SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 4, 2020 / Today, esports shows no signs of slowing down. With the world economy likely to reopen within the next year, it is only fitting that the gaming industry's affordable recreation will continue to grow. Enter James Paul Baratta: a former civil litigation attorney from California. In the past few years, Baratta's esports deals have penetrated all levels of the industry. From advising Grammy-winning talent on in-game live events, to brokering deals with Forbes-listed orgs, Baratta has demonstrated an ability to maneuver through the complexities of business life and add tremendous value to his clients.
Baratta started off working for his father, legendary trial attorney Jim Baratta, in Orange County. He then left the legal world after 7 years. He turned his sights on the emerging industry of video games-something he indicates has been a passion since childhood. Now an accomplished esports entrepreneur, for the past several years Baratta has had his hands in high level deals from every angle of competitive gaming.
Baratta served as the Director of Talent for VY Esports's 2020 EDGE event-a live stream series promoting mental health, which began this past August. EDGE was hosted by Jess Brohard and featured Cam Akers, Derwin James, Team Liquid, FaZe Clan, and more. Baratta is also the new VP of Special Projects for XR Sports, a white glove tournament solution. He is also the head of strategy for Wizard Labs.
As if that is not enough, Baratta also serves on the board of both his nonprofit the North American Collegiate League, which he co-founded with his partner, FaZe Clan's Dave Chen, and for a news outlet. Most recently, he has begun consulting alongside friend and mentor Clinton Sparks. To be successful in gaming, Baratta states that, "[y]ou must choose your path and execute. Paraphrasing Master Yoda, ‘Do or do not. There is no try.'"
Baratta states that the largest challenge was actually starting his own business. "FT Empire is a consulting business I created once I left civil litigation. My first year out, I had no taxable income. It was testing. But I kept my head down knowing that I am in the industry I care most about and something will materialize so long as I remain persistent." FT Empire, with help from high school best friends Krishna Sani and Anthony Morgan, founded and grew ICEBRKRSCLAN, a group of content creators. ICE has since mobilized into a social media vehicle with over 2M followers downstream. FT Empire also provides advice for a high profile entertainment firm out of Beverly Hills, where Baratta's big sister, Jamie Slade, is a partner.
Nowadays, his biggest challenge is time. Baratta relates that there are so many things he wants to be a part of that it is a challenge for him in having to say no sometimes. "I wouldn't say I am oversubscribed, but there is certainly a lot going on. It is kind of nice to think back to when I would get excited for a single phone call in the week. I see my current schedule as a sign of success and the culmination of years of hard work. And I am just incredibly thankful to my parents, my family and my loved ones for their unwavering support through every unexpected turn."
As for his future, Baratta recently accepted a professorship with the University of California, Irvine, to teach in their esports tract. As an Orange County native, he is excited for the opportunity to give back to his local community. Baratta hopes this upcoming quarter with UCI leads to more opportunities in education and mentorship. "It certainly fills me with purpose to provide resources and opportunities to the next generation of gamers. It's something I hope to continue for years to come."
Company: FT Empire LLC
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: 949 212 7583
Website: icebrkrsclan.com
SOURCE: FT Empire LLC