Cynthia O’Leary
Cynthia has close to 25 years of experience as a general corporate transactional attorney, specializing in licensing, entertainment, and technology. She is a valuable resource for navigating the tricky legal matters in the converging worlds of media, corporate brands, and entertainment.
Her clients include:
corporations
content creators
franchisors
VC firms and incubators
entertainment entities
filmmakers
writers & actors
licensors & licensees
production companies
fashion designers
restaurants
In addition to being of Counsel to Nolan Heimann, she has served as corporate and entertainment transactional counsel for in-house and outside clients such as Fox Family (ABC Family), The Walt Disney Company, American Golf Corporation, Pinkberry, California Pizza Kitchen, DIRECTV, Herbalife, Argent Mill, Agency808, and K5 Global.
An avid hiker and adventurer, Cynthia has visited over 40 countries, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, trekked from Mollepata to Machu Picchu, and from Lukla to Mt. Everest Base Camp. She also has been involved in politics for over 25 years – including working as an Advance Associate for the White House and as an Advance Associate for five Presidential campaigns.
Bar Admissions
California
Education
Southwestern Law School, J.D. (Cum Laude)
University of Pittsburgh, B.A. Political Science and English Writing (Honors; dual degrees)
“I much prefer working as an integral part of the business team, thereby enabling a restructured, repositioned, or recalculated approach when needed.”
Cynthia has drafted and negotiated countless complex agreements including: licensing, production and co-production, distribution, technology, consulting, development, rights acquisition, marketing, influencer, financing, brand ambassador, sponsorship, promotional, termination, settlement, product placement, domestic and international merchandise, home video, and publishing. Whew!
“Planning gets rid of 50% of the stress and then I go with the flow and am a problem solver.”
Representative Matters
Negotiated various high profile and high dollar domestic and international licensing agreements for The Walt Disney Company with licensees from a variety of lines of business
Assisted well-known restaurant clients with franchisee relations, structuring promotional campaigns, and papering deals with a host of loyalty, POS, and digital gifting and marketing program providers
Managed a wide variety of legal matters for a new apparel company backed by an industry leader
Aided in the transition of a robust intellectual property portfolio and licensing business to a multibillion dollar entertainment conglomerate
Drafted unique sponsorship and partnership agreements, including for an apparel line developed in conjunction with a former Olympic athlete