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 of all genres:  Pop, Hip Hop,      Dance, Rock, R&B, Jazz, Gospel, World, etc.
 > Recipient of several Gold and Platinum
     Records from clients
 > Has 5 years experience managing artists
     on major labels, 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
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 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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© 2008 Richard P. Dieguez, Esq.  All rights reserved

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The Buzz About RPD and The Circle
 

from the industry
 
  Phil Lorito
Manager, Michael Bolton, Cyndi Lauper, Johnny Depp

I was honored and enjoyed being a guest at The Circle and hope I was
able to help with your program.  I strongly believe that it is important
for the music business to develop young, honest, sincere, hard working managers.  There really is a shortage of good managers in the business.
 
  Mr. Dave
A&R, Tommy Boy Records/Warner Bros.

Mr. Dieguez makes The Circle a great place to get the honest 411.  
I advise industry heads and up-and-comers to check it out at least once.
 
  Patrick Moxey        
Senior Vice President, A&R, Virgin Records

The Circle is a perfect forum for people to learn about the music business.  I was impressed at the range of knowledge on different aspects of the business shown by Mr. Dieguez and the participants.  The Circle is a perfect training ground for the upcoming songwriter, artist, manager, or small label owner.  You've got a great thing going with The Circle!
 
  From the book, The Real Deal:  How To Get Signed To A Record Label

A creative support system keeps you going in lean times and kicks your butt when you're discouraged.  ....  Attorney Richard Dieguez created a huge networking group in New York City, called The Circle which others can learn from.  Dieguez keeps a well-stocked resource table, speaks about legal issues, and has an industry pro speak.  Most importantly, everyone in attendance introduces themselves, so everyone knows who's there for possible networking.
 
  From The Inside Connection

Richard Dieguez, an entertainment lawyer from Long Island...hosts a music-related conference called The Circle on the first Tuesday of every month. .... Attend this meeting if you can; you'll learn an immense amount of information that will be helpful for your career as an artist.  John Hagedorn has performed at The Circle, opening up the conference with an acoustic set.  ...'You can never know too much about the industry.  ...you make great contacts through networking, which is a major part of the game.'
 
  From Music Dish

The Circle provides anyone in the entertainment industry, or hoping to be a part of it, with opportunities to learn about the business, meet industry representatives, and network.  Richard's clients as an entertainment attorney include songwriters, recording artists, record companies, publishing companies, agents, and DJs, among others in the industry, both established names and aspirants.
 
  From Billboard Magazine

The role of casting director is perhaps one of the most underrated behind-the-scenes jobs in music video.  ...  Few people understand that crucial quality more than... Mellicent Dyane of Dyane Foster Film and Casting, who offered an inside view of music video casting...as part of a lecture series presented by The Circle, a nonprofit networking organization for music industry professionals.
 
  From journalist Jeff James

Lisa Lisa needed a new direction.  She changed...to the smart and savvy entertainment lawyer, Richard Dieguez.
 
  From Aural Fix Communique

It's hard to get the right advice.  Those business books are just so difficult to get through.  I met Richard via The Circle, an entertainment support network that meets monthly in NYC that was established for folks who want to move ahead by learning more about the entertainment industry.  His early legal career was litigation-oriented and, therefore, quite broad.  But Rich's experience as a musician led him to entertainment law and intellectual property.  He's also over in Roslyn Heights and worth talking to.  Zip over to www.rpdieguez.com for details about his outstanding work.
 
  From Point of View

Dieguez takes a back seat to no one [and has a] compassion for his clients...that may stem from [being] a minority...and a musician in a field where both have to work hard to earn respect.
 
  Maia Amada
Recording Artist (Sparrow Records)

Richard Dieguez guided me through the very first contract I held with my management company and he's still still treating me royally.  I couldn't have made a better choice in using such a wonderful and knowledgeable attorney.
 
  Dave Marsh
Creem, Rolling Stone, Rock Critic, Historian

In a music world that's not fragmented but splintered like so many toothpicks, The Circle attracts an amazingly diverse group of people, united mainly by music and their aspirations for a career in it but with the perception and intelligence to understand that you have to know how the world works to do it right.  It's what we used to call a righteous experience.  Attend only if you love music and smart people.
 
  Richard Gottehrer and Scott Cohen
CEO and President, The Orchard.com

Mr. Dieguez and The Circle completes the circle of information on the music industry by bringing together speakers and listeners in one great learning experience.
 
  Camille Barbone
Manager, August Management (Madonna, Nona Hendryx)

Mr. Dieguez' The Circle is a real cool concept that will help many individuals who would probably flounder and go off in the wrong direction.
 
  Bobby Haber
Founder, CEO, The CMJ Network/ChangeMusic

It was a sincere pleasure speaking at The Circle. Attendees included a cross section from all facets of the music chain: artists, writers, record and marketing folks and internet execs. It was an opportunity to have a meaningful chat on an intimate level -- interacting on that intimate a level is always the most challenging -- and the most satisfying.  I'd welcome the opportunity to address The Circle again.
 
  Dan Miller, They Might Be Giants
New York, NY

The Circle reminded me that there is always a huge amount of enthusiasm waiting for an opportunity and a challenge.  It was enjoyable soaking up all that energy.
 
  Daddy-O
Urban Cultivator of Digital Music, A&R, MCA; Producer, Stetsasonic

There is NO OTHER forum I would more want to tell others to participate in. Richard truly exercises the Biblical sense of "pouring out himself."
 
  Leslie Wilkins
Local 802, Gospel Musicians Committee

...thank you for giving birth to The Circle...and all the many musicians you've helped through the years.  It has been our pleasure to support you and your endeavors.
 
  Mark Green
President, Celebrity Talent Agency

I encourage all music executives to come to The Circle and give back. Remember we were once in those same seats with the desire to achieve our dreams.  I was happy to have received a number of e-mails from attendees who said I inspired them to make decisions to strike out on their own.
 
  Robert McVeety
President, Bobbie Mack, Entertainment Group

Probably the best educational and networking sessions in the music business. I am always impressed not only by the quality speakers Mr. Dieguez brings in, but by the energy and talent in the people who attend.  The number of people who come back month after month is testimony in itself.  Everyone even thinking about being in the music business needs to be there.
 
  Daylle Deanna Schwartz
Lecturer, Author, The Real Deal: How to Get Signed to a Record Label
Start & Run Your Own Record Label

The Circle offers a fantastic opportunity for the music community to network with each other, get relevant grass roots tools for advancing and legal tips from the ever-generous Richard Dieguez, hear industry speakers, and pick up valuable info at the resource table.  I talk about The Circle in my next book -- The Real Deal: How to Get Signed to a Record Label and Start & Run Your Own Record Label (Billboard Books) -- as an example of a warm, vital, monthly networking event.
 
  John L. Simson
Executive Director, Artist & Label Relations, SoundExchange

The Circle was a wonderful experience - a great opportunity to share, teach and learn - from so many diverse and talented people. Programs like this are critically important to teaching a new generation about the intricacies and difficult issues in this business.  Congrats. Keep up the good work.
 
  Samantha Del Canto
Head of Programming, The Learning Annex

Richard Dieguez' legal expertise, practical advice and broad knowledge of the music business is invaluable... from Hip Hop to Gospel to investment bankers!         
 
  Nassar Rashad
Editor-in-Chief, Urban Sound Magazine

Thank you for your outstanding columns that have helped set the standards for our publication.  Within my travels to many trade conventions throughout the country, many people have expressed rave reviews as to the informativeness of your columns.         
 
  Phyliss McKoy Joubert
President, McKoy Joubert LLC

Lawyers in the entertainment industry with integrity?  Few and far between.
R.P. Dieguez is well beyond his time -- his integrity and trustworthiness is automatic.
 
  Stephanie Wein
String Orchestra of New York City

Having hands on analysis of actual contracts was invaluable.  I have never had the opportunity to hear a lawyer actually demystify a contract before, nor hear a manager explain what he felt were the most important issues in a contract.  It is also clear that Richard presents the business from a moral ground.                          
 
  Pedro Rodriguez
Local 802, Gospel Musicians Committee

[The Circle is] a great forum -- Richard and his staff really put it together!  Thank you!
 
 

David Pakman
Founder, Myplay.com

I found the atmosphere and intentions of The Circle to be refreshing in an industry not often associated with helping others first.  I wish I knew about it when I was starting out, trying to find my way around the music industry!
 
  Jeremy Kagan
President/CEO, EZCD.com

Speaking at The Circle was really a where the rubber hits the road experience -- the attendees are artists and industry types with a strong interest in learning about new technologies to leverage their musical careers.
 
  Jerry Lembo
Radio Consultant, Jerry Lembo Entertainment Group

The Circle is a wonderful interactive environment where your entertainment aspirations can begin to take shape.  It would not surprise me if those who attend regularly return to share their success stories.
 
  Ruben Martinez and Carlos Keyes
Agents, Pyramid Entertainment Group

Mr. Dieguez' The Circle is a great place to network and share ideas with peers from all levels of the business.
 
 

Mitch Weiss
Broadway Manager, MWEG Entertainment

Through The Circle, Mr. Dieguez fills a huge void in the entertainment industry -- people educating and sharing ideas with each other.  Much more than networking, these sessions prepare the artist and businessperson alike in the art of self-preservation.
 
  Robert Reitman
CPA, Frank & Zimmerman & Company

Mr. Dieguez and The Circle provide vital information to anyone who wants to be in show business.  People will learn about the business side of show business at these meetings.
 
  Herbert Ortiz
CEO, Luna Television Network

Through The Circle, Mr. Dieguez provides a valuable networking opportunity for successful Latino entrepreneurs like myself.  It was an honor to be included on their roster of speakers.
 
  Linda Lorence
Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, SESAC

Mr. Dieguez provides opportunities at The Circle to learn about many different aspects of the entertainment industry.  I like the relaxed, intimate setting because it allows for great networking, which is what so much of this business is about.
 
  Jonathan P. Fine
Director of A&R,
Robbins Entertainment/BMG

Mr. Dieguez' The Circle is a great way for serious talent and promising industry executives to really do some networking and truly come away with solid business connections.
 
  Tim Shapiro
Sony Music Studios

I wanted to tell you how impressed I was with your speaking and personality. [You are] one of the best entertainment lawyers I have EVER met. The entire concept of The Circle is well needed in the industry. The services and networking you make available to many could someday change their lives. I respect that, and would love to be part of that more often. I'll steer all people in need of legal to you.
 
  Vivek Tiwary
President & CEO, StarPolish LLC

I've found The Circle meetings to be tremendously useful events for emerging artists and industry folks alike, both from networking and educational standpoints.  It's great to see artists and executives interact with each other to move the game forward in a benevolent and productive way.
 
  Gaye Carleton
President, Mantra, Empowered Public Relations

Richard Dieguez is to be congratulated for gathering together such a terrific group of interested and involved men and women.  I admire his enthusiasm and energy for networking, and the commitment it requires to organize, promote and orchestrate this kind of event month after month.
 
  Lee Summers
Actor, Dream Girls, Law & Order

The Circle is the place to be.  I'm still counting the positive chain of events since having been a guest speaker.  Richard Dieguez is providing a wonderful service.  Richard, word on the street is that you are brilliant!
 
  Michael R. Dorfman
President, Trick Percussion Products

...thank you for...your newsletter Behind The Limelight.  I think you have a great idea in providing important legal tid bits to people involved in the music business.  Hopefully the advice you give will caution or prevent someone from making a costly mistake.
 
  From Carib News

The Circle [is] a support network designed to bring young professionals together with industry leaders.
 
  Gabriel Aldort
Manny's Music

I found The Circle a wonderful tension-free environment for anyone -- amateur or professional -- interested in networking or learning more about the music, film and television industry.
 
  Diane Rapaport
Author, How To Make And Sell Your Own Recording

The Circle meetings -- I'm glad to see you doing them.  Twenty years ago, there were pitifully few of these.  In fact, I can remember the first seminar I did in Artist Management:  four people showed up. two of them musicians and two of them lawyers.  One became the lawyer for Windham Hill and many other indies; the other became a major film lawyer in L.A.
 
  Brooke Primont
Writer-Publisher Relations, BMI

I think what you are doing is really great.
 
  Peter Gale
CONNcept - A Connecticut Music Collective

I can't thank you enough for all of your help regarding the format in which I base a lot of our workshops around.  You're a good man, Richard Dieguez.  Now that Charlie Brown is gone, I guess that your name will be inserted instead of his. 
 
  Eli Avila
Attorney at Law

Richard Dieguez is a seasoned and experienced entertainment attorney. He is diligent and thorough in his counsel.  Furthermore, he has respresented some of the industry giants and has opened the door for many aspiring artists.  It has been an honor to work with him.
 
  Dee Dee Acquisto
MusiCares

Thanks again for the service you provide to those in our industry.
 
  Chris Pati
President, Modern Voices Records

With the demise of the New Music Seminar, Mr. Dieguez takes the bull by the horns in reestablishing a forum, through The Circle, for intimate discussion about the ins and outs of the record business.