The law firm KM&M has announced that Kevin D. Ellman has joined as Of Counsel in its entertainment labor practice. This addition is significant as it brings senior-level, in-house insight from some of the world's most influential media companies directly to the firm's client base. Ellman's over two decades of experience, including roles at Paramount Global and The Walt Disney Company, positions him to provide integrated counsel that aligns labor relations with business objectives and legal risk management.
Ellman's practice is defined by combining high-level labor strategy with hands-on leadership in business and legal affairs. His approach is shaped by years of executive decision-making at the highest levels of the industry, most recently as Senior Vice President of Labor Relations at Paramount Media Networks. In that role, he oversaw labor relations and developed strategy across traditional and digital platforms, business units, and studio operations. He has negotiated collective bargaining agreements, resolved union grievances, and led management responses to union organizing efforts.
The move is important for an industry undergoing rapid transformation. Ellman's broad experience spans animated and live-action content for television, streaming, and theatrical release; content licensing and distribution; consumer products; live entertainment; and the application of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in media. This comprehensive background allows him to address the multifaceted labor and business challenges facing entertainment companies today, from podcast production and video games to music licensing and employment of minors.
"Kevin's executive-level experience provides him with a unique perspective that will be extremely valuable to our clients," said Bill Zuckerman, KM&M's Managing Partner and Entertainment Group Leader. "He understands the legal framework of labor relations and business affairs, as well as the operational realities and pressures facing media companies." This insight is crucial as companies navigate the complexities of a digital-first media landscape, where labor negotiations and business affairs are increasingly intertwined with technological innovation and new distribution models.
For clients, which range from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, Ellman's arrival at KM&M means access to strategic labor counsel informed by direct experience managing complex, cross-functional operations. The firm, which can be visited at https://www.kmm.com, emphasizes a combination of large-firm expertise with boutique firm flexibility. Ellman's hiring directly supports this mission, offering clients practical guidance to avoid distracting legal problems and focus on business growth. His background, including a J.D. from Cardozo School of Law and a B.A. from UCLA, and his admission to the New York bar, further solidify the firm's capacity to serve the entertainment sector's specific needs during a period of significant industry change and labor dynamics.
