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Michael, Attorney & Filmmaker at Bailey Law Firm & YachtKlub Productions : Advize Career Interview
A fascinating career journey awaits those interested in law and filmmaking!
This interview reveals a path starting with diverse on-campus jobs, leading to summer research, and leveraging law school connections to break into the film industry.
A meticulously balanced schedule allows for simultaneous success in both fields, emphasizing effective communication and a joyous approach as key skills.
The interviewee finds profound fulfillment in the synergy between legal work, where they act as a confidante to clients, and filmmaking, where they express personal artistic visions.
Challenges include significant time commitment, but the rewards of impacting audiences and navigating societal perceptions with grace are highlighted.
Aspiring lawyers and filmmakers can gain insight into entry-level positions like law firm clerkships and studio internships, while valuable career lessons emphasize quick pivoting, proactive networking, and embracing unexpected opportunities.
A final, inspiring note shares how seemingly unrelated college experiences, such as a philosophy class and poetry, unexpectedly shaped their current success.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michael Erike
Attorney & Filmmaker
Bailey Law Firm & YachtKlub Productions
Loyola Marymount University
Sandra Day O’Connor College Of Law - J.D.
Finance
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Legal
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member
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Career Path of an Attorney and Filmmaker at Bailey Law Firm and YachtKlub Productions
Michael's career journey began with various on-campus jobs at LMU, ranging from a short-lived library role ("I lasted the least amount of time at a job than anybody else") to longer-term administrative positions that allowed flexibility with studies. This led to summer research programs, further employment opportunities, and ultimately, leveraging law school connections to transition into the film industry, culminating in their recent successful short film, "Still Short," and current pursuit of a debut feature film.
Main Responsibilities of an Attorney and Filmmaker at Bailey Law Firm and YachtKlub Productions
As an attorney, Michael's main responsibilities include "handling client caseload on a day-to-day basis," including intake and consultation, and referring clients to other professionals when necessary. In Michael's filmmaking role, responsibilities involve coordinating with a manager, scheduling meetings for the next film project, and maintaining relationships with past collaborators, aiming to "keep some of our old teammates" for future projects.
A Day In The Life Of An Attorney And Filmmaker At Bailey Law Firm And YachtKlub Productions
Michael, an attorney and filmmaker, describes a meticulously balanced day, starting work at 7:00 a.m. and strategically incorporating filmmaking tasks, such as script review and meetings with collaborators, during "my like lunch hour" and after 3:00 p.m. when "I always turn off my work phone," showcasing a seamless integration of two demanding careers through careful time management and a collaborative work style with their brother.
Most Important Skills For An Attorney And Filmmaker In Law And Film
Effective communication is paramount for success in Michael's dual career as an attorney and filmmaker, requiring concisely conveying goals and respecting others' time; the ability to communicate with passion and joy, "being able to come off in like a joyous manner," is equally crucial for building relationships and achieving success in both fields.
Favorite Parts of Being an Attorney and Filmmaker at Bailey Law Firm and YachtKlub Productions
Michael finds immense satisfaction in the synergy between their legal and filmmaking careers, stating that "the attorney side...given us everything to be filmmakers." The ability to "bear myself to the world" through filmmaking allows for deeply personal artistic expression, a source of profound fulfillment.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Attorney And Filmmaker At Bailey Law Firm And YachtKlub
Michael's biggest challenge as both an attorney and filmmaker is the significant "sacrifice of time," preventing time for socializing and even impacting sleep, as highlighted by their experience working on recent short films with their brother. The successful balancing act between legal and filmmaking responsibilities, however, demonstrates a dedication to both career paths.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Legal and Film Industries as an Attorney and Filmmaker
Michael finds deep satisfaction in both legal work, where "you're kind of your psychiatrist," listening to clients' personal struggles before addressing legal matters, and filmmaking, marveling at "how the tech pole, big budget movies...allows...people like us...to make...low budget movies." The interconnectedness of these industries, allowing for diverse creative expression and impacting audiences profoundly, is what Michael values most.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Law And Film Industry, According To An Attorney And Filmmaker At Bailey Law Firm And YachtKlub
In the legal field, success hinges on being a "tireless" and skilled communicator, adept at networking or legal research, and understanding client needs. The filmmaking industry demands similar dedication alongside a creative openness to generate compelling projects that attract audiences, with both careers requiring significant effort.
What an Attorney and Filmmaker at Law Firms and Production Companies wishes they had known before entering the Legal and Film Industry
Regarding the legal field, Michael wished someone had emphasized that working in-house for a company straight out of law school is "not true at all," a misconception he encountered. In filmmaking, the most valuable lesson learned was to not take rejection personally, recognizing that misinterpretations of work are part of "the process" in dealing with a high volume of submissions.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Attorneys and Filmmakers
For entry-level legal work, Michael highlights law firm clerkships as readily available, stating that "law firms routinely...take on people to clerk from undergrad". In filmmaking, internships at studios like Sony or production companies, focusing on business affairs or production assistant roles ("PAs, that's a big one"), offer valuable entry points, with Michael noting the varied career paths of their friends, highlighting that "everyone took such different paths".
Significant Career Lesson From an Attorney and Filmmaker at Bailey Law Firm and YachtKlub Productions
Michael's most significant career lesson, applicable to both law and filmmaking, is the ability to "pivot quickly," adapting to changing client needs or unexpected opportunities. This adaptability, combined with a proactive approach of "spreading webs super, super wide" by consistently nurturing connections over time—even "keeping everybody...up to date"—has proven invaluable in building a strong professional network that yields unexpected, long-term benefits.
College Experiences That Helped an Attorney and Filmmaker at Bailey Law Firm and YachtKlub Productions Succeed
Michael's college success stemmed from a philosophy professor who helped secure law school scholarships, engaging with the LMU graduate film program, and a senior poetry class that unexpectedly revealed a writing talent—a skill "that I can push over to like films and stuff," impacting their dual career path as an attorney and filmmaker.
How Identity Has Influenced An Attorney And Filmmaker's Career At Bailey Law Firm And YachtKlub Productions
Michael, a Nigerian-American attorney and filmmaker, describes how his height and race consistently lead people to assume he is a basketball player, even impacting interactions in places like Costco. This experience, shared with his even taller brother, has taught them to navigate such perceptions with "grace and humility," focusing on positive impact rather than letting societal biases derail their careers as attorneys and filmmakers.
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