Deep
Roots.
Clear
Counsel.

A boutique New York practice for artists, musicians, freelancers, and creative businesses — founded by a working musician and Fordham-trained attorney with over a decade inside the city’s creative industries.

Get in touch

Practice Areas

Entertainment & Media

Contracts, licensing, rights clearance, and dispute resolution for artists, musicians, filmmakers, and creative businesses. Understand what you’re signing, what you’re giving away, and how you’ll be paid.

  • Freelance and production agreements
  • Brand partnerships and content licensing
  • Image, music, usage and AI likeness terms
  • Model management agreements under New York’s Fashion Workers Act
  • Gallery consignment and artist representation agreements
  • Ongoing contract support for creative businesses
Ask about a contract

Unpaid Freelance Work & Collections

You delivered. Payment hasn’t followed. Get a clear assessment of the records, the responsible party, and your options for pursuing what you’re owed.

  • Unpaid invoices and late compensation
  • New York State and NYC Freelance Isn’t Free Act claims
  • Fashion Workers Act claims against model agencies
  • Unpaid sales and unreturned work under New York’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Law
  • Demand letters and settlement negotiations
  • Enforcement and litigation referral when appropriate
Discuss an unpaid invoice

Employment & Civil Rights

Advice and advocacy for workers navigating unpaid compensation, workplace discrimination, accessibility, and the end of an employment relationship. Complex litigation is assessed for referral to appropriate counsel.

  • Wage and compensation disputes
  • Employment and separation agreements
  • Discrimination and accessibility matters
Ask about an employment matter

Class Action

Initial assessment of potential group claims involving consumer protection, civil rights, or unpaid wages, informed by prior plaintiff-side litigation experience. Matters requiring class litigation are evaluated for referral to suitable counsel.

Ask about a potential class claim

Emerging Companies & Transactions

Entity formation, commercial contracts, IP licensing, and ongoing counsel for startups and growing companies across the creative, technology, and life sciences sectors.

  • Business formation and founder agreements
  • Commercial contracts and IP licensing
  • Ongoing counsel for growing businesses
Ask about your business
Tal Finkel
Admission
New York State Bar
Education
J.D. Fordham LawB.S. George Washington University
Location
East Village, New York

Tal's background in the arts shapes how he understands clients, reads contracts, and anticipates the pressures that come with making a living in New York's creative economy.

Before starting his practice, he spent two years as an associate at a disability class action firm, filing and helping settle hundreds of federal cases across the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

Earlier in his career, Tal trained at an entertainment law firm, working on rights agreements, licensing, IP, and distribution across film and television, branded entertainment, media, finance, and advertising. He has also held founding team roles at early-stage technology companies, where he worked on biotech and healthtech licensing and transactions.

Tal has performed and recorded in New York and internationally for over a decade, and remains active in the city's music and creative communities.

Common questions

Can we work together remotely?

Yes. Consultations and much of the firm’s contract and negotiation work can be handled by phone, video and email. Tal is admitted in New York. Whether the firm can take a matter depends on the jurisdictions and work involved.

Do you take payment cases on contingency?

Some qualifying recovery matters may be suitable for a contingency arrangement. The decision depends on the evidence, amount involved, available claims and prospects of collection. The percentage, expenses and covered stages are agreed in writing.

What if I don’t have a signed contract?

An unsigned or informal agreement does not end the inquiry. Emails, messages, invoices, delivery records and payment history can help explain what was agreed. The available options depend on the facts and applicable law.

What happens if negotiation doesn’t resolve it?

You’ll discuss the available next steps, their costs and whether further proceedings make sense. Litigation may require a separate engagement or referral to other counsel. The decision to settle remains yours.

What should I send first?

Start with your name, a short description, the names of the other parties and any deadline. Please wait to send sensitive documents or detailed confidential information until the firm has checked for conflicts and confirmed how to proceed.

Contact

Have a contract to review, an unpaid invoice, or a question about your business? Reach out directly.

Emailtal@talfinkel.law
Phone(201) 658-5193