International law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges announced that well-known entertainment, sports, and media (ESM) lawyer David Markman has joined as a partner in the firm’s Technology & IP Transactions practice in Los Angeles.
Markman has extensive experience advising entertainment executives, traditional production companies, and new media clients on various aspects of their business. He handles entertainment transactions from project acquisition and financing to distribution and sales. Additionally, he acts as production counsel, negotiating with talent, bond companies, and banks for film and TV projects. He also represents writers, actors, directors, producers, and showrunners in the television, film, and digital media industries.
He comes to Weil from DLA Piper, where he was co-chair of their entertainment transactions practice. This hire follows Tom Ara’s move to Weil on June 4 from DLA Piper, where he joined as a partner in the U.S. Private Equity Group and leads the firm’s ESM practice. In February, ESM dealmaker Steve Argeris joined Weil from Hogan Lovells as a partner in the U.S. Private Equity Group, working from Weil’s Washington, D.C., and New York offices.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’re delighted to welcome David to the firm as we accelerate our focus on the entertainment, sports, and media transactions space. David is a top-notch practitioner who has guided some of the industry’s biggest names in headline-making deals, and he will be a perfect fit with our growing team.”
Weil Executive Partner Barry Wolf
“David brings in-depth experience advising clients in ESM transactions of all kinds, including traditional film, music and sports as well as gaming, digital media, publishing, hospitality and entertainment experiences. He will be an integral part of the buildout of our ESM capabilities.”
Michael J. Aiello, Chairman of Weil’s Corporate Department
“As we expand our presence in California, now is the ideal time for Weil to build on its traditional strength in private equity, M&A and intellectual property by adding top-notch ESM talent. David will add further depth to our dynamic platform and broaden our service offerings for ESM clients.”
Charan Sandhu, Head of Weil’s Technology & IP Transactions practice
“David brings a builder’s mindset and tremendous energy to our growing practice here in California. He will be an instant value-add to our growing roster of clients in the ESM space across the entire platform.”
Tana Ryan, Managing Partner of Weil’s Los Angeles office
“I’m thrilled to join the Firm and reunite with my former colleague Tom Ara at this exciting time. Weil’s focus on building a top-notch ESM practice that provides clients with elite, market-leading expertise is an enormous opportunity – I cannot wait to get started.”
David Markman
