Latham & Watkins LLP is praised as 'the preeminent law firm in media, entertainment and sports', boasting a strong team of media and entertainment and finance specialists based in Los Angeles. The firm advises a wide range of clients from independent production companies and major motion picture studios to financial institutions, investment funds, music companies and talent agencies. The firm regularly assists with major M&As and strategic investments as well as IP and content deals and media and entertainment financing. Practice head Rick Offsay is an expert in handling complex media and entertainment M&As, joint ventures, capital raises and financings. Nancy Bruington is the go-to for producers, private equity funds and investment banks looking for experience in structuring and negotiating media transactions. Other notable team members include Kendall Johnson who excels in handling sports-related transactions, Jonathan D. West who represents celebrities and companies in joint ventures and IP issues, and Liliana Paparelli Ranger who focuses on representing film & TV studios, streaming platforms and independent production companies in entertainment M&As, equity and debt financings and content production. Justin Hamill sits in New York and is well-versed in M&As and private equity deals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Latham & Watkins' media & entertainment team is exceptional. They provide cutting-edge legal advice and execution but also act as strategic thought partners in complex transactional situations. What makes this team stand out is the above-and-beyond strategic counsel they provide. They are exceptional at looking around all corners and thinking about all transactional situations from a 360-degree perspective. ’
- ‘I have worked with Kendall Johnson this past year, and she is one of the brightest strategic and legal minds that I have had the chance to engage with.’
- ‘Latham & Watkins is the preeminent law firm in media, entertainment and sports, anchored by its universally well-regarded transactional team. The team consistently sets the bar for commercial and business terms in the marketplace through innovative, cross-border deals and transactions.’
- ‘Jonathan D. West is a leading practitioner in entertainment, sports and media. He is pragmatic, extremely knowledgeable and brings a 360-degree view to all aspects of a transaction. He has guided us through numerous deals and opportunities, and his counsel and strategic mindset remain invaluable to our management team. It’s also worth mentioning that Jonathan does a terrific job managing and mentoring his associates. Liliana Paparelli Ranger and Jamie Levine are highly capable and intelligent attorneys.’
Key clients
- Endeavor Operating Company
- Skydance Media
- Houston Rockets
- TPG Capital
- MGM Holdings
- Blumhouse Productions LLC
- Tom Brady
- KKR & Co.
- HPS Investment Partners, LLC
- The Carlyle Group
- AGBO
- Wiip Productions LLC
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Justin Hamill
Practice head
Rick Offsay
Other key lawyers
Justin Hamill; Nancy Bruington; Kendall Johnson; Jonathan D. West; Liliana Paparelli Ranger; Jamie Levine