Lawyer. College Professor. Consigliere. Business development executive. Media Producer. Genius for Hire.
I am a progressive thinker. I represent clients in different capacities based on their particular needs in the entertainment, corporate and digital technology fields. I specialize in deal negotiations and contract drafting. Problem solving and consulting are available for clients that desire to engage me to help them drive their business forward and to take advantage of the latest trends in business, technology and global interactions.
James E. Elam, IV
Attorney at Law
The Elam Law Firm: Owner and Founder
Genesis Realty, LLC: Owner and Founder
Drexel University: Professor of Music Publishing; Global Issues in the Music Industry.
James Elam began his professional career in 1997 as an attorney at the prestigious Dilworth Paxson law firm in Philadelphia. After working for a year as an associate in the litigation department, he moved into the corporate transactional group. Utilizing the strong client base that he had developed in relatively short order, he immediately began the formation of a media law group within the firm. Initially focusing on music-related clients, James developed a strong presence in the blossoming Philadelphia music scene. Thereafter, he began representing clients in the film, television, and theater industries, as well as professional athletes and authors such luminaries as Jill Scott, Musiq and John Legend. In servicing his clients, James has negotiated numerous agreements regarding recording artists, music publishing, music production, licensing, distribution, merchandising and investment, while also serving as general counsel to a number of companies. Recently, James has expanded his areas of expertise to include negotiating commercial and real estate transactions.
Soon to begin an adjunct professorship at Drexel University, James has served as a keynote speaker at numerous conferences, industry-related panel discussions and youth organizations. Understanding that many young people desire careers in the entertainment industry, James feels an ardent desire to educate others on the pitfalls of seeking celebrity and the extensive knowledge required of performing artists to be financially and professionally successful under the intense scrutiny of the media.
EDUCATION
J.D., Widener University School of Law (1997)
B.S., University of Delaware (1992)
PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES
Fund For Philadelphia, Board of Governors, 2005
Animal Alliance of Philadelphia, Board of Governors, 2005
Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Board of Governors, 2005
National Academy or Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS, the Grammy organization) Board of Governors, Philadelphia Chapter (2003-5)
Campaign Chair, Joel Johnson for Judge, 2004
Barristers Association of Philadelphia President (2003-4)
Philadelphia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Chair (2001)
Board of Governors 2000-1, 2003-4
Philadelphia Bar Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention
(2001-2, 2003-4)
Black Entertainment & Sports Lawyers Association
Voice and Opportunity through Economics (V.O.T.E.) Co-chair
University of Delaware Black Alumni Organization Association Regional Representative
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Regional Counsel (2001)
American Bar Association Advisory Board for the Friends United in Need Network (1999)
Young America Political Action Committee
Urban League of Young Professionals
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