192 Garden Street | Suite 2 | Roslyn Heights | New York | 11577-1012 | USA | E-mail | (516) 621-6424 | www.RPDieguez.com


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 Quick Facts About RPD
 > Advises clients in all facets of the
     entertainment industry and in all genres
 > Recipient of several Gold and Platinum
     Records from clients
 > Has 5 years experience managing celebrity
     talent, an important insight he brings when
     advising legal clients
 > Listed in nine Who's Who directories
 > Graduated in 1985 from NYU Law School,
     one of the top schools in the country
 > Taught 3 semesters of Entertainment Law
     at New York City's Baruch College
 > Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court
 Personal Injury, Labor Law... 
  E-mail RPD if you need to be referred to a
  lawyer who handles general legal matters
  such as personal injury and medical malpractice;
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  workplace issues; criminal; immigration, etc.
 Books Referring To RPD

    The Real Deal: How to Get
    Signed to a Record Label
    by Daylle Deanna Schwartz



   Managing Artists in Pop Music:
   What Every Artist and Manager
   Must Know to Succeed
   by Mitch Weiss and Perri Gaffney 
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© 2011 Richard P. Dieguez, Esq.  All rights reserved
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Buzz About RPD and The Circle
 

from the creative community
   
  Jacqueline Hopkins

Everyone signed the agreement you prepared for me.
Thank you for preparing it.  You did an excellent job.
 
  Sor Harris

Thank you very much for the meeting last night.  It was very informative and I will try, as much as possible, to be a regular.  It's always nice to learn and be in a friendly atmosphere.  I also think your cool and fun approach is to be commended, especially in this industry. 
 
  Mike Wells

The workshop is great!!!
 
  James Citkovic

Thanks for everything last night, I enjoyed it and really liked what you're doing as a workshop helping artists and the industry in general.  For years I've had Tuesdays set with one of the bands I'm playing with, however, I think I'll have to now change those nights to see you.
 
  Mike Graham

The class was great last night. May God bless you for your efforts and helping out those looking to learn about the biz.
 
  Louis Perez

It was good last night to listen to your lecture.  It was very informative and I think your recording plans [of the meetings] are good for those that don't attend....
 
  John Culkin

I was impressed with the Circle meeting; certainly a college-level (or beyond) presentation, and great "delivery."
 
  Kevin Turton

Thank you for being an excellent host and educator.  I attended last night for the first time and I thoroughly enjoyed the networking and insight. I especially appreciated how you kept an open conversational forum instead of just a lecture.
 
  Mary Ellen Manning

I enjoyed my first Circle meeting....  I even got a contact that may be interested in my mastering/editing suite services.  It is a really comfortable forum with the help of your enthusiasm and encouragement.
 
  Mark Bodino

Thanks for allowing us access to these resources. It's sort of a "light at the end of the tunnel". The speaker last week, Peter Hay, is what I've been looking for for some time.
 
 

Alicia Carpenter

I can only imagine the long hours, effort and commitment you placed into The Circle.
 
 

Renee Bradley

I was only able to attend The Circle once (I live in Chicago) but I loved it!  I have always regretted not being able to be in New York City at the times of your meetings.  I enjoyed the meeting and the experience of being able to meet/network with so many wonderful people, including yourself and your staff.  I wish we had something like that in Chicago!
 
  Jenn London

I love The Circle meeting and will be there next time... and will spread the word once again!  I was feeling down right before the meeting.  However, after hearing you tonight and especially after speaking with you, I am in an elevated realm.  So, I want to thank you for that.  Thank you for listening, and for doing the work you do -- The Circle, speaking, offering advice, really contributing to and encouraging others.
 
  Kevin Goodman

Great event last night! I made some very valuable contacts and I also came away with added insight in to this labyrinth of an industry.
 
  Frank Spicer, Jr.

Thanks for the invite to The Circle meeting. It was very informative and I look forward to the next meeting.
 
  Derek Bernard

I have attended your seminar and I have to say that I had a great time.  I will be attending your seminar for years to come.   
 
  Sean O'Connor

I had a great time, learned some things, and made a good contact or two...I'm looking forward to the next one.
 
  Deborah Joyce

Thank you for being the force behind these excellent meetings.  The Circle, for me, covers all my bases to achieve my goals: to cultivate my business and concentrate on my artistic endeavors.  After a year of attending your meetings, I can say I have reaped wonderful benefits. I’ve heard and met influential people who have given me wonderful tips, comments and direction in this tough industry.  I’ve collaborated with producers.  I had the honor of judging a battle of the bands contest and a songwriters contest.  Through referrals from these contacts, I’ve increased my student base.
 
  Nicole Wright

My Dad (of Little Anthony and The Imperials) and I enjoyed The Circle meeting and plan to bring more people next time.  I hope to get my whole band there as well as producers and other industry people that I work with.  The speakers were great, informative and REAL and you are a charismatic "ringmaster."  Thanks for putting together such a great platform for information sharing and networking. Keep up the good work!
 
  Roberto "Analogy" De Jesus

Thank you for what you're doing for people trying to 'get in.'  I'm sure you hear this millions of times, but I really appreciate what you're doing, and I hope this continues.
 
  Carmine Guida

I'm glad I made it to The Circle.  I really liked the format of Mr. Dieguez' networking event.  I've been to a few events, but I find them quite uncomfortable -- just people hanging out at a bar, expected to talk to each other.  Mr. Dieguez' was way more comfortable.
 
  Jyoti Shrivastava

The Circle event Mr. Dieguez held was great and I definitely plan on coming to more.
 
  Darren Johnson  

It was great going back to The Circle and networking again. You never stop learning things, and the more I go the more I pick up.
 
  Tony Samuel

It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Dieguez at The Circle.  I enjoyed the presentation by Mr. Tiwary and his website (starpolish.com) is full of jewels.  I am surprised I never heard about it before.  I already started to spread the word. Thank you and keep up the great work.
 
  Mark Purnell

Looking forward to attending The Circle.  The last one we went to couldn't have been more timely for us when we were mailing out press kits to clubs and doing publicity for our band.  Very helpful.
 
  Robert Chiarella

I really enjoyed meeting you and everyone at The Circle. Curtis Urbina's presentation was informative and engaging while John Hagedorn of Spinning Images was great playing guitar.  For someone who is trying to transition into the music industry The Circle has been one of the few venues where I felt I was able to gain insight and contacts. Thanks again.  Look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.
 
  Jodi Shaw

Thanks for the meeting, it was my first.  It seemed really "major music industry" oriented, which isn't really my bag.  But for what it was, it seemed pretty good; I think you provide a good service for people, and a nice space (as opposed to a smokey, alcohol-infused bar) in which to network.  Plus, I thought you were really nice -- a dynamic, engaging speaker with a good sense of humor. 
 
  Jordan Zed

I just wanted to say thanks again for another great night at The Circle.  You create a really great vibe, which makes me excited about the business of music.  As a songwriter and performer, I sometimes try to focus so much energy on my music that I lose sight of the possibility that the business aspects of the industry can also be creative and fun with the right attitude.
 
  Harold Stephan

Thanks again for such a great networking meeting. As a producer who's always looking for new talent to work with, it's a great way to network.  I also got a lot out of the management discussion.
 
  Richard & Jean Shepherd

The meeting was extremely insightful and helpful. We will definitely be attending the next one.  It is a great thing you're doing for those of us who are in the dark about a lot things in this business.  It was very enlightening and refreshing.
 
  Gary Newton

I like coming and sending people to The Circle because it represents you,
Mr. Dieguez, and the person you are!  You're genuine and I wish more people in the industry were like you -- it would be much better and not about stabbing each other in the back.  I want to change that with my artists and the people that I work with.
 
  Jamie Litt

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you are doing with The Circle. In just the two meetings I have been to, I have made some very interesting and creative contacts. I look forward to the next meeting.
 
  Geoff Smith

Thank you for the invitation to The Circle.  I am so glad that I went, it was a great opportunity to meet many people who have the enthusiasm and goals that I share in the music business.  It was well worth my time and I can say that I will go to great lengths not to miss another one.
 
  Yvonne Harmon

What a great time I had on Tuesday.  As someone just starting out, I have been to quite a few "information" sessions and walked away afterward feeling like I wasted my time, and in some cases, my money.  The Circle was very different. I learned a lot, met some really nice people, and even got a cool new CD.  I can't wait for next month's meeting and I have already invited some people to come with me.
 
  Joanne Keitt

My first time at The Circle was very positive and very informative.  Thanks for creating this forum.
 
  Neftali Flores Jr.

It was not at all what I expected; it was better.  I was, as are most newcomers, afraid that I would be in a room sitting down with heads of departments that could care less about my naive questions.  When in fact, the speakers welcomed questions, all the while dispensing insider information and what they have experienced in their career.  ...[and] thanks to The Circle I got my first internship.
 
  Jason Liebman

As I've said many times before, The Circle is an absolutely fantastic creation!
 
  Andy Schneider

My gig last night at the Bitter End was great, and I forgot to mention that I met my new guitarist (who played with me last night) at the December Circle meeting.  As usual, the speakers were just great.  The Circle is still the best deal in town.
 
  Fernando Quinones

Just wanted to re-thank you for the invite tonight.  I found it to be VERY rewarding and I actually met a few interesting people.  So thanks and I look forward to your next Circle.
 
  Brian Rodney

Best Circle meeting ever!  From A to Z I thought the meeting was great.  I knew nothing about the musicians union, so it was a great education.  To see Chris Barron perform and to be in an open Q & A was like an interactive "Behind The Music" episode from VH1.  And most of the performers I got for my benefit concert (4 out of 7) are contacts I made with The Circle!  I know this sounds like a press release but it is sincere.  Ten Dollars?! C'mon! Thanks for putting these meetings together.
 
  Sirge

Not many, if any, in the industry hold forums as open and welcoming as yours.  Not many places allow the time to network after an event.  Many times they're hurrying everyone out.  But The Circle gives people the time to see who's who to possibly become the next "who's who" -- if not already.
 
  Nida K

I just wanted to commend you on your dedication and support for the 9-11 victims and society as a whole.  Many times people in the entertainment industry tend to focus on their own endeavors and lose sight of their roots and true purpose here on earth.  I'm glad you took the time to reach everyone at The Circle to offer a few words.  I recently joined the email list and I have not yet attended a meeting, but definitely will so now.
 
  Kevin Johnson

I had a great time at The Circle.  The seminar was most informative and a great place to network and not feel out of place.  I think it was good for all who were there.  I got so much information, and I'm glad I came out to the event.  I wish you continued success and growth, and I will be seeing you again at another Circle.
 
  Gregory Holbert

I just wanted to let you know I had an entertaining and informative time at The Circle meeting.  I met some interesting people and it was pleasant to have finally met you.
 
  Joe Franco

"[The meeting] was great! I enjoyed it immensely.  My artist needed a keyboardist for a memorial service that was coming that Friday and she met one at [the meeting] who was available.  He learned the songs in one sitting....  So, thanks for the connection we made that night Richard! You da man!"  
 
  Larry Graber

I just finished reading your '10 Important New Year's Resolutions' and thought it was excellent advice.  Thank you again for all the educational seminars at The Circle in the past year.
 
  Tracy Kash

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy The Circle meetings.  Such a wonderful and necessary forum to bring together representatives of the many facets of the music industry.  
 
  Jim Bockhoff

Thank you for a great evening at The Circle last week.  I really enjoyed coming to New York City and connecting with everyone again.  It was a great chance to network and make new contacts!  I appreciate the work you put into these events, and will be coming back periodically to get refreshed.   
 
  Cara Jean McCarthy

Just wanted to say thanks again.  You were as incredible and charming as I remembered.  The Circle last night was great!  How wonderful to have people getting together, from all kinds of areas of the entertainment world, to chat and exchange and share and sing!  Sort of a coffee house concept!  And it was wonderful to get to grab [industry speaker] Mitch Weiss's ear after, also.  It all gives me hope.  And I look forward to more!
 
  Randy Anagnostis

My compliments on the fine networking group you have assembled with The Circle!  I thoroughly enjoyed the last meeting and the people!
 
  John Mazurkiewicz

Recognizing the lack of industry-related events where people can get together and network their way into new opportunities, Richard decided to take matters into his own hands and form The Circle.  He has invited some key music industry figures to speak, and also has new talent showcases and an "after-meeting hang" at a local eatery.  I have attended several of these meetings, and I have met a fascinating array of professional, music-loving people.  Presently, I am working on recording and releasing a tune...with an unbelievable singer...who performed at the last meeting.  Richard has to charge..., but to me it is a small price to pay for such an invaluable opportunity.  It seems to me that everyone interested can benefit if we increase the number of people who attend future meetings.  Resolution:  to try to make all Circle meetings this coming year!
 
  Israel De Bien

Thank you for your availability, your solid and very helpful advice and The Circle.  You are a wonderful and caring human being that happens to be a lawyer!  Thanks for being so great.
 
  Mike Goldstein

I am an aspiring songwriter and composer.  I moved to New York in August, and have been networking as much as possible.  John Mazurkiewicz introduced me to your organization/networking circle, and I must say I was rather impressed -- both with the scope and design of The Circle and with your credentials and experiences.
 
  Jay Cascio

These meetings are very helpful and, on behalf of all artists who attend these meetings, we are very grateful for all the effort you give to putting these meetings together.
 
  Annie Wenz

A while ago, I connected with entertainment attorney Richard Dieguez in New York City -- he's a wonderful and talented man and is very involved with many aspects of the industry (he's also a musician!).  Over the years, he's done more and more to reach out in an attempt to encourage networking between artists and industry folks.  He started The Circle, a monthly gathering of folks sharing ideas, inspiration and good times.  Speakers, topics, showcasing artists vary from month to month.  What a wonderful group of people and great warm energy.
 
  Harold Papineau

I'm in the Connecticut band, Hacha.  Two of my members went to the meeting and had great things to say about what was going on.  They had nothing but good things to say about the meeting and are excited about attending the next one.  
 
  Brian Bishop

I have attended several of your meetings.  I find them to be excellent, especially for people that are planning on getting into the entertainment industry.  I try to analyze the situation and I said to myself, this guy by the name of Richard seems to be cool.  You give people a chance to get info, to meet people (networking), etc.  Thank you for the knowledge I have acquired.
 
  Hannah Freidenberg

Thank you so much for doing what you do!  I learned a lot at The Circle last night and met many people.  It was inspiring.  Thank you!
 
  Aug Stone

Thank you for inviting me to The Circle.  It was great.  I learned a lot.  Sorry I didn't introduce myself at the end but I had to catch a train back to Connecticut.  I must say you're nothing like I pictured an entertainment lawyer to be (I guess very stiff like the other lawyers I know).  You made everything very comfortable, but still effective.  So thanks again.  
 
  J.G. Barnes

I had the pleasure of experiencing The Circle for the first time.  Not only did I get more than I expected in the way of information, but I won the audiobook that I wanted in your raffle.  I'm grateful that events like The Circle exist.  My partner was impressed with the information I came back to him with.  
 
  Denise Shields

I'd like to take this time to say thanks for staying dedicated to The Circle and for just being a nice lawyer.
 
  Howard Israel

It's always a pleasure to be a part of this great machine you are not only creating, but growing and growing.  Thanks again!
 
  Carla Hall

Til last night, I was a Circle virgin.  Now, I'm initiated.  I really enjoyed listening to [the industry speakers], and I learned a thing or two. You really know your stuff, and I enjoy listening to someone in the biz who has a passion for music and what he does.  
 
  Andre Barracks

Thanks for the workshop over at Sony Music Studios.  I enjoyed it and made a few good connects.
 
  Euphemia Melville

This is a short note of gratitude.  We appreciate your love and devotion to the world of the arts.  Every month, we leave your meetings more focused and informed and a few steps closer to being professionals in our career choice as songwriters.  Thank you.
 
  Katrina Lewis

Great event at The Circle in Manhattan, informative and fun!
Keep up the great work!
 
  Heidi Petrikat

This music attorney's meetings are awesome!
 
  Ashley Gomes

The Circle was a great experience and I made a lot of new friends and contacts!
 
  Taneka W

I've come to one of your meetings, and it was great! I learned alot.
 
  Jamal Dubar

The events you host are important to hip hop.
 
  Joyce Dollinger

Your event was great last night!  I loved it!
 
  Jimmy Palacio

Your presentation was great.  Looking forward to your next Circle.
 
  Lara Ewen

We music folks always need more good entertainment attorneys.
It's a jungle out there...
 
  Robert DeLuca

RPD, I appreciate what you do.  There are so many sharks out there.
 
  Richard Herrea

Thank you for continuing to provide these platforms.  I just wish I had gone a lot earlier.  Im sure there is a lot of information that has been discussed.  Nevertheless, I would like to continue attending.
 
  Philip Hamilton

I am quite aware of your writings and have heeded your advice
on many occasions.  Thanks for sharing your insights.
 
  Mike, New Music Label

We think your website is great and would like to work closer with you.
 
  Floyd L. Nixon

Thank you.  I had a very good time.  I learned a lot from the speaker and can't wait until the next one.
 
  Rick Nicols

It's been a couple of years, but I've continued to receive your emails and follow the progress of the circles. Thanks for doing what you do.
 
  Lori Lampkin

I used to work in Manhattan and I attended your Circle meetings about 5 years ago. First, I would like to thank you because those meetings were very helpful to me at the time. I was just beginning to pursue music as a career, and I learned so much from attending your meetings.
 
  Mai Aasaki

it was nice to see you yesterday and thank you for the event.  It was really interesting. I never come accross an event like that in Japan, so it was new.
 
  Dennis Deyo

It was a pleasure to meet you.  The Circle helped me a lot.
 
  Ian Roberts

I was very very glad you had the Wonder Twins from Sirius at the last Circle meeting.
 
  Lygia Forrest

Thank you for getting back to me so soon -- when anybody says "You need a lawyer," I automatically think of you.
 
  Gary Codner

It was a great pleasure meeting you!  You have a great energy.