Paul Hastings has raided top entertainment law firm Loeb & Loeb to set up its Century City office with five preeminent entertainment partners joining the entertainment and media division of the global law firm. The team includes partners Mickey Mayerson, Susan Williams, Craig Emanuel, Stephen Saltzman and Erik Hyman. The Century City office, which is Paul Hastings’ 22nd office and located at 1999 Avenue of the Stars, will be chaired by David Hernand, vice chair of the firm’s corporate practice.

Digital sector

'As entertainment and media have become increasingly important to the global economy and undergo massive transformation to a digital era, our clients globally are demanding the assistance of industry veterans to help them navigate this sector,' said Seth Zachary, chair of Paul Hastings. 'The addition of this team of leading entertainment partners and opening of a second office in Greater Los Angeles to focus on entertainment and media will establish Paul Hastings as having a leading practice for this sector,' he added.

Maximise practice opportunities

'Paul Hastings’ capabilities for delivering high-profile, high-quality transactional work, global platform and demonstrated commitment to entertainment and media made the firm the ideal fit for our practice and clients,' said Mickey Mayerson. 'Our clients will greatly benefit from Paul Hastings’ global reach and we, in turn, expect to work with existing Paul Hastings clients to navigate this ever-expanding and changing industry.' he added.'The potential to maximise practice opportunities across Paul Hastings’ many offices and help in the building of a new office presented an incredible opportunity for the five of us,' added Craig Emanuel.   

New team

The new team includes Mickey Mayerson who is now  co-chair of the firm’s global entertainment and media finance group. Considered one of the pre-eminent entertainment finance lawyers in the world, Mr Mayerson represents both providers of capital and users of capital. His fellow co-chair is Susan Williams who is widely regarded as an expert within her field and one of the most influential women in Hollywood. Craig Emanuel is the chair of the firm’s global entertainment and media practice of Paul Hastings and is based in the firm’s Century City office. He is a seasoned entertainment lawyer, widely recognised in the industry as an innovative dealmaker and efficient problem-solver. Stephen Saltzman is chair of the Asia entertainment and media practice of Paul Hastings and is based in the firm’s Century City office. Mr Saltzman has extensive experience in domestic and international transactions in the entertainment and media industries. His practice focuses on innovative and complex international distribution, co-production and co-financing transactions, as well as cross-border transactions involving the creation, production, financing and/or exploitation of content.

Best fiscal year yet

Commenting on the LA entertainment departures, Loeb & Loeb Chairman Kenneth Florin said: 'These are well respected partners and we wish them well. Coming off our best fiscal year yet, Loeb & Loeb remains a highly successful, diversified law firm. Our global entertainment practice will continue to be a core area of focus for us.'