Regularly represent the entertainment industry collectively through the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in high profile and high stakes arbitrations under the various Guild and union contracts. For example, we successfully represented two motion picture studios in an arbitration establishing the right to use clips from pre-1960 motion pictures without first bargaining with the performers appearing in the clips. The Screen Actors Guild had claimed that under the SAG theatrical and television agreements, such clips could not be used without first bargaining with the performers.

In an arbitration handled on behalf of the entertainment industry through the AMPTP, we successfully represented three major studios in an arbitration in which SAG, the WGA and the DGA asserted that the method by which those companies paid residuals on videocassettes and DVD’s sold in foreign markets through unaffiliated subdistributors understated the residuals due by a very significant amount. After prevailing in the arbitration, we were able to negotiate a settlement on behalf of the remaining studios which had over-reported by paying in the manner which the Guilds contended was correct so that they were able to recoup significant portions of their overpayments.

Represented Public Broadcasting Service, several public television stations, and producers in national labor negotiations with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, the Writers Guild of America, and the American Federation of Musicians.

Represented major motion picture and television producer in several industry-wide arbitrations with Screen Actors Guild, Writers Guild of America, Directors Guild, and IATSE.

Successfully argued before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to set aside a recent election at a major medical center due to a Union’s election misconduct. In the face of anonymous phone threats to a medical center employee, we argued that anonymous threats were more menacing than if the callers could be identified. The NLRB, in a unanimous panel decision, agreed and in a rare occurrence set aside the election.

Regularly represent clients in labor arbitrations over discharge, discipline, and contract interpretation issues among others.

Currently represent five major motion picture studios and two television networks, and acting as liaison counsel for all other network, motion picture and talent agency defendants, in a series of proposed class actions alleging that these entities discriminate against older television writers.

Successfully represented 10 major motion picture studios and TV networks in class actions alleging that hundreds of thousands of workers were not timely paid wages. Includes claims for waiting time penalties and claims under California Business & Professions Code § 17200.

Recently obtained dismissal of class action suit against a major motion picture studio that alleged race and national origin discrimination.

Provided litigation/mediation counsel to Tidewater Marine Western, Inc., in a wage and hour class action, efficiently closing a matter for our client that had been in litigation for ten years with prior counsel.

Successfully represented Warner Bros. Television Production, an independent production company and several individual writers in a high-profile, wrongful termination and harassment suit brought by a former writer’s assistant for the hit TV show "Friends." After obtaining summary judgment and an award of $415,000 in attorneys’ fees for our clients, argued the case of Lyle v. Warner Bros. Television Production before the California Supreme Court, resulting in a landmark, unanimous decision in favor of our clients.

Currently represent major studios and television networks in age discrimination claims brought by writers asserting that industry hiring practices violate the California Fair Employment Housing Act.

Currently represent four major television networks and production companies in two class actions filed by writers and other employees who worked on more than a dozen television reality shows alleging unpaid overtime and meal periods.

Regularly represent clients in single plaintiff employment discrimination, retaliation, and harassment cases in arbitration or in court.

Recently represented a large, national garment retailer in two wage and hour class actions in California.

Recently represented the world's largest bottling company in five wage and hour class actions.

Recently removed to federal court and obtained dismissal of wrongful termination action brought against producers of a hit television program.

Recently represented one of the world’s largest beer manufacturers, Anheuser-Busch, in a wage and hour class action.