James Kuzmich - Lawyer in Tempe, AZ

James A Kuzmich

Entertainment Attorney at Tempe, AZ

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Responsive, smart, unlike all attorneys I have worked with

Highly Recommended Professional who is thorough, trustworthy, and knowledgeable!

Starting a new business can be rather overwhelming especially when it comes to getting all the necessary details in place. Jim Kuzmich helped remove the burdens I was feeling by providing exceptional solutions and counseling for getting my business properly established and preparing the appropriate structure for my client contracts in a professional manner. Jim Kuzmich is not only one who is extremely knowledgeable in his profession but is such a pleasure to work with. He takes the time to listen to my needs and answer all my questions proficiently. He has enabled me to feel confident as I start my new business venture and I will continue to utilize Jim’s services and expertise for years to come. I can honestly say I would highly recommend Jim to anyone and appreciate all he has done for me thus far.

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Entertainment

30%

Management contracts, recording agreements, publishing agreements, licensing, copyright, reality television, production agreements

23 years
Intellectual property

20%

Trademark, copyright and licensing

23 years
Mergers and acquisitions

20%
Business

15%

General counsel advisement for all businesses from inception to disposition

23 years
Real estate

15%

Communication tower leasing; commercial and residential leasing and purchases; foreclosure and short sale advisement; real setae lending and security,

23 years

I focus my practice on entertainment law, corporate law, intellectual property, and all types of business transactions. I have additional experience with real estate transactions and employment contracts.

As an advisor to small and mid-sized businesses, I counsel on both the challenges and growth opportunities that owners experience throughout numerous transitional phases, including acquisition or sale of a company. I’ve also assisted startup companies with entity formation and structure, commercial leasing, intellectual property protection, and general operational matters.

Much of my practice is dedicated to a wide range of entertainers, musicians, YouTube influencers, and professional athletes. My experience with trademark, copyright, and licensing law is essential for overcoming the most common legal issues that musical artists and other creatives face.

I previously served as in-house counsel and vice president to a mid-sized baseball agency specializing in athletic representation, where I negotiated player contract salaries, endorsements contracts, and prepared salary arbitration cases.

I am licensed to practice law in Arizona, Tennessee, and Oregon.

Licensed for 22 years

State TN

Status Active

Acquired 2017

Updated 01/17/2023

State AZ

Status Active

Acquired 2003

Updated 12/21/2022

State OR

Status Inactive

Acquired 2000

Updated 12/10/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact James

Guidant

402 E. Southern Ave.

Tempe, AZ, 85282

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

8 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Natasha | July 25, 2016

Responsive, smart, unlike all attorneys I have worked with

Jim took a personal interest in my legal issues and other colleagues have said the same. Jim has never overcharged and most importantly gets work done well and quickly. I've had too many bad experiences with other attorneys who don't respond or take months to finalize agreements. Fantastic business attorney for me.

Posted by Kirsten Holmstedt | January 2, 2014

Highly Recommended Professional who is thorough, trustworthy, and knowledgeable!

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Posted by Ed | December 31, 2013

Jim is your guy!

My business partner and I were fortunate enough to be introduced to Mr. Kuzmich just a couple of years ago and he has been our go-to guy for our own legal questions as well as for our clients ever since. He has a broad knowledge of all law, but is exceptional at contracts. My biggest pet peeve as a small business owner is when people don't respond to call, e-mails, etc. and Jim is always exceptionally responsive even in evenings and weekends and on those few occasions that he will not be available, he will let us know in advance. I highly, highly recommend Jim as a trusted resource.

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Posted by Carlos cavazo | December 29, 2013

Music business

Jim explains things clearly and gets the job done. He has always steered me in the right direction. I have full confidence in him. He is very knowledgeable in the music business. He has helped me through record contracts, publishing contracts, and tour advice. He is a very friendly person with a bright attitude with a good sense of humor. I wished he was my attorney back in the 80's!

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Posted by Dean | December 18, 2013

Great Lawyer and Business Advisor

I'll say it -- I actually enjoy picking up the phone and talking with my lawyer (and if we B.S. about sports and politics while on a call, I know he's not going to charge me for the privilege). He has given me solid advice from a legal perspective and, just as importantly, from a business perspective. In fact, he recently asked me a few important non-legal questions that revealed a potential financial issue that would have become a major problem if not addressed. Moreover, he helped me address it.

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Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2013

Great!!!

Mr, Kuzmich has helped me with setting up my business and protecting it. He has been very helpful as to how it should be structured to protect my business, myself and my family. He has always been easy to get a hold of and answer any questions I have had.

Posted by Mark | December 15, 2013

I was hesitant at first….

I hired Jim to assist me with the purchase of a business. The acquisition turned into a challenging transaction to say the least but we were able to complete it with Jims help. From our very first telephone conversation, when I informed him of my apprehensions to lawyers in general and related several of my horrible past experiences with them, he began to put my mind at ease and build my trust. The extra effort that he puts forth makes me feel that he truly cares about assisting me to reach my goals. I appreciate that he takes the time to listen and then explains things or makes suggestions without excessive jargon in such a way that makes even complicated issues seem more manageable. Instead of informing you what cannot be done Jim suggests solutions. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a positive attitude that goes a long way. Now I think of Jim as an important part of my team. I feel like I have someone on my side and that helps me sleep better at night. I highly recommend his services.

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Posted by Erik | December 8, 2013

Working with Jim has been great

Working with Jim has been great. He handles all our Trademarks and Copyright needs for our music and wine business. He did a great job setting up my new LLC as well. Cheers!

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.3 (Excellent)

Work Experience

Partner
Guidant
2019 - Present

Managing Partner
Kuzmich & Associates
2014 - 2019

Adjunct Professor
Scottsdale Community College
2011 - 2013

Designated Broker/Owner
Pro Housing Real Estate, LLC
2010 - 2016

Vice President & General Counsel
GAAMES
2004 - 2007

Partner
Davis Dixon Kirby, LLC
2002 - 2004

Associate
Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP
2000 - 2002

View all work experience

Education

University of Oklahoma College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2000

Northern Arizona University
BS - Bachelor of Science
1991

Mesa Community College
N/A

Associations

Country Music Association
Professional Member
2015 - Present

Major League Baseball Players Association
Registered Baseball Agent
2005 - Present

Academy of Country Music
Professional Member
2005 - Present

Languages Spoken

English

Speaking Engagements

AZANA Sun & Fun Conference
Entity Formation
2013

Attorney endorsements

Received (8)

Given (4)

Endorse James

Samuel Saks

Corporate and incorporation Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Cheryl Faas

Business Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is honest, incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable in multiple areas of law including business, entertainment law and corporate/incorporation. He is a true entrepreneur which serves his clients well as he understands what it takes to run and grow a business. I highly recommend Jim."

David Duckworth

Trademark infringement Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Soto

Business Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"In my dealings with Jim. I have found him to be both highly competent and highly professional."

Daniel Miranda

Business Attorney | Dec 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Phoebe Moffatt

Real estate Attorney | Dec 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Kuzmich provides qualified legal services and assists his clients in achieving their goals in a timely manner. I have enjoyed working with Mr. Kuzmich in a few matters and, I appreciate his careful attention to detail and expertise in real estate law."