This week we are super pumped to welcome John Smith to Freelance Mentors AMA! John is a highly accomplished partner at CreativeWorks LLP, and has vast experience dealing with the kinds of issues freelancers commonly encounter. get your questions ready, because this is going to be a good one!

More about the participant:

John Smith
Partner, CreativeWorks LLP | Copyright Attorney

Professional Summary

John Smith is a seasoned copyright attorney with over 15 years of experience counseling artists, publishers, technology companies, and entertainment entities on all facets of copyright law. Renowned for his strategic advocacy and deep industry knowledge, John has successfully litigated high-stakes infringement cases, negotiated complex licensing agreements, and advised on innovative ventures in digital media and emerging technologies.

Education

• J.D., Harvard Law School (2008)

  • Editor, Harvard Journal of Law & Technology

  • President, Copyright & Creative Arts Law Society

• B.A. in English Literature, summa cum laude, University of California, Berkeley (2005)

  • Phi Beta Kappa

  • Senior Thesis: “Transformative Use and Fair Use Doctrine in the Digital Age”

Career Experience

CreativeWorks LLP
Partner (2018–Present)

• Lead counsel in a landmark case securing a $20 million settlement for a major record label in a copyright infringement suit.

• Architected global licensing strategy for a multimedia conglomerate’s digital distribution platform, increasing annual licensing revenue by 35%.

• Mentor to junior associates and lead author of the firm’s monthly “Copyright Insights” newsletter.

Senior Associate (2012–2018)

• Drafted and negotiated over 200 exclusive publishing and synchronization agreements.

• Represented independent filmmakers in pro bono litigation to preserve creative control and fair compensation.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Judicial Clerk to the Hon. Kathryn L. Fletcher (2008–2009)

• Researched and drafted bench memoranda on copyright and First Amendment matters for appellate review.

Bar Admissions & Associations

• California State Bar (Admitted 2009)

• U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Central, and Southern Districts of California

• American Bar Association, Section of Intellectual Property Law

• International Trademark Association (INTA)

Publications & Speaking Engagements

• “Copyright in the Cloud”, Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 2022

• Panelist, SXSW EDU: “AI, Art & Authorship,” Austin, TX, 2023

• Guest Lecturer, Stanford University Law School: “Digital Rights Management,” Spring 2024

Awards & Recognition

• “Top 40 Under 40” in Intellectual Property Law, California Lawyer Magazine (2016)

• “Pro Bono Champion” Award, CreativeWorks LLP (2015)

Community & Pro Bono

• Founder, Artists’ Rights Pro Bono Initiative, providing free legal clinics for emerging creators

• Board Member, Bay Area Creative Coalition

Personal Interests

An avid sailor and amateur photographer, John splits his free time between regattas on the San Francisco Bay and capturing urban landscapes. He lives in Oakland with his wife, two children, and rescue Labrador, Pixel.