Craig A Emanuel

Partner, Entertainment and Media

Century City

T 1(310) 620-5762

F 1(310) 620-5862

Craig Emanuel is the chair of the firm’s global Entertainment and Media practice and is based in the Century City office. He is a seasoned entertainment lawyer and is widely recognized in the industry as an innovative dealmaker and efficient problem-solver. Having been involved in the production, development, and distribution of hundreds of motion picture and television projects, Mr. Emanuel has built his career by bringing together the right artists and business partners to translate creative vision into on-screen reality.

Mr. Emanuel works with high-level writers, directors, actors, producers, and production companies to navigate studio and independent film, television, and digital opportunities in an evolving entertainment landscape. In addition to negotiating top-tier talent agreements, he handles domestic and international transactions across all platforms, helping to create strategic alliances for clients by advising them on complex digital media content licensing arrangements, as well as on film and television investments. His diverse experience also includes the creation and launch of a new television network and work with advertisers and media clients on branded entertainment projects.

Clients value Mr. Emanuel’s hands-on approach, calm and composed nature, and dedication to finding a solution to any conflict. His dealmaking has been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter’s “Power Lawyers Top 100” list, Variety’s “Dealmakers Impact Report,” Chambers USA, and other industry trade publications and legal directories. Mr. Emanuel’s approach and dedication extend beyond his legal career to his role on the advisory board of Chrysalis, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the resources and support needed for homeless and low-income individuals to find and retain employment.

Accolades and Recognitions

Named “Top Entertainment Attorney” in Variety’s “Legal Impact Report” (2013–2020)
Named in The Legal 500 US in Media & Entertainment, (2017 edition)
Named among “Top Entertainment Lawyers” in California by the Daily Journal (2014–2015)
Highest “AV Preeminent (5 out of 5)” Professional Rating, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
Named an “IP Star” by Managing Intellectual Property magazine (2013–2015)
Named as a ScreenSingapore Ambassador (2011)
Named “Top Lawyer” in The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ.’s “Power Lawyers Top 100” list (2011–2013 and 2015–2020)
Named “Top Dealmaker” in Variety’s “Dealmakers Impact Report” (2008, 2013–2014, and 2017–2018)
Named “Best Lawyer” in Entertainment Law, The Best Lawyers in America (2006–2018)
Named in Chambers USA,” America’s Leading Lawyers for Business,” in California Media & Entertainment (2007–2020 editions)
Named “Southern California Super Lawyer” in Entertainment & Sports by Thomson Reuters (2007–2018)
Named “New Star” by Lawdragon 500 (2006)

Professional and Community Involvement

Advisory Board Member, Chrysalis
Board Member, Creative Community for Peace

Education

Monash University (Melbourne, Australia), LL.B., 1981
Monash University (Melbourne, Australia), Bachelor of Jurisprudence, 1979

Rankings & Awards

Recognized in Variety's 2020 Legal Impact Report

The firm’s Century City Entertainment and Media practice was recognized in Variety’s Legal Impact Report. Variety’s prestigious Legal Impact Report is an annual list that features top in-house attorneys, litigators, and transactional lawyers who have made a major impact behind the most substantial and significant deals in the media and entertainment industries.

Eight Paul Hastings partners were recognized individually from the Firm’s Entertainment and Media transactional and litigation practices: Craig Emanuel, David Hernand, Erik Hyman, Mickey Mayerson, Stephen Saltzman, Susan Williams, Steven Marenberg, Bo Pearl.

July 14, 2020

Recognized by Chambers USA 2020
Chambers USA 2020: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business listed the firm in 37 research areas and named 104 firm lawyers to its rankings of leading lawyers and law firms in the United States.
May 01, 2020

Recognized in The Hollywood Reporter's Power Lawyers 2020
The firm’s Century City Entertainment and Media practice was recognized in The Hollywood Reporter's Power Lawyers series. The magazine’s annual list spotlights the top in-house attorneys, litigators, and transactional lawyers in the entertainment business. Paul Hastings partners noted for 2020 include Craig Emanuel, Susan Williams, and Mickey Mayerson.
March 30, 2020

Ranked by Chambers USA 2019
Chambers USA 2019: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business listed the firm in 44 practice areas and named 107 firm lawyers to its rankings of leading lawyers and law firms in the United States.
April 26, 2019

Recognized in Variety's Legal Impact Report
The Firm’s Century City-based Entertainment and Media practice was recognized in Variety's 2019 Legal Impact Report. The magazine’s annual list spotlights the top in-house attorneys, litigators, and transactional lawyers in the entertainment business. Paul Hastings partners noted for 2019 include Craig Emanuel, David Hernand, Erik Hyman, Mickey Mayerson, Stephen Saltzman, and Susan Williams.
April 09, 2019

Recognized in The Hollywood Reporter's Power Lawyers 2019
The firm’s Century City Entertainment and Media practice was recognized in The Hollywood Reporter's Power Lawyers series. The magazine’s annual list spotlights the top in-house attorneys, litigators, and transactional lawyers in the entertainment business. Paul Hastings partners noted for 2019 include Craig Emanuel, David Hernand, and Susan Williams.
March 28, 2019

Recognized in Variety's Dealmakers Impact Report
The firm’s Century City-based Entertainment and Media practice was recognized in Variety's 2018 Dealmakers Impact Report. The magazine’s annual list noted the team's comprehensive practice working in M&A, finance and capital-raising, and talent representing entertainment as well as tech clients. Paul Hastings partners noted for 2018 include Craig Emanuel, David Hernand, Erik Hyman, Mickey Mayerson, Stephen Saltzman, and Susan Williams.
December 07, 2018

Recognized as a Top 20 Dealmaker by The Hollywood Reporter
Craig Emanuel was recognized among the year's Top 20 Dealmakers by The Hollywood Reporter. Craig was noted for representing screenwriter and director Ryan Murphy in his move from Fox to Netflix, as well as See-Saw Films’ development and production deal with New Regency. Paul Hastings partner Susan Williams was also recognized among THR's Top 20 Dealmakers.
November 30, 2018

Recognized by Chambers USA 2018
Chambers USA 2018: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business listed the firm in 45 research areas and named 112 firm lawyers to its rankings of leading lawyers and law firms in the United States.
May 15, 2018

Recognized in Variety's Legal Impact Report
The Firm’s Century City-based Entertainment and Media practice was recognized in Variety's 2018 Legal Impact Report. The magazine’s annual list spotlights the top in-house attorneys, litigators, and transactional lawyers in the entertainment business. Paul Hastings partners noted for 2018 include Craig Emanuel, David Hernand, Erik Hyman, Mickey Mayerson, Stephen Saltzman, and Susan Williams.
April 18, 2018

Recognized in The Hollywood Reporter's Power Lawyers 2018
The Firm’s Century City-based Entertainment and Media practice was recognized in The Hollywood Reporter's Power Lawyers 2018 list, which celebrated the Top 100 lawyers in media and entertainment. The magazine’s annual list recognizes the most influential attorneys in entertainment and media. Paul Hastings partners noted for 2018 include Craig Emanuel, Mickey Mayerson, Stephen Saltzman, and Susan Williams.
April 03, 2018

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Craig A Emanuel

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