Michael Williams > Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile
Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC Offices
28 LIBERTY STREET
New York NY 10005
NEW YORK
United States
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Michael Williams
Work Department
Entertainment, Fashion
Position
Partner/Chair/Co-Chair
Career
Michael R. Williams, a partner at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz is the Chair of the firm’s Fashion Group and Co-Chair of its Entertainment and Celebrity Branding Groups.
Mr. Williams’ clients include major television and motion picture actors, leading fashion designers, top models, fashion show production companies, photographers and executives in the entertainment and fashion industries.
Mr. Williams represents actors in the negotiation of deals to perform in film, television, theater and other media. He also works to assist clients in capitalizing on their name, fame, likeness, and other rights in all media. He negotiates and structures profitable merchandising, licensing, endorsement and spokesperson agreements, and counsels clients on the development of their own celebrity-branded product lines.
Mr. Williams has extensive experience working with fashion brands and individuals with regards to the creation, protection and, licensing of their intellectual property and trademarks. He also advises clients regarding corporate structuring and employment matters.
The 2023 edition of Best Lawyers in America recognized Mr. Williams as a top entertainment lawyer, and The Hollywood Reporter included Mr. Williams in its Power Lawyers 2020: New York’s Top 20 Entertainment Attorneys coverage. Super Lawyers and The Legal 500 recognize Mr. Williams for his entertainment law expertise. In the past, he was also included in Variety’s “Dealmaker’s Impact Report.”
Mr. Williams is a member of the New York State and American Bar Associations. He is admitted to practice in New York.
Education
Albany School of Law (J.D., cum laude)
Fairfield University (B.S.)
Lawyer Rankings
United States > Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional
Leveraging its global presence, the media and entertainment group at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC serves a wide client roster that encompasses banks, celebrity estates, authors, musicians, fashion models, and various professionals in the film, television, theatre, and comedy industries. Notably, as the digital landscape evolves, the team draws on integrated firmwide expertise in privacy and data security matters to advise on transactions related to blockchain technology and Web3 projects for video game and eSports publishers. Co-heading the practice from New York are Andrew Hurwitz, who maintains close relationships with clients in the film and television space, and Michael Williams, who is noted for his experience handling transactions in the fashion industry. Joining them in New York are Richard B. Heller, who focuses on new media and IP, Lisa Davis, whose practice centers on film, publishing, and live stage entertainment, and experienced M&A specialist Marcie Cleary. Also based in New York are Ben Moskowitz, who advises on transactional matters in connection with the production of documentary films and television programs, and Julie Murray, a specialist in television, documentary, digital, comedy, and branded content. A significant addition to the Los Angeles team in July 2023 was Melanie Tomanov, who joined the firm from Katten.