On December 31, 2025, Variety recognized Paul Bernstein and Justin Behnam in its 2025 Dealmakers Report. This recognition showcases the “Power Players Behind the Year’s Seismic Showbiz Shakeups,” 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, was recognized for his leadership in advising on several high-profile deals. The Venable team “advised the principals of Untitled Entertainment and Grandview Entertainment in their sales to the Initial Group, a newly formed entertainment company backed by private equity firm TPG,” wrote Variety. “The group also repped Entertainment 360 in a strategic investment from mega-fund the Carlyle Group and former Broadway Video exec Andrew Singer in the formation of Revue Studios, an independent content studio backed by Wasserman.”
Paul Bernstein 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, comedians, and others in the entertainment industry. He also represents several talent management companies and production companies.
Justin Behnam is a corporate attorney who focuses his practice on the entertainment and media industry. Justin has a broad range of experience drafting and negotiating business transaction documents, including endorsement agreements, operating agreements, purchase agreements, equity incentive awards, and service agreements. He is a skilled legal researcher and writer who helps his team compile information related to matters and writes and edits a variety of key documents.
Click here to access the recognition.