Empathy. Intuition. Warmth. Charisma. Not words one normally associates with a successful entertainment attorney – but Leon Gladstone has them all in abundant supply. In fact, it may well be those very qualities, in addition to his formidable legal expertise, that contributed decisively to wins in a number of high-profile cases, including the recent victory representing Britney Spears’ family against plaintiff Sam Lutfi. This case was just cited as one of Hollywood’s Top 10 Legal Dramas of 2012 by The Hollywood Reporter.
“It all comes down to the interpersonal dynamics at play. You have to grasp the emotional essence of the conflict. In the Spears case, I saw the situation not only as an attorney, but as a father,” he explains, adding, “and it’s in a father’s nature to fight for his child’s life; whether they’re famous or not, it’s his instinct.”
These and other valuable insights are among those Leon shares in his articulate and absorbing style, in media interviews as well as guest speaking engagements. Not only do listeners come away with a greater understanding of these cases that captivate the public’s interest, they may well deepen their awareness of human nature and what makes us who we are.
Perhaps the signature strength that Leon brings to the proceedings is his ability to bring the human dimensions to bear on the conflict at hand, and to keep in mind that above all, people’s brains are “not like computers, processing facts, but more like hearts, with information filtered through the lens of emotion,” notes Leon.
Leon is available for guest legal expert spots and other interview opportunities when celebrity or entertainment legal cases are highlighted in news and features programs and special reports. Please contact Rita Hollingsworth/RMH Media at [email protected] or (323) 934-9248 office or mobile (213) 361-2736.
Interview with Leon Gladstone in The Daily Beast:
LEON GLADSTONE/BIOGRAPHY
Practice Areas
Leon Gladstone is co-chair of Gladstone Michel’s Entertainment & Media Group. He provides both litigation and transactional expertise to the entertainment industry and also maintains a highly specialized entertainment insurance coverage practice.
High-Profile/High Stakes Litigation
- Leon defended Jamie Spears in the Sam Lutfi v Britney Spears lawsuit. The trial, widely reported internationally and in the entertainment press, ended in the defendants’ favor after three weeks of jury trial;
- Leon successfully represented Don Johnson’s former business managers in arbitration, securing a large award against the actor for breach of contract.;
- Leon is currently representing musician Chris Daughtry in a suit brought by his former bandmates over the ownership of several musical compositions;
- Leon represents the insurer of the country act Sugarland in coverage litigation arising out of the Indiana Stage Collapse in 2011.
Entertainment Transactions
In addition to his representation of executive producers and other principal creative of several animated TV series, Leon works with actors, directors, producers, writers, financiers and distributors, as well as a host of below-the-line talent, negotiating and documenting financing, production, distribution, talent, publishing, touring and live event agreements, sales of businesses, and related transactions.
Representation of Entertainment Insurers and Guarantors
Leon represents the major insurance carriers and completion guarantors that provide coverage for features, television productions and concert tours. Leon is known throughout the industry as the “go to” lawyer when a film, television production or concert tour runs into trouble due to a loss. He regularly advises and litigates on behalf of companies that insure productions, touring acts and vendors. His expertise covers such issues as production interruption, cast losses, loss and damage of footage, sets and equipment, budget overruns, distribution and delivery issues, and related claims. Leon’s extensive experience has been instrumental in getting dozens of productions back on track.
A father of three, Leon enjoys surfing, skiing and martial arts, having earned a black belt in karate. He is also a student of yoga and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Education
J.D., Hastings College of Law, University of California, 1976 A.B., cum laude, University of California, Irvine, 1973
Memberships
Beverly Hills Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Risk and Insurance Management Society, Council on Litigation Management
Admissions
California U.S. District Courts, Central, Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts of California
