We were lucky to catch up with Ronald Ayala recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ronald, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar your firm earns is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.

I actually got my first client by networking at an event. I’ve always been a music lover and saw a flyer that a very popular DJ was doing an event near by, so myself and a few friends got a table at the venue to enjoy the night. During the event, I was talking to a few people and started to explain what I do for a living. Within minutes I was brought over to the DJ booth to make a quick introduction. I gave out my business card and the next day, I had a new client and we’ve been working together ever since. It was really exciting because this was my first introduction into the legal realm of the nightlife world. Prior to the introduction, I had a ton of experience negotiating event deals but on the corporate side, so I thrilled at the opportunity to begin working with artists on the talent side. It was even better that my new client was someone that I’ve been a fan of for years!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My first dip into the entertainment industry started back I was in college, when my sister Amanda was on NBC’s The Voice. After she came off of the show, there was such a demand for her to start performing at venue’s all across the country. From there, we realized we need to do something to keep her momentum going, so I began booking and negotiating appearances for her. Everything I learned was through “trial by fire”. After we started gaining success, I wanted to figure out how I could involve my passion for the study of law. I knew from there on, I wanted to be an entertainment lawyer because I would get the best of both worlds.

Many times people hear the term “Entertainment Lawyer” and they ask “What’s that?” or “What is it that you do exactly?” I always respond by saying “A little bit of everything!” There are so many areas of the entertainment industry where different sectors of the law overlap. For example, when negotiating an event agreement, this involves knowledge of contract law, but can also involve property law, if a venue is being leased or if equipment such as a sound system or a stage is being rented. We can go even further and say IP knowledge is needed, if the event is to be recorded and distributed because there are rights and clearances issues that may arise. In order to be a successful entertainment lawyer, I think it requires the ability to grasp the general understandings of the law while also being to able master some of the niches areas of the entertainment sector.

The representation I provide for my clients is vast and I handle matters pertaining to breach of contract, IP infringement, loan-out corp formations, contract negotiations, just to name a few. I would say that I am the most proud of the relationships I build with my clients and the results I get for them. I think establishing long lasting professional relationships is key to being successful in this industry, and I always assist my clients to the best of my ability to ensure they are protected. Whenever I close a deal for a client, I always look forward to hearing the excitement or appreciation in their voices because it gives me reassurance, I am doing exactly what I was meant to do.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I really think networking and word of mouth helped build my reputation within the market. The entertainment industry is “small” and it’s like everyone knows each other in some way. I have one client who has been a singer for over 30 years and when we got connected, we immediately clicked and formed a great working relationship. This particular client has always appreciated my honestly, accessibility and willingness to go the extra mile , and has made quite a few introductions for me to other industry professionals, which has really helped grow my clientele. Referrals then take on the snowball effect, where one client will refer me to another potential client and so on.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Aside from the financial crisis in 2008/2009, I think I graduated from law school during one of the worst possible times; the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Prior to graduation, I had everything planned out. I was interviewing, making connections, and gearing up for my dream job. However, that all changed when the world basically shut down, and people were getting laid off left and right, and companies were instituting hiring freezes. I thought I had a job lined up but due to the world’s unforeseen circumstances, I was back to square one. I was unemployed (with a large law school debt), left wondering “what am I going to do?”. I searched every where for a legal job, but was unsuccessful. I probably sent out hundreds of resumes trying to land something. I was almost ready for an entire career change. I was looking for any type job that would hire at this point but I was determined. I began doing freelance legal work for a temp agency and doing boring legal research which helped me stay afloat, but I hated it. I finally landed a job interview and received an offer at a land-use law firm. While I was greatly appreciative of the offer, I knew I would regret the decision to take it. I knew I would always regret not following my dream of working in the entertainment industry. I was just about to sign my employment papers, when I got a call from a recruiter asking me to interview for a position at a media and magazine company. I said yes immediately, and scheduled an interview the next day. Within a few hours, I was informed I got the job, and accepted it on the spot. It was almost like fate. This further reassured my belief that persistence and perseverance is so important when trying to accomplish a life long goal.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronnyayalaesq/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldayala/