Lisa E. Davis

She/Her/Hers

Lisa E. Davis is a partner and Co-Chair of the firm's Entertainment Group. She serves on the firm's Policy Committee and is Co-Chair of the firm's Diversity Committee. She represents businesses and celebrities in the film, television, publishing, music, theatre, and sports industries.

Ms. Davis has been ranked as a New York-area “Super Lawyer” since 2007 and was featured on the cover of Super Lawyers magazine in a piece on her career and advocacy for racial justice. She is recognized in Who's Who Legal: Telecoms Media & Entertainment 2024, by Best Lawyers in America in the 2023-2025 editions for Entertainment Law, in the 2023 and 2024 edition of Chambers USA for Media & Entertainment: Theater, by The New York Law Journal as one of only seven 2022 Diversity Initiative honorees, Crain’s New York Business on their 2023 Notable Women in Law list and 2022 Notable Diverse Leaders in Law list, The Hollywood Reporter’s Power Lawyers 2024, 2023, 2021, and 2020 list of New York's Top 20 Entertainment Attorneys, Variety’s 2020 Legal Impact Report, by City & State as one of New York’s “Responsible 100” (2019), by the Black Entertainment & Sports Lawyers Association (2019 Beacon of Industry Award), by Crain’s New York Business 2017 as a “Leading Woman Lawyer in NYC,” by The National Law Journal (“Outstanding Women Lawyers” 2015), by Savoy magazine in their “Most Influential Black Lawyers of 2015,” and in Variety’s “Power of Women New York Impact Report” (2014). Additionally, she is listed among the country’s leading media and entertainment lawyers by The Legal 500.

Ms. Davis advises on a full range of transactional matters - focusing on film (both feature and documentary), television, publishing, live stage and branded entertainment. Ms. Davis represents directors, writers and performers in film and television, as well as playwrights and bloggers. In her sports practice, she represents top athletes in their “off the field” activities, including endorsements and investments.

Prior to joining Frankfurt Kurnit, she clerked for the Honorable Constance Baker Motley in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Ms. Davis is a graduate of Harvard University (B.A., 1981) and New York University (J.D., 1985), where she was a staff member of the New York University Law Review and a Root-Tilden scholar. She is admitted to practice in New York. 

awards & recognition

Variety's 2024 Women's Impact Report: New York

Who's Who Legal: Telecoms Media & Entertainment 2024

The Hollywood Reporter's Power Lawyers 2024: New York's Top 25 Entertainment Attorneys

The Hollywood Reporter’s Power Lawyers 2023: New York's Top 25 Entertainment Attorneys

Lawyers of Color: Law Firm Diversity Professionals 2023

Chambers USA 2023-2024 (Media & Entertainment: Theater)

Crain’s New York Business: 2023 Notable Women in Law honoree

New York Law Journal 2022 Diversity Initiative honoree

Crain’s New York Business: 2022 Notable Diverse Leaders in Law honoree 

Lawyers of Color: Law Firm Leaders 2022

The Hollywood Reporter’s Power Lawyers 2021 and 2020: New York's Top 20 Entertainment Attorneys

Listed among the country’s leading media and entertainment lawyers by The Legal 500

Black Entertainment & Sports Lawyers Association - 2019 Beacon of Industry Award 

City & State - 2019 “Responsible 100” Award

Best Lawyers in America - Entertainment Law and Theater Law

Crain's New York Business - "Leading Woman Lawyer in NYC" 

National Law Journal - Outstanding Women Lawyers

Super Lawyers - Entertainment & Sports and Intellectual Property

Savoy Magazine - Most Influential Black Lawyers of 2015 

Variety's Legal Impact Report

Variety's Power of Women New York Impact List

"America's Top Black Lawyers" and "Top 50 Black Power Brokers in Entertainment" by Black Enterprise magazine

Featured in "Attorneys at the Top" and "25 Influential Black Women in Business" in The Network Journal

"Woman of Power Award" from the National Urban League

Jacob K. Javits Achievement Award

education

New York University School of Law (J.D.)

Harvard University (B.A.)

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

Past Speaking Engagements

Sports and Entertainment Trends in 2024

Lisa E. Davis is a panelist for the session, "Sports & Entertainment Trends in 2024" at the Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC) 20th Anniversary Career Strategies Conference.

October 2 2024

Hitmakers Symposium

Lisa E. Davis is a panelist during the Hitmakers' Symposium, hosted by Harvard Law School and sponsored by Harvard Law School’s Recording Artists Project. Details here.

March 30 2024

CCWC - Nineteenth Annual Career Strategies Conference

Lisa E. Davis speaks on a panel entitled, “Sports, Entertainment and Media Trends 2023,” with panelists from Apple+, Amazon, and Endeavor at the Corporate Counsel Women of Color’s Career Strategies Conference in Maryland. Details here.

September 27 2023

DOC NYC | Warhol Foundation vs. Goldsmith: A New Test for “Fair Use” By Filmmakers?

Lisa E Davis, Caren Decter, and Melissa Georges present, "Warhol Foundation vs. Goldsmith: A New Test for 'Fair Use' By Filmmakers?" during DOC NYC's Funding Day.

November 10 2022

CultureCon 2022

Lisa E. Davis is on the panel, “Protect Your Passions: Legal Advice for Creatives” during CultureCon in NYC.

October 8 2022

JIPEL’s The Return of Broadway in the Age of Coronavirus

Lisa E. Davis and Mark Merriman are speakers during the session, "Profits vs Access: Intellectual Property Rights Issues in Broadway" at NYU's Journal of Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law’s annual symposium. Read more.

March 25 2022

UConn Law’s BLSA

Lisa E. Davis is the guest speaker at UConn Law's Black Law Students Association (BLSA).

February 10 2021

Theatre Producers of Color: Authors and Option Agreements

Lisa E. Davis is the guest speaker during the Theatre Producers of Color, "Authors and Option Agreements" program.

February 8 2021

Mondo.NYC 2020

Lisa E. Davis moderates "Pivoting from Live to Virtual: Navigating the Legal Challenges" during the Mondo.NYC 2020 CLE Program: Business as Unusual.

October 16 2020

WIF Black Member Forum: Entertainment Law 411

Lisa E. Davis speaks on the “Entertainment Law 411” panel during the Women in Film’s Black Member Forum.

October 13 2020

BLACK GIRLS LEAD 2020

Lisa E. Davis participates on the panel "Boss Up: Becoming Business Minded" at the BLACK GIRLS LEAD 2020 virtual conference.

August 1 2020

COVID-19 & the Entertainment Business: Survival Tips for Creatives (Part II)

Lisa E. Davis and Marcie Cleary speak during the Diverse Representation webinar "COVID-19 & the Entertainment Business: Survival Tips for Creatives (Part II)" focusing on questions from creatives about the current production landscape. Register here.

April 29 2020

COVID-19 & The Entertainment Business: Survival Tips for Creatives

Lisa E. Davis and Marcie Cleary speak during the Diverse Representation webinar "COVID-19 & The Entertainment Business: Survival Tips for Creatives."

April 14 2020

Lisa E. Davis at Howard University Law School

Lisa E. Davis speaks during a panel at the Bridge Lab screening and Lab event at Howard University Law School. 

February 26 2020

Werk It! Women’s Podcast Festival

Lisa E. Davis presents "What to Expect When You're Expecting to be Famous" at the Werk It! Women's Podcast Festival in Los Angeles, CA.

October 3 2019

Eliminating Bias and Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Women of Color

Lisa E. Davis presents "Beyond Mentoring: Eliminating Bias and Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Women of Color" during a panel at the New York City Bar Association. More information here. 

June 24 2019

American Black Film Festival

Lisa E. Davis, Marcie Cleary and Sean Jefferson present “Making the Deal – Knowing What Matters” during a master class at the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach.

June 15 2019

Black Entertainers & Sports Lawyers Association Mid-Year Conference

Lisa E. Davis is a panelist on “Rainmaking: How to Create an Effective Business Development Strategy” during the BESLA Mid-Year Conference.

April 15 2019

Lisa E. Davis at Blackhouse Foundation’s Pre-Sundance Reception

Lisa E. Davis is one of the hosts for the Blackhouse Foundation pre-Sundance reception at the Writers Guild of America headquarters. 

January 9 2019

Lisa E. Davis at Jazz Congress 2019

Lisa E. Davis moderates the “Copyright and Licensing: Rules of the Road” panel during Jazz Congress at Lincoln Center.

January 8 2019

Women’s Impact Network / Producers Guild of America

Lisa E. Davis speaks during a roundtable discussion on “Get More When Negotiating - Above and Below the Line” at the Women's Impact Network / Producers Guild of America event at Light Iron. 

November 15 2018

#MeToo and the Entertainment Business

Lisa E. Davis moderates #MeToo and the Entertainment Business, a Gotham Media Breakfast Panel, at our New York office.

November 2 2018

Corporate Counsel Women of Color 14th Annual Career Strategies Conference

Lisa E. Davis presents "Women of Color Partners: 10 Business Development Strategies to Help You Build a Viable Book of Business" at the CCWC (Corporate Counsel Women of Color) 14th Annual Career Strategies Conference at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

October 10 2018

Handle Your Entertainment Business

Lisa E. Davis and Hayden Goldblatt present "Handle Your Entertainment Business" during the March on Washington Film Festival in Washington DC. More information can be found here. 

July 13 2018

Council of Urban Professionals Fellows Alumni Event

Lisa E. Davis will be the keynote speaker this Thursday at the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) Fellows Alumni Event at the Bank of America Tower.

November 30 2017

Race, Inequality and the Legal Profession

Lisa E. Davis speaks on the panel, “Race, Inequality and the Legal Profession: A Public Conversation on Private Practice” at NYU School of Law. More information can be found here. 

October 12 2017

World of Money 2017

Lisa E. Davis presents at the youth financial education program, “World of Money,” on Monday, July 17th at the Beacon School. 

July 17 2017

Odyssey’s Writer’s Bootcamp 2017

Lisa E. Davis participates in Odyssey’s Writer’s Bootcamp in Charleston, SC on July 12th – 14th.

July 12 2017

Alumni of the Black Law Students Association

Lisa E. Davis presents the keynote presentation and will receive a notable recognition award at the Alumni of the Black Law Students Association event at the New York Law School.

March 17 2017

Lisa Davis at the Council of Urban Professionals 7th Annual Lawyers Forum

Lisa E. Davis speaks at the Council of Urban Professionals 7th Annual Lawyers Forum. For more information, please click here.

November 1 2016

Transition from the Cockpit to the Next Step

Lisa E. Davis moderates a panel at the TRAC Conference (the association of NASCAR  counsel) in Charlotte, North Carolina. The panel is titled “Transition from the Cockpit to the Next Step.”

April 13 2016

Odyssey Writer’s Boot Camp

Lisa E. Davis speaks on a panel at the Odyssey Writer’s Boot Camp sponsored by Comcast/NBCUni in Baltimore, Maryland

February 24 2016

Corporate Counsel Women of Color 11th Annual Career Strategies Conference

Lisa E. Davis speaks on two panels at the annual CCWC Career Strategies Conference in Atlanta. She speaks on, "What Every In House Counsel Needs to Know about Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks" and "Avoiding Intellectual Property Liability in Advertising."

September 23 2015

Entertainment and Sports Lawyering in the Age of New Media

Lisa E. Davis moderates the panel, "Entertainment and Sports Lawyering in the Age of New Media" at the Black Entertainment Sports Lawyers Association Mid Year Conference at Fordham University Law School beginning at 10:30AM.

May 1 2015

Tribeca Film Institute All Access Lecture Series

Lisa E. Davis speaks on current topics in the online distribution of independent film at Cardozo School of Law.

February 4 2015

NAMIC’s 28th Annual Conference

Lisa E. Davis moderates the Run for Cover! session at NAMIC's Annual Conference.

September 16 2014

Hollywood Creative East Forum

Lisa E. Davis moderates a panel at the Hollywood Creative East Forum, an event sponsored by the Walter Kaitz Foundation in partnership with the American Black Film Festival.

June 19 2014

NFL Hollywood Boot Camp

Lisa E. Davis participates in a film finance panel at the NFL Hollywood Boot Camp in Los Angeles.

March 14 2013

All’s Not Fair: Copyright and Fair Use - What Constitutes Protected Parody

Lisa E. Davis and Melissa Georges host the CLE program "All's Not Fair: Copyright and Fair Use".

February 5 2013

IP Alchemy: Monetizing Stale Copyright and Trademark Portfolios

Lisa E. Davis presents "Alchemy: Monetizing Stale Copyright and Trademark Portfolios to Spawn Fresh Revenue Streams" at the MCCA CLE Expo in Chicago.

March 17 2011

Gotham Media Breakfast 2011

Frankfurt Kurnit hosts the annual Gotham Media 2011 Forecast Breakfast. Lisa E. Davis moderates a panel that includes Jim Gaines, the former publisher of Life magazine, Paul Kontonis of The Third Act (Digitas), Andrew Morse of ABC News, and others.

December 3 2010

Lisa E. Davis Presents at the Tribeca Film Festival

Lisa E. Davis presents on film finance at the Tribeca Film Festival.

April 22 2010

Lisa E. Davis attends the Council of Urban of Professionals Media & Entertainment Forum in New York

Lisa E. Davis attends the Council of Urban of Professionals Media & Entertainment Forum in New York. Lisa is on the Forum Host Committee.

news & press

Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to New York Metro Super Lawyers List for 2024

Super Lawyers magazine lists 42 attorneys in its 2024 edition. Read more.

THR’s Power Lawyers 2024: New York’s Top 25 Entertainment Attorneys

The Hollywood Reporter includes Marcie Cleary, Lisa E. Davis, and Michael Williams in its "Power Lawyers" list of the top 25 entertainment attorneys in New York for 2024.

The Best Lawyers in America 2025

Best Lawyers in America recognizes 48 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in the 2025 edition. Read more.

Frankfurt Kurnit in The Legal 500 2024

The Legal 500 praises four of our practice groups in 2024: Advertising & Marketing, Media & Entertainment, Advertising & Marketing (Litigation), and Cyber Law (Data Privacy & Data Protection). The London-based directory spotlighted thirty of our attorneys individually. Read more.

Frankfurt Kurnit in Chambers USA 2024

For the 20th consecutive year, Chambers and Partners include Frankfurt Kurnit practice groups & attorneys. The 2024 USA guide praises our Advertising, Entertainment, Intellectual Property, and Data Strategy, Privacy & Security practices. In addition,16 of our attorneys are ranked individually. Read more.

Recipes for Success: Top Three Considerations for Chefs in the Entertainment Industry

Chefs are expanding their expertise beyond the kitchen to reach wider audiences and explore opportunities in the entertainment industry. As chefs seek to leverage their culinary skills and their personal brand in new ventures, such as television shows, cookbooks, and product lines, this transition comes with its own set of challenges. In this second installment of the Frankfurt Kurnit Hospitality Law Newsletter, we'll discuss the top three considerations chefs should keep in mind as they navigate their success in the spotlight and showcase their talents on a broader stage. Read more.

Variety’s 2024 Women’s Impact Report: New York

Variety includes Marcie Cleary and Lisa E. Davis in its 2024 "Women's Impact Report: New York" list. View Article

THR’s Power Lawyers 2023: New York’s Top 25 Entertainment Attorneys

The Hollywood Reporter includes Marcie Cleary, Lisa E. Davis, and Michael Williams in its Power Lawyers list of the top 25 entertainment attorneys in New York for 2023. View Article

39 Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2023

Super Lawyers magazine lists 39 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2023 NY-metro edition. Read more.

The Best Lawyers in America 2024

Best Lawyers in America recognizes 44 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in the 2024 edition. Read more.

Lawyers of Color: Law Firm Diversity Professionals

Lawyers of Color included Lisa E. Davis, Khasim Lockhart, Terri Seligman, and Wendy Stryker as 2023 Law Firm Diversity Professionals. Law Firm Diversity Professionals is a comprehensive directory of diversity legal professionals and law firm BIPOC affinity group chairs/co-chairs. Diversity professionals recognized may be of any race or ethnic background. View Article

Crain’s New York Business: 2023 Notable Women in Law

Crain’s New York Business includes entertainment partners Victoria Cook and Lisa E. Davis on their 2023 Notable Women in Law list. Read more.

Frankfurt Kurnit in The Legal 500 2023

The Legal 500 once again praises Frankfurt Kurnit practice groups and attorneys in the 2023 edition of their United States guide. Read more.

Frankfurt Kurnit in Chambers USA 2023

For the 19th consecutive year, Chambers and Partners includes Frankfurt Kurnit practice groups & attorneys. The 2023 USA guide praises our Advertising, Entertainment, Intellectual Property, and Privacy & Data Security practices. In addition,15 of our attorneys are ranked individually. Read more.

Efforts to Erase African-American History is a Frontal Assault on Democracy

Lisa E. Davis wrote the opinion piece, "Efforts to erase African-American history is a frontal assault on democracy" published in NJ.com. Read more.

Lawyers of Color: Law Firm Leaders 2022

Lawyers of Color included Lisa E. Davis and Larry Welch as Law Firm Leaders. Law Firm Leaders is a comprehensive directory of minority law firm leaders who are either managing partners, executive committee members, or practice group heads. View Article

Diversity Initiative: Lisa Davis and Terri Seligman

The New York Law Journal speaks with Lisa E. Davis and Terri Seligman on the challenges, inspirations, and their proudest accomplishments related to diversity and inclusion in law. View Article

The Best Lawyers in America 2023

We are pleased to report that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer reviewed lawyer recommendation services — continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.

New York Law Journal Announces Its 2022 Diversity Initiative Winners

The New York Law Journal includes Lisa E. Davis and Terri Seligman as two of only seven Diversity Initiative honorees for their contributions to progressing diversity and inclusion efforts in New York’s legal community. Read more.

Why Some Legal Chiefs Undersell Themselves During Pay Negotiations

Law.com quotes Lisa E. Davis on the influence of gender and race when legal chiefs negotiate their pay with employers. Read more.

Crain’s New York Business: 2022 Notable Diverse Leaders in Law

Crain’s New York Business includes Lisa E. Davis and Terri Seligman on the 2022 Notable Diverse Leaders in Law list. Read more.

More Than 2,000 Women Partners Issue Call to Action Post-‘Dobbs’

Partners Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Caren Decter, Catherine Farrelly, Julie Murray, Amy Nickin, Terri Seligman, Hannah Taylor, and Linda Wank signed a letter, and call to action, in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. (Behind paywall) View Article

Frankfurt Kurnit in The Legal 500 2022

The Legal 500 once again praises Frankfurt Kurnit practice groups and attorneys in the 2022 edition of their United States guide. Read more.

Hottest Firms and Stories on Law360: May 2022

Lisa E. Davis and Khasim Lockhart's article, "A Look at the Legal Profession Since Murder of George Floyd" is included in Law360's roundup of the stories that generated the most buzz over the past week. View Article

A Look at the Legal Profession Since Murder of George Floyd

Law360 published Lisa E. Davis and Khasim Lockhart’s expert analysis article, “A Look at the Legal Profession Since Murder of George Floyd.” Read more.

Southern Fried Filmworks Options Interior Designer Sheila Bridges’ Memoir, “The Bald Mermaid”

Deadline mentions Lisa E. Davis as counsel to interior designer Sheila Bridges. View Article

What’s Going on – 3/24

Our Time Press includes Lisa E. Davis for her Super Lawyers magazine cover and article that appeared in the New York Times about her battle for inclusion in entertainment and law in their Arts/Entertainment coverage section. View Article

THR Power Lawyers 2021: New York’s Top 20 Entertainment Attorneys

The Hollywood Reporter includes Marcie Cleary and Lisa E. Davis in its Power Lawyers list of the top 20 entertainment attorneys in New York for 2021. View Article

Global Platform Encantos Teams with Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas for New Kids’ Content

Animation Magazine mentions Lisa E. Davis as counsel to Encantos, the global platform bringing purpose-driven entertainment to children, announced megastar Eugenio Derbez and his 3Pas Studios will join forces to develop new children’s entertainment aiming to ignite critical thinking and creative problem solving skills. View Article

‘We Need to Tell Other Stories’

Super Lawyers magazine features Lisa E. Davis in an article about her career as an entertainment lawyer and her advocacy for racial justice. View Article

Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2021

The list includes: Christopher R. Chase, Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Caren Decter, Catherine M.C. Farrelly, Michael P. Frankfurt, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, John B. Harris, Richard B. Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Candice Kersh, Rick Kurnit, Brian E. Maas, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Mark Merriman, Ronald C. Minkoff, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Thomas D. Selz, Barbara E. Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, and Maura Wogan. Marcie Cleary, Christina Jenkins, Sasha Levites, Tyler Maulsby, and Adam Osterweil are listed as “Rising Stars.” Read more.

The Best Lawyers in America 2022

We are pleased to report that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer reviewed lawyer recommendation services — continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.

Frankfurt Kurnit in The Legal 500 2021

The Legal 500 praises three of our practice groups: Advertising & Marketing; Entertainment; and Privacy & Data Security. The London-based directory spotlighted fifteen of our attorneys individually: Lisa E. Davis, Daniel Goldberg, Richard Heller, Andrew Hurwitz, Candice Kersh, and Michael Williams. Julie Murray is listed as a “Next Generation Partner” in Entertainment. Christopher R. Chase, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, Brian G. Murphy and Terri Seligman are listed as “Leading Lawyers” in Advertising. Dorian Slater Thomas and Matthew Vittone are listed as a “Rising Stars” in Advertising. Rick Kurnit is in the “Hall of Fame” for Advertising.

How American Stages Should Look in the Future, According to a Cohort of Emerging BIPOC Producers

Playbill mentions Lisa E. Davis as one of the speakers during the Theatre Producers of Color inaugural Producing 101 course. View Article

Book Deals: Nat Geo Travels with Nabongo

Publishers Weekly mentions Lisa E. Davis as counsel to Jessica Nabongo. View Article

Paul Hastings Boosts Entertainment Group as Industry Faces ‘Transformation’   

Reuters quotes Lisa E. Davis on the continued development of content during the pandemic. View Article

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Strike Gold In Hollywood

Daily Beast quotes Lisa E. Davis on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent entertainment deals. View Article

Power Lawyers 2020: New York’s Top 20 Entertainment Attorneys

The Hollywood Reporter includes Lisa E. Davis and Michael Williams in its Power Lawyers list of the top entertainment attorneys in New York. View Article

Newly Formed Theatre Producers of Color Group Sets Tuition-Free Mentorship Program

Deadline mentions Lisa E. Davis as a guest speaker during “Producers 101,” the first educational program from the newly formed Theatre Producers of Color organization. View Article

Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2020

The list includes: Christopher R. Chase, Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Catherine M.C. Farrelly, Michael P. Frankfurt, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, John B. Harris, Richard B. Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Candice Kersh, Rick Kurnit, Brian E. Maas, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Mark Merriman, Ronald C. Minkoff, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Thomas D. Selz, Barbara E. Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, and Maura Wogan. Marcie Cleary, Christina Jenkins, Sasha Levites, Tyler Maulsby, Adam Osterweil and Rachel Santori are listed as “Rising Stars.” Read more.

Film and TV Industry Grapples with Financial Constraints, Health Guidelines Spurred by Pandemic

Crain’s New York Business quotes Lisa E. Davis on added costs to movie and television productions due to new COVID safety requirements on set. (Behind paywall) View Article

Major Studios and Guilds Forge New COVID-19 Production Safety Agreement

As production begins to restart in an ever changing COVID-19 landscape, The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and other major studios announced an important deal with the DGA, IATSE, Teamsters, Basic Crafts, and SAG-AFTRA -- meant to ensure the safety and security of their members during the upcoming months. Read more.

The Best Lawyers in America 2021

We are pleased to report that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer reviewed lawyer recommendation services —  continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.

HBO Inks First-Look Deal With SVP Talent Development Kelly Edwards

The Hollywood Reporter mentions Lisa E. Davis as counsel to Kelly Edwards. Ms. Edwards will transition from her executive role to focus solely on writing and producing content for HBO, HBOMax and Turner. View Article

HBO to Adapt Ta-Nehisi Coates’ ‘Between the World and Me’ as Event Special

Deadline mentions Lisa E. Davis as counsel to Kamilah Forbes who is set to direct the television adaption of “Between the World and Me” for HBO. View Article

New York City Reopens for Film and Television Production

On July 17, 2020 NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that, with the City entering Phase Four of Reopening on Monday July 20th, 2020, film and television production in the City can restart again in earnest. Read more.

Variety’s 2020 Legal Impact Report

Variety’s 2020 Legal Impact Report includes Marcie Cleary, Lisa E. Davis, and Deborah Wolfe for their work in the podcast space. The list includes legal professionals who made the biggest deals for entertainment industry clients in the past year. View Article

Los Angeles County Authorizes Television, Film, and Music Production Resume on June 12, 2020 With Strict Regulations

On June 11, Los Angeles County approved a staged resumption of film and TV production beginning June 12, 2020. However, it comes with extensive regulations. Read more.

California Will Permit Television, Film, and Music Production to Resume on June 12, 2020 Subject to County Public Health Approvals

As several production-heavy states announce the easing of stay-at-home orders and restrictions, the question of how to restart entertainment production in a safe manner has become paramount. Read more.

Production During the Pandemic

Shoot Online features Lisa E. Davis and Marcie Cleary's blog post “The Show Must Go On: Production During the Pandemic." View Article

Federal Bill Would Increase Availability of Key Insurance Coverages

As states begin to gradually reopen and networks held virtual upfronts, the entertainment industry is contemplating both when and how production will be able to resume. Studio executives, union representatives and epidemiologists are meeting to develop new protocols that will permit production to restart safely. Read more.

“Packaging Fees” Dispute: Court Permits Certain Writer Claims to Proceed

Film and television creatives and executives have been closely watching William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC vs. Writers Guild of America, West, Inc., a battle between talent agencies and writers over agency “packaging fees.” Resolution of the dispute will have a large impact on how writers, creators, and agents get paid. Recently, a federal judge issued an important ruling on the WGA and individual writers’ claims -- allowing certain claims to proceed. Read more.

The Show Must Go On: Production During the Pandemic

From pitch meetings to development and production, COVID-19 has changed the way creatives and their representatives do business. Read more.

Encantos Launches New Fellowship Program to Discover the Next Generation of Underrepresented Talent

StreetInsider.com mentions Lisa E. Davis as one of the mentors in the Encantos Fellowship program. View Article

Super Lawyers - New York Metro Top Women for 2020

The New York Times distributed the Super Lawyers list of the New York Metro Area's Top Women for 2020. Fourteen Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys made the list: Wendy Stryker (Employment Law), Victoria Cook, Lisa Davis & Jean Ward (Entertainment Law), Barbara Shiers (Estate Planning & Probate), Catherine Farrelly (Intellectual Property), Kim Maynard & Maura Wogan (Intellectual Property Litigation) Candice Kersh & Terri Seligman (Media and Advertising). Marcie Cleary & Sasha Levites (Entertainment Law), and Rachel Santori (Intellectual Property Law) are listed as "Rising Stars."

Unbossed Podcast

Lisa E. Davis is featured on the Essence “Unbossed” podcast. She discusses her career journey, the importance of protecting intellectual property and our firm. Listen to the podcast here. 

Thirty Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers Metro List for 2019

Super Lawyers magazine lists thirty Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2019 NY-area edition. Read more.

Judging A Book: Castillo Reviews ‘Raising The Bar’

A Law360 book review by a federal judge mentions Lisa E. Davis. Lisa is featured in the book “Raising the Bar: Diversifying Big Law – A Conversation with Four Partners of Color at Leading Law Firms.” (Behind paywall) View Article

American Black Film Festival Features Events in South Beach

Local10.com mentions Lisa E. Davis, Marcie Cleary and Sean Jefferson’s master class “Making the Deal – Knowing What Matters” in its coverage of American Black Film festival in Miami. View Article

What Will Happen to Jussie Smollett?

Lisa E. Davis appeared on Fox 5’s Good Day NY to discuss the Jussie Smollett case. View the video here.

Thirty-two Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named in Super Lawyers Magazine for 2018

Super Lawyers magazine lists thirty-two Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2018 edition. Read more.

The Best Lawyers in America 2019

We are pleased to report that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer reviewed lawyer recommendation services — continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.

Black Enterprise Covers the American Black Film Festival 2018

Black Enterprise includes Lisa E. Davis in its coverage of the American Black Film Festival in Miami. Ms. Davis spoke about protecting intellectual property and executing talent contracts during the "Business of Entertainment Seminar: Unlocking the Mystery of Deal Points." View Article

The Lawyer’s Oath and the Rule of Law

The New York State Bar Journal published Lisa E. Davis’ article “The Lawyer’s Oath and the Rule of Law”. The article focuses on the role of attorneys in defending the rule of law and individual constitutional rights in the current political climate. View Article

The Best Women Lawyers In New York City (2018)

Above the Law mentioned Victoria Cook and Lisa E. Davis in their coverage of the Crain’s New York list of top 100 women lawyers in New York City. View Article

Leading Women Lawyers in NYC

Crain’s New York Business included Victoria Cook and Lisa E. Davis in its 2018 inaugural list of Leading Women Lawyers in New York City. The honor is in recognition of their influence in the New York City business community. View Article

The Best Lawyers in America 2018

Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" ranked Frankfurt Kurnit nationally in "Tier 1" in Advertising, Copyright, Entertainment - Motion Pictures and Television, and Trademark Law, "Tier 2" in Litigation - Intellectual Property, Media Law, and Trusts & Estates Law, and "Tier 3" in Commercial Litigation and Regulatory Read more.

Lisa E. Davis in Local Girl Gang

Hannah Magazine’s Summer 2017 issue features Lisa E. Davis and her supportive group of women friends, dubbed the “Bad MamaJamas.”  The article quotes Lisa: “From the Black Women’s Club Movement led by women such as Dorothy Height, who organized to advance the needs of the entire Black community to the Black sororities, the history of Black women is one of us using sisterhood to support one another and address the needs of our community.” For more information, or to order a copy of the magazine, click here. 

June/July Sports Industry News

Here's what's happening at the intersection of sports, marketing, and entertainment law. Read more.

‘Politically Charged Environment’ Fuels Discussion at City Bar Diversity Conference

The New York Law Journal quotes Lisa E. Davis, who attended the New York City Bar Association's third annual Diversity and Inclusion Conference. (Link behind a paywall.) View Article

Amanda Seales Upped To Regular On HBO’s Insecure

Deadline Hollywood mentioned Lisa E. Davis as attorney for Amanda Seales in her HBO and TruTV deals. View Article

Shondaland To Develop Luvvie Ajayi’s Book “I’m Judging You” As Cable Series

Deadline features the news that Luvvie Ajayi’s debut book, I’m Judging You: The Do Better Manual, will be developed as a cable comedy series by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers’ Shondaland, along with ABC Signature Studios.

Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2016

Super Lawyers listed thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2016 edition. Read more.

CNN Films to Air Updated “9/11″

Lisa E. Davis is mentioned in the Real Screen article, "CNN Films to air updated “9/11″. View Article

The Best Lawyers in America 2017

In its 2017 edition, Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" ranked Frankfurt Kurnit nationally in "Tier 1" in Advertising, Copyright, Entertainment - Motion Pictures and Television, and Trademark Law, "Tier 2" in Litigation - Intellectual Property, Media Law, and Trusts & Estates Law, and "Tier 3" in Commercial Litigation and Regulatory Enforcement Litigation. Read more.

Variety’s Legal Impact Report for 2016

Lisa E. Davis, Sean F. Kane,  and Andrew P. Hurwitz were listed in Variety's Legal Impact Report for 2016. View Article

How Dumb Is It, Legally, for a Celebrity to Tweet While in the Middle of a Lawsuit?

Lisa E. Davis is quoted in the Jezebel article, "How Dumb Is It, Legally, for a Celebrity to Tweet While in the Middle of a Lawsuit?". View Article

LA Judge Halts Sale of Disjoined Tavern Mural

Lisa E. Davis is quoted in the Los Angeles Daily Journal article "LA Judge Halts Sale of Disjoined Tavern Mural". View Article

Thirty-three Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2015

Super Lawyers listed thirty-three Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2015 edition. Read more.

The Best Lawyers in America 2016

Best Lawyers recognized our firm and 17 of our attorneys in their 2016 list. Read more.

Lisa E. Davis in the National Law Journal

The National Law Journal listed Lisa E. Davis as one of the 75 most accomplished female attorneys working in the legal profession today. Read more.

Thirty-one Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2014

Super Lawyers listed thirty-one Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2014 edition. Read more.

Savoy Magazine Recognizes Lisa E. Davis

The current issue of Savoy features Lisa E. Davis in the 2015 Most Influential Black Lawyers list.  It is the definitive listing of African American executives, influencers and achievers impacting corporate America. View Article

Public Enemy’s Former Lawyer Talks Cultural Appropriation and Copyrights in Hip-Hop

Vice interviewed Lisa Davis on "cultural appropriation and copyrights in hip-hop". View Article

NAMIC Previews Speaker Line-Up For 28th Annual Conference

Entertainment Newsweekly mentioned Lisa E. Davis in its report on the announced speaker line-up for The National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communication's (NAMIC) 28th Annual Conference.

Best Lawyers 2015

Best Lawyers recognized our firm and 16 of our attorneys in their 2015 list.  Read more.

Production Tax Incentives for Documentary Films

State production tax incentives have become an increasingly important part of any financing plan for feature length fiction films. But what about documentary films? Read more.

Lisa Davis’ Legal Advice Helps Creatives Leap Off the Page - And Find the Money

Biz Women interviewed Lisa Davis about advising creative clients on legal issues. View Article

New York Women’s Impact List

Variety honored Lisa E. Davis in its first-ever "New York Women's Impact List". View Article

Frankfurt Kurnit in “Best Lawyers 2014”

In its 2014 edition Best Lawyers ranked Frankfurt Kurnit in "Tier 1" in Advertising, Copyright, Entertainment, Trademark, and Trust & Estates Law, "Tier 2" in Litigation (IP) and Media Law, and "Tier 3" in Commercial Litigation and Regulatory Enforcement Litigation. Read more.

Twenty-seven Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2013

Super Lawyers listed twenty-seven Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2013 edition. In addition Super Lawyers recognized Terri Seligman in its "Top 50 New York Women Lawyers List". Read more.

Lisa Davis in Mother Knows Best: 9 Successful Women Reveal the Best Career Advice They Got from Mom

Madame Noire featured Lisa E. Davis in an article highlighting nine successful women and the women who were key in shaping them.

Nine Frankfurt Kurnit Women Honored As “Super Lawyers”

Nine Frankfurt Kurnit women appeared in The New York Times Magazine’s women "Super Lawyers" list for 2012. The list appeared on December 30th in a special section devoted to women attorneys in the New York metropolitan area. Read more.

Frankfurt Kurnit Top Ranked in Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms for 2013

Best Lawyers ranked Frankfurt Kurnit one of the "Best Law Firms" of 2013. Read more.

Twenty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named 2012 NY-Area “Super Lawyers”

Super Lawyers listed twenty-four Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2012 edition. Read more.

Can You Recapture Valuable Grants of Rights?

If you are an author, musician, artist, or other creator of intellectual property (or the heir to such a person), it’s a good time to learn whether you are taking full advantage of your ability to "recapture" certain grants of rights made years ago. While everyone’s business deals are different, we urge you to consider the quick summary below: you may have untapped sources of valuable intellectual property. Read more.

Seventeen Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named 2011 New York-Area “Super Lawyers”

Super Lawyers named seventeen Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2011 edition. Read more.

Lisa E. Davis to Receive Women of Power Award

The Natonal Urban League awarded Lisa E. Davis the "Women of Power Award" at its 2011 conference. Read more.

Frankfurt Kurnit in the Network Journal Magazine

The Network Journal featured Lisa E. Davis on the cover of its "Attorneys at the Top" issue. Read more.

Lisa Davis Quoted in New York Law Journal

The New York Law Journal quoted Lisa E. Davis on social networking efforts in the legal field.