Video Game Law (NYC): Starting a [Solo Practice] with Niche Clients

This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.

Smaller law practices are often organized around just a few practice areas -- or even just one. Sometimes, however, lawyers organize their firms around the types of clients they seek. These niche firms end up doing many types of work for many similar clients.

Ryan Morrison, a 2013 graduate of New York Law School, created a firm centered on helping video game developers. As such, the work he does for his clients varies based on whatever they need -- usually intellectual property and contracts -- and he outsources whatever he can't do.

In this episode, Ryan tells us how he managed to build a rare practice from a pro bono matter. He also tells us about his biggest challenges, including educating developers that they need a lawyer in the first place. It turns out that, due to who can and does make games today, a lot of people find themselves in hot water for what amounts to ignorance of the law.

This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz, an academic writing teacher at American University. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.

Episode Links

The Law Offices of Ryan P. Morrison
Reddit: Ryan's AMA
IGDA Statement on King Trademark (Candy Crush Saga)
Wikipedia: Video Game Developer