BET Lawyer Speaks with Law School Students

April 19, 2004

Marcus Clifton, Esq. (left) and Director of Student Services Torian Lee (right)

Thursday, April 8, 2004, Marcus Clifton, Esq. of the Washington, DC based law firm, Cooper Roberts, PLLC discussed the practice of entertainment law with Law School Students. Clifton spoke about the field of entertainment law and reviewed traditional and non-traditional routes to becoming a successful entertainment lawyer.

Clifton defined the field of entertainment law as including the disciplines of intellectual property rights law, contract law, securities law and negotiations. He also indicated it can be an entertainment attorney’s job to provide on set advice.

By his own admission, Clifton made his way into the entertainment industry through a non-traditional route. Near the end of his law school years, Clifton began making calls and sending letters to top entertainment firms. He offered his services free of charge for three months and ended up obtaining an internship at Black Entertainment Television (BET). Using hard work, dedication, and networking skills, Clifton eventually parlayed this opportunity into a position at Cooper Roberts, PLLC, a firm that has BET as one of its largest clients.

Following his talk, Clifton took questions from the law students who attended the event. Questions included inquiries regarding his motivations, attitudes toward coworkers, and details about more traditional routes to becoming an entertainment lawyer.