Is fashion law as glamorous as it sounds?

This article titled “Is fashion law as glamorous as it sounds?” was written by Tess Reidy, for theguardian.com on Tuesday 2nd August 2016 10.43 UTC

Sweetie! Darling! Calling all law-loving, champagne-swigging fashionistas. If you’re obsessed with remaining current and have a weak spot for a party, could a career as a fashion lawyer inject some glamour into your legal life? Answer: perhaps.

Fashion lawyers work on anything from intellectual property – trademarks, brands, designs and copyright – to contracts, employment law and distribution agreements. Some shops and labels have their own in-house teams, others outsource to legal firms.

The work ioften focuses on counterfeits being sold on the internet, companies having to refile their trademarks post-Brexit, celebrity endorsements, business rates for premises, and shops such as Urban Outfitters being accused of wrongly using names on their clothing.

Although it’s unlikely the lawyers will make it to the FROW, they do get to work with some glamorous clients and the work is generally global, varied and topical. But before you make a decision, here’s what you need to know:

Fashion knowledge is vital

Does flicking through the latest issue of Vogue count as work? It depends. A good lawyer truly understands the client’s needs and keeps abreast of changes in the sector. Fashion law doesn’t differ from any other area of commercial law in that respect.

“If you know what issues and challenges the industry is facing, you will be able to respond a lot better to client needs,” says Ruth Hoy, an intellectual property partner at DLA Piper.

Simon Bennett, a partner at Fox Williams LLP, says you need both legal knowledge and an interest in the industry to make the most cost effective decisions on behalf of clients. “A good fashion lawyer has to talk the talk of fashion, but also walk the walk on potentially complex legal issues, such as intellectual property (IP) law and contract law.”

According to Laura Bailey, a freelance fashion lawyer for Asos, it definitely helps if you understand retail, and how online fashion works. But an obsession with clothes is optional. “My expertise is in logistics and information technology, so I have my head buried in distribution and software contracts most of the time. I probably wouldn’t notice whether my colleagues were wearing Louboutins or Crocs,” she says.

Perks are thin on the ground

It’s not all botox and bolly. Yes, there are a few perks – invites to fashion shows and occasional discounts on client’s products – but the reality for most is office-based and work-heavy.

“If you just want to go to fashion shows, then this probably isn’t the job for you – most of the time being a lawyer is not glamorous,” says Hoy. “Any lawyer working in the City will know that the hours can be long which is why it’s really important to enjoy what you’re doing, as at least then, the time commitment doesn’t seem so bad.”

However, according to Bailey, there are some opportunities to be had. “If you were involved in the public facing aspects of fashion, like branding and sponsorship, you’d probably see more of the glamorous side of the industry. But the top perks tend to be reserved for the top dogs,” she says.

Bennett agrees. “We do get invited to fashion shows and sometimes, if the clients are being generous, you can go to the their staff shop.”

The work is international

There are opportunities to travel and a lot of the work is global. Most shops and labels have an international distribution network, and products are often made abroad. “We’re in a digital age; clothes can be bought online and shipped anywhere,” Bailey explains. “It’s important to understand cross-jurisdictional issues and how different currencies come into effect.”

Brexit has also increased the workload of fashion lawyers. “Many IP rights are pan-European, so UK companies may need to refile their trademarks.

“Plus, most retailers buy from overseas manufacturers in dollars – the fall in the pound will squeeze margins. And the availability of a flexible workforce may become more difficult if EU migration is curbed,” says Bennett.

Contacts are crucial

Are you a top schmoozer? When adding to her team, Hoy says she looks for people who have a network of contacts in the industry. “People with a desire to grow the business and seek out new work are hugely useful,” she says.

Just as in any other sector, fashion lawyers have to be seen to mingle with the clients. The main difference is that, in this field, the drinks and the outfits might be a bit more upmarket than at traditional corporate get-togethers.

Everyone has an opinion on fashion and the work often deals with topical trends. So unlike lawyers in less glamorous fields, you could find your friends actually understand what you’re doing.

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