However, he acknowledges that some opportunities can be volatile and unpredictable and that a brand association can backfire due to events outside their control. Those interested in learning more about Steven Beer or the Lewis Brisbois law firm can visit their website today. “I said to myself, if I’m making these mistakes, imagine all the […]
However, he acknowledges that some opportunities can be volatile and unpredictable and that a brand association can backfire due to events outside their control.
Those interested in learning more about Steven Beer or the Lewis Brisbois law firm can visit their website today.
“I said to myself, if I’m making these mistakes, imagine all the other parents out there who don’t have a background in the entertainment industry,” he emphasizes. “There isn’t a go-to book for parents that breaks down these roles that they play. In fact, in the sports and entertainment space, the industry informally pushes parents away because they view them as a waste of time.”
As athletes continue to blur the lines within their careers, Steven Beer’s expertise and insights offer valuable guidance to parents and aspiring professionals. His work as an attorney and father has positioned him to help others navigate the changing landscape of sports and entertainment.
Capitalizing on fame to succeed
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“You put an athlete in any business, even an investment group and it brings a sizzle,” Beer says.
Photo courtesy of Steven Beer/Lewis Brisbois
As someone passionate about advocating for his clients, Beer understands that navigating through changing tides comes with new challenges. In a charged marketplace, athletes are not just athletes anymore but are becoming brands.
Athletes involved in more than their respective sports must capitalize on their fame to succeed. They must dabble in merchandise, sponsorships, live appearances, and more. Because of this, the line between athlete and rock star appears to blur with each passing day.
“Without adequate information or experience, it’s inevitable that some athletes may make bad decisions,” Beer says.
Beer has since written a book titled Your Child’s Career in Music and Entertainment: The Prudent Parent’s Guide from Start to Stardom (Allworth Press), which strives to inform parents so they can avoid making the same mistakes.
Beer’s experience supporting his son’s passion for theater has led him to understand that mistakes can be made even with foresight.
Preparing parents to avoid potential mistakes
This is why it is common to see your favorite athletes sitting in the front row at Fashion Week or investing in the next big text startup. Athletes are becoming entrepreneurs and extending their brands beyond the sports arenas they play within.
Steven Beer, recently named to the 2024 New York Super Lawyers list, has represented numerous high-profile entertainers and athletes throughout his decades-long career. He has drawn on his vast experience in entertainment and sports to develop a strong understanding of how today’s athletes navigate new avenues for opportunity.
As an attorney, Beer emphasizes the need for expertise in understanding licensing rights, endorsements, and intellectual property. Some athletes can even encounter Name-image and Likeness opportunities during high school.
“I had to recalibrate my balance when I became a stage parent. Although I had extensive experience as a successful entertainment attorney and artist manager, I struggled to objectively view my son’s business matters.”
Beer and his colleagues are writing a companion book for parents in sports, which is set for publication in 2025. The book informs sports parents about what parents of young people need to know. Beer’s client and longtime friend Chris Webber is writing the forward.
