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Akin

Akin

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United States • Media, technology and telecoms

3

Media and entertainment: transactional

Los Angeles-based Christopher Spicer leads the ‘very knowledgeable’ transactional entertainment team at Akin. Equipped to handle M&A deals, joint ventures, and a variety of financings, the practice is sought out by clients in finance, credit, film and television production, and sports. Spicer is adept at handling a variety of transactions and advises clients in music, television, film, and gaming. He handles distribution deals, acquisitions, and distressed debt matters. Also based in Los Angeles, Vanessa Roman is experienced in working on credit agreements and advising clients on commercial matters. Lauren Epstein brings depth to the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very knowledgeable in the area of distribution and financing of content. The team's expertise is deep, and their guidance is well respected throughout the industry.'

  • 'The lawyers on this team are responsive and great to work with.’

  • ‘The team are amazing. We appreciate their knowledge and responsiveness.’

  • 'Akin has been an invaluable partner to our firm and has proven to be a thought partner, strategic advisor and reliable source of expertise. Christopher Spicer and Elysa Pak are energetic and approach issues with a can-do attitude. Both understand how our team works and what's important to us while also having an in-depth understanding how the market works.'

  • 'Christopher Spicer and Elysa Pak combine expertise and a human touch. The both have a can-do attitude.'

  • 'Very knowledgeable in the area of distribution and financing of content. The expertise is deep, and its guidance is well-respected throughout the industry. Also, the lawyers on this team are responsive and great to work with.'

Key clients

  • American Film Institute
  • Bank of America, N.A.
  • California Bank & Trust
  • City National Bank
  • Comerica Bank
  • Content Partners
  • Dark Castle Entertainment
  • East West Bank
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • Harbourview Equity Partners
  • HPS Investment Partners, LLC
  • JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Work highlights

Represented Fifth Third Bank in a senior secured library credit facility to subsidiaries of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.
Represented Fifth Season in refinancing its existing credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank.
Representing HarbourView Equity Partners in multiple investments in the entertainment and media space.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Christopher Spicer
Christopher Spicer
Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Lauren Epstein
Lauren Epstein
Practice head

Christopher Spicer

Other key lawyers

Alissa Miller; Vanessa Roman; Lauren Epstein; Rebecca Pottash; Elysa Pak; Marissa Román Griffith