Top Attorney – Robert A. Celestin
New York, NY WW/Press/– Robert A. Celestin, Attorney with The Law Offices of Robert A. Celestin is recognized and distinguished in The Top Attorneys of North America 2022-2023 edition.
The Key To My Success Is Hard Work, Perseverance, And Giving 150% To My Clients.” –
Robert A. Celestin
The Law Offices of Robert A. Celestin is one of the top entertainment law firms in New York City. The firm has been providing the best legal advice and counsel to clients in the Entertainment Industry for over 25 years.
The attorneys focus their practice on counseling, advising, and representing both new and established music artists, songwriters, music producers, music publishers, managers and independent record labels and production companies. They also provide counsel and legal services to reality TV stars, fashion models, writers, DJs, and radio personalities. In addition, the firm offers affordable telephone/in-office consultations to clients that wish to seek advice about a particular matter. At the Law Offices of Robert A. Celestin, they are proud of having a unique expertise, and the experience in the music industry that can help clients accomplish their goals.
The founder of the firm, Robert A. Celestin has been practicing law since 1986. He has focused his concentration exclusively in entertainment law. Robert decided to choose a career as an entertainment attorney because it was the best alternative, he has the passion for music, but he cannot sing or rap! Bob counsels in an array of domestic and international clients – music artists, artist managers and independent record labels, especially those utilizing a D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) approach to establishing, and in some cases, extending their careers.
His services also include providing strategic advice and counsel to independent record label start-ups and production companies, recording artists, book publishers and authors, producers, songwriters, reality TV stars, DJ’s and others. Past and present clients include “Secondhand Serenade”, “The Clipse”, “Pusha T”, “Mickey Factz”, “Petey Pablo”; celebreality stars “Toccara”, “Laurieann Gibson”, “Momma Dee” and “Arzo Anwar”, super manager “Blue Williams” and old school legends like “Foxy Brown”, “Big Daddy Kane”, “Marley Marl”, radio DJ’s “Funkmaster Flex”, “DJ Self”, and “DJ Lobo”, and others.
Robert A. Celestin began his legal career as an associate at Kaye, Scholar, et. al practice, corporate law. In 1986, he went on to work as a staff attorney at Arista Records with the legendary Clive Davis. The record company is the home of multi-platinum recording artists Whitney Houston, Whodini and Kenny G.
In 1987, Robert A. Celestin went on to work as the VP/General Manager with the president and founder of Uptown Records, Inc. (“Uptown”) Andre Harrell. The company is responsible for the “New Jack Swing” movement merging Hip Hop and R&B, and the house of superstars such as Mary J. Blige,” “Jodeci,” “Guy,” “Heavy D and the Boyz” and “Al B. Sure” and Sean “P-Diddy” Combs. While at Uptown, Robert was responsible for overseeing the operating and administrative aspects of the company, negotiating, and signing the multi-platinum roster of recording artists and producers.
In 1992, Robert went on to become the VP/General Manager of Untouchables Entertainment, Inc. (“Untouchables”), a production/management company founded by “Heavy D and the Boyz’s” producer Edward “DJ Eddie F” Ferrell and home of the groundbreaking rap duo, “Pete Rock and CL Smooth,” the R&B trio “Intro” and R&B vocalist “Donell Jones.” At Untouchables, he was responsible for overseeing the record and producer management division of the company and creating and implementing company-wide operating, promotional and artist development strategies.
Robert then went on to work with his mentor, entertainment attorney Louise West, Esq., in representing Timbaland, Missy Elliot and Ginuwine. In addition to being an attorney, Robert co- managed the Grammy nominated and platinum selling Pop/R&B group City High.(“What Would You Do”). Robert’s experience of being an artist manager and having an independent label, has been invaluable skill in providing practical and real-life advice and counsel to his clients. The clients he has represented has always moved the culture.
Robert is a graduate of Yale University and Columbia School of Law. He has spoken at various seminars, lecturing on topics about the music industry: including, Fordham Law School BLSA Seminar, Brooklyn Law School BLSA Seminar, “How Can I Be Down? Music Conference”, “Dynamic Producer Conference”, Latin Hip-Hop Conference, Detroit Music Industry Seminar, “Protect Your Neck” Music Conference, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Panelist, The A&R Power Summit, Power 105 Music Panel, EARS Lifebeat Panel, BMI Writers’ Workshop, ASCAP Legal Seminar, “About My Father’s Business Gospel Conference”, Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Action Summit Network, BESLA Conference, Cardozo Law School – “Representing Clients in the Digital Era”, BMI Panel – “Generate Income – How to Invest & Grow Your Publishing Royalties”, Tampa Music Conference, SOB – Latinos in Hip-Hop Conference, Chicago Music Conference, About My Fathers Business – Indianapolis, Atlanta Hip-Hop Business Youth Conference, BMI Legal Services – Publishing Panel, Latin Rap Conference – New York, SEA Conference – “How to Get a Record Deal or Production Deal” and “The Mixtape Game”, One Stop Shop Conference – “Finding Artist Management Representation Workshop” and “Learning Music Publishing Basics” – Phoenix, CUNY School of Law – Law Forum.
Robert A. Celestin has been recognized as one of “The Top Music Attorneys” by Billboard magazine and recognized as one of “The Top Power Players” in the hip hop industry.
The Top Attorneys of North America, a New York based publication, distinguishes and profiles leading attorneys who have reached a recognizable degree of success and leadership in their field. The directory is valued for promoting awareness of the accomplishments within the North American legal community.