Legal counsel for creators,
builders & entrepreneurs
A boutique practice rooted in entertainment, culture, and commerce. From specialty visas to record deals, trademarks to commercial disputes — Faisal Lateef brings 10+ years of in-house and private practice experience to every matter.
We represent a new generation of artists, operators, and entrepreneurs across various practice areas. Our cross-disciplinary depth allows us to handle complex matters that don't fit into traditional categories, providing comprehensive support so you don’t need to hire multiple firms.
Practice Areas
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Artist agreements, management/agent contracts, distribution & publishing deals, royalty recovery, live event contracts, live performance promotion disputes, sync licensing, sample/rights clearance, artist/brand IP.
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Entity formation, corporate restructuring, operating agreements, SVPs, joint ventures, cap table structuring, corporate governance, independent contractors, vendor contracts, real property transactions
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corporate immigration, work visas (H-1B, J-1, F-1, TN, H-2B), O-1B petitions for artists/entertainers/chefs, P-3 cultural visas, I-130 family petitions, marriage based green cards (and divorce), consular processing, and visa strategy.
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USPTO trademark registration (specializing in Class 041 artist names and live event brands), copyright registration, patent initial search & prior art analysis, IP licensing, NIL, cease & desist letters, brand protection for entertainers and hospitality groups.
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Commercial contract disputes, post-judgment enforcement, information subpoenas, merchant advance disputes, estate/surrogates disputes, lis pendens, attachment/liens, county clerk filings, vendor collections, NY small claims court, pre-litigation settlement negotiation
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Commercial lease advisory, restaurant employment compliance, employee handbooks, SLA liquor licensing, permitting (DOB/DOH), food safety, noise complaints, consumer affairs, wage/hour, workers comp compliance, employment disputes, F&B operations advisory
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Script to screen packages, producer agreements, option & chain-of-title deals, trademark/professional title report, Reg D film financing, SVP/waterfall structuring, talent contracts, co-production agreements, distribution/sales guidance and credit disputes, influencer agreements, brand deals, social media takedowns, usage disputes
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Employer-side counsel — offer letter negotiation and drafting, employee handbooks, separation agreements, settlement/release agreements, executive C-suite management, wage & hour compliance, non-disclosure/confidentiality, and employment dispute defense.
Employee-side counsel — discrimination & wrongful termination settlement, offer letter review/redline, physician employment, pre-litigation strategy
Faisal R. Lateef, Esq.
Phone: (407) 925-6525
Email: faisal@lateeflaw.com
Principal & Founder
Faisal's practice is focused on commercial transactions, immigration, employment, hospitality, trademark/copyright and entertainment law. His experience as a talent manager, in-house counsel and in private practice allows him to have a unique perspective that translates to practical and effective representation for a new generation of creators and entrepreneurs. Faisal is a shepherd for his clients and works closely with each of them to advise on all matters relating to executing their vision and protecting their business.
After law school, Faisal worked for a real estate and business firm in New York City where he handled residential and commercial property transactions, business disputes, premises liability, permitting/licensing and a variety of other governance and compliance matters for luxury hospitality clients like The Equinox Group. From there, he transitioned to an in-house counsel position at live entertainment conglomerate Avant Gardner and oversaw New York City’s largest independently operated live event venue. For several years, Faisal has learned from some of the brightest and most well-respected attorneys in the industry; each of whom had their own specialties (e.g., tax, labor and employment, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, commercial transactions, intellectual property, etc.). Additionally, Faisal clerked at one of the most prestigious immigration practices in Central Florida. Faisal's experience working with different practice groups gave him the ability to issue spot on both a macro and micro level. His diverse skill-set, passion for the arts, undeniable work-ethic, and commitment to building relationships creates a powerful formula for tackling even the most challenging legal problems.
Faisal's practice is especially committed to empowering AAPI and POC creators/entrepreneurs. Faisal has worked alongside some of the preeminent leaders in this space, particularly in the area of dance music.
Education
University of Florida, B.A.
Cardozo Law School, J.D.
Qualifications
Licensed New York State Attorney
Press
Better Call Paul (Ep. 338)
Lawyer Stories
Asian Tones
