The best time to get a lawyer is before you need one.
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FAQs
Q: Should I get this contract reviewed?
A: YES. Contracts are BINDING LEGAL DOCUMENTS. Luckily for you, I do simple contract reviews on a sliding scale, and can help prevent you from getting hosed. READ YOUR CONTRACT and HAVE A LAWYER READ YOUR CONTRACT BEFORE YOU SIGN IT.
Q: What will that cost me?
A: If you don't want me to negotiate on your behalf, then the price depends on the length of the contract and how much you know about the industry. A short contract (5-8 pages) for a sophisticated client can run an hour and a half, a longer contract (10-15 pages) for someone less familiar with the business could run another hour, maybe two or three depending. It really depends on the complexity of the agreement and the familiarity of the client. So generally anywhere between $600-$1000.
Negotiations are a whole new ball game and can take forever, so they operate on an open ended retainer basis.
Q: What are your rates?
A: I charge $300/hr + HST for most things, but do offer a sliding scale based on financial need. I'm happy to work out a flat rate for limited retainer engagements. Incorporations run a flat rate of $1500.00 + HST including all disbursements and government fees. I also offer a 1.5 hour consultation for a flat fee of $425 + HST.
Q: Can you help me get out of this contract I signed before reading it?
A: Probably not. There might be hope, but it's tough. See the article GETTING OUT OF A BAD RECORD DEAL, above.
Q: Can you copyright my music for me?
A: No. You probably mean "register", and that's more admin/manager type work that you could almost certainly even just do yourself. I generally stick to lawyer work, like reviewing contracts and dealing with infringement claims - that kind of thing.
Q: My record label claims they own my masters. Can you help me get them back?
A: Unfortunately, no. Your label is probably right. Under the Copyright Act, whoever pays for ("arranges for") the making of a recording owns that recording. You own the idea of the song (unless you've sold it; READ YOUR CONTRACT); the label owns *that* recording of *that* song.
Q: What’s the deal with synchronization rights?
A: Synch rights go through individual publishers or the artists themselves. If you’re in a position to need to licence your stuff for synch rights, you probably want to think about hiring a publisher, although SOCAN can help also. I can walk you though it, or do it for you.
Q: Why do I need a lawyer?
A: Because the more time you spend stressing out about legal stuff, the less time you spend practicing. Let me worry about it.