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
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 mhappy@theamec.org. 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
CAPTAIN RIC ARTHUR, RECIPIENT OF THE 2024 EXCELLENCE IN CREATIVE INNOVATION FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AWARD
Navy Captain Ric Arthur is currently the Showrunner of the Fleet/Force Writers Room, leveraging the TV writers room process to produce creative films, graphic novels, and concept art which help decision-makers understand how emerging technologies will be employed in the future battlespace. Previously, Ric served in various Navy command and staff roles, was mobilized several times with Pacific Fleet and NATO, and deployed as a United Nations Peacekeeper to the Western Sahara.
Ric is member of the Writers Guild of America. He wrote for several TV shows, including NCIS, Commander in Chief, Hawaii Five-O, and The Last Ship, and he also produced independent films. He is probably the only writer who has worked for both Glenn Beck and Al Franken. He was also the managing editor for Vets.gov, the transitional VA “mobile-first” web portal.
Ric is also the founder and CEO of Wayfarer-Journey, which makes immersive GPS-guided documentaries and tours. Wayfarer brings the best of the Hollywood narrative tradition into mixed reality experiences for the trail, the road, and beyond. A California native, Ric is currently creating Wayfarer journeys for Bakersfield, Yolo County, and Modesto and enjoys combining family adventures, bringing his wife and two kids as tour testers, with his love of California history and sharing great stories.
As a teenager, Ric was inspired by Joseph Conrad’s consecutive careers as a sea captain and a writer. Following in those footsteps, Ric went to the U.S. Naval Academy, became a sea-going naval officer, a 2nd Mate in the Merchant Marine, and then a TV writer. In 2003, Ric graduated from Harvard Kennedy School with a master’s in public administration.
Ric’s acceptance speech: https://vimeo.com/906467995/c9370f4652?share=copy
Dava Casoni, the recipient of AMEC’s 2024 Public Counsel of the Year Award, being interviewed before the ceremony. This is video 2 of 3. Interviewer: Kirsten Spruch
Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/939744655
Wayfarer GPS Audio Tours is excited to offer AMEC members an exclusive 50% discount on our immersive Los Angeles and Las Vegas tours. Crafted by the talented writers behind hit TV shows like NCIS and Bojack Horseman, our tours promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of these iconic cities. Take advantage of this special offer by applying the following codes at checkout: Malibu (AMEC50), Hollywood (AMEC51), SpaceQuest (AMEC52), Las Vegas (AMEC53). Start your adventure today at Wayfarer Journey: https://wayfarerjourney.com/
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