JALILA A. BELL is an experienced litigator with both civil and criminal experience. Her multi-varied general practice includes real estate and family law, with a special focus on civil litigation, entertainment and the arts.

Ms. Bell regularly represents and counsels clients with regard to real and intellectual property rights, music licensing, the fine and visual arts, the performing arts, literature, civil rights and related areas. A talented and respected dancer and artist in her own right, she is known for her sensitivity and understanding of the special needs and concerns of artists, and for her ability to address and resolve the unique legal and social issues impacting our communities.

Ms. Bell's clients include arts-focused businesses, dancers, choreographers, composers, writers, publishers, actors, singers, visual artists, designers, directors, managers, promoters and non-profit organizations. In addition to litigation at the state and federal court levels, she assists and counsels clients with regard to: business development, management, contract drafting and negotiation, aesthetics, marketing, performance and artistry.

An alumna of the dance departments at San Francisco’s School of the Arts and Oakland’s Mills College, Ms. Bell has appeared in numerous projects as a dancer, actress, model and spoken word artist, including San Francisco’s premiere African American theater, the Lorraine Hansberry. Ms. Bell joined Vissi Dance Theater in 2004 and is a principal dancer for that company. Most recently, Ms. Bell was seen on the Apollo Theater Soundstage and in a promotional commercial for BET’s Rip the Runway.

A graduate of Golden Gate University Law School, Ms. Bell is licensed in New York State and the United States Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of New York.