Michael R. Williams, Entertainment Attorney in New York
New, NY
Trusted entertainment attorney serving New York.
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Are you Michael R. Williams?
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Quick answer
Michael R. Williams is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Entertainment.
- Based in
- New York, NEW YORK
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Entertainment
- Handles Entertainment matters from New York, NEW YORK.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (New York City) (2026).
About Michael R. Williams: Michael R. Williams is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Entertainment.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael R. Williams
Michael concentrates on entertainment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Entertainment cases in New York
Michael takes entertainment matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael R. Williams — Attorney of New York entertainment experience
Michael R. Williams is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Entertainment.
Michael R. Williams is a partner and Chair of the firm’s Fashion Group and Co-Chair of the Celebrity Branding Group.
Mr. Williams’ clients include major television and motion picture actors, leading fashion designers, top models, fashion show production companies, photographers and executives in the entertainment and fashion industries.
Mr. Williams represents actors in the negotiation of deals to perform in film, television, theater and other media. He also works to assist clients in capitalizing on their name, fame, likeness, and other rights in all media. He negotiates and structures profitable merchandising, licensing, endorsement and spokesperson agreements, and counsels clients on the development of their own celebrity-branded product lines.
Mr. Williams has extensive experience working with fashion brands and individuals with regards to the creation, protection and, licensing of their intellectual property and trademarks. He also advises clients regarding corporate structuring and employment matters.
Best Lawyers in America has recognized Mr. Williams as a top entertainment lawyer for several years and The Hollywood Reporter included him in its 2023 and 2020 “Power Lawyers” lists of the top 25 entertainment lawyers in New York. Super Lawyers and The Legal 500 consistently recognizes Mr. Williams for his entertainment law expertise. In the past, he was also included in Variety’s “Dealmaker’s Impact Report.”
Mr. Williams is a member of the New York State and American Bar Associations. He is admitted to practice in New York.
How Michael handles entertainment matters
Michael R. Williams is a partner and Chair of the firm’s Fashion Group and Co-Chair of the Celebrity Branding Group. Mr. Williams’ clients include major television and motion picture actors, leading fashion designers, top models, fashion show production companies, photographers and executives in the entertainment and fashion industries. Mr. Williams represents actors in the negotiation of deals…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for entertainment matters across New York.
Credentials
Michael R. Williams's legal education and bar admissions
Albany Law School of Union University
J.D. · 1993
Fairfield University
B.S.
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
New York, New York S
ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Albany Law School of Union University and B.S. in Fairfield University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Albany Law School of Union University and B.S. in Fairfield University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael R. Williams
Michael has received 9 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (New York City)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — New York-area "Super Lawyer"
2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Legal 500
2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Hollywood Reporter
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Variety
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (New York City) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — New York-area "Super Lawyer" (2026).
Locations
Michael R. Williams's office in New York
Michael's primary office is at 28 Liberty Street, New York, New York, 10005. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael R. Williams
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael R. Williams — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new entertainment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a entertainment attorney in New York
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 Michael
Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael'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 Michael R. Williams
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a entertainment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some entertainment attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do entertainment cases in New York 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside New York?
Michael is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new entertainment clients right now?
Michael'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 Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Michael handles entertainment matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified entertainment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated entertainment attorneys in New York
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these entertainment attorneys in New York handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





