Lauren Lewis is a 3L at the University of Illinois at Chicago, John Marshall Law School. Lauren previously interned with the Circuit Court of Cook County. Before going to John Marshall, Lauren received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Business from the Mike Curb College of Education and Music Business at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Lauren also completed an MBA at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Q: Many of our interns come to us with unique backgrounds in the arts. Do you have any personal background in the arts?
A: Yes, after finishing my Bachelor's, I moved to Los Angeles, CA and worked as executive receptionist at Universal Music Group (UMG). In this capacity, I provided administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer and twenty- eight other executives. After a year, I transitioned into an analyst role at Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). As an analyst, I developed reports that tracked outstanding licensing fees for Universal Music songwriters. I also prepared a global digital report that showcased UMPG artist’s shares in the world music market.
How did you hear about LCA?
I had been reviewing some of the school’s job posting on simplicity and had been hoping for the opportunity to find something in the arts. I found the posting on the website and immediately submitted my resume as the position seemed perfect for me.
What did you expect? Did anything here surprise you?
I was not sure to expect but I was very excited to see what kinds of cases we would be looking into in the Chicagoland area. I was surprised by the sheer volume of client intake this year, which sounds like it has increased substantially compared to previous years. I was also surprised by how much I enjoy really talking to clients and understanding their history and finding ways we could help them.
Do you have any favorite moments or projects from your time with us?
Yes, one of my favorite moments and or projects I worked on involved the use of police scanner recordings in film and whether or not the use of the recording was copyright infringement. I was surprised that there was not that much research out there. It just made me realize how many niche issues there truly are in this particular area of the law.
In general, the work has truly been fantastic. I love digging into issues and being a part of finding the solution for a client matter. The help the clients are seeking Is normally protecting something that could be their life’s work, their goal is truly to protect themselves and make sure they are following the right steps to ensure that protection. It is very rewarding to be a part of that process and to help creatives in this space.
How has your experience at LCA connected with what you have been learning in law school?
I think my experience at LCA has been very different than my law school experience. I see some overlap with contract reviewing and things of that nature but the actual practice and working directly with the attorneys has truly been invaluable and not something I would say can be taught.
Did you come into LCA hoping to get experience in a particular area of law? Have your interests changed at all?
I came into LCA with an open mind and eager to learn more about entertainment law. My primary focus was on music; however, I really enjoyed the cases I dealt with in film. There are so many more moving parts and a lot more parties involved in film production than I realized. I could definitely see myself working in film and tv as well.
What’s next for you? Has your time at LCA helped you to narrow your options?
I will be taking the California bar exam in July of 2021. My time at LCA has actually helped me expand on my options. I was very focused on music and have been for quite some time however I am now interested in trademark and film and tv as well.
Do you hope to volunteer with LCA once you have your degree?
I would love to come back and volunteer with LCA when I get my degree.
What value does an organization like LCA add to the arts community?
The value that LCA provides to the arts community is truly incredible. Not only do they provide legal help when clients file an application, but they also focus on education by providing seminars and workshops as well as information directly on their website to help facilitate the arts community.
Which tv-show/movie/song/book have you recently finished that you would recommend?
I highly recommended Donald Passman All you Need to Know about the Music Business.
I also recommend a book that Director of Legal Services Stacy Streur recommended to me called Clearance and Copyright by Michael C. Donaldson and Lisa A Callif. It was fantastic and very informative.
Finally, if you have not seen it, The Bee Gee’s : How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, I highly highly recommend that. It was an incredible documentary following the development and career of the Bee Gees and their impact on music.
Thank you Lauren for all of your hard work as an intern this semester! Check the website or follow us on social media for future intern profiles and other exciting content.