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Jon Pfeiffer

Entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of trial experience.
  • Entertainment & Sports Law
  • California, Colorado
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Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Biography



Jon Pfeiffer limits his practice to the following niche areas where his knowledge and experience enable him to achieve the most favorable results for his clients:

• Influencers and social media
• Copyright (registration and infringement)
• Right of publicity (protection of name, image and likeness)
• Defamation (libel and slander)
• IFTA arbitrations
• Motion picture the television production
• Business litigation
• Entity formation and maintenance

Jon hosts a bi-weekly podcast called "The Creative Influencer” where he interviews influencers, creatives and the professionals who work with them. The podcast is available on iTunes and Spotify.

Also, Jon is an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University in Malibu where he teaches Media Law (COM 570). COM 570 covers First Amendment issues as well as privacy, defamation and copyright. He has twice received the Outstanding Adjunct Teaching Award from the Seaver College of Letters, Arts and Sciences at Pepperdine University.

Even though he has a national practice, Jon still relies upon his Midwestern values when helping his clients. He grew up on a farm in Nebraska and went to college in Lincoln Nebraska before moving to Los Angeles over 30 years ago to practice law. He believes that we are here for the sake of serving others. To that end, Jon is actively involved in the community and has served as the president of the Santa Monica Bar Association as well as Chair of its Entertainment Law Section.

To find out more about Jon and his practice, visit him at www.pfeifferlaw.com.

Practice Area
    Entertainment & Sports Law
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Hourly fees range from $490 to $590 per hour.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
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Colorado
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Executive Committee
Los Angeles County Bar Association Barristers
Current
Co-Chair
Los Angeles County Bar Association, Education Committee
Current
Community Law Week, Co-Chair
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Current
Co-Chair
Los Angeles County Bar Association, Bench and Bar Relations Committee
Current
State Bar Conference of Delegates, Delegate
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Current
Executive Committee
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Current
Chair of Entertainment Law Section
Santa Monica Bar Association
- Current
Business Litigation Committee, Business Law Section
State Bar of California
- Current
Chair of Entertainment Law Section
Santa Monica Bar Association
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President
Santa Monica Bar Association
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Chair of Trial Attorney Project
Los Angeles County Bar Association
-
Education
Univ of Nebraska
Undergraduate Degree
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Univ of Denver COL
Law Degree
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Awards
California "Super Lawyer" for Entertainment and Sports Law
Los Angeles Magazine and SuperLawyers.com
Named one of the Top 100 Entertainment lawyers in the State of California
American Society of Legal Advocates
California "Super Lawyer" for Entertainment and Sports Law
Los Angeles Magazine and SuperLawyers.com
Named one of the Top 100 Entertainment lawyers in the State of California
American Society of Legal Advocates
Named one of the Top 100 Entertainment lawyers in the State of California
American Society of Legal Advocates
California "Super Lawyer" for Entertainment and Sports Law
Los Angeles Magazine and SuperLawyers.com
Named one of the Top 100 Entertainment lawyers in the State of California
American Society of Legal Advocates
California "Super Lawyer" for Entertainment and Sports Law
Los Angeles Magazine and SuperLawyers.com
California "Super Lawyer" for Entertainment and Sports Law
Los Angeles Magazine and SuperLawyers.com
Outstanding Adjunct Teaching Award
Pepperdine University
Outstanding Adjunct Teaching Award
Pepperdine University
Professional Associations
Santa Monica Bar Association
President; Entertainment Law Section, Chair; Secretary, Board of Trustees, Elected Member
Current
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LA County Bar Association
Trial Attorney Project, Chair; Board of Trustees; Barristers Executive Committee; Bench and Bar Relations Committee, Co-chair; Community Law Week, Co-chair; State Bar Conference of Delegates, Delegate; Section on Litigation, Member; Education Committee, C
Current
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University of Denver Sturm College of Law Alumni Council
Member
Current
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American Bar Association
Task Force on Entertainment Law and ADR; Section on Litigation
Current
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Beverly Hills Bar Association
Section on Litigation
Current
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Los Angeles County Superior Court
West District Civil Advisory Committee
Current
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Viewpoint School
Upper School Mock Trial Team, Legal Coach; Varsity Football Booster Club, Co-founder
Current
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Webster Elementary School
School Site Council
Current
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California State Bar  # 118601
Member
- Current
Activities: Section on Litigation
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Publications
Articles & Publications
"Avoiding Lawsuits"
"Benefits that Benefit"
"Beware of that Stock Tip"
Denver Corporate Connection
"Buying a Business"
Denver Corporate Connection
"Insurance: What's Enough Got to do with it?"
Denver Corporate Connection
"Lawsuits are Survivable"
Executive Denver Magazine
"Legal Checkups"
Skyview Magazine
"Liability of Corporate Directors"
Executive Denver Magazine
"Living with Layoffs"
"Not to Profit, but to Gain: Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Nonprofit Board Member"
"The Art of Getting Paid"
Denver Corporate Magazine
"The Litigation Budget: the Glue that Holds the Team Together"
Verdict Magazine
"The Power of Purchase Orders"
"Trial Attorneys Can Learn a Few Things from Hollywood"
Daily Journal Newspaper
Presidentially Speaking: Monthly Newsletter Columns for the Santa Monica Bar Association
Paparazzi by Drone: Is This Legal?
Above the Law
Breaking Into Hollywood: An Insider's Guide
Above the Law
The Three Stooges Stole My Life Story
Above the Law
Bikram is the Dog in 'Down Dog'
Above the Law
Judge Judy Should Be Nominated For the Supreme Court Vacancy
Above the Law
#OscarsSoWhite: Inside Info From an Entertainment Law Expert
Above the Law
Websites & Blogs
Website
Blog
Entertainment Law Blog
Videos
One of the advantages of hiring a boutique law firm is that we limit the number of clients we represent, so each client receives Jon Pfeiffer's personal attention.   Jon Pfeiffer is an entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. Will You Personally Represent Me?

One of the advantages of hiring a boutique law firm is that we limit the number of clients we represent, so each client receives Jon Pfeiffer's personal attention. Jon Pfeiffer is an entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience.

Though most of Jon Pfeiffer's clients live in California, he does work with clients who live out of state.  Jon Pfeiffer is an entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of trial experience. I Don't Live in Los Angeles. Can You Still Represent Me?

Though most of Jon Pfeiffer's clients live in California, he does work with clients who live out of state. Jon Pfeiffer is an entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of trial experience.

Although Jon Pfeiffer prefers to meet with clients in person to establish a connection, he is also open to communicating with clients through technology and, in some circumstances, travel.  Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. Must I Be Able to Meet With You in Person at Your Office For You to Represent Me?

Although Jon Pfeiffer prefers to meet with clients in person to establish a connection, he is also open to communicating with clients through technology and, in some circumstances, travel. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience.

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his standard fees and the value he provides a client who chooses to retain him.  Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. How Much Do You Charge?

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his standard fees and the value he provides a client who chooses to retain him. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience.

Jon Pfeiffer explains his policy on the initial consultation charge.  Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. Do You Provide Free Consultations?

Jon Pfeiffer explains his policy on the initial consultation charge. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience.

Jon Pfeiffer encourages potential clients to check out his website before contacting him for legal representation. There they can learn about his practice and determine if they are a good fit.  Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. How Do I Get Started Working With You?

Jon Pfeiffer encourages potential clients to check out his website before contacting him for legal representation. There they can learn about his practice and determine if they are a good fit. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience.

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his process for determining whether or not to take a case. How Do You Decide Whether to Take a Case?

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his process for determining whether or not to take a case.

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his expertise in the fields of entertainment litigation and business litigation.  Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. What Types of Cases Do You Handle?

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his expertise in the fields of entertainment litigation and business litigation. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience.

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the elements in a literary work that can and cannot be copyrighted. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. What is a Literary Work?

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the elements in a literary work that can and cannot be copyrighted. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience.

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the elements needed to copyright a work.  Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. When Can You Copyright a Work?

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the elements needed to copyright a work. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience.

Jon Pfeiffer talks when copyright came to the United States.  Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. When Did Copyright Come to the US?

Jon Pfeiffer talks when copyright came to the United States. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience.

Jon Pfeiffer discusses his career as an entertainment trial attorney on the Women’s Radio Network show Open Forum with Bridget Grayson. Jon Pfeiffer, Entertainment Trial Attorney, Interviewed by Womens Radio Network

Jon Pfeiffer discusses his career as an entertainment trial attorney on the Women’s Radio Network show Open Forum with Bridget Grayson.

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the beginnings of copyright.  Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. Who Invented Copyright?

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the beginnings of copyright. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience.

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his very first trial experience. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of experience. Part of Pepperdine Law School’s Legal... Do You Remember Your First Trial? Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his very first trial experience. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of experience. Part of Pepperdine Law School’s Legal...

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his organizational methods of using a checklist binder to manage the moving pieces of trials. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over... How do you manage trial logistics? Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his organizational methods of using a checklist binder to manage the moving pieces of trials. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over...

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his method of approaching the jury selection process in a case. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of experience.... How do you approach jury selection? Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer talks about his method of approaching the jury selection process in a case. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of experience....

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the necessity of identifying with the jury in a case and how he goes about building that relationship. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial... How do you develop rapport with the jury during trial? Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the necessity of identifying with the jury in a case and how he goes about building that relationship. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial...

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the importance of a theme in a case and how to best spend the final days before a trial. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment... When do you start to develop a case’s theme? Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the importance of a theme in a case and how to best spend the final days before a trial. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment...

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the importance of a theme in a case and how to best spend the final days before a trial. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment... When do you start to develop a case’s theme? Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer talks about the importance of a theme in a case and how to best spend the final days before a trial. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment...

Jon Pfeiffer shares how he spends the last 30 days before a trial. Part of the Pepperdine Law School Legal Counselor series. How do you prepare for trial during the last 30 days? Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer shares how he spends the last 30 days before a trial. Part of the Pepperdine Law School Legal Counselor series.

Jon Pfeiffer talks about working out as a way to handle the stress of a trial. Part of Pepperdine Law School’s Legal Counselor Series. How do you deal with the stress of trial? – Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer talks about working out as a way to handle the stress of a trial. Part of Pepperdine Law School’s Legal Counselor Series.

Jon Pfeiffer talks about exercising to ease the stress of law school exams, the bar, a trial or tough case. Part of Pepperdine Law School's Legal Counselor Series When did you learn exercise was a good way to ease stress? Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer talks about exercising to ease the stress of law school exams, the bar, a trial or tough case. Part of Pepperdine Law School's Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer shares some of his tricks to stay focused during trial. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. This video... How Do You Maintain Focus During Trial? - Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer shares some of his tricks to stay focused during trial. Jon Pfeiffer is a Los Angeles entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of entertainment experience. This video...

What advice do you give to your mentees? - Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer gives insight into how to find a good mentor.  Jon Pfeiffer is an entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of trial experience. How Do You Find A Good Mentor? - Legal Counselor Series

Jon Pfeiffer gives insight into how to find a good mentor. Jon Pfeiffer is an entertainment trial attorney with over 30 years of trial experience.

How Do You Find A Good Mentor? - Legal Counselor Series

The right of publicity is not a constitutional right. In fact, the United States constitution does not so much as mention the right of publicity (not even the penumbra). The... Privacy Video 17 - The Right of Publicity and the First Amendment

The right of publicity is not a constitutional right. In fact, the United States constitution does not so much as mention the right of publicity (not even the penumbra). The...

Use it or lose it. This rule applies to so many aspects of life including lawsuits. You must timely act upon a right to sue or forever lose your right... Privacy Video 16 - How Long is Too Long?

Use it or lose it. This rule applies to so many aspects of life including lawsuits. You must timely act upon a right to sue or forever lose your right...

During their lifetime a person can achieve frame from rare ability, dumb luck or a combination of the two. Only a fraction of those individuals who become famous during their... Privacy Video 15 - The Value of Everlasting Fame

During their lifetime a person can achieve frame from rare ability, dumb luck or a combination of the two. Only a fraction of those individuals who become famous during their...

A celebrity's name, image and likeness can have great value. Privacy Video 14 - Fame Pays

A celebrity's name, image and likeness can have great value.

We live in a branded world. Companies spend millions of dollars to create and protect their brands. Similarly, celebrities work hard to cultivate the public's perception of them in the... Privacy Video 13 - I Am My Own Brand

We live in a branded world. Companies spend millions of dollars to create and protect their brands. Similarly, celebrities work hard to cultivate the public's perception of them in the...

The case of the photogenic flasher (Barnhart vs. Paisano Publications) addressed the regrets of Tonya Barnhart who traded her dignity for a string of plastic beads. Privacy Video 12 - False Light and the Photogenic Flasher

The case of the photogenic flasher (Barnhart vs. Paisano Publications) addressed the regrets of Tonya Barnhart who traded her dignity for a string of plastic beads.

In the "Case of the Plucky Porker" we will continue our exploration of the parameters of the false light branch of the right of privacy. Privacy Video 11 - The Case of the Plucky Porker

In the "Case of the Plucky Porker" we will continue our exploration of the parameters of the false light branch of the right of privacy.

Girls, women -- do you have a muffin top? Guys, that's the roll of fat that spills over a woman's jeans that make her look like a muffin. Or, more... Privacy Video 10 - False Light and a Muffin Top

Girls, women -- do you have a muffin top? Guys, that's the roll of fat that spills over a woman's jeans that make her look like a muffin. Or, more...

In the Case of the Embarrassed Stripper (Puckett v. American Broadcasting Companies), Tammy Puckett sued ABC after her image appeared in a news segment about the illegal activities of several... Privacy Video 9 - An Embarrassed Stripper and Bashful Lovers

In the Case of the Embarrassed Stripper (Puckett v. American Broadcasting Companies), Tammy Puckett sued ABC after her image appeared in a news segment about the illegal activities of several...

On September 22, 1975, five-time divorcee, mother of four and accountant who turned to revolutionary politics, Sara Jane Moore, attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford while he was visiting San... Privacy Video 8 - The Case of the Outed Hero

On September 22, 1975, five-time divorcee, mother of four and accountant who turned to revolutionary politics, Sara Jane Moore, attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford while he was visiting San...

Everyone has secrets. Stated the way a court would describe the same thing -- everyone has facts that they don't want the public to know. Privacy Video 7 - Private Facts: Protecting Your Secrets

Everyone has secrets. Stated the way a court would describe the same thing -- everyone has facts that they don't want the public to know.

With the rise of ambush journalism, many journalists seem to believe that they have a special exemption from the privacy laws. That's simply not true. Privacy Video 6 - Intrusion for Journalism's Sake

With the rise of ambush journalism, many journalists seem to believe that they have a special exemption from the privacy laws. That's simply not true.

Not long ago a fight broke out on a Malibu beach between surfers and the paparazzi over the paparazzi's efforts to photograph Matthew McConaughey while he surfed. Privacy Video 5 - Reigning in the Paparazzi

Not long ago a fight broke out on a Malibu beach between surfers and the paparazzi over the paparazzi's efforts to photograph Matthew McConaughey while he surfed.

One of the first cases to pit a celebrity against a paparazzi was Galella vs. Onassis. Privacy Video 4 - The Case of the Aggressive Paparazzi

One of the first cases to pit a celebrity against a paparazzi was Galella vs. Onassis.

When we think of a breach of our privacy we are generally thinking of intrusion. Privacy Video 3 - What is Intrusion?

When we think of a breach of our privacy we are generally thinking of intrusion.

In 1890 Louis Brandeis and Samuel Warren wrote a Harvard Law Review article titled "The Right to Privacy." As initially envisioned by Brandeis and Warren, the right of privacy was... Privacy Video 2 - What Privacy Rights Do We Have?

In 1890 Louis Brandeis and Samuel Warren wrote a Harvard Law Review article titled "The Right to Privacy." As initially envisioned by Brandeis and Warren, the right of privacy was...

Privacy isn't dead but if it is going to survive it must be vigilantly guarded. Privacy Video 1 - Is Privacy Dead?

Privacy isn't dead but if it is going to survive it must be vigilantly guarded.

Contact & Map
233 Wilshire Blvd.,
Ste. 900
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Telephone: (310) 451-5800
Fax: (310) 451-1599