Exploring Life & Business with Desiree Talley of Talley Law Group and TalleyMark’d

My earliest memories are connected to black women lawyers. I remember being mesmerized by Claire Huxtable. Her wit, beauty and brains laid the foundation for who I am today.

Through magazines, music, and television, I discovered that everything from economics to entertainment was controlled by black culture, and law was at the crux of it all.

My journey to becoming an attorney started in high school by watching Judge Judy and other court television shows, Girlfriends, Soul Food, and an episode of My Super Sweet 16 that featured an entertainment attorney. These images would carry me as I matriculated through Hampton University.

While at Hampton University, I first majored in political science because I thought that was the required course study in order to become a lawyer. I soon discovered that I hated politician science and then switched my concentration to major in public relations with a minor in political science.

After undergrad, I took a couple of years off from school to work, travel, and enjoy life in New York City where Iresidedfor nine years. Eventually, I enrolled and graduated from St. John’s School of Law, the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU (Music Industry Essentials certificate program), and began my career as an entertainment attorney.

Before launching Talley Law Group, a boutique entertainment law firm (that represented artists and creatives, including The Creative Collective NYC), I held legal roles at Viacom Media Networks, ASCAP, Pandora Media, and Turner Entertainment Networks. This work resulted in me being awarded for my work representing creatives and honored as Top 40 Under 40 Attorneys.

As an attorney and creative storyteller that meshes street & book smarts to influence culture through law, I have emerged as a powerful voice in the conversation where business, law, and pop culture intersect. I pride myself on my direct and relatable delivery by educating audiences in both the legal and media industries. I do this through guest columns, speaking engagements, and hosting POPLAW Podcast.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Both the legal field and the entertainment field lack diversity and women in powerful roles; adding being a black woman to that makes things a bit more difficult. While black women are present in both fields, often times, seasoned black women lack true authority to effectuate change or make decisions that can move younger generations forward. Occasionally, they are hesitant to “reach back” because they are concerned about maintaining their spots and make it difficult for young attorneys to elevate. As a result, independently navigating the legal and entertainment field has been a challenging journey, but I am succeeding on my own terms.

As you know, we’re big fans of Talley Law Group and TalleyMark’d. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

Talley Law Group PLLC is a boutique entertainment law firm that is passionate about representing creative people and innovative businesses. From music and film production to copyright and trademark law, TLG provides sound legal education and strategic guidance to elevate your brand or business. Most importantly, TLG strives to teach black people about the legal significance of their deals and how to maintain ownership of their art.

TalleyMark’d is an agency that curates vibes and supplies the tastemakers to make any brand or event pop! COMING SOON

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books
1. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams by Deepak Chopra

2. BigMagic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

3. The Spook Who Sat by the Doorby Sam Greenle

Podcast
1. POPLAW Podcast hosted by me