The Law Offices of Robert A. Celestin Information

I’m a graduate of Yale University and Columbia School of Law and I have practiced entertainment law in New York City for over 25 years. I decided to become an entertainment attorney for two reasons: 1.) I love music and 2.) I couldn’t sing or rap! I began my career in the music industry in 1986 as a staff attorney at Arista Records, Inc. – the home of multi-platinum recording artists Whitney Houston, Whodini and Kenny G. In 1987, I met Andre Harrell, president and founder of Uptown Records, Inc. (“Uptown”), the company responsible for the “New Jack Swing” movement merging Hip Hop and R&B, and he hired me to be the VP/General Manager overseeing the operating and administrative aspects of the company. While at Uptown, I was also responsible for the negotiation and signing of Uptown’s multi-platinum recording artists and producers such as “Mary J. Blige,” “Jodeci,” “Guy,” “Heavy D and the Boyz” and “Al B. Sure” and worked alongside Sean “P-Diddy” Combs. In 1992, I 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, I 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. I then went on to work with music attorney (and my mentor) Louise West, Esq. of West Entertainment Services, LLC assisting her in the representation of clients such as “Timbaland,” “Missy Elliott” and “Ginuwine.” I now focus my practice on counseling an array of domestic and international clients especially those utilizing a D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) approach to establishing, and in some cases, extending their careers.