After searching for an Entertainment Lawyer in Arkansas, I came to the conclusion that Arkansas did not have one. So, during an appointment with my attorney, Clint Mathis, I interviewed him with the goal of retaining him as one.
Mr. Mathis lives and works in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and comes from a family of attorneys. His father, William Travis Mathis, was an attorney that started the family tradition. Clint worked in his father’s office doing research, “drafting dictation and helping with legal arguments.” (LawAdvocateOnline.com, 2007). His sister, Sherry, practices Medical Malpractice and his brother, Travis was an attorney for 14 years then became a traveling nurse.
On the website, Mr. Mathis’ biography lists his experience in criminal, divorce and child custody cases as well as personal injury. He has also served as counsel to large corporations. His attitude shouts complete confidence in his ability and experience. He says, “It's not bragging if it is a fact.”
It was exciting talking music business with Mr. Mathis; he had an interest in Entertainment Law several years ago and had copies of many contracts and riders that I will be able to pattern my business contracts after. We discussed the difference in Entertainment Law and other types were mainly the terms of the trade. Since a law or a contract governs nearly everything we do, he already knows the basics of this division of the law. He also pointed out the necessity for contracts with venues.
During our conversation, Mathis advised using thumb or flash drives for press kits and some of the components needed for promoting any artist. I also spoke with him about some basic terms of a contract I needed to protect myself such as my percentages of bookings and possible publishing deals. I have already established some terms with one young artist I recently found and have two other artists making decisions soon about hiring me as their manager.
In this business, the contract is crucial! I can already tell how close I will be with my clients and it will be difficult to maintain that business relationship amidst a friendship. Having a legal, binding contract that spells out details will ensure that our partnership will be more profitable and enjoyable. I am looking forward to working with Mr. Mathis as my legal counsel as I believe he is trustworthy and aggressive in protecting his client’s assets.
Mathis, C. (n.d.). Law Advocate Online - Mathis Law Firm. Law Advocate Online - Mathis Law Firm. Retrieved January 29, 2012, from http://www.lawadvocateonline.com/
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