DLA Piper LLP (US) is well known for its advertising and marketing practice, specifically relating to its work in structuring and negotiating global sports, entertainment, and digital marketing deals. The firm’s experience in branded entertainment and esports initiatives is central to supporting its predominantly sport and sport-sponsorship client base. Additionally, the group is involved in emerging areas such as NFTs and the Metaverse. Benjamin Mulcahy, based in Los Angeles, and Gina Durham, based in San Francisco, co-chair the team. Mulcahey is recognized for his focus on sports media, sports marketing, and entertainment marketing deals for global corporations. He is active in the intersections of entertainment, sports, and advertising, often representing clients in matters regarding rights and sponsorship deals. Associate James Stewart, based in Washington DC, is a valuable member of the team, specializing in celebrity endorsements, student-athlete and influencer agreements, and sports and event sponsorship agreements. He also has expertise in IP issues and contractual rights.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘DLA always puts together the right team for the matter at hand.’

  • ‘I have confidence in the DLA team having the right skill set.’

  • 'This team has relentlessly pursued the best deals for their clients.'

  • 'DLA Piper deftly handles matters.'

  • 'The firm's global platform provides a great advantage when we require expertise across different jurisdictions.'

  • 'Extremely well versed in the multidisciplinary minutiae under advertising law.'

Key clients

  • Sazerac
  • Victor Wembanyama
  • Blue Diamond Growers
  • Ace Hardware
  • Venetian Las Vegas Gaming
  • Austin FC
  • Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
  • Vindex
  • Fox Corporation
  • Deloitte

Work highlights

  • Represented a technology company in its sponsorship agreement with Manchester United Football Club.
  • Represented a football club in its Stadium Naming Rights Agreement with Bank of Montreal.
  • Represented Sazerac in its Agreement with country music star Chris Stapleton to create and market the new “Traveller” American Whiskey brand.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Benjamin Mulcahy, Gina Durham

Other key lawyers

James Stewart