll, Guido & Groffman, LLP, a boutique law firm representing artists and entrepreneurs in the music industry. During her 20 year tenure at the firm, she has worked with many notable artists including Dave Matthews Band, Bonnie Raitt, Iggy Pop, The Del McCoury Band, The Strokes, Punch Brothers and O.A.R. Ms. Small has also been counsel to the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival since its inception.

Janine is the 2015-2017 chair elect for the American Bar Association Forum on Entertainment and Sports Industries and enjoys mentoring future industry professionals. She taught a music industry contracts seminar as an adjunct professor at Cardozo Law School and speaks regularly at music industry and legal events.

Ms. Small earned her J.D. from U.C. Hastings College of Law and is admitted in both New York and California.