On December 14, Variety recognized Paul Bernstein, Nick Jacobus, Jim Nelson, and Kristen Ruisi in its 2023 Dealmaker Impact Report. This recognition showcases how “Hollywood's dealmakers that kept showbiz on course in a year of labor strife and economic uncertainty,” according to Variety. The report features the essential players in the fields of law, finance and executive leadership in entertainment and focuses on their work shaping the most creative and influential deals of the year.
Paul Bernstein, chair of Venable’s Entertainment Transactions practice, advises clients on complex corporate matters. Paul handles joint ventures, endorsement deals, financings, mergers and acquisitions, executive employment deals, and all manner of entrepreneurial activities for actors, writers, directors, producers, musical artists, athletes, and others in the entertainment industry. He also represents several talent management companies and production companies.
Kristen Ruisi focuses on providing global trademark services, including trademark prosecution, enforcement, clearance, and counseling. Kristen's practice covers a wide range of intellectual property matters, including foreign litigation, trademark policing and enforcement strategies, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, conflict resolution, preparing cease-and-desist letters, and handling infringement matters. She counsels on social media enforcement, including takedown proceedings on multiple platforms, Internet-related matters, and domain name registration.
Jim Nelson is a corporate attorney, a co-chair of the Technology, Media, and Commercial Group, and partner-in-charge of Venable 's San Francisco office. Jim focuses on intellectual property-centered businesses that emphasize the development, production, and commercialization of IP assets. He manages a wide range of commercial contract and outsourcing engagements, in addition to his general corporate work forming and financing companies and supporting them in mergers, sales, acquisitions, and joint ventures. His clients range from startups to emerging growth and Fortune 50 companies—often located or acting globally—in financial services, technology, media, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, hospitality, and consumer products, among others.
Nick Jacobus has a broad range of experience in corporate, partnership, and individual taxation. He also has experience drafting business transaction documents, including operating agreements, asset and stock purchase agreements, and employment agreements. Mr. Jacobus was recently involved in a high-profile transaction in which a major production company acquired a vast majority of a client’s feature film library, and he continues to regularly counsel high-profile talent, production companies, and management agencies with respect to joint ventures, acquisitions, sweat equity deals, and general business operations.