Ellie Heisler, Partner, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.
Professional services firm adds three new partners and an associate to its Entertainment group, signaling a deeper investment in advising digital creators and media companies on transactions, production and brand development.
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP announced it has expanded its Entertainment group with the addition of four professionals in its Los Angeles office. The new team is tasked with enhancing the firm's legal and business advisory services for clients within the creator economy.
The group is led by Ellie Heisler, who joins the firm as a partner. Heisler's practice focuses on representing content creators and digital-first media companies, including talent such as Matty Matheson and Alan Chikin Chow, and companies like Doing Things and Friday Beers.
Joining Heisler are three other professionals. Jessica Boardman arrives as a partner specializing in production legal for non-scripted entertainment, including podcasts and documentaries.
Mike Lawhead also joins as a partner, focusing on corporate and transactional matters such as M&A, corporate finance, and joint ventures for talent in digital media, music and sports.
April Hua joins as an associate, handling commercial agreements, brand deals and licensing for content creators.
The expansion reflects a strategic focus on a segment of the entertainment industry where talent is increasingly taking more direct ownership of brand building and content distribution. "Entertainment has been completely transformed by the creator economy," said Manatt CEO and Managing Partner Donna L. Wilson. She noted that the new team members "bring a unique combination of institutional knowledge, corporate dealmaking and forward-looking insight" to meet the evolving needs of clients in this space.
According to the firm, the shift in the entertainment industry necessitates advisors who can handle both creative and commercial aspects of a creator's business. "Power in entertainment has moved decisively toward creators, who are redefining the industry and accelerating its evolution," said Jordan Bromley, Manatt Entertainment Leader.
The new team's arrival is intended to deepen the firm's capabilities in representing talent and creator-led enterprises through the entire business lifecycle, from content creation and brand strategy to fundraising and corporate exits.
"This move is about alignment—of values, ambition and long-term vision—and to expand and accelerate Manatt's presence in the creator economy," said Heisler.
SOURCE: Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
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