Keegan Dyer attends Chicago-Kent College of Law. Prior to LCA, Keegan Dyer held internships with the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, Romano Law PLCC, and the Children’s Legal Center.
Q: Many of our interns come to us with unique backgrounds in the arts. Do you have any personal background in the arts?
A: After finishing undergrad, I spent nearly ten years in Los Angeles working as a producer on independent films.
How did you hear about LCA?
When I moved to Chicago, I was already in process of applying to law schools, so I immediately looked for any legal organizations that were working with the arts and artists. I joined the associate board shortly after starting school.
What did you expect? Did anything here surprise you?
I have been consistently surprised and impressed by LCA’s reach within the both the Chicago legal world and artistic community. It’s been heartening to see an organization act as a hub between some of the biggest corporate law firms in the city and unknown artists.
Do you have any favorite moments or projects from your time with us?
In general, I have really enjoyed conducting intakes with prospective clients. I miss both the work and the community of the LA film industry, so it’s been great to speak with people who are actively engaged in pursuing their own artistic ambitions.
How has your experience at LCA connected with what you have been learning in law school?
I came into law school really wanting to work in the entertainment field and have deliberately chosen courses focused on that area. Interning with LCA has a been an excellent opportunity to start taking some of that legal knowledge and reframing it around the needs of real people.
What’s next for you? Has your time at LCA helped you to narrow your options?
I’m finishing up school this year, at which point my spouse and I plan on moving back to Los Angeles. My goal has always been to get back into the entertainment industry, but my experiences in law school have also stoked a deep passion for legal aid. Rather than narrowing options, interning with LCA has been a chance for me to further develop my professional experience in both of those areas.
What value does an organization like LCA add to the arts community?
As an individual who has dedicated a significant portion of their life to pursuing independent creative endeavors rather than the legal field, I can personally attest to the immense value of artists having access to quality, focused legal services that they can afford. I can think of at least two situations in my own professional background where consulting with an entertainment/IP lawyer would have hugely beneficial but cost prohibitive. Organizations like LCA are vital for independent artists to get the legal protections they deserve.
What's a fun fact about you?
Kumail Nanjiani once accidentally stepped on me at music festival before he was famous.
Which tv-show/movie/song/book have you recently finished that you would recommend?
Severance on Apple+. Only one season out so far, but it’s my favorite show currently on air.
Thank you Keegan Dyer for all of your hard work as an intern this quarter! Check the website or follow us on social media for future intern profiles and other exciting content.