Navigating Hollywood’s complex and high-stakes world requires talent, creativity, and a robust legal strategy. In 2024, the entertainment industry will continue to evolve, with new challenges and opportunities emerging. This landscape necessitates the expertise of top entertainment lawyers who can protect the interests of their clients, whether they are actors, directors, producers, or studios. Here’s a look at Hollywood’s top 10 entertainment lawyers and attorneys in 2024, each distinguished by their significant contributions to the industry.
List of Top 10 Entertainment Lawyers & Attorneys in 2024
1. John Branca
John Branca is synonymous with music law, representing some of the biggest names in the industry, including Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, and Justin Timberlake. His firm, Ziffren Brittenham LLP, is known for handling high-profile deals and negotiations. In 2024, Branca continues to lead major negotiations, including multi-million-dollar record deals and music catalog sales, leveraging his extensive experience and industry connections.
2. Patti Felker
Patti Felker, a founding partner of Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson LLP, is a formidable force in Hollywood’s legal landscape. Specializing in talent representation, she has a client roster that includes A-list actors, directors, and writers. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking, Felker has been instrumental in securing landmark deals and protecting her clients’s intellectual property rights.
3. Mathew Rosengart
Matthew Rosengart, a partner at Greenberg Traurig LLP, gained widespread recognition for his role in freeing Britney Spears from her conservatorship. With a background as a former federal prosecutor, Rosengart brings a unique perspective to entertainment law. In 2024, he will continue to advocate for clients facing legal battles, offering a blend of litigation expertise and industry savvy.
4. Ken Hertz
Ken Hertz of Hertz Lichtenstein Young & Polk LLP is a top-tier entertainment lawyer known for his work with major artists and creators. His clients range from musicians to digital influencers, reflecting the diverse nature of modern entertainment. Hertz is particularly adept at navigating new media and technology, ensuring that his clients maximize their revenue streams and maintain their brand integrity.
5. Erik Hyman
Erik Hyman, a partner at Paul Hastings LLP, is a leading attorney in film and television law. His practice focuses on representing production companies, studios, and financiers. Hyman’s deep understanding of the industry’s financial mechanics and his ability to negotiate complex contracts make him a sought-after advisor for large-scale projects and independent films alike.
6. Melanie Cook
Melanie Cook, a partner at Ziffren Brittenham LLP, specializes in digital media, entertainment, and technology transactions. Her client list includes prominent tech companies and streaming platforms. Cook’s expertise lies in navigating the convergence of entertainment and technology, making her a key player in the industry’s ongoing digital transformation.
7. Linda Lichter
Linda Lichter, co-founder of Lichter Grossman Nichols Adler Feldman & Clark, is a powerhouse in the entertainment law sector. She represents a range of high-profile clients, from Academy Award-winning filmmakers to top-tier screenwriters. Lichter is known for her aggressive negotiation style and her ability to secure favorable terms for her clients, ensuring their creative and financial interests are well protected.
8. Bryan Freedman
Bryan Freedman of Freedman + Taitelman LLP is one of Hollywood’s most prominent litigators. His reputation for handling high-stakes cases, including defamation suits and contractual disputes, has made him a go-to attorney for celebrities and media companies facing legal challenges. Freedman’s strategic litigation skills and deep industry knowledge are invaluable assets to his clients.
9. Lavely & Singer
Lavely & Singer P.C., led by Marty Singer, is renowned for its expertise in defamation and privacy cases. The firm has a long history of representing celebrities and high-profile individuals, often making headlines for their aggressive defense tactics. In 2024, Lavely & Singer will remain at the forefront of protecting their clients’ reputations and privacy in an increasingly intrusive media environment.
10. Schuyler Moore
Schuyler Moore, a partner at Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger LLP, is a distinguished figure in entertainment law, particularly in film financing. He has authored several key texts on entertainment law and finance, making him a thought leader. Moore’s clients benefit from his extensive knowledge and innovative approaches to structuring and financing film projects.
The Impact of Entertainment Lawyers in 2024
The role of entertainment lawyers in 2024 extends beyond traditional contract negotiations and litigation. They are pivotal in navigating the industry’s shifting dynamics, driven by technological advancements, changes in distribution models, and evolving intellectual property laws. These lawyers ensure that their clients’ creative rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their work.
Key Trends Shaping Entertainment Law
1. Digital and Streaming Rights: With the continued rise of streaming platforms, the negotiation of digital rights has become increasingly complex. Lawyers ensure that their clients receive appropriate royalties and revenue shares from digital distribution.
2. Intellectual Property Protection: As content is consumed across various platforms, protecting intellectual property has never been more crucial. Lawyers are at the forefront of combating piracy and unauthorized use of their clients’ work.
3. Globalization of Entertainment: The entertainment industry is more global than ever. Lawyers must navigate international laws and treaties to protect their clients’ interests worldwide.
4. New Media and Technology: The emergence of new media platforms and technologies, such as virtual reality and blockchain, presents both opportunities and challenges. Lawyers are essential in negotiating contracts that address these new mediums and ensuring that their clients’s rights are safeguarded.
Conclusion
In 2024, Hollywood’s entertainment lawyers will be more than just legal advisors; they will be strategic partners in the success of their clients. The top 10 entertainment lawyers and attorneys highlighted here exemplify the expertise, dedication, and innovation required to thrive in this fast-paced and ever-evolving industry. Their ability to adapt to new trends, protect their clients’s interests, and negotiate complex deals makes them indispensable figures in Hollywood’s legal and entertainment landscape.
