Akin stands out for its expertise in media and entertainment financings. The firm’s media, entertainment and sports practice mainly advises corporate clientele such as banks, private equity funds and investment banks. Matters include structuring complex finance, M&As and joint ventures. The Los Angeles-based team is led by Chris Spicer who is well-versed in handling deals between movie production companies and financial institutions. Marissa Román Griffith centers her practice on advising financiers, borrower and distributors on production, financing and distribution of film, TV and digital content. Deals made between independent movie production companies and financial institutions are handled by Alissa Miller. Vanessa Roman is also key to handling credit facilities and single-project loans in the entertainment industry. Lauren Epstein advises on financing and equity issues in TV, digital and film transactions for financial institutions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A rare mix of deep legal experience with a business-oriented approach to negotiation. ’
‘I worked extensively with Chris Spicer, Alissa Miller, Rebecca Pottash, and Elyssa Pak. They were universally responsive, engaged, and helpful. ’
Key clients
- 5s Global LLC
- American Film Institute
- Bank of America, N.A.
- California Bank & Trust
- City National Bank
- Comerica Bank
- Content Partners
- East West Bank
- Fifth Third Bank
- HPS Investment Partners, LLC
Work highlights
Advised a modern global investment company reinventing how artists monetize their content in its $100m Series A preferred equity investment in a media and technology company.
Represented CAT5 in its initial project, Black Bear’s Levon’s Trade.
Advised HarbourView Equity Partners on its investment in Mucho Mas Media and in the financing of its motion pictures Rosario and The Long Game.
Lawyers
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Lauren Epstein
Practice head
Chris Spicer
Other key lawyers
Marissa Román Griffith; Vanessa Roman; Alissa Miller; Rebecca Pottash; Elyssa Pak; Lauren Epstein