Firm Watch
Jun. 18, 2002
Manatt Phelps: NEW MUSIC DUO INCLUDES FORMER NAPSTER HONCHO
The music department of Manatt Phelps & Phillips grew this month, with the addition of two new attorneys. The Los Angeles-based firm added Milton Olin , former executive vice president of Internet music file sharing service Napster.
The Los Angeles-based firm added Milton Olin, former executive vice president of Internet music file sharing service Napster.
Olin, who is also a former A&M records executive, will represent music talent and companies as well as emerging companies at Manatt Phelps. In addition to a stint helping Napster develop a business plan that wouldn't incur the legal wrath of the recording industry, Olin ran his own consulting business during 2001, helping clients exploit their intellectual property rights in new media.
"Having been on the front lines as the music industry evolved with the spread of the Internet and other new technologies, I'm pleased to be able to add a dimension to Manatt's established practice that will help clients take full advantage of new opportunities," Olin says.
Olin, who started at Manatt Phelps on June 3, wasn't the only new kid on the block that day. Music attorney Darrell Thompson also joined the firm.
A solo practitioner since 2001, Thompson represents pop group En Vogue and singing duo the Isley Brothers.
Thompson had established himself as a solo practitioner after law school in 1990. He went in-house at Motown Records Co. as director of business and legal affairs in 1994. In 1997, he joined music boutique Davis Shapiro & Lewitt as of-counsel before venturing out on his own four years later.
Manatt was able to lure Thompson back into law firm life.
"They're well-respected in the industry. And to have an opportunity to work with people like [Manatt partners] Lee Phillips and Gerry Margolis I saw as an extreme benefit," Thompson said.
Manatt Phelps has 280 legal professionals and seven offices in the United States and Mexico.
Staff Writer
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