Best Lawyers in America for Sports Law

Steven S. Sidman is a deeply experienced, highly regarded transactional attorney dealing in the business of pop culture. His practice focuses on the modern entertainment, food & beverage/hospitality, lifestyle/branding, and sports industries. For nearly 28 years, Steve has provided sophisticated, insightful, front-line legal advice and business affairs counsel to highly creative talent and high-profile individuals and corporate entities, along with their various entrepreneurial ventures. ...

Sally C. James is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television. Sally C., who practices law in Los Angeles, California, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sally C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen E. Tsoneff is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television. Stephen E., who practices law in Los Angeles, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Grossman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television and Litigation - Intellectual Property. David, who practices law in Los Angeles, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David N. Pessin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Sports Law and Trusts and Estates. David N., who practices law in Towson, Maryland, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jim Johnston helps sports, entertainment and media clients venture outside their comfort zone and into uncharted territory. By understanding their business goals and managing their risk, he’s cleared paths for clients to invest in film and television programs, launch streaming services, and sponsor sports arenas with worldwide audiences. Fledgling sports leagues turn to him for airtight media, sponsorship and facility partner agreements to get their brands off the ground. Jim’s cl...

Bart H. Williams is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Sports Law. Bart H., who practices law in Los Angeles, California, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bart H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Edward Nahhat has over 30 years of experience as an effective adviser and successful trial and appellate lawyer in probate, criminal law, personal injury, real estate, entertainment law, and other general practice areas. He joined Kemp Klein in 2013 as a member of our award-winning Trusts and Estates litigation practice group. Mr. Nahhat delivers effective service to individuals, their families and to businesses of all sizes from a client-centered philosophy of practice. Mr. Nahhat’s cl...

Scott Wilcox is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Entertainment Law - Theater. Scott, who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Daniel G. Stone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television. Daniel G., who practices law in Los Angeles, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniel G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Denis C. Braham is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law and Sports Law. Denis C., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Denis C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jean Ward is counsel to our Entertainment Group. She is one of New York’s best-known theatre lawyers, with over 30 years’ experience representing producers, authors, film companies and other stage rights holders, not-for-profit theatre companies, theatre owners, creative personnel, and investors. She is recognized in the 2023-2025 editions of Best Lawyers in America for Entertainment Law – Theatre and is listed as a “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers magazine. She n...

C. Katherine Baron is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Copyright Law and Entertainment Law - Music. C. Katherine, who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which C. Katherine is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jess L. Rosen focuses his practice on talent representation, including all facets of transactional entertainment matters in the music, film, television and new media industries. He represents, advises and counsels numerous songwriters, producers, recording artists, actors, writers and executives in all aspects of their entertainment careers. As a professional musician, Jess has a unique perspective and understanding of both the creative and business issues faced by talent today.

Sid Fohrman is a partner in the firm’s acclaimed Entertainment and Digital Media Practice Group and Leader of the firm’s Music Industry Team, and Leader of the firm's Esports Industry Team. Sid provides strategic counsel and transactional support to a diverse client base comprised of public and private companies, on and off-screen talent, artists, influencers, and entrepreneurs across the full spectrum of the entertainment industry, including, music, esports, fitness, sports, tech...

Daniel A. Etna is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Sports Law. Daniel A., who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniel A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.