A Summer in Her Shoes is a series that explores the experiences our fabulous HLS women have during summer break.

Brittany – Marvel Studios, Manhattan Beach, CA 

Hi, readers.  I am currently a Legal Intern in the Business & Legal Affairs Department of Marvel Studios in Manhattan Beach, CA.  I started working right when “Marvel’s The Avengers” was breaking box office records, so it has been an exciting time to be behind-the-scenes and see what’s coming up next.  On a daily basis, along with Marvel’s legal team, I draft and review the talent contracts — actors, composers, directors, editors, producers, and writers — for the films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  I also assemble data pulled from these contracts and other informational sources to prepare for upcoming talent negotiations and sit in on departmental meetings as the talent deals take shape.  During this process, I sometimes assist in drafting and sending correspondence to outside talent agents and lawyers.

As is characteristic of working in-house, I have also done or seen a little bit of everything else — budgeting, copyrighting, licensing, promotions, etc.  I am being exposed to all of the idiosyncrasies and nuances of entertainment law and in-house counsel work that can only really be learned by spending time in this sort of environment.  Because I work directly under the Principal Counsel, I have also received in-person, one-on-one feedback on my contract drafting and other projects.

And, as if the work wasn’t interesting enough, there of course have been all of the “fun” perks of working for a place like Marvel.  The office is filled with action figures, comic books, and film posters.  I have seen exclusive film footage and tested video games in the conference room.  I also attended Comic-Con and an early 3D screening of “The Amazing Spider-Man.”  I can’t imagine a more excellent way to have spent my 1L summer.