“The most memorable compliment I’ve received from a client is when I was told ‘I’m going to start calling you Siri.’ I’ll admit, I was a bit taken aback to be compared to a virtual assistant app, until my client explained what he meant. He elaborated that I always promptly responded to his calls or emails, had an answer to his questions, and explained legal concepts in a way he could understand. That’s how I want all of my clients to feel—though they can just call me ‘Margo.”

Social Sharing Icons

Margo Arnold handles business and entertainment litigation matters ranging from contract disputes to intellectual property and reputation protection. She specializes in handling issues pertaining to media and communication, staying on the cutting edge of how new technology is changing the legal landscape in these areas. She was a member of the first trial team to take a Twitter defamation case to jury and one of the first attorneys to file a lawsuit pursuant to California’s online impersonation statute. Margo’s clients range from private figures to heads of multimillion-dollar companies. She is experienced litigating in both state and federal courts, as well as before arbitrators and mediators. As part of the millennial generation, Margo is not afraid to disrupt the norm and challenge how old laws apply to new situations by litigating issues pertaining to defamation law at the appellate level. Margo’s legal skills extend well beyond litigation. She also serves as a general advisor to her clients on nonlitigation matters such as drafting employment materials (including confidentiality agreements), responding to potentially disparaging press, de-escalating business disputes, and clearing content. Margo draws on her background in public relations and crisis management and considers her client’s long-term objectives—whether business, personal, practical, or emotional—to tailor her advice and legal strategy to best achieve a successful result. Whether this means recommending litigation, working with the press to correct public misconceptions, or getting on the phone with an adverse party to rebuild a business relationship, Margo will help you find the approach best calculated to produce the outcome you desire. • Southwestern Law School, J.D. • University of Southern California, B.A., Public Relations

Representative Matters

• Member of a trial team that obtained a $41 million jury verdict for an international casino executive defamed by statements made by the former owner of Girls Gone Wild.

• Obtained a multimillion-dollar settlement for a client whose husband illegally videotaped her in their bedroom.

• Prosecuted idea submission and life rights claims on behalf of a motion picture production company and the boxer who inspired the Rocky franchise.

• Assisted a cryptocurrency financial institution in creating its employment and confidentiality materials and in enforcing its confidentiality provisions, including successfully removing content from an employer review website.

• Obtained a complete defense verdict in an employment-discrimination arbitration.

• Successfully defended the appeal of an anti-SLAPP ruling that found a report analyzing the content of a website for use by advertising and marketing companies was a matter of public interest.

“My favorite business moment is that point in the transaction when you know you’ve reached a deal. The excitement in knowing that everything is going to move forward and everyone is satisfied with the outcome, even if it wasn’t what they were expecting when they first started negotiating, is very fulfilling. The rush that accompanies that moment and the joy in everyone’s faces is what makes my practice so enjoyable.”

Social Sharing Icons

Bryan Bergman joins Nolan Heimann with nearly fifteen years’ experience in complex business transactions and civil litigation. As his career developed, he realized that the emerging cannabis industry presented both an opportunity and a challenge, as new cannabis businesses would require legal advice not only on swiftly changing cannabis legislation and regulations, but also on basic legal issues that face any entrepreneurial venture. He has developed an unmatched expertise in this growing industry, speaking regularly on cannabis industry-related topics and educating operators and other professionals, including attorneys and accountants, on this developing area of law. His client services include providing assistance in entity strategy and formation; contract negotiations and drafting on a wide variety of deals including real estate, investment, management, distribution/sales, and other business transactional issues; cannabis license application preparation; regulatory compliance; and organizational structuring and management. In addition to his legal work, Bryan maintains a substantial network of cannabis professionals from a variety of areas available to assist his clients in all aspects of establishing or expanding their businesses, such as legal, financial/accounting, labor, political consulting/lobbying, real estate, banking, business development, media, social media, and brand marketing. During his legal studies at UC Hastings, Bryan was published in a distinguished law journal for an article on digital sampling, was president of the Association of Communications, Sports and Entertainment Law (ACSEL) , worked closely with the school administration on new admissions, organized charity concerns to benefit the First Five Foundation, and created MCLE panels that were attended by over 500 individuals. Outside of the legal profession and cannabis industry, he has a wide variety of personal interests, including adventure sports, music, and travelling. • University of California, Hastings College of the Law, J.D. • Tulane University, B.S., Business Management

Representative Matters

• Successfully obtained state cannabis licenses for a multitude of clients since 2016 with an exceptional approval rate, including monitoring and updating applications as needed to stay abreast of changing regulations to ensure acceptance.

• Submitted the number-one ranked written application for merit-based applications in two separate cities. Has successfully assisted clients in obtaining merit-based licenses in multiple local jurisdictions.

• Assisted on closing multiple multimillion-dollar transactions for companies seeking to engage in the California cannabis industry.

• Advised policymakers to assist multiple local jurisdictions in forming their cannabis regulations.

• Closed a multimillion-dollar reverse merger between a publicly traded Canadian company and California company.

• Regularly teaches cannabis law to attorneys, accountants, and other professionals across the United States.

“What do I like most about being a lawyer?” Nothing makes me happier than standing up for the good guys. It’s one of the main reasons I became an attorney. When doing deals, I really enjoy protecting smaller companies and entrepreneurs from large companies seeking to take advantage of their position. And when resolving disputes, I relish the opportunity to go after bad actors and protect honest, good people. Having sworn the lawyer’s oath, I take my obligation to seek justice seriously.”

Social Sharing Icons

With nearly two decades of experience as a litigator, general counselor and over-all good guy, Michael is what every business person should have – a trusted confidant, advisor, and consigliore. Michael served as General Counsel for Baja Fresh, where he managed and directed all aspects of Baja Fresh’s legal activities, including intellectual property management and protection, contract negotiations, franchise relations, leasing and litigation. Michael also served as General Counsel for a group of companies involved in the production, advertising, marketing, and sale of educational products via long-form commercials and the Internet. In that position, Michael assisted in defending the companies against a nearly half billion dollar lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission. In his private practice, Michael continues to apply his general counsel expertise by providing practical and strategic guidance to owners and key executives on a wide range of business and legal issues, including contract drafting and negotiations, intellectual property, employment/labor/HR matters, regulatory issues, advertising, and licensing. As a litigator, Michael has handled myriad complex business disputes with a particular emphasis on complex contract, business fraud, real estate, partnership, employment, bankruptcy and intellectual property litigation. Michael’s combined litigation and general counsel experience provide him a unique perspective on how to avoid disputes before they happen and, when they simply cannot be avoided, how to resolve those disputes efficiently in order to reach the best possible result for his clients. • Loyola Law School, J.D. • University of California at Los Angeles, B.A., History

Representative Matters

• Negotiated agreement on behalf of major restaurant chain to install restaurants in airports throughout the United States.

• Represented minority shareholder in breach of fiduciary duty action against majority shareholder of private school. Obtained multi-million dollar settlement on 8th day of trial.

• Represented restaurant owner in dispute with landlord over lack of parking and breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Obtained $1.8 million judgment in bifurcated judicial reference action.

• Represented dentist in arbitration over sale of dental practice and dispute regarding terms of sale. Obtained arbitration award exceeding $700,000.

• Assisted in defense of $475 million Federal Trade Commission lawsuit against educational infomercial company for alleged violations of various advertising and telemarketing sales rules.

• Represented hotel owner in successfully settling lawsuit for alleged violations of Americans With Disabilities Act relating to use of service animals at hotel.

• Assisted business owner in restructuring companies, forming new entities, drafting employee handbooks, and formalizing various policies and procedures to help streamline business operations.

“”

Social Sharing Icons

When you find yourself in times of trouble…Diane is the person to turn to. Seventeen years as a first chair civil litigator at the renowned Los Angeles firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, Diane’s litigation career has focused on representing high profile entertainment industry clients — individuals and small, mid-sized and Fortune 500 companies — in myriad complex litigation matters, including contract, copyright, trademark, privacy, unfair competition, personal, real estate and employment disputes. In addition to litigation, Diane has substantial alternative dispute resolution and neutral experience, serving as a Mediator, a superior court Temporary Judge, and an Arbitrator for the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Diane’s mediation practice focuses on intellectual property disputes, contract, real estate and employment disputes. Diane is frequently called upon to consult on or salvage cases with unusual challenges, or to provide counseling and pre-litigation advice on contract, copyright, trademark, chain of title review and analysis issues. Lest you think Diane is all work and no play, Diane spent some time as a stand-up comic – no joke. • Harvard Law School, J.D. • Yale University, B.A.

“My favorite business moment? One among many is the time my client bid on a major foreign government project. It was a critical meeting with senior officials, and the tenor of the negotiations turned unexpectedly confrontational. The executives were embattled. I jumped in with a novel approach and reset the tone of the discussion. My client won the bid. Advising businesses is as much about addressing the true concerns of the parties and building trust as it is counselling on the law.”

Social Sharing Icons

Stefan Guttensohn joins Nolan Heimann with decades of experience in business law and financing. Throughout his career, he has served companies of all sizes and at all stages of development, from start-up to Fortune 500. Stefan has also advised in a broad range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, retail, entertainment, financial advisory (investment funds and RIAs), life sciences, telecommunications, oil & gas, and hospitality.Stefan’s corporate & business planning practice is diverse, and includes business transactions, corporate structuring, corporate governance, privacy, and other corporate policy development (such as anti-money laundering). His financing practice includes capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, securities, and fund formation. In his practice, he combines detail-oriented legal skills with big-picture business acumen, maintaining a clear focus on his clients’ interests and goals. Unique to Stefan’s practice is his depth of international experience. From North America to Asia, he has handled cross-border acquisitions with transactions under the laws of Algeria, Bahrain, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Chile, China, France, Israel, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. His international experience allows him to expertly handle the complexities of cross-border transactions. Prior to joining Nolan Heimann, Stefan served with securities regulators, an international law firm based in NYC, a Paris-based international law firm, a Canadian cross-border securities boutique, and a start-up focused practice in Southern California. Stefan is as an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School, instructing students in the legal and business considerations involved in forming, financing, and operating emerging growth businesses.

Representative Matters in Corporate & Business Planning

• Advised a number of technology start-ups on their formation up to exit event

• Advised a hotel franchisor, investment advisors and start-ups on their privacy policies

• Advised a Santa Clarita company on the establishment of its Canadian subsidiary

• Advised a client on disclosure issues related to a potential FDA/SEC investigation regarding promotional statements made for a Phase Three investigational drug

• Advised a Fortune Global 500 company on a proposed cross-border joint venture

Representative Matters in Financing

• Advised numerous new entities on early rounds of financing

• Advised a music-app start-up on a reverse merger with a listed company

• Advised a Santa Clarita company on its acquisition of a Bulgarian technology company

• Advised a Ventura oil & gas related company on its private placement

• Assisted Universal Music Publishing Group in its due diligence review for the acquisition of BMG Music Publishing from EMI

• Advised a Middle-East agriculture-focused US private investment fund on its formation

• Advised a Florida-based hospitality real estate development fund on various matters

“My greatest business influence? My barely grade-school educated, immigrant, successful entrepreneur father, who, despite convincing me of the value of a law school education, reminded me repeatedly ‘if I listened to my lawyer all the time, I’d never get out of bed in the morning.’ My dad’s sentiments are reflected in every aspect of my pragmatic, entrepreneurial approach to the practice of law and business. I truly am committed to providing my clients with a sound launching pad off of which they can leap with VIGOR rather than fear.”

Social Sharing Icons

Wendy Heimann-Nunes is a founding and managing partner of Nolan Heimann LLP, the only law firm featuring a practice area dedicated to location-based and immersive entertainment. Wendy’s clients run the gamut in this specialized industry and include owners, operators, developers, studios, licensors, licensees, designers, consultants, technology providers, and more. In addition to providing traditional legal counsel, Wendy provides strategic business counsel to assist her clients in the growth, monetization, and maximization of opportunities for intellectual properties, content, brands, developments, and technologies. Entertainment and business united for Wendy right from the start in her early role as Executive Director of the renowned landmark, The Chicago Theatre, and her associated work in assisting the city’s efforts to revitalize its North Loop. And, it was in the windy city where the former talent agent began her legal career with the international law firm Mayer Brown after graduating from The University of Chicago Law School. Wendy went on to serve 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. Prior to co-founding Nolan Heimann, Wendy chaired the immersive and location-based entertainment department of the law firm Zuber, Lawler & Del Duca. She is an active member and pro-bono counsel of the Themed Entertainment Association and has sat on several advisory boards, including the Board of Advisors of Immersive Tech, a nonprofit committed to supporting the development and adoption of immersive experiential technology. 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 Vegas. A Doors fan, Wendy often quotes Jim Morrison: “The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are.” She applies that philosophy to all aspects of her professional and personal life and always encourages her clients to do the same. • University of Chicago Law School, J.D. • Northwestern University, B.S., Communications • City of London Polytechnic, Television and Film

Representative Matters

• Negotiated license agreement on behalf of multi-billion dollar international developer for first 20th Century Fox Studios theme park in the world.

• Led landmark theater in structuring and negotiating long-term theatrical lease with Walt Disney Theatricals, including securing multi-million dollar capital improvement commitment.

• Negotiated employment agreement on behalf of entertainment executive for leadership of developer’s creative team for Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa.

• Assisted in structuring joint venture with Seraphim, Clive Barker’s production company, for development of cross-platform opportunities based on new intellectual properties.

• Negotiated agreement on behalf of international developer for development of Marvel Studios family entertainment centers throughout India.

• Assisted various intellectual property owners in negotiating and structuring roll-out of IP’s in location-based entertainment vertical.

• Drafted and negotiated numerous multi-million dollar service and purchase agreements on behalf of creative and technical companies for deals throughout North America, Europe, Asia and UAE.

• Assisted Chinese developer in negotiating license agreement with Paramount Studios for development of Paramount< Gateway projects in China.

“My professional superpower? Analysis without paralysis. If you don’t understand the problem, you can’t solve it. I love to analyze. Armed with deep understanding, it is much easier to help business owners make the right decisions.”

David Hoffman has over three decades of experience practicing exclusively in the area of intellectual property. From his early start as a patent attorney, David has developed an unusual breadth of experience in all intellectual property matters. Benefitting from his years of working in multiple law firms, David proactively and meticulously secures his clients’ rights while minimizing and avoiding lawsuits. Currently focused on trademarks, David helps his clients at every stage of developing and registering their mark, from conflict clearance searches and registration to handling oppositions, cancellations, and if need be, litigation. In the course of his career, he has represented companies from start-ups all the way to multinational corporations. In addition to his daily legal practice, David is a prolific author and speaker, regularly publishing and presenting on various aspects of intellectual property law. His 2017 book, Sobering Trademark Stories, illustrates the pitfalls of failing to properly clear and protect a company’s mark through examples taken from beer, wine, and liquor companies. David enjoys doing puzzles, playing bid pitch, fixing things, and wine tasting with his wife, Christy.

• University of Pennsylvania, Carey Law School, J.D. • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, B.S. Civil Engineering

Representative Matters

• Won a petition to cancel a competing trademark registration in the restaurant industry.

• Brought petition to cancel and favorably settled, enabling registration of client’s trademark.

• Obtained hundreds of trademark registrations.

• Extricated a client from a trademark lawsuit early in spite of a large, vindictive arch competitor on the other side.

• Successfully obtained a Chinese trademark registration in an appeal over a Chinese national’s registration.

“My professional “super power”? That would have to be my “night-vision” or GPS tracking sensibilities for IP businesses. Where some people can’t see, I navigate IP businesses out of the wilderness and into innovative, revenue generating territories. Marrying IP business expertise with legal innovation, over time I’ve cut trails through, around, over or under so many roadblocks — business model, technology, brand, retail, regulatory — that my instincts and vision have sharpened. Multi-industry domain knowledge and executive relationships (especially across digital media, entertainment, global brands and consumer technologies) extend that vision. So I see IP opportunity and solutions readily, and can be the cutting edge that helps lead IP businesses into new terrain.”

Social Sharing Icons

Christine Lawton has 15+ years’ executive experience launching and monetizing businesses at the convergence of entertainment, technology and retail, helping Fox, Universal, DreamWorks and Disney innovate consumer experiences. With business, creative, financial and legal expertise across all aspects of the complex structural transactions necessary to launch and support B2B and B2C businesses, Christine applies rare combined perspective and oversight capabilities to digital, entertainment, media, retail, consumer tech, branded merchandising, and traditional licensing and distribution businesses. Christine has guided home entertainment, television, video game, mobile, digital distribution platform, music, toy, and retail relationships, and has structured, negotiated and drafted financing, acquisition, marketing, promotion, distribution, publishing, hardware, software and consumer products agreements. At Fox, Christine led a 20-person, global, home entertainment legal and business advisory team, including a digital legal licensing unit. Also at Fox, she structured and negotiated partner relationships necessary to launch Fox’s Innovation Lab for immersive technologies. At Universal Studios Home Entertainment, she ran a 13-person Business & Legal Affairs department. In that role she structured and negotiated partnerships valued up to $100M, manufacturing and distribution relationships valued annually at $10M-$50M, and multi-year alliances with Lionsgate, Summit and DreamWorks that shepherded the home entertainment releases of The Hunger Games, Twilight, and Shrek franchises. At DreamWorks, Christine was head of Business Affairs for worldwide home entertainment, domestic syndicated television, and worldwide pay and free television. At Disney, Christine was Director of Business & Legal Affairs at Buena Vista Home Video, responsible for video licensing, acquisition, manufacturing and distribution, and promotional partnerships. Christine doesn’t like being bored or the possibility of boring herself or people around her. From early classical ballet, flute and piano training, she moved into modern dance and waterskiing, and then became the lead singer in a couple garage bands. Logically, she became an amateur chocolatier and began to take improv and salsa classes from time to time. If time were more forgiving, she’d travel and read way more than she does. Her two daughters are better at everything they touch than she and her husband could be at anything they do, which they’re both learning to deal with. Outside of family, work and play, Christine’s committed to organizations that support women and families and people of color, and to legal and industry initiatives that advance intellectual property and consumer technologies. She’s Vice Chair, Board of Directors, of the I Have a Dream Foundation – Los Angeles, and Faculty Advisor to the Women’s In-House Counsel Leadership Institute. She served as Moderator, Digital Hollywood, Women in the Industry: Developing Film, Television & OTT About Women – A Golden Age in Hollywood and Indie Production (May 2018) and for the Women’s In-House Counsel Leadership Institute Financial Acumen Webinar (March 2017), and was Co-Host and Moderator for the Women’s In-House Counsel Leadership Institute Project 20/35, Disruptive Technologies Workshop (September 2017). She’s also a Co-Author of “Harmonize Your Trade Secret Protection to Protect Your Assets”, ACC Docket (December 2017). She was Presenting Speaker, USC Law Black Law Students Association Annual Alumni Banquet (2017); Chairperson, USC Law Reunion Committee (2010), is a member of the USC Law Intellectual Property Institute Planning Committee (2016 – Present) and the USC Law African American Admitted Students Committee (2016 – Present), and was a Curriculum Advisor and Lecturer for the USC Law Entertainment Law Program (2009 – 2013). She’s a member of the 2020 Women on Boards Los Angeles Planning Committee (2016 – Present) and the Association of Corporate Counsel Diversity and IP Committees (2016 – Present). At NBCU she was Hub Co-Leader, Women’s Network @ NBCUniversal Los Angeles (2010) and Co-Chair, West Coast Regional Legal Conference on Women & Diversity )2009).

• University of Southern California Gould School of Law, J.D. • University of Delaware, B.A., Communications; Minor in French

Representative Matters

• Launched video streaming and download businesses, adding ~$40M incremental revenue and forging relationshipswith Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, Microsoft Xbox, and Sony PlayStation.

• Negotiated and administered ~300 digital platform licensing deals annually, each with term value of ~$5M+ to ~$10M+.

• Optimized acquisition and distribution terms for home entertainment releases of multi-billion-dollar franchises, including Hunger Games, Twilight and Shrek.

• Developed relationships with Technicolor, Deluxe, Akamai, Vubiquity, Unreal, Sapient Nitro and Neustar to accelerate product development, delivery and revenue objectives, and reduce costs.

• Structured and negotiated a major motion picture studio’s first-ever immersive media development, production and distribution agreement.

• Set up lean BA infrastructure for a start-up’s on-time delivery of revenue objectives.

• Business affairs lead for technology and business model innovations for platforms and devices, including SVOD, VOD, digital lockers, 4K, AR, MR, and VR.

• Structured multi-million-dollar partnerships with global brands, including P&G, McDonald’s, Kraft, Mattel, Sony, Samsung, HP, and Wal-Mart.

“My superpower? Super hearing. A client once asked me if I had been listening to his thoughts (no joke). Over the years of practicing tax law, I’ve learned the key to success is listening to not only the spoken words, but also the unspoken words in a conversation. Often the words I do not hear become a pivot point to ask more questions and frame a set of facts in a way that others may not have seen. While I genuinely enjoy the layers of complexity that accompany practicing tax law, it’s extremely rewarding to hear the relief in a client’s voice after the resolution of a tax matter.”

Social Sharing Icons

Kristin Lebovic joins Nolan Heimann with extensive experience in tax accounting, planning, and controversy at the federal, state, and local level. In her practice, she takes a proactive approach when providing strategic tax advice to individuals and businesses, at all stages of growth. Kristin’s clients hail from a broad range of industries including manufacturing, cannabis, food & beverage, and entertainment. Prior to joining the firm, Kristin was employed by one of the largest multilevel marketing companies in the world, operating in over 90 countries. The company’s use of a “seed to feed” strategy allowed her to obtain first-hand knowledge of issues confronting businesses that are vertically integrated, that use unconventional distribution channels, and that operate in a highly regulated environment. In addition to her legal practice, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family and friends.M

• Santa Clara University, School of Law, J. D. • San Jose State University, M.S., Taxation • University of Kansas, B.S., Business Administration

Representative Matters

• Transitioned publicly held finance company into the IRS CAP program

• Obtained rulings from the CDTFA for a Sec. 6015 retailer

• Negotiated tax settlement agreements at the state appellate level

• Developed and defended tax position in Texas, resulting in a significant refund and future annual tax savings for a commissions-based business

• Advised on cross-border entity structure, including intercompany transactions

• Advised on capital gain treatment for the sale of music catalogs and associated intellectual property

• Advised on Sec. 1202 exclusion of gain on stock sale

“My favorite business moment? I had a call from a client who said, ‘I should kiss your feet!’ Six months prior to this I had advised him on how to structure the sale of his business. Instead of staying on the job to watch inept people run his business into the ground, he was now enjoying his large exit package. That was a great moment, no feet kissing required.”

Social Sharing Icons

Mishawn is passionate about helping innovators and entrepreneurs strategically leverage their assets. Having been a dancer and choreographer before becoming an attorney, she has a particular affinity for creatives. Even then her leadership and problem solving skills were evident and she was called upon to produce live events. Her ability to understand the needs and concerns of both the creative and business sides of the equation has led to effective deals being struck and projects moving forward. Mishawn believes that makers need the freedom to do what they do best and should have a strong, dynamic team to support their growth. She excels at leading that team. Mishawn has extensive experience working with the complex blending of corporate, entertainment, technology, and intellectual property challenges that exist where Hollywood, Madison Avenue and Silicon Valley converge. Mishawn was the co-chair of the Entertainment, Intellectual Property and New Media section of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association from 2005 – 2011. • Pepperdine Law School, J.D. • UCLA, B.A., Political Science • Oxford University, International Politics

“What do I hate about being an attorney? Being stereotyped as a ‘deal killer’. For me, good attorneys solve problems – period. I loathe saying “no” to a client and much prefer working as an integral part of the business team, thereby enabling a restructured, repositioned, or recalculated approach when needed.”

Social Sharing Icons

Cindy has close to 20 years of experience as a general corporate transactional attorney, specializing in licensing, entertainment, and technology. Her clients have included production companies, fashion designers, restaurants, entertainment entities, a consumer products division of a multi-billion dollar entertainment company, and a sports management firm. Cindy has a keen business sense – senior level executives trust her with myriad business and legal issues. Among other things, Cindy has drafted and negotiated countless complex licensing, production, distribution, technology, consulting, development, rights acquisition, marketing, promotional, termination, settlement, product placement, domestic and international merchandise, promotional, home video, and publishing agreements. She has worked at or for major players in their respective fields, including companies such as The Walt Disney Company, Fox Family (now ABC Family), American Golf Corporation, DIRECTV, California Pizza Kitchen, and Pinkberry. In addition to practicing law, Cindy is passionate about travel and hiking. She has visited over 30 countries, having climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, trekked from Mollepata to Machu Picchu, and trekked from Lukla to Mt. Everest Base Camp. She also has been involved in politics for over 20 years – including working as an Advance Associate for the White House and as an Advance Associate for five Presidential campaigns. • Southwestern Law School, J.D. (Cum Laude) • University of Pittsburgh, B.A. Political Science and English Writing (dual)

Representative Matters

• Negotiated numerous high profile and high dollar domestic and international licensing agreements for The Walt Disney Company with licensees from a variety of lines of business.

• Drafted complex distribution and production agreements for DIRECTV’s Audience Network.

• 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.

“What do I like best about my practice? The feeling that I get when I help a client solve a problem or manage an issue, so that they can stop worrying about it. Business managers and owners have a lot on their plate. I am at my best when I can deal with an issue in a way that makes my client confident in its efficient and effective resolution. I build long-term relationships with my clients by becoming a dependable member of their team.”

Social Sharing Icons

David is a lawyer and business executive with over 15 years of experience specializing in intellectual property, licensing, and contract negotiations. With a proven track record of developing creative and pragmatic solutions that align business needs with legal and regulatory requirements, he helps his clients protect and monetize their copyrights and trademarks and efficiently resolve day-to-day legal issues. David has filed over 300 trademark registrations in the U.S. and overseas and has negotiated and drafted hundreds of business agreements with service providers, manufacturers, distributors, vendors, and other business partners. David’s clients include, among others, software developers, consumer products companies, creative artists, fashion designers, and manufacturers. Recognizing the increasing need for companies in the cannabis industry to protect their brands, David has worked with growers, distributors, and service providers to understand the complicated federal and state registration system and to obtain registrations for their trademarks. David has also helped Amazon sellers through the complicated process of protecting their trademarks on the Amazon marketplace and successfully gating their brand from unauthorized sellers. In addition to legal work, David understands the nuances of business development and strategy, having developed a multi-million-dollar licensed apparel division from scratch. David spent the first 10 years of his career at Sedgwick LLP before resigning his partnership to join a $100 million-a-year apparel company as General Counsel. In that role, he managed the company’s global intellectual property portfolio, combated counterfeiting and discounters, negotiated and drafted leases, software service agreements, and other contracts, and advised on employment issues, while also working with the executive team to plan and implement the company’s strategy. David is a passionate soccer fan and L.A. Galaxy supporter. In fact, he is the Regional Commissioner for Region 58 of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) in the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park. He is also the former Chair of the Editorial Board of Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine. • University of California Hastings College of the Law, J.D. • University of California, Berkeley, B.A. Rhetoric

Representative Matters

• Negotiated a multi-million dollar licensing deal with The Walt Disney Company for a high-end line of specialty apparel.

• Negotiated and drafted outbound licensing and promotional endorsement agreements for a global health and fitness celebrity.

• Managed global trademark portfolios for apparel, consumer product, and interactive entertainment companies.

• Successfully led enforcement efforts for a retail consumer product company whose items were being counterfeited on Amazon.com,, ultimately leading to their brand being gated by Amazon.

• Obtained federal trademark registration for multiple brands related to the cannabis industry.

• Developed an industry-leading product safety program to ensure global compliance and protect an apparel company from product liability litigation, Prop 65 claims, and government investigation.

“”

Social Sharing Icons

Jordan Susman practices media, entertainment, reputation protection, intellectual property, and business litigation. Prior to pursuing a career in the law, he worked as an editor, writer, and director of several award-winning films and videos. Working on film and TV projects in Hollywood showed him that while power is unevenly distributed in the entertainment industry, the law levels the playing field. From his roots in entertainment, Jordan’s practice has grown to encompass a wide array of clients needing litigation in a variety of areas. Jordan has represented independent filmmakers, leading securities brokers-dealers, Academy Award winners, Grammy Award winners, major production companies, social media influencers, startups, and Fortune 500 companies. In each case, he assesses the individual needs of the client in order to devise the legal approach that will most effectively and efficiently bring the matter to resolution. In his over 13 years of practice, Jordan has handled all aspects of civil litigation and arbitration, from intake through obtaining successful jury verdicts in state and federal court. He was selected as a Southern California “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers in 2013–2016, and a Super Lawyer in 2017–2020. • Loyola Law School, J.D. • University of Southern California, M.F.A. Film and Television Production • University of California, Berkeley, B.A. Religious Studies

Representative Matters

• Obtained a complete defense verdict after 5-day jury trial in the Central District of California for clients who signed a contract to invest $10 million in the distribution of an independent film.

• Obtained an award in FINRA arbitration for a broker-dealer against a former employee for violation of the Trade Secrets Act.

• Obtained a multimillion-dollar settlement for a client whose husband illegally videotaped her with another man in their bedroom.

• Obtained awards from the California Labor Commissioner on behalf of talent managers regarding violation of the Talent Agencies Act.

• In a profit participation matter, obtained a multimillion-dollar settlement from a film studio on behalf of an Academy Award–winning producer/director.

“My typical client? Well, let’s just say that I don’t view any of my clients as “typical”. I represent everyone from stay-at-home parents to Fortune 500 companies – each with unique challenges. Everyone, no matter where they are in life, has that one special “dream invention”, and I am passionate about assisting to bring these inventions to life. In doing so, I always work to ensure my clients understand the entire patent process – costs, timing, ups, downs. Providing this information removes the mystery and assists my clients in making better business decisions. The geek in me relishes in the intricacies of patent prosecution, and the dreamer in me really enjoys watching my clients realize their vision and succeed.”

Social Sharing Icons

Norman is a registered patent attorney and represents clients ranging from startup ventures to Fortune 500 corporations in all aspects of intellectual property. He works closely with sole inventors and in-house counsel to develop effective intellectual property strategies to meet each client’s needs and expectations. Norman holds a degree in Computer Science, with minors in Math and Statistics. His technical expertise, as well as his leadership qualities, were further developed as Chief Fire Control Technician in the U.S. Navy specializing in computer hardware, radar systems, microwave systems and advanced electronics. After the military, Norman’s programming skills and experience designing network architecture eventually led to his position as Vice President of Systems and Network Engineering for a Los Angeles-based Internet company. Norman’s legal practice incorporates his computer science and electronics experience to service his high-tech intellectual property clientele. He expertly advises clients on protecting their Internet and technology-related businesses. • Whittier Law School Costa Mesa, CA J.D. • Mesa State College, B.S., Computer Science • Member California U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Registered Patent Attorney