David Halberstadter, Entertainment Attorney in Los Angeles, California
focused on Entertainment, IP, and Trademark
Los Angeles, CA
Trusted entertainment attorney serving Los Angeles.
Practices in
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Quick answer
David Halberstadter is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, IP, and Trademark.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Entertainment · IP · Trademark
- Handles Entertainment, IP, and Trademark matters from Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (2026).
About David Halberstadter: David Halberstadter is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, IP, and Trademark.
Areas of practice
Legal matters David takes on
David concentrates on entertainment, ip, and trademark. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Entertainment
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IP
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Trademark
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Entertainment cases in Los Angeles, California
David takes entertainment matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Los Angeles, California
David takes ip matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Trademark cases in Los Angeles, California
David takes trademark matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet David Halberstadter — entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles
David Halberstadter is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, IP, and Trademark.
Over more than 35 years of practice, David Halberstadter, the firm's deputy general counsel, has established a reputation among leading entertainment companies as a no-nonsense advisor and talented litigator. When other options fail, he aggressively pursues and defends lawsuits, with a focus on intellectual property-related disputes. Across all his work, clients value David's clear thinking, strategic wisdom and practical business sense.
David represents motion picture studios, production companies, television networks and new media companies. He gives them advice they can actually use — plain-spoken, grounded in common sense and uncluttered by legalese. His useful recommendations are backed by the decades he has spent in the entertainment industry. He also understands the cost burden of litigation and factors that into his advice.The cases that David litigates cover all aspects of developing, financing, producing and distributing entertainment content. He also plays a significant "behind-the-scenes" role in the development of movies, television shows and new media properties. He helps clients assess and mitigate risk, often answering the question: "Can we do this without getting sued?" He regularly reviews books, magazine articles and other source material to determine the risk of third-party claims likely to arise from adaptations. In other instances, he reviews often-byzantine rights agreements to make sure his clients actually acquire the rights they need for a project. Clients also turn to him for advice on accounting claims asserted by motion picture and television profit participants.
How David handles entertainment matters
Over more than 35 years of practice, David Halberstadter, the firm's deputy general counsel, has established a reputation among leading entertainment companies as a no-nonsense advisor and talented litigator. When other options fail, he aggressively pursues and defends lawsuits, with a focus on intellectual property-related disputes. Across all his work, clients value David's clear thinking,…
The kind of cases David takes
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for entertainment, ip, and trademark matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Georgetown University
J.D. · 1982
David studied at J.D. in Georgetown University.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in Georgetown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
David has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Media Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Copyright Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Media Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Copyright Law (2026).
Locations
David Halberstadter's office in Los Angeles
David's primary office is at 2121 Avenue Of The Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California, 90067-5010. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
2121 Avenue Of The Stars, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, California 90067-5010
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Client reviews of David Halberstadter
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David Halberstadter — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new entertainment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a entertainment attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many entertainment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in entertainment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every entertainment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many entertainment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David Halberstadter
How much does it cost to hire David for a entertainment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some entertainment attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do entertainment cases in California typically take?
Simple entertainment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
David is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new entertainment clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Entertainment attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
David handles entertainment matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified entertainment attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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