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Robert N Pafundi

Entertainment Attorney at Los Angeles, CA

5.0   15 reviews

Licensed for 40 years

Virtual consultation available

Free consultation

About Robert

Learn Robert’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Entertainment
    60%
    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.

    23 years, 750 cases

  2. Contracts and agreements
    20%
    TV, Film, Reality TV, Commercials, and Commercial Campaigns. Contract Review and Drafting.

    23 years, 500 cases

  3. Personal injury
    15%
    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.

    40 years, 2,000 cases

  4. Lawsuits and disputes
    5%
    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.

    33 years, 500 cases

EXPERIENCED ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY - FREE CONSULTATION! FEES NEGOTIABLE: 424-363-5115

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.

Awards

Top Contributor 2015
Top Contributor
2015

Photos and videos

View more
Licensed for 40 years
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 1982
Updated 11/28/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Robert

Pafundi Law Firm, APC

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  15 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
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3 Star
 
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2 Star
 
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Posted by Kurt | September 9, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
EXCELLENT LAWYER!
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
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
I am so happy!
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 hope. I appreciate his incredible humility, expertise, and most of all, empathy. I highly recommend Robert Pafundi.
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Posted by Troy | August 16, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Entertainment Industry Matter
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
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Honest and Mindful
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.
Response from Robert Pafundi February 16, 2020
Thank You for the Overall Rating and especially for the Kind Words. Robert Pafundi
Posted by anonymous | September 13, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Life Altering Personal Injury Case
Robert Pafundi acted as lead trial counsel representing both my wife and me in a very serious, life-changing auto v. pedestrian accident in Ventura County. He kept us fully informed all along the way, and we were able to participate in every important decision. Robert's attention to detail was impeccable, including his thorough investigation of our claim. He was knowledgeable in understanding the nature and extent of the physical, emotional and economic injuries, which were substantial. We highly recommend Robert Pafundi.
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Posted by Christel | September 12, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Entertainment contract negotiation with major network
Robert has to be the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with. He’s the only person who helped me get a raise with my long time job on a major tv show on CBS for which I won a daytime Emmy for. Something my agent and manager couldn’t even do for years. He also is still an amazing human who would help me at the drop of a hat with no extra charges. He’s honest, dependable, and thoughtful. His fees are always fair which is hard to find when it comes to lawyers.
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Posted by Letisha | September 10, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Entertainment Consultation
Mr. Pafundi is not just a great Attorney, he is a genuinely kind person. Although he had not yet agreed to take my case, nevertheless he spent MONTHS of his valuable time doing the research to try and help validate my claim - and didn't charge me a penny! Unlike 99% of the Lawyer's I contacted, he did not just blow me off. I was honored that he gave my issue real thought and real time. Anyone who is fortunate enough to have him as their legal counsel can rest-assured they are being represented by a lawyer who actually cares.
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Posted by anonymous | August 1, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Entertainment Consultation
We consulted with Robert Pafundi regarding an entertainment matter for our child. He was warm, extremely knowledgable and provided valuable insights and guidance to make informed decisions in the best interest of our child. It was a pleasure consulting with Robert and we wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking counsel.
Posted by anonymous | December 9, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
To-the-point and pleasant to work with
Robert Pafundi gave me some very practical advice on an issue of entertainment law with privacy aspects. His advice was very specific and practical. Apart from that, Robert is very friendly, responsive, and fun to work with. Look no further.
Posted by anonymous | October 23, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Saved my business.
I own and operate a Los Angeles based talent agency. A few years back I left a larger talent agency and was sued when attempting to start my new business. After consulting with numerous firms, I settled on Rob Pafundi and it was honestly one of the best decisions I've ever made. Rob was intelligent, strategic, and very experienced. His rates were very competitive and he over delivered. We ended up with the ideal outcome and fairly quickly. We remain friends to this day and I have recommended Rob to other industry professionals and he continues to deliver.
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Posted by Joseph | October 15, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolutely Amazing Entertaintment Attorney
My name is Joseph, I'm an LA based actor that had a dispute with a Modeling and Talent Agency that went through to litigation. Robert Pafundi represented me in this entertainment matter and from our very first consultation I knew I was going to be in good hands. He was professional, communicative and honest through every step of the process. Robert always made sure that I was informed, that I reviewed all materials and knew what I was up against. He was never pushy while still having strong convictions. Robert was willing to help me sort through all my evidence and determine what was helpful. I've never had someone fight so hard for me and Robert refused to give in when we felt like we were being stifled. When it came to fees he was very fair and offered several different options. Having to hire an attorney is never something you necessarily want to do but if you need to I would highly suggest, Robert Pafundi. I would definitely hire him again.
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Posted by Arlene | August 11, 2015
Auto Accident
Auto Accident Years ago, working as a legal secretary in a Los Angeles law firm, Robert Pafundi, then a young intern about to graduate from law school, joined our firm. It was obvious to everyone that he was going to be an outstanding attorney. We were right; Robert became a brilliant attorney and I had the pleasure of working with him for many years. Now, years later, retired and living in Oregon, my husband and I, while on a road trip, were in a terrible automobile accident. Without hesitation, we turned the matter over to Robert. Within a surprisingly short time he settled both our cases for substantial policy limits. We all knew that the young man who walked into our law office so long ago was going to be an outstanding attorney, but he exceeded all our expectations. I rated him with the maximum five stars, but he deserves yet another star for the incredible job he did for us.
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Posted by Tracy | April 7, 2010
Outstanding Litigation Attorney
Robert Pafundi went above and beyond my expectations and the outcome was outstanding. His hard work and attention to detail along with his willingness to find a way to win my case, when other attorneys said it could not be won, are what set him apart from many other attorneys. I highly recommend him and would work with him again in the future.
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Posted by Audrey | April 7, 2010
The Best Entertainment Lawyer I've Worked With
Robert has worked with me on several cases and contracts and I have to say he really has a way of removing all the burden from the legal process, and present it in a manner that is lucid and concise. He has always provided me with clear explanations, so that I may be able to fully consider my options, and his advice is consistently, spot on. In all my years working with various lawyers in the Entertainment field, he is not only the most knowledgeable I've come across, he also has some really good instincts, a rare quality and one that's been instrumental to my various successes. Last but certainly not least, he cares. However many cases and clients he has to handle at any given time, he's always been 100 percent focused and committed during our meetings. I'm a person who likes to connect with the people I work with, and Robert has a fantastic personality, and contagious energy which make him a treat to work with. I would recommend him in a heartbeat.
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Posted by Deanna | March 31, 2010
Excellent Entertainment Attorney
Robert Pafundi has done an incredible job representing myself and my children as our entertainment lawyer. He is very professional, responds quickly, and always keeps you informed while he is working on your case. I would recommend his service to anyone seeking legal council. He is also very knowledgeable on many aspects of the business, and is always so helpful and willing to go above and beyond to help and answer any questions you may have.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 350-500 per hour
  • Contingency 25%-40%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • 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
View all work experience

Education

  • Southwestern University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1981
  • University of Colorado
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1977

Legal Cases

  • Unger v. Unger
  • Resolve in Mediation
  • Berg v. Traylor
  • Precedent Setting Successful Appeal - Child Actor
  • Doyle v. Fenster
  • Precedent Setting Successful Appeal
View all legal cases

Associations

  • 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
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Japanese

Honors and Awards

  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2021
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019

Publications

  • 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
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • 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
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (12)
Given (2)
Endorse Robert
Entertainment Attorney | Mar 31
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."
Entertainment Attorney | Apr 06
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."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 04
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."
Entertainment Attorney | Sep 04
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."
Entertainment Attorney | Sep 04
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."
Wrongful death Attorney | Sep 03
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."
Personal injury Attorney | Nov 22
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Robert is an incredible, meticulous, and thoughtful attorney. I highly recommend him."
Personal injury Attorney | Aug 20
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."
Unknown Attorney | Aug 19
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."
Unknown Attorney | Aug 15
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."
Entertainment Attorney | Apr 10
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."
Entertainment Attorney | Apr 07
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."
View more endorsements
Personal injury
Personal injury
Los Angeles Entertainment Lawyer Robert N Pafundi
Robert N Pafundi
Entertainment Attorney
Los Angeles, CA
Licensed for 40 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available