Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexi Shakib
Hi Alexi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but have lived all over the world from the Bay Area, New York, London, England, and now Los Angeles. All the moving around during my childhood and adolescence gave me the chance to travel a lot, experience different cultures, and learn to speak multiple languages. But, of all the places I lived, London had the biggest impact on me. It was such a formative time to live in a major, diverse city, and I think it set the stage for how I view the world today. It made me creative and adaptable, with a deep curiosity about people’s stories.
When I came back to the U.S. for college, I studied Neuroscience and worked at Stanford University doing biotechnical research. But as I spent more time in the scientific world, I felt my creative side was not being used, which is when I pivoted to law. Some find it funny that I changed my career to law to be more creative, but, as a lawyer I am presented with dynamic and complex issues everyday which requires the traits of someone who is creative but also has a curious mind to solve issues. Even more so, I chose a career in entertainment and trademark law, which allows me to work with a wide range of artists every day.
In law school I worked at an entertainment firm that specialized in representing e-sports players and developers. After graduation, I worked at a boutique law firm in Malibu, where I gained experience in trademarks, copyright law, and influencer brand deals. Then, I joined Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in the Motion Picture Business Development department. Now, I have opened my own law firm, Relevance, APC, where I specialize in trademark, copyright, and entertainment law. I help clients develop their brands and register their marks on the United States Patent and Trademark Office registry. I also work with models, actors, and other talent to review agency and management contracts, as well as brand-deals and actor agreements.
My path has been anything but traditional, but each step has brought me closer to doing work that truly excites me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting my own law firm as a young woman in the industry has come with its own set of challenges, but it’s also been an incredibly rewarding journey. One of the biggest hurdles has been managing all the responsibilities of running a firm, from handling the administrative side to navigating complex legal systems—all while trying to establish a reputation in a competitive field. As a young entrepreneur, I quickly realized that running a firm isn’t just about practicing law, like I had been doing before, it’s about building a brand, attracting clients, managing finances, and making sure everything runs smoothly, all while making sure my clients receive the best legal representation. The path has definitely been demanding, but every challenge has strengthened my resolve and made me more determined than ever to build a law firm that reflects my vision, passion, and creativity—blending the art of law with a fresh, innovative approach to justice.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Relevance, APC, we focus on helping clients protect and grow their intellectual property through expert trademark, copyright, and entertainment law services. Whether you’re launching a new product, starting a business, or simply seeking to protect your brand, logo, or even slogan, we assist clients in navigating the complex process of registering trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Our goal is to ensure that your unique brand identity is legally safeguarded, allowing you to focus on innovation and growth without the worry of infringement. We also help clients identify strategic opportunities to leverage their intellectual property, ensuring that their creative works are protected and valued in the marketplace.
In addition to working with businesses and individuals seeking to protect their intellectual property, Relevance, APC specializes in serving models, actors, and other talent in the entertainment industry. We provide comprehensive contract review services, advising clients on agency agreements, management contracts, and brand-deal negotiations. We help talent understand the fine print of their contracts, ensuring that their rights and interests are well-represented and protected. Whether you’re negotiating a major brand partnership or entering into an actor agreement, we work to make sure that your career is on a solid legal foundation, allowing you to focus on what you do best—performing and creating.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can reach me through my website (www.relevanceip.com), Instagram (@relevanceip or @alexishakib), or email ([email protected]).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.relevanceip.com
- Instagram: @alexishakib
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relevance-ip/
