They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40 - Karl Fowlkes of Fowlkes Firm

Please describe two of your most substantial, recent wins in practice.
One of my most substantial, recent wins in practice was negotiating a multimillion-dollar deal with music publishing giant Warner Chappell for Section 8, who produced the Grammy-nominated, racial justice anthem “The Bigger Picture” by rapper Lil Baby. In a year where racial tension rose, it was amazing to see my client rewarded for contributing to a song that became the face of a movement bigger than music. Another recent win was negotiating a partnership for my client, rapper and producer Blxst, with Red Bull Records, which birthed the release of one of the most regarded music projects of 2020 in Blxst’s “No Love Lost.” This partnership is showing other music artists that there is plenty of room for innovative partnerships while retaining your intellectual property rights. Additionally, top publications have sought my commentary about the racial imbalances in the music industry, copyright and industry topics. Those publications have included Rolling Stone, Complex, Variety, etc.

What is the most important lesson you learned as a first-year attorney and how does it inform your practice today?
The most important lesson I learned as a first year attorney was to keep fighting through the conflict. People only view litigation as contentious, but transactional law can present similar challenges as well. [Just after graduating from law school, Fowlkes worked in Bloomberg LP’s legal department.] For most individuals, those interactions can take a mental and emotional toll on your spirit. I had to learn fairly early in my legal career to take nothing personal and maintain a tunnel-vision perspective. This early learning has been fundamental and informs my practice today because I’m able to weather the storms of the volatile entertainment industry while never losing sight of my mission and purpose.

How do you define success in your practice?
Disruption. I feel the legal field in general does not embrace technology the way it should. Technology should not be viewed as a threat to law, but rather a tool. I believe the effective use of technology will enhance a lawyer’s efficiency in operation, from the way we store and use data, to the way we manage high output. Not only do I want to disrupt the entertainment industry, I also want to push the boundaries of what a lawyer in the digital age is.

What are you most proud of as a lawyer?
I’m most proud of gaining the trust of some of the most talented creatives in the world and making a commitment to zealously represent them. Art continues to rise in value especially with the emergence of crypto and NFTs, making it integral that these artists have attorneys who can age appropriately in the digital space. As an African American attorney, hearing stories of some of our greatest talents being taken advantage of, I take pride in helping more creatives own the work they put out so their families can reap the benefits generations later if they so choose.

Who is your greatest mentor in the law and what have they taught you?
My greatest mentor is Reggie Osse, also known as Combat Jack. Reggie was a notable Black entertainment attorney in the ‘90s who helped shape the future of hip-hop and later built one of the pioneer podcasts “The Combat Jack Show.” He showed me the impact that an entertainment lawyer could have not just in practice but in life and business. I never got a chance to meet Reggie Osse personally, but his legacy lives in those that share his vision of outside-of-the-box thinking and disruption like myself.

Just for fun, tell us your two favorite songs on your summer music playlist.
Blxst - “Be Alone.” The song features a classic Aaliyah interpolation [from the late artist’s song, “I Don’t Wanna”] and has an infectious bounce. Great combination. Not to mention, it’s my client’s record.

Benny The Butcher - “Trade It All.” A perfect hip-hop song with a classic hip-hop sample driven sound. Just reminds me of summer in NYC.