Steven Katleman
Founder
Steve honed his legal and business skills in a variety of settings – from a major talent agency (where he decided that being an agent was a great job for other people), to a small law firm as a business litigator, (where he learned how to fight and not be intimidated, even when being yelled at by a federal judge), to a medium-sized entertainment law firm (where he learned how to intimidate the other side while keeping it classy), to a full-service international law firm with a world-renowned entertainment and media practice (which added more tools to his shed to broaden and diversify his practice).
Steve believes that broad legal, industry and practical experience is essential to being an effective entertainment and media lawyer. He says, “I didn’t go to law school to get lost in an ivory tower. I went to learn a trade to help clients to get where they want to be.” What he finds most gratifying is to work with clients who have a vision and who are at the top of their game or on their way. Most gratifying of all is if he can be a small part of their success whenever it comes.
A Los Angeles native, Steve continues his LA-based national and worldwide practice in his new configuration, appreciating the flexibility that it affords him. When not working, Steve enjoys music, cooking, hanging with his kids (who still want to talk to him), and cycling and other high-speed sports, while doing his best to avoid blunt-force trauma. He is also trying to talk his wife, Janet, into letting him get a new dog. Updates to follow on this site.
Recognition and Community Involvement
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Entertainment Law – Motion Pictures and Television, 2011-2026
- Listed, Variety, “Legal Impact Report: 50 Game-Changing Attorneys,” 2012
- Rated, Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® 5.0 out of 5.0 – Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence
- °AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell DistinguishedSM and Martindale-Hubbell NotableSM are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell® certification procedures, standards and policies.
- Adjunct Professor, Film and Television Law, University of Southern California Law School
- Executive Member, Hollywood Radio & Television Society (HRTS)
- Mentor, HRTS Mentorship Program
- Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Member, Beverly Hills Bar Association
Credentials/Education
- J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law
- A.B., magna cum laude, University of California at Los Angeles
- Bar Admission: California
