The December, 2011 edition of America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Chambers USA, has named FWRV one of three top-ranking New York firms (Band 1) in the category of Media and Entertainment practice, covering film, music, television and theater. This is the sixth straight year that FWRV has been awarded this ranking.
Describing the firm as one which “continues to provide clients with superior standard of service,” Chambers noted that FWRV’s “exceptional media and entertainment team offers wide-ranging counsel relating to motion picture and TV work, publishing and live theater.”
Four of the firm’s partners are cited in particular as “key individuals” in the Media and Entertainment category.
Michael Rudell is described as “a giant in the world of television and publishing law” and “one of the top lawyers in the field… [who] has represented authors, journalists, high-profile television personalities, producers and corporations.”
Sources cited by Chambers call Elliot Brown “an excellent theater lawyer–very knowledgeable and well connected in the industry.” Mr. Brown is described as “an expert in transactions for producers and talents, particularly in connection with Broadway shows such as ‘Jersey Boys’, ‘Billy Elliot’ and ‘Legally Blonde’.”
Chambers notes that Nicholas Gordon advises “major names within the music industry … on complex distribution arrangements, catalog purchases and licenses and joint venture agreements.”
According to Chambers, Ken Weinrib is “widely acknowledged as a key player within this practice area.” and “simply described as ‘superb’ by one interviewee.”
The Chambers rankings are independently researched, published annually in book form, and available online at www.chambersandpartners.com.