(Interviewed, Written and Transcribed by: Brandon Needam. Photos and additional information provided courtesy of The Simon and Robinson Law Firm, LLP.)
" I think the most exciting and rewarding part of having my law practice, is not entirely litigating the cases. The satisfaction for me is having the pleasure of representing new clients, hearing their dreams and passions, and defending and structuring key facets of their business. Making them more aware of things that can work in their favor, and truly sharing insight about making sure everything is protected legally on paper. Because, only then, can your dreams never be taken away from you."
These are just a few of the words that remain eminent in my mind after my past week end conversation with Patrick Simon,Esq., Entertainment Lawyer and COO of The Simon and Robinson Law Firm, LLP. in Dallas, Texas. A man that heart and community service is a big the state to which we live in, and the success record that proceeds him and his major entertainment clients.
Here is the in depth interview with Simon that truly empowered me, and allowed me to establish a great relationship that will propel me one step further to greatness as well:
B. Needam: Mr. Simon, I first want to say thank you for the opportunity.
Patrick Simon: No Problem. This is what I am here for.
B. Needam: Definitely. Can you tell me a little about your background?
Patrick Simon: I am originally from Seattle, Washington, and moved to the Dallas area shortly after college, as a change of pace from Washington. I lost a lot of friends back home, and wanted a fresh start, and it was kind of hard on my family, but I think that move was one of the best decisions that I made for my life. As far as my education, I graduated in my undergraduate degree from Central Washington University with a Bachelors of Arts in Computer Science. Fell in love with a elective law class that I took on Media Law and Ethics, and decided that, "This is it. I think I'd rather do this." So, from there I moved to the Texas area, and attended Texas Southern University, and got my Jurors Doctrine from their Thurgood Marshall School of Law. I was admitted into the bar in 2005, here in Texas. As far as professionally, I am a member of the Lone Star Legal Aid Association, Dallas and American Bar Associations; State Bar of Texas and the Texas Young Lawyers Association. The one I love the most attached to my name is being a member of the J.L. Turner. Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program.
B. Needam: Why is that your favorite?
Patrick Simon: Because its not only a way for me to give back to the community, I feel humbled and empowered just hearing some of our young brothers and sisters stories and share insight. I think everybody should have the ability and opportunity to seek legal help and gain that help, whether its paid for or not. Just knowing that a conversation with me, asking advice, can get them one step closer to a new lease on life or from doing something that can be detrimental to their growth makes me feel good. I am humbled by those types of moments.
B. Needam: I agree. I seen a quote that falls right into what you just said. And it basically said that that richness is a state of mind. Wealth is a process. The people who truly are rich are not those individuals whom acquire the most, but whom need the least. Be okay with even living simply, so others can simply live.
Simon: Great quote. Remember to always keep that in mind on your journey.
B. Needam: I will. Now, What are some of the areas of law that your practice concentrate in?
Simon: The Simon And Robinson Law Firm specializes in Business Formation; Small Business Law; Child Support; and Entertainment Law. My individual focus is with Entertainment Contracts; Music Copyright; Music Law; Music Licensing; and Music Publishing.
B. Needam: Perfect. I definitely need to utilize you with some of own aspirations. As you know, I am at Full Sail University, mastering in Entertainment Business. I want to open multi-facet entertainment business consulting company with respect to audio and visual.
Simon: I am one phone call away.
B. Needam: So if I was to do so, what type of company would you advise me to register and why?
Simon: As a whole, because you have multiple entities that are going to be operating within the business, which may all be unique, yet beneficial for the effectiveness for your business, It would be best to be incorporated, and have a sub-contractor S attached to it. That way you can remain under the radar as far as buyout of your business from other major corporations, utilize key investors still, but also have the protection legally, and have the proper registered clauses of a corporation attached to you. With this, you can also franchise and operate in multiple states as well. As far as your facets under your Incorporated Business, they can be Limited Liability Companies, because they are considered "Umbrella Companies", or Key Business Subsidiaries. You should also make sure to file and register all your copyrighted material, like music, beats, and all of those great creative works you may have. And trademark all your ideas and intellectual properties. Make sure all are registered separately underneath the incorporated business. Update your information if it changes and pay your yearly and monthly fees to keep them legally registered and on file with The Patent and Trade Offices, and the Copyright offices down in [Washington] D.C. It sounds like a lot of time consuming paperwork, but it truly is worth everything and every penny. As a courtesy, our law office does provide those services, will help you structure them, and answer any questions for you. We have great legal secretaries, and paralegals that are very familiar with these practices in the event that you cannot contact myself or Mr. Preston Robinson.
B.Needam: For those who are not familiar, who are some of the people that you represent and what other entities seek your legal advise?
Simon: Right now we represent, DeShawn Stevenson of the NBA World Champion Dallas Mavericks, because he has a music production company outside of basketball. We also represent platinum rap artists Play-N-Skills and Durrough, BET 106 & Park Countdown; we also have aided with the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Track and the U.S. Billboard Pop 100 charts.
B. Needam: With such a extensive resume', What is your favorite facet of the business that you like litigating and why?
Simon: [after long pause].... I think the most exciting and rewarding part of having my law practice, is not entirely litigating the cases. The satisfaction for me is having the pleasure of representing new clients, hearing their dreams and passions, and defending and structuring key facets of their business. Making them more aware of things that can work in their favor, and truly sharing insight about making sure everything is protected legally on paper. Because, only then, can your dreams never be taken away from you.
B. Needam: ....[Feeling a Little spechless]. Wow. I couldn't agree with that statement more. Thank you so much for not only giving me the first step for my own business, but also enlightening me through this conversation, with some wisdom that I did not expect of even prepare myself for. It really has been a pleasure.
Simon: Law is hard. The little things that I shared with you are supposed to come natural. Inspiration is the easy part. Now, with that being said, don't be a stranger, and lets continue to build so that we can do something with it.
B. Needam: [laughing] I won't.
If you are ever in the Dallas area, please do not hesitate to contact or schedule a consultation with Mr. Patrick Simon of The Simon and Robinson Law Firm at 1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 2610,Dallas, TX 75201, (Collin, Dallas & Denton Cos.). Call them 24 hours a day at 877-318-9941 or online at http://www.simonrobinsonlaw.com
