For the 13th consecutive year, Pryor Cashman was named a top U.S. law firm by The Legal 500. As in previous years, the firm's Copyright, Media + Entertainment Litigation, Immigration and Mergers + Acquisitions (M&A) practices, along with numerous individual attorneys, were ranked among the best in the country. But for the first time, the firm's highly-lauded Non-Contentious Trademark and Media + Entertainment Transaction groups were finally ranked in the prestigious publication, along with several new attorneys from the firm's New York and Miami offices.
A Leading IP: Copyright Practice
The Legal 500 again praised the firm's Copyright Practice, noting it as one of the "standout players in the music industry, where it is often involved in the market's most consequential litigation."
The Legal 500 highlighted the firm's work with the National Music Publishers' Association and Nashville Songwriters Association International in a landmark royalties dispute concerning music streaming services provided by Google, Apple, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora. They specifically recognized Frank Scibilia, Ilene Farkas, and Donald Zakarin as prominent music litigation attorneys. Tom Ferber was also recognized in this category for his defense of the creators and producers of Rosemary's Baby, the Netflix series, which had allegedly infringed upon a collection of short stories.
An IP Trademark Giant
Continuing in the acknowledgement of the firm's IP prowess, The Legal 500 recognized the firm's Non-Contentious Trademark group overall, and specifically highlighted Practice Head Brad D. Rose as a "stand out for his work in assisting musicians with their trademark portfolios, acting for clients including Cher." Dyan Finguerra-DuCharme also earned her first nod in the rankings, with clients noting her prowess not only in trademarks but also in trade dress and false advertising issues as well.
A Deep Media +Entertainment Pedigree
The Legal 500 acknowledged that "Pryor Cashman LLP is primarily known within the media sector for its strong roster of music industry clients," as they lauded James A. Janowitz, James G. Sammataro, Donald Zakarin, Ilene Farkas, and Brad Rose as among the country's top attorneys.
The Legal 500 noted, "the [Media +Entertainment] practice has significantly expanded its transactional presence in the music industry in 2019 with the recruitment of James Sammataro," who opened the firm's Miami office last year. The firm's growing Florida depth was further recognized as Miami-based Hans H. Hertell was also acknowledged by the Legal 500.
"Wonderfully Strategic" and Supportive Immigration Attorneys
The Legal 500 also recognized the Immigration Practice led by Colleen Caden. Citing the firm's immigration work in a wide variety of industries, The Legal 500 lauds the practice as "one of the [...] go-to advisors for professional sports-related immigration work." Avram Morell was noted as "a key advisor for clients in the financial services industry," and Maria Fernanda Gandarez's decades-long experience was individually rated "for her advisory work on employment visas and permanent residence programs." Dina Weinstein is called "a standout associate in the team," as she was again named as a Rising Star.
"Impressive Strengths" of the Corporate Practice
The Legal 500 touted the Corporate Practice's "impressive strengths in several core focus areas," acknowledging that "the team is particularly well known for its presence in the areas of advertising, apparel, medical supplies, and life sciences." Group Leaders John Crowe and Eric Hellige were acknowledged, along with partner Ali Panjwani.
The Complete Legal 500 Rankings
The Legal 500 U.S. rankings are based on work achievements, depth and experience of practice, and independent reviews from clients and peer law firms across the country. The awards are given to elite legal practitioners, based on comprehensive research into the U.S. legal market.
The complete 2020 rankings are available on the Legal 500 website.
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