The Business Journal raises the curtain on the legal stars who work in L.A.’s entertainment industry.
LAWRENCE ISER, 55
Firm: Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert LLP
Law School: UC Hastings
Selected Clients: Mattel Inc., Roland Corp., eBay/StubHub, Ira Gershwin Musical Trust, Jackson Browne, David Byrne, Zobmondo.
Years in Practice: 30
Most Challenging Matter: On behalf of Roland Corp., obtaining copyright protection for the sounds contained in its electronic musical instruments, and securing an injunction preventing the unauthorized copying of those sounds.
Best Career Moment: Starting up the Kinsella Weitzman Iser firm.
Worst: After obtaining summary judgment on behalf of Michael Jackson in a trademark infringement case, being attacked in the courtroom by the losing party, who punched me in the jaw.
Highlight From Past Year: In Jackson Browne’s copyright lawsuit against John McCain and the Republican National Committee, obtaining a settlement that included a public apology, and undertaking by the Republicans to respect artists’ rights and to obtain licenses for the use of copyrighted works in future campaigns.
Longest Workday: Twenty-hour days during trial, because that’s what it takes!
How My Practice Is Changing: I am traveling a lot more, working on cases around the country. My IP litigation practice now includes a significant amount of patent litigation.
If I Weren’t an Attorney: I’d be teaching music.
My Colleagues Don’t Know: I do some wicked impressions, including Michael Jackson, Don Corleone and Richard Nixon.