Michael R. Williams

Michael R. Williams

Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television

3.0 (1 reviews)
New York, New York
32+ years experience
Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC
Updated:

Contact Information

28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005
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Bio

Michael R. Williams is a partner and Chair of the firm’s Fashion Group and Co-Chair of the Celebrity Branding Group.Mr. Williams’ clients include major television and motion picture actors, leading fashion designers, top models, fashion show production companies, photographers and executives in the entertainment and fashion industries.Mr. Williams represents actors in the negotiation of deals to perform in film, television, theater and other media. He also works to assist clients in capitalizing on their name, fame, likeness, and other rights in all media. He negotiates and structures profitable merchandising, licensing, endorsement and spokesperson agreements, and counsels clients on the development of their own celebrity-branded product lines.Mr. Williams has extensive experience working with fashion brands and individuals with regards to the creation, protection and, licensing of their intellectual property and trademarks. He also advises clients regarding corporate structuring and employment matters.Best Lawyers in America has recognized Mr. Williams as a top entertainment lawyer for several years and The Hollywood Reporter included him in its 2023 and 2020 “Power Lawyers” lists of the top 25 entertainment lawyers in New York. Super Lawyers and The Legal 500 consistently recognizes Mr. Williams for his entertainment law expertise. In the past, he was also included in Variety’s “Dealmaker’s Impact Report.”Mr. Williams is a member of the New York State and American Bar Associations. He is admitted to practice in New York. Michael R. Williams is a partner and Chair of the firm’s Fashion Group and Co-Chair of the Celebrity Branding Group.Mr. Williams’ clients include major television and motion picture actors, leading fashion designers, top models, fashion show production companies, photographers and executives in the entertainment and fashion industries.Mr. Williams represents actors in the negotiation of deals to perform in film, television, theater and other media. He also works to assist clients in capitalizing on their name, fame, likeness, and other rights in all media. He negotiates and structures profitable merchandising, licensing, endorsement and spokesperson agreements, and counsels clients on the development of their own celebrity-branded product lines.Mr. Williams has extensive experience working with fashion brands and individuals with regards to the creation, protection and, licensing of their intellectual property and trademarks. He also advises clients regarding corporate structuring and employment matters.Best Lawyers in America has recognized Mr. Williams as a top entertainment lawyer for several years and The Hollywood Reporter included him in its 2023 and 2020 “Power Lawyers” lists of the top 25 entertainment lawyers in New York. Super Lawyers and The Legal 500 consistently recognizes Mr. Williams for his entertainment law expertise. In the past, he was also included in Variety’s “Dealmaker’s Impact Report.”Mr. Williams is a member of the New York State and American Bar Associations. He is admitted to practice in New York. Michael R. Williams is a partner and Chair of the firm’s Fashion Group and Co-Chair of the Celebrity Branding Group. Mr. Williams’ clients include major television and motion picture actors, leading fashion designers, top models, fashion show production companies, photographers and executives in the entertainment and fashion industries. Mr. Mr. Williams has extensive experience working with fashion brands and individuals with regards to the creation, protection and, licensing of their intellectual property and trademarks. He also advises clients regarding corporate structuring and employment matters. Best Lawyers in America has recognized Mr. Williams as a top entertainment lawyer for several years and The Hollywood Reporter included him in its 2023 and 2020 “Power Lawyers” lists of the top 25 entertainment lawyers in New York. Super Lawyers and The Legal 500 consistently recognizes Mr. He is admitted to practice in New York.

Practice Areas

Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television, New York City (2026)
  • Recognized: Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
  • Practice Area: Trademark Law
  • New York-area "Super Lawyer"
  • The Legal 500
  • The Hollywood Reporter
  • Variety

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2020

Education

  • Albany Law School of Union University, J.D., graduated 1993
  • Fairfield University, B.S.

Reviews

A

Amy Thomas

2 weeks ago

Adequate guidance on a trademark dispute

Michael Williams is clearly a knowledgeable attorney with deep roots in entertainment and trademark law. His recognition in the field is well-earned, and his three decades of experience were evident when we consulted him regarding a trademark conflict for a new product line. He provided technically sound advice that resolved the issue. However, our experience was somewhat mixed. Communication was not as proactive as we had hoped; responses often took several days, and we sometimes had to follow up. While the legal outcome was satisfactory, the process felt more transactional than collaborative. For straightforward matters where you need expert-level competence, he delivers, but manage your expectations regarding client service and accessibility.

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