Alan J. Epstein
In his transactions practice, clients in leading production, technology, Internet, and digital media companies; branded merchandising and licensing businesses; investment funds; and high-level executives in public and private companies have come to rely not only on his legal counsel, but also on his strategic business advice.
He also supports prominent entertainers and professional athletes in matters that include endorsement and sponsorship deals, sweat equity partnerships, investment funds and portfolio investments, and the development and launch of consumer-facing businesses.
These services are complemented by Alan’s significant experience in domestic and international tax planning and compliance matters, including advising clients on both "inbound" planning and "outbound" transactions and activities all over the world.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Represented actor Ryan Reynolds and his marketing company, Maximum Effort Marketing, in the sale of Aviation Gin to Diageo
- Represented actor Ryan Reynolds in connection with sweat equity joint ventures, investments, and promotional service agreements with Mint Mobile and Aviation Gin
- Represented 3 Arts Entertainment in the sale of a controlling interest to Lionsgate Entertainment. Deal concluded in May 2018
- Represented a major Hollywood film and television production company in the launch of its video game division; deal was backed by a leading global Internet giant
- Represented former MGM Studios CEO Gary Barber in various employment agreements and the sale of his remaining $260 million equity stake
Insights
Credentials
Education
- J.D. UCLA School of Law 1987
- Order of the Coif
- B.B.A. University of Wisconsin 1982
Bar Admissions
- California
Professional Memberships and Activities
- Member, Advisory Board, Ziffren Center for Media, Entertainment, Technology; Sports Law, UCLA School of Law
- Member, Young Presidents' Association, Angeleno Gold
- Member, Board of Directors, Constitutional Rights Foundation
- Former committee member, Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Former committee member, Beverly Hills Bar Association
- Member, Canadian Film Industry Advisory Committee, 1999 - 2003 (negotiated various rules and regulations on behalf of the entertainment industry)
- Frequently speaks on matters pertaining to the entertainment and media industries
Recognition
- Variety
- Dealmakers Impact Report, 2018 – 2019
- Legal Impact Report, 2016 – 2020
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2014 – 2021
- Lawyer of the Year, Tax Law, 2020
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Power Lawyers, 2017 – 2019
- Top Dealmakers, 2018
- Chambers USA, Tax, California, 2015 – 2019
- Super Lawyers, Southern California, 2015 – 2020
Community
Volunteerism
- Member, Board of Directors, Alliance for Children's Rights
- Classroom mentor, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship