Creator Economy Boom: Top Lawyer Joins Manatt

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips has significantly enhanced its entertainment practice with the addition of partner Ellie Heisler and her team. Heisler, formerly with Nixon Peabody for over a decade, is a key figure in representing prominent creators, influencers, and brands.

Her move, along with partners Jessica Boardman and Mike Lawhead, and associate April Hua, is driven by a desire to accelerate Manatt's activity and influence in the creator economy. This expansion underscores the firm's commitment to serving the evolving needs of talent.

Boardman will focus on non-scripted entertainment and counsel for on-camera talent and production companies. Lawhead will handle corporate finance and M&A for talent, musicians, and digital creators. Hua will manage brand deals and licensing for content creators.

Manatt's leadership sees this as a pivotal step in reinforcing their industry-leading entertainment platform, especially in Los Angeles and other key markets nationwide. The firm aims to provide integrated legal and consulting counsel to a wide range of clients.