By: Mindful Agency

Attorney Steven Beer reflects on his decades-long career in the entertainment industry and the importance of advocating for artists when others won’t. 

Sitting in the front row at Radio City Music Hall accompanied by his team at Lewis Brisbois, attorney Steven Beer experienced a full-circle moment during Jon Batiste’s sold-out show on September 7th. “When Jon saw me, midway through his first set, he came to the front of the stage and fist-bumped me without missing a note. This moment was especially sweet and gratifying since I helped get Jon his first deal 10 years prior,” Beer shares.

Super Lawyer Beer, recently named to the 2024 New York Super Lawyers list, recalls recognizing Batiste’s talents as an artist and performer in the early years of his career, encouraging him to fulfill his dreams and challenge himself to do things outside his comfort zone. 

“I told Jon consistently that what he needs to do is become a band leader, to do what Questlove did with Fallon, and so we put our feelers out there.” At this point, Beer convinced Batiste’s manager to get him a guest performance on the Stephen Colbert Show, which eventually became a regular gig. Before Colbert, Beer assisted with Batiste’s breakthrough performance at the Sundance Film Festival’s ASCAP Lounge, saying that’s “what really lit the fuse,” he can’t help but feel proud of the journey he and Batiste have shared.

Beer is a partner in the New York office of Lewis Brisbois and a National Chair of the firm’s Entertainment, Media & Sports Practice. He represents industry-leading film, television, and music companies. He has acted as counsel to numerous award-winning writers, directors, producers, and multi-platinum musical artists throughout his decades-long career—but his passion marks the true testament to his success in supporting his client’s dreams. 

If there’s one thing that has inspired Beer as an attorney, it’s helping his clients find their footing, grow, and succeed in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape. “It’s really nice to have those experiences and take a look back and see how far an artist can go when you give them a good start,” he continues.

Beer shares that about 20 years ago, he represented a group called No Secrets through Jive Records, which was required to replace one of the two lead singers in the group in a very short period. With less than 60 days to find a replacement, Beer held auditions in his “law office turned talent management office,” and eventually came across a girl named Stefani Germanotta. 

“She was a junior in high school with messy hair and ripped jeans. The other girls who auditioned were more ‘polished’, but I loved how she sang and was especially impressed when she sat down with the keyboard,” he reflects.

Aware that Stefani didn’t fit the mold of what No Secret’s producers were looking for, Beer secured her an audition. “She had a wonderful audition with the label, but after she left, the head of A&R told me, ‘She has a theatrical vocal style, not well suited for a pop artist,’ and ‘Are you sure she’s the right girl? Her voice is too big.’”

“I pushed back and said to him, ‘That’s like saying Freddie Mercury can’t sing pop because he had a theatrical voice.’ Stephanie could sing pop easily. Then the A&R guy leaned in closer and said, ‘Well, she doesn’t look like the other girls.’ I said, ‘You’re right. She’s more interesting.’”

“I remember thinking that sometimes you don’t need another ‘the same.’ You need someone that comes in and has a little flair,” he says. “I trusted my instincts, and I knew she was different. She had too much talent to ignore.” Eventually, with Beer’s help, Stephanie got a spot in the group, but after seven months passed, the label dropped the No Secret. 

“Four years later, she changed her name to Lady Gaga,” he says. 

Acknowledging that the road to fame will always come with things out of one’s control, Beer shares that you just have to “lean into it and do the best job you can.” As an attorney to countless clients spanning his time as an attorney, he emphasizes the need to get creative when navigating the ever-changing entertainment landscape—and the importance of fighting for talented artists, even when others don’t recognize it.

“With all my clients, I prioritize their agenda, not mine. What’s their goal? What’s their objective? What does success look like to them? For me, it’s talking about it, understanding it, and taking a holistic approach that doesn’t just rubber stamp but challenges them. And if they’re missing an important element, it’s suggesting some things for them to think about,” he explains.

Not “just a conventional lawyer,” Beer describes himself as a problem solver, business developer, and counselor” (not to mention a Father of three sons) dedicated to building the foundation for his client’s success.

“I don’t think anyone has had the journey that I’ve had, learned as much as I’ve learned, or impacted careers and businesses through my experiences,” he concludes.

Author of Your Child’s Career in Music and Entertainment: The Prudent Parent’s Guide from Start to Stardom, you can learn more about Steven Beer or the Lewis Brisbois law firm by visiting their website today. 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects Attorney Steven Beer’s personal experiences, opinions, and reflections on his career in the entertainment industry. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. While the content is based on Attorney Beer’s real-life professional journey, individual cases and outcomes may vary. Readers seeking legal advice or representation should consult a qualified attorney for personalized guidance. All trademarks, service marks, and registered marks mentioned in the article are the property of their respective owners.

Published by Mark V.