A Nontraditional Attorney
The saying goes that you should always have an attorney on hand and pray that you actually never need them. From what’s shown on mainstream TV, it can seem that people tend to become criminal attorneys or family attorneys, but that’s not what Stephanie K. Hay saw for herself. Hay always wanted a career in the industry, so after graduating with a degree in communications, and a suggestion from her family, she chose to become an entertainment attorney.
Hay earned her Entertainment Law & Industry Certificate from USC Gould School of Law in Los Angeles, her J.D. Cum Laude from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and her B.A. from Howard University in Washington.
Known on social media as The Entertainment Attorney, Hay started her own firm, The Hay Law Group. She’s been in the field for around 13 years and said she’s only worked for herself.
According to the website, The Hay Law Group is a full-service digital media and entertainment law firm specializing in negotiating, structuring, and executing transactions on behalf of creatives and entrepreneurs.
Some of the firms’ services include copyright and trademark matters, personality rights, merchandising, publicity issues, endorsements and brand partnerships, life story rights, and licensing. Hay also represents recording artists, celebrities, and entertainers in negotiations involving recording agreements, social media partnerships, personal appearances, and on-camera talent agreements.
One of Hay’s most notable current clients is actress Gail Bean, whose work includes the hit television show Snowfall. Hay hopes to continue expanding her roaster and representing A-list celebrities, including those who’ve won Oscars.
“I’m still on the journey…I’m okay with saying I’m not where I want to be,” Hay said. “It’s a learning process…be patient [and] be present for the journey.”
Building Her Brand Through Social Media
According to her bio, Hay is a former adjunct professor at Houston Community College, where she aimed to impact future industry professionals and entertainers. Hay has served as the Board Secretary of Women in Film and Television Houston and Chair of the Houston Community College Music Business Advisory Board.
Now, Hay utilizes social media and her YouTube channel to discuss and educate creatives on entertainment law matters. Hay gave us a few tips for entertainers on negotiating.
“If they’re trying to rush you to sign [then] don’t sign. “There should never be [a] rush to sign without legal consultation,” Hay said. “If the opportunity is for you, then sit in it.”
She added that you should have peace when signing, not anxiety or worry.
And she advises getting professional consulting even if you think it’s expensive.
“You always want to be proactive,” she said.
To learn more about The Hay Law Group services, click here.
Nyesha Stone founded Carvd N Stone in 2017 to cover positive news while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stone has a B.A. in Journalism. She has raised over $30,000 to award grants and scholarships. She has also been featured in ESSENCE and worked with the American Black Film Festival.
- Nyesha Stone
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