If the lawyer starts from scratch, typically he will have clients who can't pay the bills but will still give him an opportunity to obtain valuable experience. For example, most actors and actresses struggle to make ends meet with part-time jobs. Investing time and energy in developing legal and business competence always pays off. Entertainment clients can and do shop and compare lawyers. Perceived competence will distinguish the attorney from others within the market who also hold themselves out as entertainment lawyers.
More opportunity exists for entertainment lawyers in the three primary markets.
Thus, the competition for clients and legal positions in these markets is very high. Although it is more difficult, a lawyer can develop an entertainment law practice and represent entertainment clients in a secondary market. But proper planning becomes a critical necessity. Advancements in technology will continue to increase the opportunities for entertainment lawyers practicing outside the primary markets. As the economy expands, more avenues for programming open, especially through nontraditional channels.