The consumption of entertainment content will continue to evolve at a rapid pace and so must our approach to guiding clients. Our job is to help clients navigate this new and evolving environment and diversify the types of content they participate in, produce and endorse. Our entertainment attorneys help clients find the right strategic partners, creatively structure deals and protect their rights across all entertainment platforms.
We understand the drivers of your business from the talent and corporate side, since many of the attorneys in our entertainment group have worked in music, fashion and digital media before joining our firm. With this unique experience, we offer clients an unparalleled level of industry insight and knowledge when dealing with entertainment issues and transactions.
We think and act like entrepreneurs and business partners of our clients. Our team helps clients evaluate risks and strategic opportunities. Our clients rely on us to be their trusted advisor to help navigate their legal matters. We love working side by side with all different types of artists and entertainers to help them grow, expand and protect their business.
November 05, 2018
Los Angeles Corporate partner Ellie Altshuler is featured in this Loyola Law School article on the path she took to becoming the go-to lawyer for YouTube content creators and social media influencers seeking to expand their brand.
Los Angeles Daily Journal | June 25, 2018
Los Angeles corporate partner Ellie Altshuler was named as one of the top 40 attorneys in California under the age of 40 by the Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Law360 | May 07, 2018
In this roundup of promotions to partner and firm management positions, 14 attorneys from Nixon Peabody are highlighted. The 11 attorneys promoted to partner are Ellie Altshuler, Mark Beaudoin, Erik Birkeneder, Hannah Bornstein, Chris Browning, Barry Carrigan, Keri McWilliams, Matt Mullen, Steven Richard, Charles Tamuleviz and Alison Torbitt. In addition, Kenneth C. Lind was promoted to leader of the firms’ public finance practice group, Justin Thompson was promoted to office managing partner in LA, and Aaron Yowell was promoted to chief innovation officer.
Billboard | April 13, 2018
Los Angeles IP Counseling and Transactions partner Julian Petty is quoted in this article discussing the lack of black executives in an industry that is increasingly driven by urban music and black culture.
The Hollywood Reporter | April 05, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty, whose clients include Childish Gambino and the estate of Notorious B.I.G., has been named a Top Music Attorney in the Power Lawyers issue of The Hollywood Reporter.
Bloomberg | March 15, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Ellie Altshuler is quoted in this story about the possibility of widespread adoption for “inclusion riders”— a clause in an entertainer’s contract that mandates a diverse cast and crew for the project.
AmLaw Daily | March 12, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty successfully defended the estate of rapper Notorious B.I.G. in a copyright suit. Riordan is quoted in this article, saying the ruling “is sure to become an influential decision on music copyright infringement cases.”
Billboard | March 09, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty are quoted for their representation of the estate of rapper Notorious B.I.G. in the successful defense of a copyright suit filed by a 1960s revolutionary poet.
Law360 | March 09, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty are mentioned in this article on NP’s win representing the estate of rapper Notorious B.I.G. A judge ruled the rapper’s use of a phrase from a 1960s poem was permissible under copyright law because it was “transformative.”
Pigeons and Planes | February 26, 2018
Los Angeles IP transactions and counseling of counsel Carron Mitchell is quoted in this article on how she views the significance of Black History Month in the music industry, and the need for greater representation in leadership roles.
Billboard Magazine | February 02, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty is profiled in Billboard, the top trade publication in the music industry. Petty talks about how a love of hip-hop led him from a small town in New York to Def Jam Records to a career representing artists such as Childish Gambino, A Tribe Called Quest, Vince Staples and the estate of The Notorious B.I.G.
Billboard | January 05, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty provides commentary in this roundup article about predictions for the music industry in 2018.
Pigeons & Planes | October 03, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions of counsel Carron Mitchell is quoted in this roundup article of advice for artists to consider before signing a deal with a music label.
Upscale Magazine | October 01, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty was named one of the “Top 25 in 2017” by Upscale Magazine.
Billboard | July 17, 2017
Billboard Magazine has named Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty as a top music lawyer in 2017.
Billboard | June 22, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty is quoted in this article on the changing economics of the music industry and the recent surge in new signings. Click here to read the full article.
The Los Angeles Times | June 19, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty is quoted in this article about rapper Jay-Z’s newest album that will be released exclusively through the streaming service Tidal, which he co-owns. Click here to read the full article.
Los Angeles Business Journal | April 24, 2017
The Los Angeles Business Journal named Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan as one of the Most Influential Women Lawyers.
ABA Journal | April 01, 2017
This Q&A with Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty highlights his notable clients, his work and how he got a start in entertainment law. Click here to read the full article.
Billboard | January 09, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty is quoted in this roundup of music industry predictions for 2017. Click here to read the full article.
Billboard | November 14, 2016
Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partner Julian Petty is mentioned as legal representative for A Tribe Called Quest in this article about the group’s signing with Creative Arts Agency for worldwide representation.
Billboard Magazine | October 06, 2016
Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partner Julian Petty is featured in this article highlighting the team who manages the Estate of Notorious B.I.G. Click here to read the full article.
Los Angeles Business Journal | October 03, 2016
This feature article showcases Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partner Julian Petty, leader of the firm’s entertainment practice, and his work through photos of his office and the mementos he’s collected through the years.
KPCC-FM (NPR Los Angeles affiliate) | August 10, 2016
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Staci Riordan is quoted in this article about controversies surrounding corporate sponsorships at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The YBF | July 30, 2016
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty is noted as representing Bystorm Films and Notorious B.I.G., LLC, on a scripted series for TBS that will loosely incorporate Biggie’s life and lyrics.
Los Angeles Business Journal | July 11, 2016
Los Angeles associate Ellie Altshuler is featured in this spotlight highlighting her work with entertainment and fashion clients.
American Lawyer | March 23, 2016
This article profiles Los Angeles partner Julian Petty. Click here to read the full article.
NPR | February 23, 2016
Los Angeles partner Julian Petty is quoted in this story discussing the #FreeKesha movement supporting the pop singer as she fights her recording contract with Sony. Throughout the piece, he provides third-party commentary on how public support is playing into the legal battle. Click here to read the full article.
Law360 | December 22, 2015
Partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty and associates Neal Gauger and Seth Berman are mentioned in this article for their representation of Warner Music Group, EMI Music Publishing, Big Poppa Music, Bad Boy Records and the estate of Notorious BIG in a case focused on alleged copyright claims involving BIG’s 1994 debut album. Staci provides commentary. Click here to read the full article.
An in-depth discussion with industry insiders.
