Blacks latest recruit will be music to the ears of clients

As the latest recruit to Leeds-based law firm Blacks, he’s well-placed to give an insiders’ perspective on the fiercely competitive – and sometimes cut-throat – world of entertainment.

His appointment is part of a strategy to beef up the music, media and entertainment law team at Blacks, which should help the firm to attract clients with a creative perspective. Rock stars and soap stars need lawyers just as much as high-powered corporates.

Mr Bott worked in the music industry for many years as an artist, writer and producer, He was even signed to 679/Warner Records, which has an impressive stable of stars including Little Boots and The Futureheads. So any band strolling into Blacks’ office in Leeds won’t regard him as just another stuffed shirt.

His impressive music CV – and the fact that he often lectures on music law at local universities – gives added weight to his opinions.

“It’s an issue of credibility,’’ he said, when we met over a coffee along with Chris Allen, the firm’s managing partner. “The music scene has traditionally been quite anti-corporate and rebellious.”

But the days when every band was pathetically grateful to be ripped off by their manager and record company are long gone.

Many bands want to sharpen up their business practices, and find a lawyer who can take a cold, hard, look at any contract that lands on their desk. A rock band is, in principle, no different from any other small business.

“A lot of bands are still entering into contracts without understanding what they mean,’’ said Mr Bott.

“A lot of them are quite young and the industry has tended to exploit that innocence and naivety.”

Mr Bott believes bands shouldn’t be afraid to walk away from a bad deal.

Their negotiating position may be stronger than they think.

In 2009, as part of his further legal studies at Leeds University, he completed a dissertation about music copyright and online piracy, so he’s well-placed to provide advice on copyright issues and intellectual property.

The growth in reality TV means that a wider range of people will come under the media spotlight.

Mr Allen recently advised a local woman who had been offered a television role.

It seemed a great opportunity, but the contract was flawed, which meant she could have lost out financially. Mr Allen ensured it was re-written so her rights were protected.

“It was badly drafted and we’ve made sure it’s in a better shape,’’ said Mr Allen.

Blacks, which employs 105 staff, also boasts a specialist sports law team which includes former football stars John Hendrie and Robbie Savage,

Mr Allen added: “Blacks is a niche firm and we like to do something a little bit different. Our turnover this year will be about the same, at £6.8m, and our profit will be £1.5m.

“The market is very tough, lots of firms are struggling. But we were not beholden to the banks at the start of the recession. We are very good at keeping our trainees.

“We have only lost one solicitor in five years to a competitor.”

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