Millions of music fans across the world know of the name Nelly, one that has become synonymous with St. Louis. However, there is another local name that is not so well know, the man who stands behind the name in lights.
WU adjunct professor of Law Jeff Michelman is an intellectual properties lawyer who advises such big-name clients as Nelly. He is a local man whose influence stretches from coast to coast, the voice behind some of what we hear, see, and watch in music, art, and showbiz, not to mention directly influencing the students of WU when he’s in the classroom.
Stepping into his office is like entering into a cross between Ripley’s Believe it or Not, a Hollywood set, and a museum. Historical artifacts, oriental art pieces, movie paraphernalia, antiques, and other eccentricities inhabit the small second-floor office in downtown Clayton. In fact, the only thing that leads you to believe that this is a place of business and not museum storage are the stacks of legal documents and papers strewn across the antique wood desk. If nothing else, this office stands testament to the reach that Michelman’s career has covered. He has been practicing for close to 22 years.
The man himself is just as interesting as the knick-knacks that cover his office. In physical appearance he is exactly what is brought to mind when thinking of a lawyer: a tall, middle-aged man with graying temples and sporting a stylish grey suit.
But at first contact, one realizes he is not one of the cold and money-grubbing attorneys that are portrayed on television.
With a firm, friendly grip he launches right into a candid discussion of his work, in a way much more like a conversation than an interview. As he relaxes back in his chair, hands informally propped behind his head, and goes on about his job and life working with celebrities, one can literally feel the genuine passion he holds for his work.
Plus, it’s doubtful that many other lawyers across the country would claim that the rap anthem, “Rid Wit’ Me” is one of their favorite songs.
Michelman’s primary role is as the intellectual property and entertainment lawyer for the local firm of Blumenfeld, Kaplan, and Sandweiss. One of his most famous and currently popular clients is non-other than hometown rapper, Nelly. Michelman has been working with Nelly ever since he began his road to fame, handling much of his creative legal business, including copyrights and publicity deals.
“My work consists of everything from patent trademark and copyright litigation to licensing transactions,” said Michelman. “Everything from technology to rights and publicity.”
In a sense, Michelman is Nelly’s legal body guard.
“My job is to make sure that [Nelly] is protected in the sense that no one else uses his name and that if he is sought after for an endorsement or soundtrack that he is adequately compensated for his success.”
Michelman serves as the home base attorney for Nelly, who is often on different sides of the country on any given day. Although he might not know where exactly his client is (last week it was the MTV Video Music Awards), he always knows where his finances stand.
“One of my tasks is to help him keep as much of the money as he can,” Michelman pointed out. “My experience is that when an artist becomes famous, all kinds of people come out of the woodwork and everybody wants a piece of the pie. I’ve always thought that it’s important that an artist, should their career not last as long as Mick Jagger’s, have something at the end of it.”
Michelman draws from many years of being one of the only entertainment lawyers in St. Louis. He advises his clients from much of what he’s learned in his practice, but more importantly holds a more personal connection with them. As one talks with the Clayton lawyer, one gets a feeling for the truly genuine respect and admiration he holds for his those he works with, especially Nelly.
“I am very much an admirer of Nelly’s. He is a good person: honest, loving, cares about his community very much. He hasn’t forgotten about his roots and he hasn’t forgotten about his friends.”
“That distinguishes him from a lot of artists who quickly uproot, head to the East or West coast, and no more want to be reminded that they grew up in Mexico or Missouri or wherever they came from. Nelly’s songs, his feelings, and his loyalties are with the community. This sets him apart from many artists.”
Nelly may be one of Michelman’s most famous success stories, but he is by far not the only one. Michelmen also serves as attorney for corporations, artists, actors, photographers, musicians, and writers.
“I serve a lot of other clients,” said Michelman. “They range from large, hi-tech corporations and computer software companies to other artists, like Neve Campbell, trademark rights for the Hanson group, the St. Lunatics, and Sarah Cloud. I represent the photographer Sam Trampe and writers like Rose Jonnas and Doria Hollander.”
Michelman’s accessibility is a testament to the fact that his heart is in his work. Cadenza struggled for several weeks struggle to obtain an interview with the hometown lawyer, and another two weeks to secure a photo-op. Yet, his absence isn’t due to aloofness or even inapproachability, but the simple fact that he’s out working for his clients, whether it’s across town or across the country.
Beyond his work with big-name stars, Michelman also brings his wisdom to the field of academia, serving as an adjunct professor in the WU School of Law. He teaches year-round courses on entertainment law with a circle of other professors and lawyers in the J.D. and Masters curriculum.
“I teach one course per semester and participate in a total of 12 to 14 class sessions per semester,” said Michelman.
Michelman has been teaching at WU since 1997. Before that he taught law at St. Louis University Law School for four years and at Webster University Business School for five years before that. Michelman has also lectured about E-Commerce at the WU Business School.
“I like the diverse student base (at WU). I like that the students are very bright there.”
Michelman also enjoys interacting with and learning from his students.
“I like the challenge of staying up on areas of law because students will challenge a teacher and not accept as gospel everything that the teacher says and ask, `Why is that so?'”
Michelman would be a great asset to any school and law firm, but especially to one in the Midwest. While there are a plethora of entertainment lawyers to be found in such entertainment meccas as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, or Miami, Michelman stands virtually alone in St. Louis.
Yet, he is a man who loves what he does for a living. He admits that he could make more money working in litigation for a big company, but the thrill of dabbling in new and more creative ways is what draws him to his office every morning. That and the sense of achievement he shares with his clients.
“The best part is watching [my clients] success. Instead of feeling, `Oh, I like that song,’ when they get an award, it’s `God, yeah! That’s my man!'” Michelman declared, his fist pumping in the air.
“The thrill is when someone who you represent is successful. There is no greater thrill as a lawyer than when you represent an artist or even a businessperson and they are successful and you get a sense of being a part of something done well.”
More About Michelman
Received his Juris Doctor with Honors from Villanova University School of Law in 1967.
Graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a B.A. and also attended WU School of Engineering.
Decorated captain in the U.S. Army
From 1986-1990, he revised the Government Contract Code of Ethics, which earned him plaudits from then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci.
Chair of the Intellectual Property Department at Blumenfeld, Kaplan & Sandweiss.
Handled KangaROOS, Inc. beginning in 1979 until its sale in 1988. Managed the company’s 67 patents and 33 trademarks in the U.S. and abroad. Oversaw all litigation for intellectual property in the U.S. and 11 foreign courts in South America, Europe and Asia.
Frequently contributes to legal and business journals