Century City – Paul Hastings, a premier global firm, announced today that Erik Hyman has been named chair of the firm’s Global Entertainment and Media practice. He takes over for Craig Emanuel, whose leadership in conjunction with a team of industry leading partners, has helped establish the practice as among the most notable in the market, with recognition by Chambers and Partners and routinely lauded as among the most influential in Hollywood by The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. Emanuel will remain as a fully active partner at the firm.

With more than two decades of experience, Hyman is well-known in the entertainment industry as a cutting-edge dealmaker and a fierce protector of his clients, which include major Oscar winning movie stars, directors, writers and producers. In addition, Erik is the go-to entertainment and media industry advisor to multiple publicly traded companies. Hyman was previously head of the firm’s Century City Entertainment and Media practice.

“Paul Hastings has built and invested in an outstanding global team of entertainment and media attorneys.  Erik will be an exceptional chair of the practice – he’s a world-class lawyer, problem solver and selfless leader who sees the whole picture,” said Bryan Lourd of Creative Artists Agency.

“The Entertainment and Media Practice at Paul Hastings is extremely well situated for continued growth; we offer our clients a breadth of entertainment, finance, technology and media expertise that is unique in the legal marketplace,” said Erik. “Following Craig’s strong leadership, I am excited about the opportunity to lead our group through the next phase of innovation and growth in this ever changing market.”

“Erik has been an integral part in helping to build the high profile of our Entertainment and Media practice, having overseen the practice’s Century City office during the last four years,” said Craig Emanuel, partner, Paul Hastings. “Having worked closely with Erik for more than 20 years, I am confident that he is the perfect choice to lead our group to new heights.”

After establishing its Entertainment and Media practice in 2018, Paul Hastings expanded the practice with the launch of its Entertainment and Media Litigation practice in 2020, further expanding the range of counsel and services the firm provides to clients across the industry. Steve Marenberg will continue to Chair the firm’s Entertainment and Media Litigation Practice.

Today the firm’s interdisciplinary team is at the forefront of the market, with savvy, deeply experienced advisors who work closely with clients to develop innovative solutions for financing, corporate, capital, employment, and distribution and cross-border transaction matters. Paul Hastings also provides a full breadth of talent representation in film, television, and digital media.

Dedicated to helping the world’s leading Wall Street and global investment banks, asset managers and corporations achieve their business and legal goals, Paul Hastings is a premier global finance law firm with elite teams in finance, mergers and acquisitions, private equity and litigation.

Our unmatched client service has helped us become one of the legal profession’s most admired firms, known for a diverse and highly collaborative culture that delivers innovative solutions.