By Mindful Agency
His work as an attorney and father has uniquely positioned Steven Beer to help others navigate the rapidly changing landscape of sports and entertainment.
Super Lawyer Steven Beer, recently named to the 2024 New York Super Lawyers list, has represented many high-profile entertainers and athletes, including professional athletes, for years of experience.
Drawing from his vast experience in entertainment and sports, Beer has developed a strong understanding of how athletes today navigate new avenues of opportunity.
Passionate about advocating for his clients, Beer brings valuable insights to navigating evolving landscapes as the National Chair of Lewis Brisbois’ entertainment, media, and sports practice. In a dynamic marketplace, he notes that athletes increasingly take on the role of brands.
Athletes often engage in activities beyond their sports, finding new ways to leverage their visibility. Dabbling in merchandise, sponsorships, live appearances, and more, the line between athlete and rock star continues to blur with each passing day.
It’s not unusual to see athletes attending high-profile events like Fashion Week or exploring ventures such as investing in tech startups. Many are expanding their interests beyond sports into entrepreneurial endeavors.
“You put an athlete in any business, even an investment group, and it brings a sizzle,” says Beer. However, he acknowledges that surfacing these potentially lucrative waves can be treacherous. The tide changes are unpredictable and potentially volatile; watch out for the undercurrent—the brand association may backfire due to events outside one’s control. “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.”
As an attorney, Beer emphasizes the need for legal expertise in understanding licensing rights, endorsements, and intellectual property. Unlike most entrepreneurs during high school, athletes can encounter name-image and likeness opportunities.
Drawing from his experience supporting his son’s passion for theater, Beer says he made just about “every mistake a parent could make.” “Without adequate information or experience, it’s inevitable that some athletes may make bad decisions.
He 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 seeks to prepare and inform stage parents so they can avoid making the same mistakes.Â
“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 their roles. In fact, the industry informally pushes parents away in the sports and entertainment space because they view them as a waste of time.”
Beer and his colleagues are writing a companion book for sports parents, set for publication in 2025. First and foremost, the book informs sports parents about what parents of young athletes need to know. Chris Webber, Beer’s client and long-time friend who he refers to as a “pioneer in this space,” is writing the foreword of his book.Â
Beer shares that Chris had faced tremendous issues when he was part of the Fab Five. “There was a lot of pushback on him as Michigan and the NCAA benefited significantly from selling and merchandising a jersey featuring his name, while he personally did not receive compensation, he says.
“Chris was among those who brought early attention to this issue. Now a Hall of Fame basketball player, he’s riding the tide. I’ve been close to Chris for many years, and he’s very passionate about amateur athletes. I’m super excited about this collaboration.”
As athletes blur the lines between sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, his experience as both an attorney and a parent provides perspective for parents and aspiring professionals navigating the evolving world of sports and entertainment.
For more information about Steven Beer or the Lewis Brisbois law firm, their website offers additional details.
Published by Joseph T.
