STU Law 3L Justin Fisher Recognized at Entertainment Law Initiative Luncheon

By Bruno Diaz

Third-year College of Law student Justin Fisher was recognized this past January 30th at the Entertainment Law Initiative (ELI) Luncheon as the winner of the Recording Academy’s 28th Annual Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Contest.

The ELI Luncheon brought together more than 700 music and entertainment attorneys, creating a premier networking opportunity with leaders across the industry. As part of his award, Fisher also received tickets to the MusiCares Gala, honoring Mariah Carey as Person of the Year, as well as tickets to the GRAMMY Awards. 

Co-sponsored by the American Bar Association (ABA), the ELI Writing Contest challenges law students to identify and research a current legal issue in the music industry and outline a proposed solution in an essay. Fisher earned first place with his paper, “Uneven Stages: How Inconsistent State Taxation Undermines the Entertainment Industry.” 

In his paper, Fisher examines how fragmented state and local tax regimes, particularly those affecting entertainers and touring productions, can create compliance burdens, economic inefficiencies, and competitive distortions across the entertainment landscape. His work was guided by STU College of Law Professor Brian Potts, who supported Fisher throughout the development of the submission. 

As the first-place winner, Fisher received a tuition scholarship and the opportunity to attend and represent St. Thomas University during GRAMMY Week. His paper will also be published in the ABA Entertainment & Sports Lawyer journal. 

St. Thomas University congratulates Justin Fisher on this outstanding achievement and on representing STU College of Law on a national stage within the music and entertainment legal community.