Rising Stars: Meet Anisa K. Abrams Esq. of Downtown LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anisa K. Abrams.

Hi Anisa K., it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Most of my life, I wanted to be a performer. I have loved music and singing since I was young, so studying at Berklee College of Music felt like the natural path. I expected to build a career on stage, until I took Music Business 101.

That class opened my eyes to the business and legal decisions that determine whether an artist’s work is properly protected. When I later began working on the business side of the industry, I realized firsthand how vulnerable artists can be without passionate, informed, and culturally understanding representation. That is what ultimately pushed me toward law.

I went to law school with the goal of advocating for creatives and protecting their work. Today, I am an Associate at Ivie McNeill Wyatt Purcell & Diggs, the largest Black-owned law firm in California, where I practice civil litigation while continuing to build my path in entertainment and intellectual property law.

While my professional focus is firmly rooted in the legal field, creativity remains an important part of who I am. Painting has become a meaningful outlet for expression, and after receiving commissions from friends and family, I plan to launch a website to share that work. Creating will continue to center me, grounding the perspective I bring to my clients, but the law is where my purpose lies, allowing me to advocate for artists and safeguard the work that fuels culture.

My journey was not linear, but it reflects who I am: someone grounded in creativity, driven by advocacy, and committed to ensuring that the talent behind the art is supported, empowered, and protected.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has certainly not been a smooth road. I didn’t pass the bar on my first attempt, despite countless hours of studying, and law school came with sleepless nights, headaches, sacrifices, and significant financial burdens. As a Black woman, I am no stranger to adversity, but my faith and the support of my family have been my anchors. I have a village behind me, and I believe God has placed me on a path to greatness, though that path has often been winding, with unexpected twists and obstacles that have tested my perseverance but only strengthened my resolve.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What sets me apart is my unique perspective as someone who began my career as a performer and studied at Berklee College of Music. That experience gives me firsthand insight into the challenges artists face, allowing me to approach legal representation with empathy, understanding, and a passion for ensuring that creators are protected and empowered.

I am most proud of the foundation I am building to bridge the gap between art and law, helping artists navigate complex legal landscapes so they can focus on their craft.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Several people have played an instrumental role in my journey. My uncle, Karl Guthrie, started his own practice as an entertainment attorney, first representing his sister, the legendary singer Gwen Guthrie. Witnessing his success showed me what is possible when creativity and law come together. He also helped pave the way for Black attorneys as one of the founding members of the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association, inspiring future generations including me.

My mentor, Lynn Gonzalez, who was my boss when I worked in the Business Affairs department at Universal Music Group prior to law school, has been an invaluable guide. A true trailblazer in the entertainment law industry, she encouraged me to stay the course and reminded me that I could honor both my legal ambitions and my creative identity along the way.

I am grateful to have gained new mentorship and to be surrounded by supportive attorneys and directors at Ivie McNeill Wyatt Purcell & Diggs, who have welcomed me into this new chapter of my legal career. With a foundation shaped by my education at Berklee College of Music and my hands-on experience in Business Affairs at Universal Music Group, stepping into my role as an associate at a firm so deeply connected to culture and community has allowed me to build on that background in a truly meaningful way. The directors continue to challenge me to grow, advocate with confidence, and step fully into the attorney I am becoming, while remaining grounded in the creative roots that led me to the law.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anisa_k_abrams?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anisa-k-abrams-esq-a93877118/