Originally published in Student Lawyer magazine, October 2003 (Vol. 32, No. 2). All rights reserved.

Grant Program: Hastings Hosts Discussion With Music Industry Legends and Lawyers

by Margo Rofé

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads was a discussion panelist last spring at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. The 2003 Hastings/Noise Pop Entertainment Law Summit was hosted by the Hastings College Association of Communications, Sports, and Entertainment Law in conjunction with the Noise Pop Music Festival and Experience Music Project.

Other panelists were legendary music promoter Chet Helms, music managers and lawyers Jonathan Blaufarb and Brian McPherson, and Bay area educator and lawyer Michael Aczon. The event was supported in part by the ABA Law Student Division's Grant Program.

The program was designed for lawyers, students, and artists in the Bay area who are interested in understanding music policy and entertainment law. The annual five-day Noise Pop Musical Festival included appearances by more than 40 bands, independent movies, and panel discussions. The Hastings panelists focused on Napster and file swapping, and how such developments have affected the music industry.

The Law Student Division's Grant Program supports new programs and projects of student organizations at ABA-approved law schools that provide professionalism and ethics training, promote diversity in the legal profession, or advance public interest or service activities.

Grant applications are reviewed on an individual basis throughout the year, and funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis only. Approved applications may receive $500 or less, depending on the nature of the project and the availability of funding. Applications must be received by the Division's Chicago office at least four weeks before the date of the project, which must be completed by May 1. For detailed guidelines and to download an application, visit www.abanet.org/lsd/grant.html.

Margo Rofé is a 2L at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.