Bernie Lawrence-Watkins is a powerhouse entertainment and intellectual property attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates, P.C., a premier law firm representing artists, producers, executives, and cultural creators across music, media, and business. With more than 20 years of legal experience, she has established a niche practice negotiating complex contracts — from copyright, trademark, and licensing agreements to endorsement, influencer, and corporate transactions — securing millions in advances and residuals for her clients. Her career spans transactional law, litigation, and strategic deal-making, serving Grammy®-level producers, major artists, record executives, managers, and creative companies who shape contemporary entertainment culture.
Lawrence-Watkins’s influence extends beyond the boardroom; she is regularly sought as a guest lecturer, panelist, and adjunct professor, sharing her expertise with law students and industry professionals nationwide and internationally. Her work has earned her recognition from ASCAP, Rolling Out Magazine, Women of Wealth, and local cultural institutions, and she has been honored among Atlanta’s most influential women while mentoring the next generation of legal and creative leaders. She also co-founded community initiatives like Gather For Good, blending legal leadership with civic engagement and service.
Known for her tenacity, integrity, and cultural insight, Lawrence-Watkins is as comfortable negotiating high-stakes deals with global brands as she is advocating for community empowerment. She continues to expand her legacy through strategic partnerships, legal education, and innovative ventures that support creators in protecting their work while maximizing economic opportunity.