Life Story
(the condensed
version)
Born and raised in Wisconsin, I spent 5 years in the U.S. Marine Corps
and moved to Montana in 1990.
To live as long as I can and have as
much fun doing it as possible.
You don’t have to be a jerk to be a good attorney.
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Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Soil Science, Highest Distinction, University
of Wisconsin Madison, 1983
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Juris Doctorate, Top 25%, University of Wisconsin Law School - Madison, 1989
Although practicing
entertainment law since 1989, I only began focusing on entertainment
law in August of 1996. Entertainment
law, along with my music, is now how I make my living. Over the last 3 years, I’ve reviewed over 75 recording contracts
(including recording companies in New York, L.A. and Austin), helped put
together over 30 music publishing companies, reviewed or drafted over 50 music
publishing or other music licensing agreements, and worked on two films and
the soundtrack licensing for 3 more.
Outside of music law, I have negotiated and
reviewed contracts for clients’ appearances on Geraldo, Oprah, and a 30
minute infomercial, and overseen the publishing and royalty issues for two
books (non-fiction and poetry). While
not concentrating on litigation, I’ve also been involved in two copyright
infringement cases in Federal District Court. In one case, involving the Unabomber
sketch artist, I was quoted in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal
regarding the “work-for-hire” doctrine and FBI independent contractors.
Admitted to practice law in Wisconsin
and Montana
Registered songwriter and music publisher with ASCAP
Member:
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Wisconsin and Montana State Bars
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American Bar Association, Entertainment and Sport Law Division
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American Federation of Musicians
As you can see from the above list of activities,
my client base is diverse.
Musicians, authors, artists, record labels,
publishing companies (both music and literature), independent (sometimes very
independent) film producers, and software and web page developers have sought
my assistance in the three years. While
many of my clients come from Montana, of the 13 musicians with open cases on
my desk, only four are from Montana. The others are located in Florida, Virginia, Washington
State, Oregon, Alabama, Georgia, and in Europe.
To ensure that, mentally and emotionally, I stay
as healthy as my law practice, I attempt to keep my legal work reigned in to
50% of my time. The rest being saved for my family and my music. I
and my lovely wife Laura have four sons aged 19 to 3 years.
Musically I stay busy with a five piece blues, boogie and swing band (my sax,
harp, and slide guitar) and a jazz combo (my sax and chromatic harp).
I’ve been fortunate to be on 11 regional CD’s since 1994.
Additionally, I provide a copyright law
course for state workers in Helena each year and there has been interest in an
Entertainment Law Course at the law school in Missoula for next year. Finally, I volunteer as legal counsel for a local battered women’s
shelter.
If
you need additional information, or would like a list of references from my
entertainment law clients, please let me know.
Regardless of your decision concerning my legal services, I wish you
the best of luck in your entertainment and artistic career.
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