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Our approach + outlook

In the collaborative yet highly competitive and fast-paced entertainment + media sector, people power the production. Because we know the value of a dedicated, talented workforce in driving performance, employers in these arenas rely on Jackson Lewis. Behind the scenes, our industry specific knowledge of shifting employment and labor trends, coupled with our legal and regulatory experience, help industry participants achieve their operational, financial and legal, as well as crowd-pleasing, performance. And we play a vital role across the entire range of labor relations, employee life cycle, benefits and immigration, and litigation and arbitration related issues in minimizing disruptions and maximizing flow to ensure that performance happens.

Clients

From corporate-owned movie-magic makers with 200,000 employees to bespoke boutique book publishers with fewer than 40, and all types and sizes of audience-seeking enterprises in between, our team serves the following non-exhaustive list of industries comprising the entertainment + media sector. 

  • Advertising
  • Agencies, including talent and public relations
  • Broadcasting
  • Cable + satellite
  • Interactive home entertainment
  • Movies/music/theater entertainment
  • Professional sports franchises and athletes in the NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and LPGA 
  • Publishing

Key concerns

Combining industry knowledge with an emphasis on compliance and preventive counseling, we advise on the many workplace issues arising in entertainment + media workplaces.

Developing Collaborative Teams

Labor issues abound in the entertainment and media sector. Our preeminent labor attorneys are attuned to the industry’s unique challenges, both in unionized and non-union workplaces. We represent industry employers in the full range of labor matters, from developing preventative corporate campaigns in non-union workplaces, to handling labor arbitrations for clients in decades-long collective bargaining relationships. For sports teams in particular, we advise on collectively bargained positions and the specific impact on sports teams as employers, and related contractual and regulatory issues.

> Labor Relations

Creativity on the Clock

In an industry marked by irregular work hours and frequent overtime, compliance with wage and hour laws is paramount to avoid significant financial liabilities and lower morale among support staff. We help clients with initial assessments and develop comprehensive preventive measures such as company-wide audits to ensure consistent and coordinated implementation of pay and promotion policies and wage and hour compliance. In the sports arena, we represent teams in salary arbitration proceedings involving individual athletes.

> Wage and Hour

Building Better Workplaces

In the post-#MeToo era, implementing and internally enforcing robust harassment and discrimination policies and training is vital to maintain a safe workplace and best protect the company's goodwill and reputation. Our experience in this area includes advice and counsel and robust investigatory services on high-profile sexual harassment matters; crisis management counseling, including developing and implementing organizational culture change; developing effective diversity programs to foster creativity and inclusiveness; public relations; and advising on civil rights and diversity issues.

> Corporate Diversity Counseling
> Workplace Training

Job Classification + Special Employees

The entertainment and media industry relies heavily on a wide range of non-traditional employees, including freelancers, independent contractors and minors, so proper classification and compliance are key to avoiding legal challenges and financial penalties. We advise on the parameters of these relations, including the strict laws regarding work hours, education, and working conditions for young performers and artists, and defend against all types of individual or class claims of independent contractor misclassification.

> Staffing and Independent Workforce

Capturing Creativity and Talent

Creativity is the currency of this industry. Protecting both its process and output — which are highly labor-intensive – matters — is key. We draft enforceable non-compete agreements to protect intellectual property and other rights and ensure key talent retention across contract and compensation matters. Relatedly, we advise employers and teams on media opportunities and transactions.

> Restrictive Covenants, Trade Secrets and Unfair Competition

Health + Safety Regulations

Productions and other work environments often involve hazardous activities. Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations is essential to protect cast, crew and other workers to mitigate and avoid legal liabilities.

> Workplace Safety and Health
> Drug Testing and Substance Abuse Management

Talent Knows No Borders

From international casting and the growing number of foreign athletes throughout the professional sports ranks to uniquely high-skilled overseas tech workers, immigration impacts the entertainment + media industry. We assist in the full range of global immigration matters —visas, residency and citizenship applications, etc. — and guide organizations and their talent through the process and developing strategies to overcome potential immigration barriers.

> Immigration

Defending Processes + Practices

While our priority is litigation avoidance, where prevention is not enough, our attorneys vigorously defend clients in cases of alleged non-compliance with industry rules and regulations, investigations by governmental agencies or player associations, and in numerous areas of labor and employment-related litigation. We also prosecute cases involving noncompete issues, defamation, embezzlement, fraud, misrepresentation, breach of contract, and more. In certain instances, we also represent professional athletes and other talent in criminal cases and disciplinary proceedings.

> Litigation

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Principal, New York City
Principal, Orange County