Media and entertainment: transactional in United States

‘Michael Williams (partner) and Ariel Sodomksy are truly an extension of my team. I’ve been working with Mike for almost 4 years now – and I can honestly say there are few individuals in the entertainment industry I trust more than him.‘

‘First and foremost – they LISTEN. Not just to me and my team, but to my clients and the legal teams of the opposing sides. I have yet to be confronted by anything remotely resembling “we can’t do this”… Mike and Ariel are consistent problem solvers, and consistently allow me and my clients to feel protected and confident through every deal.’

‘I also feel as though I can always count on them to get everything done when necessary. They are also so very thorough – no matter what size of deal. They take great care with everything I bring to them.’

‘Mike Williams is by far and away the best entertainment attorney I’ve worked with. It’s a testament that any clients I have that are looking for attorneys – I take to Mike.  I guess some could say he’s a perfect balance to my own personality – he’s incredibly calm and measured and that coupled with his experience makes him such an indispensable asset that I have him as the lawyer for some of my top talent. 

‘It has the intimacy of a boutique firm but the capacity of a big practice.’

‘The incomparable Richard Hofstetter. He has been one of the most accessible, smart, and creative outside counsel I have ever worked with.’

‘Richard Hofstetter is available at a moment’s notice. He remains calm in any discussion, and he is so focused on getting the best deals for his clients, while also recognizing what seems fair to the other party. I can’t recommend Richard highly enough.’

‘Julie Murray is another smart entertainment attorney who always looks for reasonable answers and is very responsive. I have always enjoyed working with her, and I know we are in good hands when she is involved in a deal, even if it’s on the other side.’

‘The team is responsive, expert and able to think creatively to problem solve. They are exceptional.’

‘They are approachable, generous with their time, have a sense of humor. These are important ingredients to put into the mix of expertise, efficiency and good judgement. It marks them out.’

‘The practice has a more welcoming, friendly feel than others I’ve worked with, and I’ve been made to feel that I really ‘belong’ there. I feel in great hands working with the lawyers who take care of our needs, as I know that they’re extremely thoughtful and thorough, and understand the bigger picture of our requirements.’

‘Gary Gilbert has been my attorney for almost 40 years. That in itself speaks for itself. He has always surrounded himself with the staff that is strong in most areas relating to music.’

‘Lee Phillips is my main contact and his experience and knowledge is vast. He knows how to manoeuvre through the quagmire of the entertainment business, which helps us lay-people tremendously.’

‘There is no replacement for experience and knowledge. Lee Phillip’s extensive tenure as an entertainment attorney cannot be replaced by education or simple intelligence. There are few in entertainment law who can be called peers.’

‘The team is intimately aware of its clients’ business and personal elements. It handles many different legal issues including publishing, litigation, record negotiation, estate planning, business contracts, stalkers, copyrights and related infringements, real estate transactions and other matters.’

‘The individuals are all good attorneys and top line in their professional capacities. They are up to date on all matters and their quality control is very good. I find that they can handle all the matters that my clients bring to them.’

‘Sophia Yen is our main contact at the firm, and she’s been nothing short of wonderful. She’s incredibly knowledgeable in almost all the questions we ask, but also doesn’t hesitate to bring in her colleagues when necessary. We really appreciate everything that she’s done for us and our small but growing business.’

‘Charles Jeff Biederman combines his legal expertise with strong people skills and unyielding commitment to servicing the client. He is inherently fair, yet the zealous advocate. Jeff’s approach is to be nice, as long as the people on the other side of the table allow him. He has a unique understanding of leverage and market conditions. Jeff has NEVER sugar coated our position or incorrectly assessed a situation, which is why we have had the good fortune of being litigation free for so many years. To summarize, he doesn’t guess.’

‘I think what separated Manatt apart from others is Jordan Bromley. His leadership over the music team and instincts on how best to use the firm’s other practices are truly unique.’

‘Jordan Bromley’s strategic, thoughtful and incredibly innovative thinking makes him the perfect partner for the several clients he and I share together.’

‘The team at Reed Smith works exactly as one, different practices, multiple expertises but always a team.’

‘My experience with ReedSmith has been nothing less than exceptional over the past 5+ years. They are responsive, concise, and experienced. They have been able to successfully represent and guide me in my initial foray in the entertainment industry after 35 years in government service. They have the ability to simplify complex legal issues, especially to a non-lawyer. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.’

‘I can not emphasize enough the outstanding service provided by Michael  Sherman of the LA office. All of the success I have achieved is directly attributable to Michael. He is a senior member of the firm, yet with the work ethic and enthusiasm of a first year attorney. He has always put my best interest first, even when I did not recognize the issues at hand.’

‘I was introduced to Michael Sherman through Thomas Suddath of the Reed Smith Philadelphia office when it became clear I needed an attorney experienced in the cut-throat world of Hollywood. Michael and Thomas have worked side by side in promoting and marketing my projects, and I could not be more pleased. Exceptional legal minds.’

‘I’ve known Michael  Sherman for decades now and knew him to be a knowledgeable, tough negotiator. I was delighted when Michael became our point person in Los Angeles. Michael embodies all the qualities one wants in one’s attorney; no-nonsense, tough, thorough, knowledgeable, and responsive. It gives us all a tremendous amount of “tummy-comfort” to have Michael in our corner.’

‘All of the lawyers I deal with at Reed Smith have incredible integrity and vast experience. They always give the personal attention that we all desire despite being a very large firm. With other large firms, you can get lost in the mix, but not with Reed Smith. They truly care about their clients and partnerships. ’

‘The personal connection and attention that the lawyers give at Reed Smith is a breath of fresh air. They really do care about their clients. The quality of the advice they give is top of the class and that paired with the care and meaningful relationships make them very unique and different to other firms. Michael Sherman in particular at Reed Smith holds these qualities of utmost importance and is an absolute pleasure to do business with.’