The entertainment practice at Latham & Watkins handles transactional matters from a wide variety of companies and clients, including production companies, agencies, studios, and investment funds. Los Angeles-based Rick Offsay leads the team and is co-chair of the firm’s entertainment practice, advising clients on M&A deals, joint ventures, and financing transactions. Also in Los Angeles, Nancy Bruington handles financing transactions across a range of industries, including film, television, music and sports. Kendall Johnson is praised by clients for her ‘exceptional intellect’. She specializes in licensing, acquisitions, and sponsorship rights. Liliana Paparelli Ranger supports the team with expertise in equity and debt financing and distribution arrangements. The team is well placed to advise clients on a large range of matters, including M&A deals, acquisitions, investments, and strategic partnerships.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Latham & Watkins’ practice stands out for its unmatched combination of top-tier talent, seamless collaboration, and market-leading innovation, delivering sophisticated, commercially grounded advice at a global scale in a way few firms can truly replicate.’
‘Kendall Johnson stands out for her exceptional intellect paired with genuine warmth—bringing sharp, strategic insight while also being deeply collaborative, approachable, and trusted by clients and colleagues alike.’
‘This team is absolutely fantastic. I try to use them for as many of our deals as possible.’
‘Liliana Paparelli Ranger is the best around. She provides practical, thoughtful and accurate advice on a timely basis, and our team really trusts her.'
'Rick Offsay, Liliana Paparelli Ranger and Nancy Bruington are incredible partners. Deep knowledge of the entertainment business, super responsive, and great value for the work.'
'The individuals within Latham & Watkins’ media and entertainment practice distinguish themselves through deep subject-matter expertise, strong commercial instincts and exceptional professionalism. Jonathan West is a standout partner and clear leader of the group.'
Key clients
- Skydance Media
- TPG
- Teton Ridge
- Carlyle
- New Regency
- Endeavor
- Blumhouse
- Illumination Entertainment
- Media Res
- Oaktree Capital
- Tom Brady
- Jason Bateman
Work highlights
Represented Skydance Media in its merger with Paramount.
Advised Blumhouse on the acquisition of the ‘Saw’ franchise go-forward rights.
Advised Carlyle on strategic investment in entertainment 360.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Rick Offsay
Other key lawyers
Kendall Johnson; Liliana Paparelli Ranger; Nancy Bruington; Jonathan West