Polina Ivko
Polina Ivko
Attorney / Business Consultant / Artist
New York, NY / Los Angeles, CA
www.ivkoesq.com
instagram @ivkoesq
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am an attorney that works with creative professionals and small businesses within the arts and entertainment industries.”
I handle both transactions and litigation, which allows me to address any client’s needs to the highest standards. No problem is ever too small or too big.
My clients range from artists, musicians, designers, models, photographers, producers, performers to creative agencies, fashion labels, galleries, recording studios, and publishing companies.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
My unique ability to fill in the gap between creatives and attorneys stems from my formal education in visual arts and music, as well as work within the industry as an artist and a business owner for nearly two decades. I went on to get both a JD and a postgraduate degree in the entertainment, art and sports law from the University of Miami Law. Most of my practical experience is based on clerking for a chief intellectual property judge and working for prominent law firms and corporations within the arts, entertainment and music industries prior to starting my own firm.
How do you stand out in your field?
I was an artist and a small business owner before I ever became an attorney. A plethora of frustrations circulated around my business – from establishing all the necessary licenses, intellectual property rights and contract templates to chasing up delinquent vendors and protecting my brand. I decided to harness that experience and get a law degree so that I can build a legal practice based on honesty, mutual respect, expertise, creativity and care.
Legal matters can seem intimidating and complicated, especially for creatives that usually shy away from the confrontation the legal work requires. I do my best to gently unarm the issues for the clients and provide an honest assessment of the situation to give them a sense of comfort no matter what the subject matter involves.
As an attentive listener, I observe every important detail and segue the client into strategies that are carefully tailored to her or his unique circumstances and goals. No single case or transaction is the same when working with creatives as each field and sub-field carries a different context and atmosphere. That is why I aim to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach, which not only solves the issue, but also facilitates the growth of the client’s business.
As tensions tend to be high and time is frequently of the essence during deal-making or litigation, I do my best to make myself available and easily accessible. The goal is to have a client feel that they can truly count on me and always be ahead of the game.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
At the moment, we are in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, so a lot of my work revolves around helping clients navigate around that (for instance, adapting to the novel laws, protecting their assets from creditors, facilitating their transition into virtual operations, handling implications of insurance policies and contractual obligations).
I have also been assisting clients with the housekeeping matters of their businesses as we wait for the pandemic to subside. Some of that work includes trademark and copyright registrations, a thorough inspection of portfolios and inventory, as well as review of old contract templates.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
In terms of my perspective and style, I would have to say no-nonsense describes it best.
In terms of projects, confidentiality in my profession is key, and therefore I have to speak in general terms. About a year ago, I worked with a company that was curating a selling exhibition that proved to have a historical significance for a certain group of artists. The idea for the project occurred spontaneously and we had only three weeks to prepare. I had to coordinate with people from three drastically different time zones to obtain permissions, draft contract templates (and negotiate them with the sellers, the artists and the buyers), handle insurance policies and shipping, proof press releases and print materials among other things. I have successfully completed all of the tasks with time to spare for a celebratory team aperitif before the opening reception.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I am passionate about all of my projects; however, I do love working with startups within the creative field because I enjoy being a team member during every growth stage of the idea.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Lack of the governmental support for creatives. Thankfully, a few nonprofits have been filling in that void.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
A student for a legal assistant position. Many internships, legal or not, are unpaid so I would like to contribute to the community by not just training a stellar professional, but also by paying them so that they can afford housing and essentials.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Nobody is built like you. You design yourself. As many professionals within the arts and entertainment space, I had my share of worries, but the reality is that having a creative mind is the most powerful tool that you have. Harness every experience and use your mind to keep redesigning yourself as your situation changes -- it will certainly be worth it!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Interpretation of forthcoming anti-money laundering legislations in the US as they relate to small businesses and self-employed individuals.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am looking for creatives that need legal advice and business planning.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I enjoy working with small businesses and self-employed creatives from the onset of their ventures as I can save them lots of $$$$ and preserve their nerve cells.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I generally have three options available to clients: an hourly rate, a flat fee and a membership. All litigations will always be under an hourly rate. Transactional work falls under any of the three options. For instance, a membership could be appropriate for clients (like startups) that need to consult with me almost every day and having that type of payment structure usually saves them thousands of dollars (as opposed to the usual hourly rate). Most importantly, I always work with the client to create a plan that is most fitting for her or him.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email at polina@ivkoesq.com (best) or dm @ivkoesq
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Drawing and moving my body.
This member profile was originally published in May 2020.