20th Anniversary Celebration Of The Counsel of the Year Awards

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS CELEBRATING LEGAL EXCELLENCE

Step into the realm of greatness as the Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel (AMEC), an illustrious organization with an esteemed 20-year legacy, beckons forth the crème de la crème of legal minds. With over 14,000 distinguished in-house counsel and business luminaries hailing from renowned studios, networks, Guilds, talent agencies, and leading entertainment and media conglomerates, AMEC proudly presents its most momentous occasion yet – the Annual Counsel of the Year Awards.

Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable evening on January 16, 2025, as we honor the paragons of legal prowess across a spectrum of categories:

  • Counsel Of The Year (General Counsel or Division Legal Officer)
  • PwC Daniel Brandhorst Dealmaker of the Year (Talented Dealmaker)
  • Rising Star (Shining Bright with less than 10 years of law practice)
  • Music Counsel
  • Sports Counsel
  • Labor and Employment Counsel
  • Technology and New Media Counsel
  • Public Counsel (Governmental Agency/Non-Profit)
  • Live, Hospitality, & Location-Based Entertainment Counsel
  • Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution (Expert Mediator, Arbitrator, Referee/Special Master, Neutral Evaluator)
  • Excellence In Legal Education
  • Law Firm of the Year<
  • /ul>

    In a special commemoration of our 20th anniversary, each honoree will receive an exclusive 20th-anniversary commemorative award, crafted to mark this historic milestone. These commemorative awards will be retired after the ceremony, making them a cherished symbol of distinction for years to come.

    To nominate an outstanding candidate, kindly provide the following details:

    • Name
    • Title
    • Organization
    • Contact Details

    Should you prefer to keep your nomination anonymous, please let us know.

    Seize this momentous opportunity and submit your nominations now to AMEC Executive Director Monique Happy at [email protected]. Prepare to bear witness to the ascent of legal legends as they are rightfully acknowledged at the 2025 Counsel of the Year Awards.

    PLEASE NOTE: Except for the Law Firm of the Year category, nominations and honorees are limited to in-house counsel only.

    We are getting an early start on the nomination process so you don’t miss your chance to be a part of this historic celebration of legal excellence!


    Memorable Moments: Relive The Excitement Of The 2024 Counsel Of The Year Awards In The Highlights Video

    We are thrilled to highlight the exceptional work of the media and entertainment legal community at the 2024 Counsel of the Year Awards. As the only organization of its kind, AMEC plays a pivotal role in our industry, providing cutting-edge legal seminars, invaluable networking opportunities, and, perhaps most importantly, recognizing the outstanding but often overlooked achievements of in-house counsel across studios, networks, guilds, talent and management agencies, and all the major entertainment and media companies.

    From navigating complex contracts to safeguarding creative rights, this year’s honorees are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, ensuring that the magic of storytelling thrives while upholding the highest standards of integrity and legality. Their inspiring acceptance speeches, filled with passion and gratitude, serve as a testament to their dedication and vision.

    The atmosphere at the event was nothing short of electrifying, with industry leaders, influencers, and rising stars coming together to celebrate our collective achievements. It was a night filled with inspiration and camaraderie, reminding us all of the incredible impact we can make when we collaborate and support one another.

    As we reflect on this unforgettable evening, we eagerly anticipate the milestone 20th Anniversary Counsel of the Year Awards ceremony on January 16th, 2025! (Click here for the 2024 Counsel of the Year Awards Recap Video)

    Save the date, as we continue to honor and elevate the brightest lights in our industry!

    #CounselOfTheYear #MediaExcellence #EntertainmentIndustry #Inspiration #20thAnniversaryCelebration #2025COTYA


    NATALIE LEVECK, RECIPIENT OF THE 2024 AWARD FOR TECHNOLOGY AND NEW MEDIA

    Natalie LeVeck currently serves as Senior Counsel for Google where she negotiates celebrity deals for its high-profile marketing campaigns and oversees YouTube’s largest sponsorship and co-marketing partnerships.

    On behalf of Google Pixel, Natalie handled deal negotiations with Lizzo, Amy Schumer, and Giannis Antetoukounmpo to appear in Super Bowl commercials and brokered long-term endorsement deals with NBA players Steph Curry, Jalen Green, and Joel Embiid. On behalf of FitBit, Google TV and YouTube, Natalie has engaged Mr. Beast, Selma Blair, Zoe Deschanel, Will Smith and many others for a variety of marketing campaigns.

    Natalie also oversees marketing law matters for YouTube TV and YouTube Premium, ensuring compliance with all laws surrounding advertising claims, new product launches and renewing subscriptions. She also serves as the in-house legal expert on influencer disclosure guidelines and right of publicity concerns related to AI product launches.

    In 2023, Natalie was instrumental in overseeing the marketing launch of NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV and handled a number of co-marketing deals related to YouTube’s newly-formed long-term partnership with the NFL.

    Prior to Google, Natalie was Senior Counsel for Sony Pictures, where she had responsibility for global marketing and distribution business and legal matters including advertising, publicity, merchandising, promotions and product placement for theatrical motion pictures released by Columbia Pictures. She began her career as an entertainment production lawyer, negotiating talent and production contracts for Legendary Pictures and boutique law firm Peter, Rubin & Simon.

    Natalie attended Loyola Marymount for undergraduate and Loyola Law School in Los Angeles for law school. She is currently admitted to practice law in California.

    Natalie’s acceptance speech: https://vimeo.com/906501950/8740b41f0b?share=copy


    Dava Casoni, the recipient of AMEC’s 2024 Public Counsel of the Year Award, being interviewed before the ceremony. This is video 1 of 3. Interviewer: Kirsten Spruch
    Video: https://vimeo.com/939726380/150b127e6b


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