photo by steed media service

With the countless opportunities available in entertainment, artists endure increased pressure to land the right deal. Entertainment lawyer TiQuisha Tobin represents industry heavy hitters, and knows a good contract when she sees one. “A lot of people think, ‘Oh, it’s just words on a page,’ and sign agreements [not knowing] what they’re signing,’” shares the Thurgood Marshall School of Law graduate. “An ‘and’ or an ‘or’ makes a difference between you making a lot of money or little money.”

Tobin puts her exceptional skills to the test as an associate attorney for Minter and Associates in Stone Mountain. She assists in formulating and negotiating artists’ distribution and merchandising agreements. Tobin’s worked with a variety of celebrities, such as gospel star Kirk Franklin and reggae artist Da’Ville. “I’m a big fan of the entertainment industry. I’ve always been fascinated by songwriters and [other artists] because I can’t sing, I’m not a songwriter [and] I can’t act,” Tobin shares candidly. “But I’ve always wanted to be a part of it … I felt one way of helping is going into the legal field.”

Like other recent law graduates, Tobin experienced difficulty breaking into the profession. In order to succeed in the competitive industry, she reveals that young attorneys must understand that a lot of work goes on behind the glitz and glamour. “To be in this industry, you have to have a hustler’s mentality, you just can’t give up, you have to keep going,” advises Tobin. -marissa mitchell

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