ATLANTA – Georgia State Law students have the opportunity this fall to take a course on the career of Kandi Burruss, a singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, and star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

The course is taught by Professor Mo Ivory as part of the Entertainment, Sports and Media Law initiative that began in 2018 to prepare students for practice in Georgia’s growing entertainment industry. One of the initiative’s unique offers is the “Legal Life of…” series, which began last autumn with the Legal Life of Ludacris. The legal life of Kandi Burruss continues this year.

“I chose Kandi because she has an amazing career that covers all aspects of the entertainment industry from music, television and live performing to licensing, apparel and more,” said Ivory. “This time I wanted to study a woman and after working with Kandi in the past, I knew she was the perfect choice. She takes care of her business and it shows in her success, but in the meantime she is completely approachable and ready to share what she has learned. I couldn’t be happier if my students learn the law through Kandi’s career. “

Born in Atlanta and Grammy-winning songwriter, Burruss began her music career as a member of the R&B group Xscape. She later pursued a solo career and built a reputation as a formidable songwriter. Burruss has written hits for countless artists including Alicia Keys, P! Nk, Destiny’s Child and TLC.

In 2009 she joined the cast of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”. Throughout the series, viewers watched her start a baby line, fashion boutique, cosmetics line, and open three locations of her southern-style restaurant, Old Lady, aisle. Most recently she won “The Masked Singer” on Fox and was a guest on Showtime’s “The Chi”. Burruss lives in Atlanta with her husband and four children.

“I am honored to be part of this year’s Georgia State University College of Law curriculum,” said Burruss. “Lawyers are one of the most important members of your team. It is imperative that you have the right lawyers in your area in order to make the best decisions. Every contract you sign is based on your overall dreams and goals. I am delighted that the students are getting to know firsthand some of the contracts that have shaped my career so far. “

In class, Ivory will guide law students through the offerings and contracts that have built the Burruss brand. Throughout the semester, students will role-play in contract negotiations and hear from key players in Burruss’ career, including her mother, her lawyers, her manager, and others. Ivory hopes that by analyzing the legal aspects of Burruss’ expansive career, students can develop skills in business technique, copyright, trademarks, licensing and endorsement, and recording, television and film contracts.

“This class and the entire Entertainment, Sports, and Media Law Certificate program gives students an insight into representing clients, writing and interpreting contracts, negotiating contracts, and the personal touch that is required to do to be successful in this field of activity. ”said Ivory. “These skills are not always taught in a traditional law school, and I look forward to an exciting semester.”