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James Elam began his professional career in 1997 as an attorney at the prestigious Dilworth Paxson law firm in Philadelphia. After working for a year as an associate in the litigation department, he moved into the corporate transactional group.

Utilizing the strong client base that he had developed in relatively short order, he immediately began the formation of a media law group within the firm. Initially focusing on music-related clients, James developed a strong presence in the blossoming Philadelphia music scene representing talents such as Jill Scott, Freeway, Kindred, and Jaguar Wright. Thereafter, he began representing clients in the film, television, and theater industries, as well as professional athletes and authors, such luminaries as Lil Wayne, Seether, Thursday and John Legend. In servicing his clients, James has negotiated numerous agreements regarding recording artists, music publishing, music production, licensing, distribution, merchandising and investment, while also serving as general counsel to a number of companies.

A seasoned corporate attorney, Mr. Elam also serves as general counsel to businesses in general corporate matters, as well as handling diligence activities for real estate transactions.

An adjunct professor at Drexel University, James has served as a keynote speaker at numerous conferences, panel discussions and community events. Understanding that many young people desire careers in the entertainment industry, James feels an ardent desire to educate others on the pitfalls of seeking celebrity and the extensive knowledge required of performing artists to be financially and professionally successful under the intense scrutiny of the media.

TV/Film Appearances

NO SUCH THING AS NEOSOUL (approx. 60 minutes)

This documentary provides an insider's look at a 10 year-stretch of the Philadelphia Black Arts Movement, from the voices of the local performers whose talents have propelled them to notoriety in the mainstream or underground arts scenes. NTN examines the creative influences, prominent venues and ideologies that have fueled the explosion of Philadelphia's"neosoul" performers and seeks to explain why the city produces such extraordinary talent -- why certain artists have become valuable cultural commodities and what to expect in the future. Featuring performance and interview footage from JAMES ELAM, SABELA, BERNARD COLLINS, RICH MEDINA, URSULA RUCKER, JILL SCOTT and many more. Directed by Stephanie Renee, with valuable production contributions from middle and high school students from Philadelphia and Camden.

Unsolicitied Material Demo Submissions

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Allow 2 - 4 weeks after submission for a response.

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