David Halberstadter

David Halberstadter

Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television

4.0 (1 reviews)
Los Angeles, California
43+ years experience
Katten
Updated:

Contact Information

2121 Avenue Of The Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90067-5010
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Bio

Over more than 35 years of practice, David Halberstadter, the firm's deputy general counsel, has established a reputation among leading entertainment companies as a no-nonsense advisor and talented litigator. When other options fail, he aggressively pursues and defends lawsuits, with a focus on intellectual property-related disputes. Across all his work, clients value David's clear thinking, strategic wisdom and practical business sense.David represents motion picture studios, production companies, television networks and new media companies. He gives them advice they can actually use — plain-spoken, grounded in common sense and uncluttered by legalese. His useful recommendations are backed by the decades he has spent in the entertainment industry. He also understands the cost burden of litigation and factors that into his advice.The cases that David litigates cover all aspects of developing, financing, producing and distributing entertainment content. He also plays a significant "behind-the-scenes" role in the development of movies, television shows and new media properties. He helps clients assess and mitigate risk, often answering the question: "Can we do this without getting sued?" He regularly reviews books, magazine articles and other source material to determine the risk of third-party claims likely to arise from adaptations. In other instances, he reviews often-byzantine rights agreements to make sure his clients actually acquire the rights they need for a project. Clients also turn to him for advice on accounting claims asserted by motion picture and television profit participants. Over more than 35 years of practice, David Halberstadter, the firm's deputy general counsel, has established a reputation among leading entertainment companies as a no-nonsense advisor and talented litigator. When other options fail, he aggressively pursues and defends lawsuits, with a focus on intellectual property-related disputes. Across all his work, clients value David's clear thinking, strategic wisdom and practical business sense.David represents motion picture studios, production companies, television networks and new media companies. He gives them advice they can actually use — plain-spoken, grounded in common sense and uncluttered by legalese. His useful recommendations are backed by the decades he has spent in the entertainment industry. He also understands the cost burden of litigation and factors that into his advice.The cases that David litigates cover all aspects of developing, financing, producing and distributing entertainment content. He also plays a significant "behind-the-scenes" role in the development of movies, television shows and new media properties. He helps clients assess and mitigate risk, often answering the question: "Can we do this without getting sued?" He regularly reviews books, magazine articles and other source material to determine the risk of third-party claims likely to arise from adaptations. In other instances, he reviews often-byzantine rights agreements to make sure his clients actually acquire the rights they need for a project. Clients also turn to him for advice on accounting claims asserted by motion picture and television profit participants. Over more than 35 years of practice, David Halberstadter, the firm's deputy general counsel, has established a reputation among leading entertainment companies as a no-nonsense advisor and talented litigator. When other options fail, he aggressively pursues and defends lawsuits, with a focus on intellectual property-related disputes. Across all his work, clients value David's clear thinking, strategic wisdom and practical business sense. David represents motion picture studios, production companies, television networks and new media companies. Clients also turn to him for advice on accounting claims asserted by motion picture and television profit participants.

Practice Areas

Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television

Awards & Recognition

  • Recognized: Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
  • Recognized: Litigation - Intellectual Property
  • Recognized: Media Law
  • Recognized: Trademark Law
  • Practice Area: Copyright Law
  • Special Focus: Litigation

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2015

Education

  • Georgetown University, J.D., graduated 1982

Reviews

N

Nicholas Lewis

2 weeks ago

A trusted advisor for complex entertainment matters

Our studio engaged David Halberstadter at Katten to navigate a complex rights dispute involving a legacy television property. With over four decades of experience, his deep knowledge of both intellectual property litigation and the specific nuances of motion picture law was immediately evident. He cut through the noise with a no-nonsense approach, providing clear, strategic counsel that reflected his recognized standing in entertainment and media law. While his billing rates reflect his seniority and the firm's prestige, the value was clear in the favorable resolution we achieved. His guidance was instrumental. The only minor critique would be that during peak periods, direct response times from him could occasionally lag, though his team was always responsive. For high-stakes matters in Los Angeles's entertainment landscape, David's expertise is a significant asset.

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