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James A Kuzmich

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Avvo Rating8.3
  • Tempe, AZ
  • Licensed for 21 years
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About James

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.

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Practice areas

OtherReal estateMergers and acquisitionsIntellectual propertyEntertainment
  1. Entertainment: 30%

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

    21 years

  2. Intellectual property: 20%

    Trademark, copyright and licensing

    21 years

  3. Mergers and acquisitions: 20%

  4. Real estate: 15%

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

    21 years

  1. Business: 15%

    General counsel advisement for all businesses from inception to disposition

    21 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

Guidant

402 E. Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ, 85282

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    TNActive201711/26/2021
    AZActive 200309/05/2021
    ORInactive200011/15/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers2
    Legal guides0
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    PartnerGuidant2019 - Present
    Managing PartnerKuzmich & Associates2014 - 2019
    Adjunct ProfessorScottsdale Community College2011 - 2013
    Designated Broker/OwnerPro Housing Real Estate, LLC2010 - 2016
    Vice President & General CounselGAAMES2004 - 2007
    PartnerDavis Dixon Kirby, LLC2002 - 2004
    AssociateDavis Wright Tremaine, LLP2000 - 2002
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Country Music AssociationProfessional Member2015 - Present
    Major League Baseball Players AssociationRegistered Baseball Agent2005 - Present
    Academy of Country MusicProfessional Member2005 - Present
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    University of Oklahoma College of LawJD - Juris Doctor2000
    Northern Arizona UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science1991
    Mesa Community CollegeN/AN/A
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    AZANA Sun & Fun ConferenceEntity Formation2013

    Reviews

    (8)5.0 stars
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
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    Review James Kuzmich

    Responsive, smart, unlike all attorneys I have worked with

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

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

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.
    More

    Jim is your guy!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.
    More

    Music business

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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!

    Great Lawyer and Business Advisor

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.
    More

    Great!!!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.

    I was hesitant at first….

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.
    More

    Working with Jim has been great

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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!

    Attorney endorsements

    (8)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer Samuel Saks

    Samuel Saks, Corporate and incorporation Attorney on Jun 9, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Cheryl M Faas

    Cheryl Faas, Business Attorney on Jun 9, 2014
    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.

    Lawyer Samuel Saks

    Samuel Saks, Corporate and incorporation Attorney on Jun 9, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Cheryl M Faas

    Cheryl Faas, Business Attorney on Jun 9, 2014
    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.

    No photo

    David Duckworth, Trademark infringement Attorney on Jun 9, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Christopher D Soto

    Christopher Soto, Business Attorney on Jun 9, 2014
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

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

    No photo

    Daniel Miranda, Business Attorney on Dec 6, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Phoebe Moffatt

    Phoebe Moffatt, Real estate Attorney on Dec 5, 2013
    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.

    Lawyer Taylor House

    Taylor House, Corporate and incorporation Attorney on Dec 4, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    No photo

    James Andrews, Business Attorney on Dec 4, 2012
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Hourly Rates $345-$400/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card