about us

Duane Harley, Esq.

Empowering Artists. Championing Athletes.

Securing Ideas.

With more than two decades of legal experience, Duane Harley has built a practice grounded in advocacy, creativity, and strategy—serving artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators across the entertainment, sports, and media industries. Duane advises clients on a range of legal issues involving copyright & trademark protection, IP strategy, and complex litigation.


From negotiating high-stakes entertainment contracts to defending intellectual property in court, Duane brings deep insight and an agile, client-focused approach to every matter. His practice includes representing musicians, producers, labels, content creators, writers, athletes, and public figures in legal matters spanning from licensing and publishing to digital media disputes and contract enforcement.

A man and a child are holding hands while sitting at a table.

From Stage to Strategy: A Career Rooted in Representation

After earning his J.D. from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 1999, Duane began his career at the respected New York firm Woods & Middleton, LLP. In 2002, he launched D. Harley, P.C., committed to offering personalized, high-level legal services to clients in creative fields. Since then, he has built a multidisciplinary practice handling matters at the intersection of art, business, and law.


Duane’s background includes advanced training in digital marketing strategy (NYU, 2010) and negotiation for lawyers (Latz Institute, 2012), further sharpening his ability to guide clients through high-stakes agreements and fast-evolving digital rights issues. He is admitted to practice in both New York and New Jersey.


Duane’s practice focuses on:



  • Intellectual Property Law – registering and enforcing copyrights and trademarks.
  • Digital Media Strategy – offering strategic guidance rooted in his NYU certification in Digital Marketing Strategy.
  • Negotiation & Brand Protection – leveraging training from the Latz Negotiation Institute to secure favorable outcomes for clients.

Whether you’re an independent artist, startup founder, or established entertainment entity, Duane combines legal insight with practical business acumen to help you build, protect, and monetize your work.

A Legacy of Advocacy & Innovation

Duane has continually expanded his capabilities to meet the evolving needs of his clients. His legal work is grounded in integrity, preparation, and an unshakable belief in the value of creative expression. Whether he’s advocating for a client in a high-stakes entertainment dispute or advising a brand on trademark strategy, Duane is known for his dedication, discretion, and ability to deliver results.


He is also committed to empowering clients through education—ensuring they fully understand their rights, options, and contracts before making major business decisions.

Trusted Counsel in the Industry & Beyond

Duane is admitted to practice in both New York and New Jersey and maintains active memberships in:



  • The New York State Bar Association
  • The New York City Bar Association
  • The National Bar Association
  • The Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association, where he has been a member since 1996


These affiliations reflect Duane’s ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of legal developments and professional excellence in his field.

Let’s Talk About What’s Next

Whether you’re preparing to sign your first licensing deal or need help protecting your creative work, Duane Harley is ready to help - he makes sure clients receive more than just legal service—they gain a long-term advocate who understands both their vision and the legal terrain. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and take the next step with confidence.