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Dorsey E. Hairston II Hairston

Associate
About

Dorsey Hairston is an innovative, solutions-driven entertainment and sports attorney with experience helping clients achieve their business goals in an ever-evolving media landscape.  

Dorsey builds on experience from representing a diverse set of clients including, but not limited to, streaming platforms, studios, networks, multinational tech companies, digital media companies, production companies, non-profits, financiers, producers, writers, directors, actors, musicians, artists, and athletes understanding the lifecycle of relevant rights and considerations and delivering counsel that stands the test of time.  Dorsey is experienced in advising in all aspects of production legal matters for feature films, scripted and non-scripted television, documentary, live events, and marketing campaigns. 

Bar admissionsCaliforniaDistrict of ColumbiaMaryland

EXPERIENCE

  • Counsel to large studios and networks in a variety of development matters and delivery of full-scale feature films, scripted and non-scripted television programs, and documentaries.
  • Representation of intercollegiate sports leagues in NIL compliance matters.
  • Representation of brands in influencer/NIL marketing campaigns.
 
Education
  • J.D., Howard University School of Law, 2015
  • B.A., Boston College, 2006

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

  • The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® Entertainment and Sports Law (2024-2025)

Pro Bono

  • Provided student athletes with legal education on NIL matters.
  • Represented artists through California Lawyers for the Arts in various matters.
 

Prior Experience

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Dorsey worked as an entertainment associate at an AmLaw 100 law firm, an associate counsel at Fifth Season (fka Endeavor Content), the business affairs department at Creative Artists Agency, and in the sports and talent departments at William Morris Endeavor.

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers (BESLA)
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association
 

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