David Markman has been appointed as a partner at the firm, holding the position of ESM partner.
David Markman, a renowned entertainment lawyer with extensive experience in advising clients on various aspects of their business, has joined Weil, Gotshal & Manges as a partner in the Technology & IP Transactions practice, based in Los Angeles. This move is set to strengthen Weil's focus on entertainment, sports, and media (ESM) transactions.
Markman's key responsibilities at Weil include advising entertainment executives, traditional production companies, and new media clients on a range of issues, from project acquisition and financing to distribution and sales. He will also serve as production counsel, negotiating with talent, bond companies, and banks for film and TV projects.
In addition, Markman will represent writers, actors, directors, producers, and showrunners in the television, film, and digital media industries. His expertise spans traditional film, music, and sports, as well as gaming, digital media, publishing, hospitality, and entertainment experiences.
Before joining Weil, Markman was the co-chair of the entertainment transactions practice at DLA Piper. His hiring follows other significant additions to Weil's ESM team, highlighting the firm's commitment to expanding its capabilities in this area.
Tana Ryan, Managing Partner of Weil's Los Angeles office, is thrilled about Markman's addition to the firm, especially as it allows her to reunite with her former colleague Tom Ara at this exciting time for building a top-notch ESM practice. Charan Sandhu, Head of Weil's Technology & IP Transactions practice, also praised Markman's "builder's mindset and tremendous energy," which he believes will be an instant value-add to their growing ESM practice in California.
Barry Wolf, Executive Partner at Weil, expressed delight at the addition of David Markman to the firm, stating that it is an ideal time for Weil to expand its presence in California by adding top-notch ESM talent. Michael J. Aiello, Chairman of Weil's Corporate Department, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the opportunity to provide clients with elite, market-leading ESM expertise at Weil.
Steve Argeris, who joined Weil from Hogan Lovells in February as a partner in the U.S. Private Equity Group, also works from Weil's Washington, D.C., and New York offices. Tom Ara, who joined Weil on June 4 from DLA Piper, is the leader of the firm's ESM practice. Tana Ryan expressed her eagerness to get started at Weil, expressing her excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead.
[1] https://www.weil.com/news/pressreleases/2023/06/david-markman-joins-weil-gotshal-manges-as-partner-in-the-technology-ip-transactions-practice-in-los-angeles [2] https://www.law360.com/legalnewswire/articles/1530688/david-markman-joins-weil-gotshal-as-partner-in-la-entertainment-practice [3] https://www.law.com/americanlawyer/legalnewsmove/1307933074396/david-markman-joins-weil-gotshal-manges-as-partner-in-la-entertainment-practice/ [4] https://www.law360.com/legalnewswire/articles/1530688/david-markman-joins-weil-gotshal-as-partner-in-la-entertainment-practice
- David Markman's expertise in advising clients on a variety of business aspects, including project acquisition and financing, aligns him well with the private equity sector, particularly in the entertainment industry.
- With his background in advising clients in the entertainment industry and his experience in negotiating with talent, banks, and bond companies for film and TV projects, Markman's appointment at Weil, Gotshal & Manges is expected to contribute significantly to the firm's growth in private equity financing for entertainment businesses.
