Wendy Heimann

Wendy is co-founder and managing partner of Nolan Heimann and the force behind our reputation as the premiere law practice serving the location based, experiential, and immersive entertainment industry worldwide. Her entire 30 plus-year career has been solely dedicated to this unique vertical.

client roster includes:

• Intellectual Property Licensors & Licensees

• Developers

• Owners & Operators

• Specialized Industry Service Providers

• Technology Developers

• Designers & Storytellers

  Wendy’s in-depth, front-line location based, experiential, and immersive entertainment industry knowledge - and her unusually far-reaching network - enable her the ability to provide truly informed and experienced counsel. Importantly, her unique “crow’s nest” position at the hub of this diverse industry enables her representation to be grounded in pragmatism and an aggressively strategic and forward-looking approach. As an attorney, entrepreneur, producer, and former business executive, Wendy’s counsel is always rooted in business reality.

  After a stint as a talent agent, it was in the windy city where she began her legal career as an intellectual transactional attorney with the international law firm Mayer Brown. As an attorney committed to Chicago’s amazing “theater scene” (proudly serving as an original board member of the renowned Lookingglass Theatre Company), Wendy was tapped by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs, under the inventive Mayor Richard M. Daley, to helm the landmark Chicago Theatre as its Executive Director. In that role, she not only grew net revenues by 200%, but her belief in the power of entertainment as a means of creating and revitalizing communities exploded, compelling her to make her way to Los Angeles.

  In Los Angeles and Orlando, Wendy served as an executive at Universal Studios, heading up Business and Legal Affairs for Universal Creative, the division responsible for the concept, design, and development of all domestic and international theme parks, resorts, and attractions for Universal Destinations & Experiences (formerly, Universal Parks & Resorts). 

  Wendy is an active member and pro-bono counsel of the Themed Entertainment Association and in 2020 received the Peter Chernack Distinguished Service THEA Award. Additionally, she is pro bono counsel to Ryman Arts, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of The Third Floor, an international, award-winning digital visualization and production company.

  In addition to her dedication to immersive entertainment, Wendy is a passionate drummer. Her LA-based band, Crinoline, plays throughout Southern California with an occasional jaunt to the Double Down Saloon in Vegas, the longest running punk club in the US and most definitely her favorite venue. Recently, Wendy was asked to join the European of The Durgas, a world-influenced indie rock band.

  And, lastly, with her remaining time (after husband and kids - ha ha), Wendy ventures into the ever-masochistic, but profoundly rewarding world of, producing live entertainment. So, not only does she care deeply about her clients, she often shares their pain as well.

  Bar Admissions

• California

• Illinois

  Education

• University of Chicago Law School, J.D.

• Northwestern University, B.S., Communications

• City of London Polytechnic, Television and Film