About Dave Ratner
“When I was a band manager, my job was to handle the band’s business so they could focus on making music. Now, I handle our creative clients’ legal concerns so they can focus on being creative.”
It isn’t often that you run into a band manager turned lawyer. But that’s Dave Ratner. During his career in the music and entertainment business as a tour manager, publicist, band manager and founder of his own management agency, Dave learned first-hand the important legal considerations and challenges creative professionals face – whether they’re musicians, painters, poets, app developers, videographers, or any other creative professional.
Dave channeled his passion for music – and all creative arts – into Creative Law Network, a law firm built specifically for creative professionals. And he built a team at Creative Law Network that is passionate about the arts, ensuring creative work is protected, and helping creatives leverage the law to maximize the value of their work.
“Creative professionals have very specific legal and business considerations. As a member of each client’s team, we do all we can to help our clients achieve success. When our clients succeed, we succeed.”
With a portfolio of clients who are not only traditional artists, but also creative individuals and entities, Dave advises both creative and general business clients on all aspects of intellectual property – copyrights, trademarks, trade names, trade dress, trade secrets – and business law. Dave applies his skills to help general business clients execute their plans, negotiate their deals, protect their interests, and achieve their goals.
Dave works with all members of the creative community, including:
Film Makers
Video Production Companies
Graphic Designers
Web Developers
Gaming and Application Developers
Authors
Publishers
Musicians, Bands, Singers, and Songwriters
Photographers
Fashion Designers
Poets
Software Developers
And anyone else who considers their work creative!
Because Dave has walked in the shoes of his creative clients, Creative Law Network can help in non- traditional ways that specifically address your legal needs. As everyone at our firm likes to say, “our solutions are as creative as our clients.”
“We get our clients. We understand your business. We know the challenges – and opportunities – you face every day. We focus on maximizing the value of, and protecting, your creative output. Whether you’re founding a business or looking to protect your work, we can see potential legal challenges you may face and prevent problems before they arise. We help you prepare for success!”
No matter what your specific legal needs, Dave and the CLN team are here to help.
“Dave isn’t like other lawyers – or what I thought lawyers would be. He truly cares. He understands me, what I do, what I’m doing, what challenges I face. Bonus, he’s a nice guy.”
When Dave isn’t helping his clients as a lawyer, he’s supporting their creative endeavors, listening to, reading, and appreciating what CLN’s clients are creating!
credentials
B.A., Cornell University
J.D. University of Denver – Sturm College of Law
Adjunct Professor, University of Denver College of Law
Chair, Entertainment & Sports Section, Colorado Bar Association
Advisory Committee Chair, Colorado Attorneys for the Arts
Vice President, Board of Directors, Swallow Hill Music
Member, Silverthorne Art Board
CBCA Leadership Arts Program
Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Denver
Top Lawyer for Entertainment & Sports Law, 5280 Magazine
Best Entertainment Lawyer, Law Week Colorado
Licensed in Colorado and New York