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Michael Kernan

Entertainment Attorney at Beverly Hills, CA

5.0   6 reviews

also known as Stephen Michael Kernan

Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 27 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1996
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Michael

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Michael Kernan
9663 Santa Monica Blvd #450
Beverly Hills, CA, 90210

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  6 customer reviews
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Posted by Angela | June 19, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He's the best
I FEEL SO BLESSED TO HAVE FOUND THIS MAN!!! ALWAYS REPLYS BACK TO ME QUICKLY. VERY THANKFUL TO HIM AND HIS TEAM.
Posted by Darby | August 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Long-Term Client Perspective/Review
Mr. Kernan has handled everything from transactional production and development contract negotiations, to civil/entertainment litigation and arbitration matters, for me for over a decade. His consistently unrelenting and winning approach, no matter what the arena of law, has always allowed me to sleep easy at night. An honest, true fighter for his clients, I can whole-heartedly recommend Mr, Kernan as the ideal advocate and counsel for your interests in any forum.
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Posted by Gail | August 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I cannot recommend Mike Kernan and the Kernan Law Firm enough!
"I think the best way to rate is to detail my experience. I hope this review helps. I'm an independent producer who, due to differences of opinions, had been inexcusably ousted from a project. I went above and beyond (the EP's words, not mine) in all areas; was on set where and when I could be, offered industry insight, assisted them with another production (for which I was made promises and they never followed through), introduced them to connections (for which they wouldn't have had otherwise), distribution (to which they snubbed their noses at), obtained pertinent info on an historic criminal case, info they never could have obtained on their own. That old adage "no good deed goes unpunished" well, does that ever ring true in my case. Bottom lining it, I was in for a percentage of the proceeds. The EP's decided they were not going to honor our initial verbal agreement. I knew that if I wanted to see a dime, I needed an attorney. I had spoken with various entertainment lawyers in L.A. and Michael came to me highly recommended by a manager who knows the business of "show" inside and out. He knows who's good, who's bad. Michael and his team were, in a word, exceptional. Knowledgeable, skilled, always responsive (it's rare for an attorney to always be responsive!), always took the time to make sure I understood the intricate details, and why the case had to take the turn it did. My case was simplistic yet complicated; both defendants were, well, beyond words. I'll stop there. So during discovery it came out that proceeds were so much lower than I had anticipated. Because the project turned out as it did technically (my opinions didn't matter despite being hired because of my expertise), and due to the inexperienced jacks of all trades/masters of nothing, there was hardly any return to speak of. Or so the EP's have said. Ask me if I really buy that, I'll tell you no. Problem is proving it. But in the off-chance what they have claimed they made is true, then they were an utter failure. I digressed; Michael and Paul were patient. They cared about the outcome. They guided me through the first trial; there was mediation at first and the proposed settlement was beyond a slap in the face. I'd have rather lost every penny at the judges hands than to settle with those two ignoramus'. Michael left me a voicemail while I was in court, he cared about what was happening. When I called him back, I told him what transpired. Additionally there was some paperwork that needed immediate attention. Although that trial was over, and we were then awaiting a verdict, Michael cared enough to take care of what needed taking care of. And we won! So I guess one time in court wasn't humiliating enough to these two inept wanna-bees; yep, you guessed it! They filed an appeal. I then had the Kernan firm by my side in court; they were allowed to accompany me this time. And, we won again! The satisfaction of having stellar representation, who is not only knowledgeable but professional, and can kill in court, that's sublime. For all I went through with an inexperienced, inadequate, irrational and highly unprofessional first-time "producers"- and I've worked with many over my 22 years in the industry- these two were the worst... and just to know that I had a competent, trustworthy, reliable and responsive team in the Kernan Law Firm- there are not enough great adjectives in our vocabulary to describe Michael, Paul and the whole team. If this thing went up to thousands of stars, the Kernan Law Firm would have that rating from me. I would use Mike and his team again in a heart beat.... and only Mike and his team. They're the best, (literally) bar none."
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Posted by Michael | April 21, 2010
Very sharp and committed
represented my company, Omniquest Media, LLC on two cases and delivered well above and beyond expectations
Posted by ALIMI | April 21, 2010
'A MASTER OF THE FINE DETAILS.' HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Mr. Kernan's PROFESSIONALISM, INTEGRITY and EXCELLENCE surpassed every SINGLE expectation that I held in mind. It is NO understatement when I say he SHATTERED my image of what an ATTORNEY is about!!! Stephen’s attention to the FINE DETAILS of my case were absolutely invaluable. I have no doubt that it's one of the MAJOR reasons we were victorious. When you find yourself in serious need of an attorney, INTEGRITY and EFFECTIVENESS are paramount. Mr. Kernan excels PHENOMENALLY in both domains. I was very fortunate to have him on MY side. He comes with the HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION that I can possibly muster...:)
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Posted by Ashley Madison | April 15, 2010
A Brilliant Attoreny
I have used Michael for two lawsuits and both were swift and successful wins! I had "pounded the pavement" interviewing attorneys for my case before I was referred to Michael, I needed to be so careful and get the best attorney as my situation was so personal and devastating, only the best could represent me. Well, I got the best and when I needed the best again this time for slander it was a no brainer Michael is the only representation I will seek. He's interesting, he's not like other attorneys who do this as their bread and butter and as a result take any case when money is presented. Michael, genuinely will not take a case he doesnt think he can win or that he is just not that interested in (lol) and when he took mine it was a relief. He went to work immediately and relieved me of all the burdens I was carrying with the suit and they were, as these matters usual are, excruciating to deal with or even think about! Because of Michael I rightfully and justifiably won cases that were painful, personal, and that the other attorneys I interviewed weren't able to take on. If he takes an interest in your case you are very lucky and in good hands. I attest I genuinely got lucky when Michael took my nightmares on and you would be too. He has all the dynamics an attorney needs to be great, he was personal and friendly but straight to the point, a human being with a sense of humor but a no nonsense tough fighter. He never gave up or relented and I know its a large reason why I had such successful outcomes with my cases. I always felt in good hands and that gave me the peace of mind I needed going through that tough time. I highly recommend Michael as an attorney to anyone who needs the best and most proficient man on their side giving you peace of mind and the right stuff for the job! :) xoxo Ashley Madison
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Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • The Kernan Law Firm
  • 2008 - Present
  • Professor
  • University of California, Hastings College of the Law
  • 2007 - Present
  • Business Affairs & Head of New Media
  • International Creative Management
  • 2000 - 2008
  • Attorney
  • Lavely and Singer, P.C.
  • 1997 - 2000
  • Assistant District Attorney
  • San Francisco District Attorney's Office
  • 1996 - 1996
View all work experience

Education

  • Harvard Business School
  • OPM/Exec.MBA
  • 2011
  • University of California, Hastings College of the Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1995
  • Saint Louis University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1995
  • University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
  • undergraduate
  • 1991
View all education

Legal Cases

  • Doe v. Hollywood Film Studio
  • Settlement
  • Maribel Estrada v. Alimi Ballard
  • Settlement
  • Ashley Madison v. Daily News
  • Retraction & Settlement
View all legal cases

Associations

  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association, Entertainment Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Member
  • N/A
  • LA County Bar Assoc Litigation Section
  • Intellectual Property
  • N/A
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Elite Lawyer
  • Elite Lawyers of America
  • 2022
  • Entertainment Law Professor
  • University of Californa, Hastings Law School
  • 2022
  • Elite Lawyer
  • Elite Lawyers of America
  • 2021
  • Entertainment Law Professor
  • University of California, Hastings Law School
  • 2021
  • Social Media Law Professor
  • Hastings Law School
  • 2014
  • Legal Contributor
  • The Postgame
  • 2014
  • Speaker on Digital Media
  • CES
  • 2014
  • Speaker
  • Digital Hollywood - Spring
  • 2014
  • Entertainment Law Professor
  • University of California, Hastings Law
  • 2014
  • Entertainment Law Professor
  • Hastings Law School
  • 2013
  • Contributor on legal issues
  • The Postgame
  • 2013
  • Speaker on digital media issues
  • Digital Hollywood
  • 2013
  • Digital Power 50
  • Hollywood Reporter
  • 2010
View all awards

Publications

  • Hastings College of Law
  • Entertainment Law
  • 2021
  • SocialMediaLaw.Com
  • District Attorney skills applied to Entertainment Trials
  • 2021
  • SocialMediaLaw.Com
  • Idea Theft in The Entertainment Industry
  • 2020
  • Hastings College of Law
  • Entertainment Law
  • 2019
  • Hastings College of Law
  • Entertainment Law
  • 2017
  • Hastings College of Law
  • Entertainment Law
  • 2016
  • Hastings College of Law
  • Entertainment Law
  • 2015
  • Hastings Law School
  • Social Media Law
  • 2014
  • SocialMediaLaw.Com
  • Privacy law in California
  • 2014
  • Hastings Law School
  • Entertainment Law Guide
  • 2013
  • Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal
  • The Right of Publicity
  • 2013
  • Social Media Law
  • Hastings Law School
  • 2011
  • California Lawyer Magazine
  • DGA Case: Settling Dsiputed Claims
  • 2011
  • SocialMediaLaw.Com Blog
  • Privacy in Social Media
  • 2011
  • Televisionweek
  • Author: A Guide To Producing Content for Mobile Phones
  • 2007
  • Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Review
  • Current Legal Issues Facing Producers, Including Liability for the Content of their Productions
  • 1999
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Digital Hollywood (Spring)
  • Digital Media
  • 2021
  • Hastings College of Law
  • Entertainment Law
  • 2021
  • Harvard Ent Law (2011)
  • Harvard Law School Entertainment Law Symposium (2011)
  • 2021
  • Digital Hollywood (Fall)
  • Television Issues in DM
  • 2020
  • Digital Hollywood (Fall)
  • Issues in Digital Media
  • 2019
  • Digital Hollywood (Spring)
  • Digital Content Issues
  • 2019
  • CES
  • Digital Media
  • 2019
  • Hastings College of Law
  • Entertaiment Law
  • 2019
  • CES
  • Digital Media Issues
  • 2014
  • Digital Hollywood - Spring
  • Digital Media Convergence
  • 2014
  • CES
  • Convergence of Media
  • 2013
  • Digital Hollywood (LA)
  • Television in Digital Media
  • 2013
  • Digital Hollywood (Fall)
  • Digital Media Content
  • 2013
  • CES
  • Future of Digital Ent
  • 2012
  • Digital Hollywood
  • Digital Media & Content
  • 2012
  • Digital Hollywood
  • Digital Media
  • 2011
  • NATPE (2010, 2009, 2008, 2007)
  • Future of Digital Entertainment
  • 2010
  • Digital Hollywood
  • Network New Media Deals
  • 2010
  • Digital Hollywood
  • Future of New Media
  • 2009
  • Sundance Film Festival
  • Future of Entertainment
  • 2008
  • iHollywood Forum
  • Mobile Entertainment
  • 2007
  • Hastings Law School
  • Entertainment Law
  • N/A
  • AFI Digital Content Seminar
  • Digital Content
  • N/A
  • Digital Hollywood 2008, 2007, 2006
  • Future of New Media
  • N/A
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (2)
Given (1)
Endorse Michael
Entertainment Attorney | Apr 22
Relationship: Co-worker
"I highly recommend S. Michael Kernan. He is an excellent attorney with exceptional written and verbal skills. He has a very deep knowledge of the entertainment and media industries combined with litigation savvy."
Entertainment Attorney | Apr 22
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Michael has the experience needed to handle his cases with expertise and efficiency. A legal mind that sees the issues before they become issues and handles each case with the devotion needed to come to a successful resolution. I would strongly endorse and recommend Michael Kernan."
Litigation

Avvo Contributions

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Beverly Hills Entertainment Lawyer Michael Kernan
Michael Kernan
Entertainment Attorney
Beverly Hills, CA
Licensed for 27 years
Virtual consultation available