Michael Kernan

PRO

Michael Kernan

also known as Stephen Michael Kernan

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 30 years

Entertainment Lawyer at Beverly Hills, CA
Practice Areas: Entertainment, Intellectual Property, Copyright Infringement

9663 Santa Monica Blvd #450, Beverly Hills, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Michael

Biography

Aggressive. Experienced. Knowledgeable. Entertainment Litigation Attorneys with 60 Years of Combined Experience. Call Now!

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Entertainment 50%

16 years

50%
Copyright Infringement 25%

16 years

25%
Intellectual Property 25%

16 years

25%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in California for 30 years

State: California

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Michael Kernan

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

kernanlaw.net/

Michael Kernan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

7 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (7) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by Gail | June 11, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Contracts & Agreements

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, of...fered 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."

Posted by Darby | August 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Contracts & Agreements

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 sle...ep 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.

Posted by ALIMI | April 27, 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 tha...t 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...:)

Posted by Ashley Madison | April 19, 2010 | Lawsuits & Disputes

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 repr...esent 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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Michael Kernan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
April LaValley headshot
April LaValley

Entertainment lawyer | 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."

Donald William Flaig headshot
Donald Flaig

Entertainment lawyer | 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."

View All Endorsements
Donald William Flaig headshot
Donald Flaig

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyers of America

2022

Entertainment Law Professor, University of Californa, Hastings Law School

2021

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyers of America

2021

Entertainment Law Professor, University of California, Hastings Law School

2014

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

2013

Entertainment Law Professor, Hastings Law School

2013

Contributor on legal issues, The Postgame

2013

Speaker on digital media issues, Digital Hollywood

2010

Digital Power 50, Hollywood Reporter

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Partner, The Kernan Law Firm

2007 - Present

Professor, University of California, Hastings College of the Law

2000 - 2008

Business Affairs & Head of New Media, International Creative Management

1997 - 2000

Attorney, Lavely and Singer, P.C.

1996 - 1996

Assistant District Attorney, San Francisco District Attorney's Office

Associations

1996 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

Beverly Hills Bar Association, Entertainment Law Section

Member

Intellectual Property Law

Member

LA County Bar Assoc Litigation Section

Intellectual Property

Sample of Legal Cases

Doe v. Hollywood Film Studio

Settlement

Maribel Estrada v. Alimi Ballard

Settlement

Ashley Madison v. Daily News

Retraction & Settlement

Dana Carvey v. Al-Omar

Arbitration Award for Plaintiff

Arnold Schwarzenegger v. Globe Communications

Retraction & Settlement

Dux v. Jean-Claude Van Damme

Jury Verdict for Defendant

See More Legal Cases

Education

2011

Harvard Business School

OPM/Exec.MBA

1995

Saint Louis University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

University of California, Hastings College of the Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

undergraduate

Speaking Engagements

2021

Hastings College of Law

Entertainment Law

2021

Harvard Ent Law (2011)

Harvard Law School Entertainment Law Symposium (2011)

2021

Digital Hollywood (Spring)

Digital Media

2020

Digital Hollywood (Fall)

Television Issues in DM

2019

Hastings College of Law

Entertaiment Law

2019

Digital Hollywood (Spring)

Digital Content Issues

2019

Digital Hollywood (Fall)

Issues in Digital Media

2019

CES

Digital Media

2014

Digital Hollywood - Spring

Digital Media Convergence

2014

CES

Digital Media Issues

2013

Digital Hollywood (LA)

Television in Digital Media

2013

Digital Hollywood (Fall)

Digital Media Content

2013

CES

Convergence of Media

2012

Digital Hollywood

Digital Media & Content

2012

CES

Future of Digital Ent

2011

Digital Hollywood

Digital Media

2010

NATPE (2010, 2009, 2008, 2007)

Future of Digital Entertainment

2010

Digital Hollywood

Network New Media Deals

2009

Digital Hollywood

Future of New Media

2008

Sundance Film Festival

Future of Entertainment

2007

iHollywood Forum

Mobile Entertainment

N/A

Hastings Law School

Entertainment Law

N/A

Digital Hollywood 2008, 2007, 2006

Future of New Media

N/A

AFI Digital Content Seminar

Digital Content

Publications

2021

Hastings College of Law Entertainment Law

2021

SocialMediaLaw.Com District Attorney skills applied to Entertainment Trials

2020

SocialMediaLaw.Com Idea Theft in The Entertainment Industry

2019

Hastings College of Law Entertainment Law

2017

Hastings College of Law Entertainment Law

2016

Hastings College of Law Entertainment Law

2015

Hastings College of Law Entertainment Law

2014

Hastings Law School Social Media Law

2014

SocialMediaLaw.Com Privacy law in California

2013

Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal The Right of Publicity

2013

Hastings Law School Entertainment Law Guide

2011

California Lawyer Magazine DGA Case: Settling Dsiputed Claims

2011

Social Media Law Hastings Law School

2011

SocialMediaLaw.Com Blog Privacy in Social Media

2007

Televisionweek Author: A Guide To Producing Content for Mobile Phones

1999

Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Review Current Legal Issues Facing Producers, Including Liability for the Content of their Productions

Languages

English

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