FWRV Maintains Elite Ranking

Chambers: FWRV is “Renowned entertainment boutique”

FWRV is “Renowned entertainment boutique”

The 2017 edition of America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Chambers USA, has once again named FWRV one of three top-ranking New York firms in the category of Media and Entertainment practice, covering film, music, television and theater.

Chambers commended FWRV as a “[r]enowned entertainment boutique capable of handling a wide array of transactions across the film, television, music, theater, and publishing fields.” Chambers also noted that the firm “represents film and television studios, record labels, advertisers and financiers involved in the entertainment industry,” and that the “firm [f]requently negotiates talent and employment agreements for prominent executives in the entertainment sector.”

Four of the firm’s partners were cited in particular as “notable practitioners” in the Media and Entertainment category.

Listed as Senior Statesman in the category of Media & Entertainment: Film & Television, Michael Rudell is “widely viewed as an ‘excellent’ entertainment attorney and a ‘copyright expert.’” Chambers’ sources state that “he has ‘enormous experience, is very smart and has a good manner.’” Chambers further notes that “he handles a wide array of transactions involving the creation and use of film, television and literary content.”

Elliot Brown who is listed in the top tier of the Media & Entertainment: Theatre category, is described as a “Superstar.” Chambers notes that he “remains an active adviser and thought leader in the entertainment industry.” Chambers’ “impressed” sources report that “he is someone who looks to make a deal. He is very smart, knows what he is doing and always has a clear agenda.”

Nick Gordon is the only top-tier attorney in the Media & Entertainment: Music category. He “is described by one interviewee as ‘the smartest lawyer in the business.’” Chambers notes that Nick “maintains ‘a terrific practice’ in the music industry and frequently negotiates management, recording, publishing and distribution deals on behalf of artists, songwriters and record labels.” In addition, Chambers observes that he “handles the purchase and sale of music catalogs.”

Ken Weinrib who is ranked in the Media & Entertainment: Film & Television category, is described by Chambers as “‘a marvelous practitioner’ with particular expertise in the licensing, production and exploitation of scripted and unscripted television as well as motion pictures.” Chambers also notes that he “negotiates talent agreements on behalf of actors, directors and writers.” Ken is described by one source as “a smart, experienced and very capable lawyer, and also a nice person to deal with.”

• 2016 Edition: A boutique firm with a well-established reputation in film, television, music and theater. Also represents authors and other writers, as well as investors in the media and entertainment space.

  Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

  • “I like that there’s somebody there with a great level of expertise in every area we need, and they work exceptionally well together in their different departments.” 
  • “A great law firm that does it all. Their people are excellent in their areas.”
    
• 2015 Edition: Offers clients a wealth of experience handling significant media and entertainment transactions in the film, television, theater and music industries.
• 2014 Edition: Boutique entertainment practice comprising highly skilled practitioners.  Offers extensive expertise across both new media and traditional media platforms. “There are excellent people there.”
• 2013 Edition: This boutique entertainment firm continues to represent clients from all corners of the industry, from traditional television, film, music and theater to more innovative new media.  It is commended for its breadth and depth of industry knowledge.  Sources say: “High quality!”
• 2012 Edition: This superb boutique is recognized throughout the market for the quality and range of services it provides to clients in the industry.  The firm has expertise across the spectrum of film, television, music and theater issues, and in addition to its strengths in these areas, is widely sought after to advise on publishing, branded entertainment and digital media.  Sources say: “A quality firm.” “They are excellent.”
• 2011 Edition: This highly regarded firm continues to provide clients with superior standard of service. Its exceptional media and entertainment team offers wide-ranging counsel relating to motion picture and TV work, publishing and live theater. Sources say: “This is an excellent firm that provides a broad high-quality practice.”
• 2010 Edition: This group excels thanks to its exceptional team of specialists who provide a broad range of expertise in issues relating to the film, TV, theater, music and publishing industries.  Clients range from actors, directors and TV production companies, through to major music labels and film studios.  Sources say:“At the top of the field due to the breadth and exceptional quality of the practice.”
• 2009 Edition:“Entertainment law runs through the veins of this firm,” which attracts praise for “its creativity, approachability and top quality counsel.” The group advises producers and investors in TV, film and theater and acts for authors involved in TV and motion picture deals.
• 2008 Edition:  “A responsive outfit full of imaginative and innovative lawyers.” Sources say that this significant boutique is a prolific performer on noteworthy issues in entertainment, where it acts for authors on their film rights and on topics relating to financing agreements. The team “produces incredibly reliable advice” and continues to be “an incredibly strong choice” for theater, motion pictures production and distribution, music publishing and recordings, and independent film production companies.