Three Partners Named Among "Top 100 Lawyers in California"

Latham’s corporate and litigation prowess, as well the firm’s market leadership in entertainment, sports and media matters, were highlighted in the selection of three partners among the 2017 “Top 100 Lawyers in California” by the Daily Journal. Entertainment, Sports & Media partners Joe Calabrese and Christopher Brearton, and partner Marvin Putnam of the firm’s Litigation & Trial Practice, were honored in the annual feature highlighting legal accomplishments during the past year.

Calabrese, the Global Chair of Latham’s Entertainment, Sports & Media Practice, was recognized for advising industry-leading clients in notable cross-border transactions. His published profile noted that “the entertainment world relies now more than ever on expanding international markets.” Calabrese also was recognized for his volunteer efforts with community and charitable organizations. “Lawyers have this unique opportunity to contribute in ways beyond just paying clients,” Calabrese said. 

Brearton, the Deputy Office Managing Partner in Century City, was profiled by the profiled by the Daily Journal for “transformative deals” including strategic alliances, joint ventures and investments, mergers and acquisitions, motion picture financing and sports project development. His recent, innovative deal work “showcased a common industry goal of generating wide-ranging collaboration between digital services and networks to create content across channels.”

Putnam, Chair of the Litigation & Trial Department in Los Angeles and Century City, was noted in his profile article for “deft handling” of high-profile matters, often at the intersection of entertainment law, technology and celebrity. During the 2016 US presidential campaign, in the wake of groping allegations against candidate Donald Trump, Putnam successfully advised MGM and Mark Burnett Productions in regard to the legal and strategic demand for the release of unaired footage of “The Apprentice.” He was also cited for currently representing Beyoncé in a trio of cases regarding trademark and related issues.

Each of the partners has been named to the Daily Journal Top 100 list multiple times in the past several years.