Fun fact: If Amanda wasn’t a lawyer then she would be a personal shopper for gift giving.

Amanda is a Dallas business lawyer with a passion for elevating entrepreneurs and creatives. Her story and why she works with creatives is so inspiring. Follow Amanda’s IG because she constantly educates on law in her stories and posts and is always open to connecting to creatives!

Throughout this episode, you will learn a lot of helpful knowledge as a creative in a business world so make sure to take notes! We can all learn more about the legal side of doing business. 

Show Notes:

00:20

Intro with Amanda: What she does and why. Amanda has been an attorney for 11 years. She also started her own firm based on ethics and lifestyle choice!

2:42

The 5 questions we always ask each guest.

9:05

Harlee asks, “You mentioned you work with creative business owners a lot so do you only do business law or do you practice other types of law, too?” Amanda goes on to explain what she practices and focuses on, such as contracts and bigger transactions with companies.

10:10

Amanda discusses the point in which a business owner should invest in a business lawyer or have a contract written up. The hands on experience and having an attorney who has your best interest is important, even when you’re starting in the beginning stages of an LLC.

11:50

What is a registered agent? Amanda breaks down what this is and you have to have one when you file for an entity (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc).

13:50

What is the meaning and importance of copyright and intellectual property? How does it work? Creatives – listen up! You OWN your work!

22:05

What does it mean if you are a sole proprietorship?

23:00

Why being in a partnership is or is not desirable vs LLC, Corp, or S Corp. Statutory guidelines and company agreements are KEY.

25:05

Amanda breaks down the liability protection between each entity. If you were to be sued then what happens to your assets?

27:20

Contracts: Many of us creatives can improve our contracts and it doesn’t have to be expensive to get a contract from an attorney! It’s worth it because you will use the contract countless times. Amanda explains how amazing a “pause clause” is when added into a contract – great if you’re working long-term with a client! She also discusses how much a contract can protect your time and services and give you clout when you need it with a client.

33:30

How to find and choose a lawyer in your area.

36:10

Amanda tells us the most difficult part of working with creatives (hint: creatives and being on time or working with deadlines don’t mix well). 

38:10

Amanda talks about protecting her time and her lifestyle choices as a lawyer. “You should observe boundaries and take care of yourself…” We pitch in with our opinions on giving into “the grind” versus maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

42:12

Your “why” is important and Amanda explains hers! “Rage against the machine” moment is definitely included. Her mission relates very much to ethics and inclusivity.

You can find Amanda here:

https://www.instagram.com/amontgomerylawyer/

https://www.amontgomerylaw.com/instagram

You can find Creative Banter Podcast here:

Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/