Michael Isselin

Partner
[O]ne unsung hero is Michael Isselin, a legal agent who has had a hand in nearly every aspect of marketing. From tentpole events including the Super Bowl to SAG-AFTRA contract negotiations, he keeps the industry running like a well-oiled machine.
40 Under 40 List, Ad Age, 2023
About

Michael Isselin's practice spans a wide range of areas in the entertainment industry. His practice focuses on talent and influencer marketing, SAG-AFTRA matters, celebrity endorsements, commercial and content production, sports marketing, and sponsorships. Michael's unparalleled knowledge about branding mechanics, content creation, social media engagement, and talent negotiations makes him the go-to attorney and trusted advisor to a roster of high-profile clients. His exceptional negotiation skills and deep industry acumen have resulted in securing some of the most lucrative endorsement deals involving some of the world's top celebrities.

Notably, Michael serves as legal counsel to The Joint Policy Committee, LLC (JPC), the bargaining representative responsible for negotiating the renowned $3+ billion SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract on behalf of the advertising industry. Relied upon to advocate for a fair and effective agreement, Michael actively contributes to the negotiation process, ensuring that the interests of the advertising industry are well-represented. He also plays a pivotal role in educating the advertising industry on SAG-AFTRA obligations and advising his brand and agency clients on the complex contractual requirements for commercial productions.

Michael's practice also covers a range of sports marketing matters, working with brands, agencies, and universities. These projects include long-term sponsorships, pouring rights agreements, and NIL deals, helping these clients navigate the changing landscape of NCAA and related rules governing student-athlete endorsements. In addition, he regularly advises on Olympic marketing practices, counseling brands on the rules and negotiating partnerships with Olympic athletes.

At the forefront of cutting-edge projects, innovation, and emerging media, Michael guides major brands and emerging companies through groundbreaking projects involving Web3 and AI, seamlessly merging technology with brand marketing strategies. His ability to navigate these rapidly evolving spaces and provide strategic counsel to clients has positioned him as a leading authority in understanding and advising on the latest advancements in media and technology.

Bar admissionsNew York

EXPERIENCE

  • Legal counsel to the bargaining representative negotiating the multi-billion-dollar SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts on behalf of the advertising industry
  • Counsel to leading creative agency, advising on production matters and advertising clearance for some of the most recent buzzworthy and iconic Super Bowl commercials
  • Representation of global luxury beauty and cosmetics brands in connection with talent endorsement agreements, scaling from micro-influencer projects to multi-million-dollar celebrity partnerships
  • Representation of university in negotiation of industry-leading 15-year multimedia rights agreement
  • Counsel to leading marketing industry trade association
Education
  • J.D., New York Law School
    summa cum laude
  • B.A., Political Science, Rutgers University

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Chambers USA

  • Up and Coming, Nationwide Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory (2024)

The Legal 500 United States

  • Next Generation Partner, Advertising and Marketing: Transactional and Regulatory (2024)
  • Up and Coming, Advertising and Marketing: Transactional and Regulatory (2020)
Additional Recognitions
  • Selected, Hollywood’s New Leaders, Variety, 2023
  • Selected, 40 under 40 List, Ad Age, 2023
  • Selected, Dealmakers Impact Report, Up Next, Variety, 2020

Seminars

  • "The Brand Deal," University of Miami Law's Counseling Creators Conference, March 1, 2024
  • "Un'AI'voidable: A look at influencer marketing beyond #ad," ANA Masters of Advertising Law Conference, November 17, 2023
  • "SAG-AFTRA Developments," NYC Bar Hot Topics in Advertising & Marketing Law, October 18, 2023

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Trustee on the SAG-AFTRA Producers Industry Advancement Cooperative Fund

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