Power of Attorney
James Elam
By J Kibble

A lawyer since 1997 James Elam has been building his own worth after starting out representing several high -profile Philly music artists such as Major Figgas, Freeway, Jill Scott & Jaguar Wright. Since then the 36 year old expanded his client base to also include those in film, television, sports and other industries.  Having represented many celebrities and negotiating the contracts that launched many more Mr. Elam knows how business is done on the entertainment and sports side.

Streetz (S): As a powerful music attorney in Philadelphia, we want to let some people know how you started in the business?

James Elam (JE): I always like to say I got my start in the game by will power because you know how it is, most of the people in the business knew somebody, was born next to the right person, got the right whatever, somebody looked out for you to get you into the business.  Because it’s not easy to get clients, it’s not easy to get anything in this business, I literally just created it.

S: How important are relationships?

JE: You do need relationships in this business. It’s a heavy process.  One of my favorite sayings is ‘to make it in any business you have to be as good as you say you are’.  That’s a two part statement. Meaning, you can’t just be the best hustler being a slick talker and you don’t have the substance to back it up. Eventually you will get exposed as a fraud. I don’t even work with people I don’t like.  I never have.  I’ve been in and out with a lot of high profile clients just because I’m not interested in the headaches they bring. 

S: What piece of advice can you give for aspiring artist and entertainers?

JE: I always tell people, I got CD’s on top of CD’s... You’re either in the pack, or not in the pack.  And if you can’t find a way to distinguish yourself from being in the pack then you’re still in the pack.  There are a lot of rappers from Philly, and if you can’t show why you stick out, why would anybody care?  Figure out how to make yourself different, how to make yourself stand out.  Focus on what your good at and be willing to do what it takes to make it.  You know everybody is not willing to do what it takes.  Choose your team wisely.  That’s a heavy one man… Everyone comes in here and their manager is either the weed dealer or the dude who lets you sleep on his couch or whatever random ass cat that just wanted to be around you, the dude with the car…anybody is the manager, and its like are you serious? If you want to make money in [this industry] it’s got to done a certain way.  It’s all about business and nothing short of that. 

S: What’s your specialty?

JE: My forte has always been doing deals.  Not just record deals.  I mean I do big venture capital deals, I do real estate deals; I do deals.  I help people take money and make it into more money.  I help people take talent and expand that talent into income.  What I’m doing now is on a much larger scale.  Taking some of my clients and contacts and helping them move their cash or tangible properties into other vehicles.  If I could have an analogy for myself, I’m the Wolf in Pulp Fiction, I solve problems.  People come to me when they need action, when they need things done, when they need deals closed.  And that’s what I do.  I come in quiet, hard, fast closed.  My name is not on my door.  If you need to find me, you know how to find me.  I’ll be out doing the deals.