Mason Law Group, P.C.
In his early years, Jonathan worked on a variety of litigation matters for major corporations and insurance companies such as Ford Motor Company, Wachovia Bank, The Travelers, and Chase Manhattan Bank. As a young litigator, Jonathan was able to gain significant “hands-on” experience by handling motion hearings, depositions, arbitrations, bench trials and even jury trials. Jonathan experienced his “fifteen minutes of fame” in 1995 as a member of the team that represented a Winston-Salem-based screenwriter who was subpoenaed to testify during the criminal trial of O.J. Simpson. That representation culminated in a nationally-televised court hearing opposite Johnnie Cochran and F. Lee Bailey.
Jonathan’s career as an entertainment attorney began with his representation of Luther Vandross, Ltd. and Bad Boy Entertainment in separate litigation matters in North Carolina. Thereafter, he began representing “talent” in entertainment-related contracts. Since relocating to Atlanta in 1998, Jonathan’s practice has expanded to include representation of independent record labels, music producers, songwriters, production companies, concert promoters, visual artists, and fashion models. Jonathan’s practice also includes entertainment-related litigation, including royalty and commission disputes, copyright infringement, and trademark infringement matters. He has been involved in matters and agreements involving Luther Vandross, Kirk Franklin, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Rickey Smiley, Sean “Diddy” Comb, Mariah Carey, Lil Wayne, Mario, T.I., Lloyd, Young Jeezy, and many others. Bar Admissions North Carolina (1992) and Georgia (1999) Panels:
Moderator, “Can I Get A Deal,” Gospel Music Workshop, Harvest of Souls III, Minneapolis, MN
Although Jonathan enjoys working with well-known clients, he equally enjoys assisting unsigned artists, writers and producers in positioning themselves to reach the next level; or advising start-up record labels and production companies on the legal issues associated with start-up entertainment companies.
Finally, Jonathan has experience on the talent side as well, having appeared as a background actor in Hollywood feature films, commercials and a made-for-television network movie. He has also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Those experiences have given Jonathan a greater appreciation for his clients' work, and made him a more effective and understanding attorney.
Panelist, “Film 101,” Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts Annual Film Screening, Atlanta, GA
Panelist, “Financial Empowerment for Entertainment Entrepreneurs,” Atlanta Hip Hop Film Festival
