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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); www.safestardom.com
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.
Practice areas
Representing Entertainment Clients including Actors, Actresses, Children/Parents, Agents, Managers, Producers, Directors, Production Companies on a Vast Array of Industry Related Matters, with Unique Knowledge related to Issues Involving Minors.
22 years, 750 cases
TV, Film, Reality TV, Commercials, and Commercial Campaigns. Contract Review and Drafting.
22 years, 500 cases
Vast and long term experience handling complex and serious Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases in California (and 10 surrounding states) with excellent, consistent, and successful results.
39 years, 2,000 cases
Extensive and comprehensive handling of other civil litigation cases involving disputes between parties, including business disputes, collection of unpaid debts and a variety of other related matters.
32 years, 500 cases
Languages spoken
English, Japanese
Pafundi Law Firm, APC
11693 San Vicente Blvd
Suite 824
Los Angeles, CA, 90049-5105
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 1982 | 02/06/2022 |
Legal answers | 116 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2021 |
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2020 |
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2019 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Principal | Pafundi Law Firm | 2009 - Present |
Outside Counsel | CBS Television | 2009 - 2011 |
Partner | McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, LLP | 2007 - 2009 |
Principal | Law Offices of Robert N. Pafundi | 1998 - 2006 |
Senior Associate | Rotenberg & Rios | 1993 - 1998 |
Principal | Law Offices of Robert N. Pafundi | 1990 - 1992 |
Partner | Sweeney & Pafundi | 1985 - 1989 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Beverly Hills Bar Association, Entertainment Law Section | Member | N/A |
Beverly Hills Bar Association, Litigation Section | Member | N/A |
Children In Film | Advisory Board | N/A |
Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles | Member | N/A |
Screen Actors Guild | Talent Agent | N/A |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
LVLten Magazine | The Other 85% - Lawful Uses of a Minor's Entertainment Income | 2015 |
Dunham Books | Safe Stardom: How to Protect Your Children on Their Road to Fame | 2014 |
The Actor's Voice--POV | Entertainment Law 101: The Practical and Legal Differences | 2009 |
California State Bar Business Law News | Contracting With Minors: How California Lawmakers and Courts Deal with Adults Who Enter Contracts with Minors | 2008 |
California Lawyer Magazine | Proposition 51 Takes Hold: New Problems Emerge for Partial Settlements in Multi-Tortfeasor Litigation | 1990 |
Juris Diction | A Discussion of Issues in Personal Injury Law | 1990 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Southwestern University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1981 |
University of Colorado | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1977 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Producers Guild of America | Working with Children in Film and TV | 2016 |
Columbia College | Entertainment for Actors Part 2 | 2015 |
Children in Film | Advanced Entertainment for Children in Hollywood | 2015 |
Columbia College | Entertainment Law for Actors | 2014 |
Children in Film | Entertainment Law in Hollywood | 2014 |
Children in Film | California Entertainment Law | 2012 |
Children In Film | California Entertainment Child Labor Law A-Z | 2010 |
Children In Film | Protecting Your Children in Entertainment: A Lawyer's Perspective | 2009 |
Beverly Hills Bar Association, Entertainment Law Section | Representing and Employing Children in the Entertainment Industry | 2008 |
Talent Managers Association (TMA) | Legal Ramifications of Representing Minors in the Entertainment Industry | 2007 |
Screen Actors Guild Foundation | Life Raft--The Implications of the Berg v. Traylor Case | 2007 |
Beverly Hills Bar Association, Entertainment Law Section | Employing Minors in the Entertainment Industry: Contracts and the Law | 2007 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Unger v. Unger | Resolve in Mediation |
Berg v. Traylor | Precedent Setting Successful Appeal - Child Actor |
Doyle v. Fenster | Precedent Setting Successful Appeal |
Warren v. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Favorable Published Opinion |
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Gary Schank, Entertainment Attorney on Mar 31, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Darryl Dickey, Entertainment Attorney on Apr 6, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Ryan Dolinar, Unknown Attorney on Sep 4, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Donald Smiley, Entertainment Attorney on Sep 4, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Sharon Rowen, Entertainment Attorney on Sep 4, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Douglas Draper, Wrongful death Attorney on Sep 3, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Matthew Auric, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 22, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Robert is an incredible, meticulous, and thoughtful attorney. I highly recommend him.
Brian Torba, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 20, 2015
Relationship: Other
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.
Adam Studnicki, Unknown Attorney on Aug 19, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
John Phillips, Unknown Attorney on Aug 15, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Liz Apodaca, Entertainment Attorney on Apr 10, 2010
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
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.
Susan Luong, Entertainment Attorney on Apr 7, 2010
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
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.
Darryl Dickey, Entertainment Attorney on Apr 6, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Gary Schank, Entertainment Attorney on Mar 31, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
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