In the Press: Praise
Los Angeles Business Journal: Minority Leaders of Influence
The Los Angeles Business Journal includes Larissa Calva Ruiz in the "Minority Leaders of Influence: Attorneys" list for 2021. View Article
January 25, 2021
Creating Enterprise Value: AI, Talent, Risk & Growth Strategies for Agency Leaders:
A Business Conference for Agency CFOs, CEOs, Presidents, Managing Principals & Owners
Program Overview:
This conference is designed to address strategic, financial, operational, and legal issues that can afect agency profitability, valuation, leadership succession, risk management, and long-term enterprise value. Through a combination of expert presentations and executive discussions, attendees will gain practical insights into the opportunities and challenges facing agency leaders in an increasingly complex business environment.
12:00 PM – 12:25 PM
Registration, Lunch and Welcome
12:25 PM – 1:10 PM
AI’s Impact on Agency Processes, Economics, Pricing, and Profitability and Negotiating Agreements With Clients to Address These Issues
Artificial intelligence is reshaping agency operations, economics, client expectations, and risk profiles. This session will examine how agencies can leverage AI to improve eficiency and profitability while addressing evolving contractual and governance considerations.
Topics Covered
What clients to understand about the use of AI, costs and eficiencies.
Intellectual property, ownership and compliance considerations
AI's impact on agency business models and economics
Client expectations regarding AI usage and disclosure
Pitch and procurement pressures
Key contractual protections and risk allocation provision
Governance frameworks for AI review and approval
Speakers: Candice Kersh and Karen Lo (Special Group)
1:10 PM – 1:50 PM
Building an Ownership Culture: Equity Participation & Long-Term Incentive Strategies
Topics Covered
Equity participation structures for key employees and next-generation leaders
Employee Participation Units (EPUs), phantom equity, profits interests, and other incentive alternatives
Balancing founder control with meaningful employee ownership opportunities
Designing long-term incentive programs that align performance and succession goals
Rewarding key contributors without giving up unnecessary control
Roll-over equity particularly in private equity roll ups
Speakers: Wendy Heilbut and Mark Himmelsbach (Episode Four)
1:50 PM - 2:40 PM
Diversification Opportunities, Including SaaS, IP licensing, Investment, and Branded Entertainment
Many agencies are exploring new revenue streams and proprietary assets that can improve growth, valuation, and long-term sustainability.
Topics Covered
SaaS and technology licensing opportunities
Development and monetization of agency intellectual property
Proprietary technology and data products
Strategic investments and ownership interests
Branded entertainment and content ventures
Building value through scalable, non-service-based assets
Speakers: Greg Boyd, Chris Chase and Ben Moskowitz
2:40 PM - 2:55 PM
Networking Break
2:55 PM - 3:55 PM
M&A Readiness, Succession Planning & Deal Structures
Whether you're thinking about growth through acquisition, bringing in an investor, transitioning ownership, or eventually selling your agency, understanding the deal process is critical. This session will demystify how agency transactions work, what to expect during a sale process, and the key deal terms, structures, and negotiation points that can materially afect outcomes for founders and owners.
Topics Covered
Who is buying agencies today and why
Strategic buyers versus private equity investors
What the sale process looks like from start to finish
Valuation drivers and factors that influence deal value
Earn-outs, rollover equity, and other key deal structures
Deal terms that commonly surprise agency owners
Preparing for diligence and avoiding common pitfalls
Building the right advisory team and preparing for a successful transaction
Speakers: Lee Silver, Gavin McElroy and Michael Sidler (Madison Alley)
3:35 PM - 4:15 PM
Talent Risk Management and Employment Issues
Managing talent-related risks has become increasingly challenging, particularly as agencies engage a broader ecosystem of employees, contractors, creators, and influencers.
Topics Covered
Employee versus independent contractor classification
Compensation and payment compliance considerations
California-specific workforce requirements
Background checks and screening practices
Risk management when engaging creators and influencers
Speakers: Wendy Stryker and Tiffany Caterina
4:15 PM - 4:25 PM
Networking & Refreshment Break
4:25 PM - 5:05 PM
Practical Approaches to Contracting, Governance, and Compliance Strategies
As the legal and regulatory environment continues to evolve, agencies must adopt practical operational safeguards that reduce risk and help avoid costly disputes.
Topics Covered
Contracting strategies to mitigate business risk
Risk allocation and indemnification provisions
Ownership and rights-management considerations
Internal governance and approval procedures
Vendor management and oversight
AI governance frameworks
Updating contracts, policies, and workflows to address emerging AI-related risks
Creating practical review processes that reduce liability exposure
Speakers: Matthew Vittone and Andrew Folks
5:05 PM - 5:40 PM
Advertising Technology: Emerging Risks for Agencies
The rapid growth of privacy litigation involving digital tracking technologies is creating new legal challenges for the advertising industry. This session will explore the evolving litigation landscape, the potential exposure of advertising agencies, and practical steps agencies can take to protect themselves and their clients.
Topics Covered
Emerging class action and regulatory risks involving tracking technologies
When advertising agencies may face liability for client websites, apps, marketing pixels, and data collection practices
Allocating risk through client contracts, indemnification, and insurance
Practical strategies for reducing litigation risk without compromising marketing effectiveness
Speakers: Matt Pearson and Caren Decter
5:45 PM - 7:15 PM
Cocktail Reception
Networking reception for agency executives, speakers, sponsors, investors, and advisors.
In the Press: Quoted
Giuliani Hit with Another Disciplinary Complaint Over False Claims, Rhetoric
Reuters mentions Ronald C. Minkoff as counsel to Michael Miller, and 55 other attorneys, law professors and retired judges that filed an ethics complaint against Rudolph Giuliani. Mr. Minkoff said the complaint will be investigated by the attorney grievance committee of the New York First Judicial Department and that the proceedings are secret pending the court's final decision. View Article
January 22, 2021
In the Press
Bar Association Leaders Lead Latest Demand to Discipline Giuliani for Post-Election Conduct
The New York Law Journal mentions Ronald C. Minkoff as counsel that submitted the ethics complaint against Rudolph Giuliani on behalf of New York State Bar Association Past President Michael Miller. (Behind paywall) View Article
January 22, 2021
In the Press: Quoted
Paul Hastings Boosts Entertainment Group as Industry Faces ‘Transformation’
Reuters quotes Lisa E. Davis on the continued development of content during the pandemic. View Article
January 22, 2021
In the Press: Quoted
As Fashion Contemplates Reshoring, a Look at What “Made in USA” Means
The Fashion Law quotes Jeffrey A. Greenbaum on the Federal Trade Commission’s enforcement of misleading “Made in the USA” claims. View Article
January 22, 2021
In the Press: Praise
Four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Southern California Super Lawyers List for 2021
The list includes: Super Lawyer Joseph R. Taylor. Tiffany Caterina, Daniel Goldberg and Scott Goldman are listed as “Rising Stars.”
January 21, 2021
Trump Lawyers Face Rebukes Over Election-Fraud Claims
The Wall Street Journal quotes Tyler Maulsby on the lawyers who are facing ethical complaints over their arguments of election-fraud claims for Donald Trump. (Behind paywall) View Article
January 12, 2021
Alerts
Pandemic Relief: Take Advantage of New PPP and Entertainment Industry Grant Programs
Among its numerous relief and stimulus provisions, the recently-enacted 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (the “Act”) authorizes up to an additional $284.5 billion for Payment Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and a new entertainment industry grant program for “shuttered venue” operators. Read more.
January 12, 2021
Alerts: Estate Planning Law
New York Extends Remote Notarization and Document Execution to January 29, 2021
By Executive Order 202.87 issued December 30, 2020, New York’s remote notarization and document execution procedures are extended through January 29, 2021. Read more.
January 12, 2021
Alerts
New York Places New Restrictions on Residential Evictions and Foreclosures
On December 28, 2020, New York enacted the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 which, among other things, prevents residential evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the pandemic. Read more.
January 12, 2021
In the Press
‘Miss Juneteenth’ Writer-Director Channing Godfrey Peoples Inks First-Look Deal With UCP
Deadline mentions Frankfurt Kurnit as counsel to Channing Godrey Peoples. View Article
January 12, 2021
In the Press: Quoted
Sanctions Motion Against Lawyers Aligned with Trump Spotlights QAnon Conspiracy
Reuters quotes Tyler Maulsby on the difficulty of potential disciplinary action against attorneys whose online posts were made in a personal capacity. View Article
January 6, 2021
Alerts: Estate Planning Law
New York Implements Substantial Changes to Power of Attorney Law
On December 15, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law a long-awaited bill regarding New York’s Power of Attorney form, which will take effect in the summer of 2021. Read more.
January 6, 2021
Alerts: Employment Law
Ten Employment Law Developments Every California Employer Should Know for 2021
As we all happily bid 2020 “good riddance” and enter 2021 with much-needed optimism, there are a host of recent employment laws, some in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, that California employers need to comply with. Read more.
January 5, 2021
In the Press: Quoted
The Regulatory Issues Madison Avenue May Face in 2021
The Wall Street Journal quotes Jeffrey A. Greenbaum on potential updates to the Federal Trade Commission’s guides in the new year. View Article
December 28, 2020
In the Press: Quoted
New York’s Approach to Legal Service Models Too Conservative, Critics Say
Law.com quotes Tyler Maulsby on the matter of alternative legal business structures in New York. View Article
December 24, 2020
Google, Cartoon Network Beat Lawsuit Over Kids’ Data Collection
Law360 and Reuters mention Jeremy S. Goldman as counsel to Hasbro. View Article
December 23, 2020
Alerts: Intellectual Property Law
Avoid New Trademark Email Scams
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) is the subject of some new and sophisticated email rackets. Read more.
December 22, 2020
Alerts: Employment Law
AICP and Unions Agree on Updated COVID-19 Commercial Production Guidelines
On December 15, 2020, the COVID-19 Commercial Production Safety and Training Protocol Agreement between the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (“AICP”) and several unions including the DGA and IATSE, went into effect along with an updated version of AICP’s COVID-19 Guidelines (also known as “Appendix A”). Read more.
December 22, 2020
In the Press: Praise
Diverse Representation: The Ten to Watch in 2021
Diverse Representation includes Marcie Cleary as one of their ten to watch in 2021. View Article
December 21, 2020
In the Press: Quoted
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Strike Gold In Hollywood
Daily Beast quotes Lisa E. Davis on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent entertainment deals. View Article
December 21, 2020
Published Articles
The Impaired Lawyer: A Modern Conundrum
PLI Current: The Journal of PLI Press published Ronald C. Minkoff’s article “The Impaired Lawyer: A Modern Conundrum” which discusses the legal and ethical issues caused by an impaired lawyer using hypothetical attorneys. View Article
December 21, 2020
Alerts: Estate Planning Law
New York Extends Remote Notarization and Document Execution to January 1, 2021
By Executive Order 202.79 issued December 2, 2020, New York’s remote notarization and document execution procedures are extended through January 1, 2021. Read more.
December 16, 2020
Alerts: Employment Law
Can Employers Require Employees to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccination?
On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Pfizer an Emergency Use Authorization for its COVID-19 vaccination. While this and other vaccine news is encouraging, it raises a difficult question: Can employers require employees to get the vaccine before returning to the workplace? Read more.
December 16, 2020
In the Press
‘Chernobyl’ Producer Sister Options Lydia Millet’s ‘A Children’s Bible’ For Limited Series, Tayarisha Poe To Write & Direct
Deadline mentions Frankfurt Kurnit as counsel to Tayarisha Poe. View Article
December 16, 2020
Sign Up for Alerts
We provide tailored, industry-specific legal updates to our clients and other friends of the firm.
