Lawyers work to ensure artists are aware of the nuances and consequences of contracts they sign, and they fight to ensure artists are properly compensated for their work.

Laura Wilson-Lewis, Associate at Taylor Oballa Leyland Murray LLP., explains why lawyers are a critical part of any artist’s team. In her first video, Laura breaks down the basics of what a contract is, and what kinds of contracts artists may come into contact with. She details how a lawyer fits into the bigger picture of the artist team, and how, above all else, it’s the lawyer’s job to always advocate for what is in the best interest of their artist client.

Contract negotiations or disputes may not be as dramatic as they seem on TV (most of the time), but take it from Laura: representing an artist as an entertainment lawyer can be a rewarding way to put your reading, writing, and listening skills to work.

Laura breaks down the path that needs to be taken should you wish to be a lawyer (entertainment or otherwise). She also talks about why she loves her job, and what she wishes she had known about the industry when she was in high school.

Laura Wilson-Lewis is an Associate at Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP, an entertainment and media law firm in Toronto. Her practice focuses on all aspects of the music industry, as well as film, television, and new media. Laura acts for a wide variety of clients, including musicians, artist managers, producers, and other copyright owners. Prior to joining the firm in February 2021, Laura operated her own law firm, where she practiced law exclusively within the music industry. Laura has extensive experience drafting and negotiating licensing agreements, distribution agreements, publishing agreements, and a variety of other agreements to help clients protect their business interests and intellectual property. Laura graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2015 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2016. Laura can be reached on social media @wilsonlewislaw on IG, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and by email at laura@tomllawyers.com.