A Modern Entertainment Law Firm
About Me
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Catherine James, Esq.
I leverage a modern, virtual-first office model to eliminate unnecessary high-rise overhead. This allows me to provide elite-level enttainment and business counsel at rates that support independent creators and start ups.
I spent my early career on the front lines of entertainment labor enforcemetn at SAG-AFTRA, protecting performer rights under the union's codified agreements. This experience in 'quasi-litigation' gave me an intimate understanding of how to enforce entertainment contracts and resolve disputes befoer they escalte to a courtroom.
While at SAG-AFTRA, I served as the gatekeeper for union compliance, succesfully signing producers to the Codified Basic Agreements. I navigated the complexities of union-mandated production requirements, ensuring that projects moved forward while protecting the rights of the creative force.
RESULTS DRIVEN ADVOCACY
After gaining experience at established entertainment and employment firms in Los Angeles, I founded my practice to ensure every client receives the direct, agrressive, and quality representation they deserve.
Strategic Asset Protection: Successfully secured a preliminary injuncion in a high-stakes misapprpriation case, convincing the court to freeze a defedant's real estate assets. By stopping an imminent sale, I ensured that my client's potential recovery was protected before the defendant could move the funds out of reach.
Decisive Litigaiton and Rapid Settlements: Authored the legal analysis of a high-pressure Motion for Judgment that successfuly exposed weaknesses in the opposing party's position. This strategic maneuver forced an immediate settlement, securing a total victory for the client while bypassing the heavy costs and delays of a full trial.
MISSION
Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco Entertainment and Business Counel dedicated to protecting the assets and creative rights of independent creators.
Specifically, to give entertainment, gaming, fashion, and digital creators—and the businesses and brands they work with—clear, modern legal protection in a world of AI tools, platforms, and fast‑moving deals, so you can keep creating without losing control of your rights, your likeness, or your revenue.
Just entertainment, creator‑economy, and platform work.
VALUES
- Entertainment‑first focus – Every matter ties back to entertainment, creator‑economy, platforms, or IP.
- Transparency in fees – Published “starting at” flat fees, clearly defined subscription plans, and written scopes before any work begins.
- Plain‑language advice – No hiding behind jargon; you know exactly what a clause means for you.
- Protection + strategy – Every edit or demand is tied to your long‑term career, not just today’s problem.
- Respect for how you actually work – Contracts and strategies built around real‑world realities of sets, studios, shoots, releases, campaigns, and platforms.