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Robert Pafundi, the founder of Pafundi Law Firm, A Professional Corporation, and a Hollywood Entertainment Lawyer, has practiced law in California for more than 30 years.
Robert’s passion is working in the entertainment industry. He has spent the last 20+ years representing children and young adults in Hollywood, both as a lawyer and as the owner of the infamous MGA Talent Agency, originally known as the Mary Grady Talent Agency, which launched the careers of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (The Olsen Twins) and of countless other celebrity children and young adults who became Star Name actors in Hollywood and throughout the world.
In January 2020 Robert was approached by the President and CEO of United Productions, which is wholly owned by the highly regarded Keyholder, Inc, a JASDAQ publicly traded Japanese corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan. President and CEO Atsushi Morita formalized this request in May 2020, specifically seeking Robert’s expertise and involvement in opening a Los Angeles Branch Office of the Tokyo based Film and TV Company, United Productions with initial plans for 10 Film or Streaming Projects. The new office expects to launch with Robert at the helm in late 2020 or early 2021 depending on what makes sense in the current economic climate and give entertainment industry considerations related to the production of Film, TV and Steaming projects.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AS A CALIFORNIA ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY
• Representing actors, actresses, talent agents, talent managers, TV and film producers, production companies, casting directors, and other industry professionals.
• Handles resolution of disputes by way of Demand Letters, Lawsuits, Mediations, Arbitrations, California Labor Commission Hearings, Court Trials Before a Judge, and Jury Trials.
• Handles contract negotiation for TV, film, commercials, and commercial campaigns. Reviews talent contracts for actors and actresses. Prepares contracts for talent agents and talent managers.
• Serves as production counsel, offering a full array of services from the commencement to the close of production.
• Prepares Petitions for Court Approval of Contracts with Minors, on behalf of producers, production companies, studios, and talent agents.
• Intervenes in family law and divorce proceedings on behalf of children when issues arise as to the proper use and disbursement of the minor’s income and earnings.
• Qualified Expert Witness on all issues related to children in entertainment.
• Handles a broad array of legal issues and matters related to the representation and protection of children in entertainment and young Hollywood.
Robert has negotiated contracts and represented actors and actresses, talent agents, talent managers, producers, directors and many other industry professionals in contract negotiations with major network TV and major motion picture production companies. He has also acted as lead counsel in an array of entertainment disputes, many involving children in Hollywood.
Robert speaks regularly on a vast array of subjects related to the practical, business and of course the legal side of the entertainment industry, and in particular about children in Hollywood. Robert has been a special guest panel speaker for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) Foundation, and the Entertainment Section of the Beverly Hills Bar Association. He has also been a special guest speaker for Children in Film, The ATLA Expo, The 3-2-1 Acting School, The Young Actors’ Camp, The LA Acting Program for Columbia College, Chicago and many others.
Robert’s life mission is to educate and safeguard those who work in every capacity in TV and Film, and to protect and serve those who are currently active and experienced professionals as well as those who are new to the industry, so people are led to a higher level of understanding and commitment. One of Robert’s daily passions is to motivate all entertainment professionals to join him by conducting ourselves at the highest moral, ethical, and spiritual levels when it comes to all aspects of the entertainment business, whether you are actor or actress, a representative, or involved with production, all with a goal toward making the world of entertainment not only fun, but safe and also profitable for Hollywood Adults, up-and-coming Talent, those on all sides of Production, and of course, the most vulnerable, our Entertainment Children and the Children of Celebrities.
AUTHOR
• Safe Stardom: How to Protect Your Children on Their Road to Fame (Dunham Book, 2014);
PRODUCER
• Managing Producer and lead Production Counsel on the Award-Winning inspirational documentary film titled The 25,000 Mile Love Story, narrated by Oscar winner, John Ridley (Best Screenplay Adaptation, 12 Years a Slave), and directed by Emmy nominated, John Davies.
• Production, Casting and Legal Counsel: Story Game, a feature film, shot in Japan and Hawaii, now out for Worldwide Distribution: A Collaboration with TalkStory Productions.
• Lead Producer: Los Angeles Branch Office of United Productions, wholly owned by the Keyholder, Inc, a JASDAQ publicly traded Japanese corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan.
• Producer: Sand Woman, a feature film to be shot in Japan: Pre-Production Phase: Script Complete. Based on a Novel by Kobo Abe.
• Producer: Goo Goo G’Joob, a feature film to be shot in Japan: Development Phase: Script Complete. Original Concept Script.
4
Practice Areas
26 years | 750 cases
26 years | 500 cases
43 years | 2,000 cases
36 years | 500 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
$ 400-600 per hour
25%-40%
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1982
No misconduct found
11693 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 824, Los Angeles, CA, 90049-5105
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | April 3, 2023 | Hired Attorney
I would wholeheartedly recommend Robert. His handling of my case was exemplary. Thorough, professional, reliable and always available to discuss concerns and next steps.
Posted by Kurt | September 9, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Robert responded quickly when I contacted him. He listened and was very sympathetic to my situation. Robert was honest in his evaluation of the circumstances, and helped me to make an informed decision on the course of action. His approach and attention to detail helped me resolve my case effectively...
Posted by Andrea | January 25, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
I have been searching for a civil lawyer who knows how to handle a petty ex-boyfriend. Robert heard me out and advised me on the best course of action. He revealed that my ex-boyfriend was using his business lawyer, who practices criminal law, to bully me. He explained everything plainly and gave me ...
Posted by Troy | August 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Robert and his team resolved a complex entertainment legal matter that has been plaguing me for several years. Robert attended to the issues patiently and in great detail and stuck with it until the matter was closed. The end result has really been life-changing.
Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
I consulted briefly with Mr. Pafundi, but he was extremely upfront and honest with me. He was also far more generous with his time and expertise than he needed to be. I am grateful.
Thank You for the Overall Rating and especially for the Kind Words. Robert Pafundi
"I strongly endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Robert Pafundi as a friend and associate for over 40 years. His skills as an attorney are top notch, and more importantly, he is a man of the highest integrity. He is highly respected by his clients for his results and honesty, and I have seen the respect he receives from his opponents as well. Although he specializes in Entertainment Law, his experience and attention to detail make him one of the top litigation attorneys in the state and federal courts."
"I strongly endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked on numerous cases with Mr. Pafundi over a period of close to 30 years. His legal skills are outstanding and his ethics impeccable. His rare inside knowledge of entertainment law, having been both a SAG Franchised Talent Agent and a TMA endorsed Talent Manager give him an edge in any entertainment law dispute. I worked with him on some very high-profile entertainment law matters, and saw first-hand the benefits of that special knowledge. In addition, he is an all-around great guy."
"Robert and I worked on a multi million dollar personal injury claim during which he was lead trial counsel. During all steps of the claim and court proceedings he was very informative and helpful to the clients and conducted himself with the utmost integrity and honesty. I happily endorse him and would highly recommend him to anyone who is in need of legal counsel in his practice areas."
"I have known Robert for over 10 years and am happy to endorse him as an attorney. We met at an event for the Beverly Hills Bar Assn, Entertainment Section where we were both members. Robert had recently finished his ground breaking work on behalf of child actors in Berg. v. Traylor and I had just finished work on Marathon v. Blasi, changing the landscape for personal managers in California. We found we each had a deep respect and need to assist clients that needed our help. I have found Robert to be attentive, focused and dedicated to his clients. Taking the extra mile to be sure they are treated fairly in both litigation and transactional matters. We have since worked together on several projects and are comfortable referring matters to each other where we either need assistance or simply cannot handle a case due to other time constraints. Robert always has the trust of his clients as he does of mine. I know he will get any matter he takes done right."
"Robert Pafundi was co-counsel on a matter involving complex entertainment litigation against a major television network. He was willing to go the extra mile for the client, and handled the case with great attention to detail and respect for the client. We were able to obtain a very favorable settlement in the case thanks to Rob."
"I strongly endorse this lawyer. I had the pleasure of working with him on a multi-million dollar wrongful death case several years ago. Rob is effective and efficient. His integrity and attention to detail was appreciated by the clients and enhanced the value of the case. I recommend him without reservation and would enjoy working with him again."
"It is clear from the quality and extent of the content that Robert provides in this forum that his is a knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated to providing those have been injured with competent and honest representation."
"Mr. Pafundi is a well-respected lawyer and a valuable asset to this community. His continuing dedication to the law and his clients is admirable."
"I endorse this lawyer. Lawyers who donate time on sites like this have a passion for the law and a compassion for the people they serve. Kudos. We'd refer a case without hesitation."
"Mr. Robert Pafundi is an excellent attorney and a very likable person. He is extremely knowledgeable about entertainment law, especially with regard to talent agents and contracts dealing with minors. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Pafundi on several successful entertainment matters and have benefitted from his insight and mentoring. I wholeheartedly endorse him."
"Having worked with Mr. Robert Pafundi on a variety of entertainment cases, I can attest that his work consists of nothing less than great quality. He has continually gone the extra mile for his clients and always puts in the time to make sure that the best is done for his clients. In addition, he has many years of Entertainment Law experience that gives him the expertise in litigating a myriad of cases involving well-known actors/actresses. These cases have all yielded successful results. He has also dedicated himself to a specialized niche in Entertainment Law--representing children actors/actresses. Not only is he a great attorney to work with, he has exceeded his clients' expectations time after time and I would recommend him to anyone that needs representation."
Personal injury lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
2021
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009 - Present
Principal, Pafundi Law Firm
2009 - 2011
Outside Counsel, CBS Television
2007 - 2009
Partner, McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, LLP
1998 - 2006
Principal, Law Offices of Robert N. Pafundi
1993 - 1998
Senior Associate, Rotenberg & Rios
1990 - 1992
Principal, Law Offices of Robert N. Pafundi
1985 - 1989
Partner, Sweeney & Pafundi
Member
Member
Advisory Board
Member
Talent Agent
Resolve in Mediation
Precedent Setting Successful Appeal - Child Actor
Precedent Setting Successful Appeal
Favorable Published Opinion
1981
JD - Juris Doctor
1977
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2025
Production Counsel for Independent Filmmakers
2016
Working with Children in Film and TV
2015
Entertainment for Actors Part 2
2015
Advanced Entertainment for Children in Hollywood
2014
Entertainment Law for Actors
2014
Entertainment Law in Hollywood
2012
California Entertainment Law
2010
California Entertainment Child Labor Law A-Z
2009
Protecting Your Children in Entertainment: A Lawyer's Perspective
2008
Representing and Employing Children in the Entertainment Industry
2007
Legal Ramifications of Representing Minors in the Entertainment Industry
2007
Life Raft--The Implications of the Berg v. Traylor Case
2007
Employing Minors in the Entertainment Industry: Contracts and the Law
2025
2015
2014
2009
2008
1990
1990
English
Japanese
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