Introduction
Samantha Wainaina is an associate in Nixon Peabody’s Corporate practice group and a member of the firm’s Entertainment and Sports Team. She brings extensive experience representing and advising high-profile actors, directors, producers, writers, athletes, creators, cultural leaders, and media personalities on sophisticated transactions and strategic opportunities across entertainment, sports, media, and the creator economy. Her approach pairs rigorous negotiation with a clear understanding of each client’s overarching ambitions, ensuring that every outcome advances present objectives while preserving flexibility for what lies ahead.
My focus
My practice spans the evolving landscape of entertainment, sports, and the creator economy, encompassing intricate dealmaking and the broader commercial interests of my clients. Drawing on nearly a decade of experience at some of Hollywood’s most respected talent firms and agencies, I counsel established and emerging talent in multifaceted film, television, streaming, and digital media transactions, as well as financing, distribution, endorsement, licensing, and sponsorship deals involving equity and profit participations. I bring particular depth in bridging legacy media and creator-driven platforms, helping digital-first personalities expand onto the big and small screen while guiding marquee clients as they build beyond their core careers.
My work extends beyond individual engagements to the businesses and assets that surround them. I guide clients through the formation and growth of production companies, talent-led ventures, collaborations and joint ventures, brand expansion, and the ownership and exploitation of intellectual property, with an emphasis on cultivating long-term enterprise value. I also handle matters involving media assets and economic interests, including film and television participations in connection with broader catalog acquisitions and sales.
In the news
- Billboard
Executive Turntable: Lawyer Who Advised on BMG-Concord Deal Joins Nixon Peabody
Aug 14, 2026Matt Finkelstein is featured in the publication's "Executive Turntable" column for joining Nixon Peabody
- Corporate Counsel Business Journal
Matt Finkelstein Joins Nixon Peabody
Aug 14, 2026This article profiles Matt Finkelstein's practice following his move to Nixon Peabody.
- Sports Business Journal
Sports Business Daily: Executive transactions
April 17, 2026The following article features the selection of New York City Corporate partner Nic Mayne and Los Angeles Community Development Finance partner Sonia Nayak as leaders of NP’s Entertainment & Sports team, and also the NP arrivals of Los Angeles Corporate associates Loren Shokes and Sam Wainaina. Nic is quoted on the strategic goals for the team, and Albany partner and Corporate practice group leader Todd Tidgewell is quoted from the firm’s press release.
- Sportico
Sportico transactions: Moves and mergers roundup
April 17, 2026The following article features the selection of New York City Corporate partner Nic Mayne and Los Angeles Community Development Finance partner Sonia Nayak as leaders of NP’s Entertainment & Sports team, and also the NP arrivals of Los Angeles Corporate associates Loren Shokes and Sam Wainaina. Nic is quoted on the strategic goals for the team, and Albany partner and Corporate practice group leader Todd Tidgewell is quoted from the firm’s press release.
- Law360
Nixon Peabody names entertainment and sports team heads
April 16, 2026The following article features the selection of New York City Corporate partner Nic Mayne and Los Angeles Community Development Finance partner Sonia Nayak as leaders of NP’s Entertainment & Sports team, and also the NP arrivals of Los Angeles Corporate associates Loren Shokes and Sam Wainaina. Nic is quoted on the strategic goals for the team, and Albany partner and Corporate practice group leader Todd Tidgewell is quoted from the firm’s press release.
Admitted to practice
California
Education
Tufts University, BA
University of California, Berkeley, JD
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllSonia A. Nayak
Partner / Co-Leader, Entertainment and Sports Team / Office Managing Partner, Los Angeles- Los Angeles
- Los Angeles +1 213.629.6072
- snayak@nixonpeabody.com
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Nicoleas Mayne
Partner / Co-Leader, Entertainment and Sports Team / Co-Lead, Esports & Gaming Team- New York City
- New York City +1 212.940.3035
- nmayne@nixonpeabody.com
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David L. May
Partner / Co-Lead, IPPG Sports & Sporting Goods Team- Washington, DC
- Washington, DC +1 202.585.8220
- dmay@nixonpeabody.com
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