Law firm KM&M has strengthened its entertainment labor practice with the addition of Kevin D. Ellman as Of Counsel, bringing over two decades of senior-level experience from major media companies including Paramount Global and The Walt Disney Company. This strategic hire comes at a critical time for the entertainment industry, which faces complex labor negotiations, union organizing efforts, and the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence into media production.
Ellman's appointment is significant because he combines executive-level labor strategy with hands-on business and legal affairs experience, enabling him to provide integrated counsel that aligns labor relations with business objectives and legal risk management. His most recent role was as Senior Vice President of Labor Relations at Paramount Media Networks, where he oversaw labor relations across traditional and digital platforms, negotiated collective bargaining agreements, resolved union grievances, and led management responses to union organizing efforts.
The entertainment industry is undergoing rapid transformation with the growth of streaming platforms, digital content distribution, and new technologies reshaping production and labor dynamics. Ellman's broad experience spans animated and live-action content for television, streaming, and theatrical release; content licensing and distribution; consumer products; live entertainment including concert tours and theme park attractions; and the application of emerging technologies in media. This comprehensive background positions him to help clients navigate the increasingly complex intersection of labor law, business operations, and technological innovation.
"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 today."
For entertainment companies, this hire represents access to counsel with firsthand experience managing labor relations during industry transitions. Ellman's previous positions included Senior Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs at Viacom Media Networks and Vice President of Business Affairs at Disney/ABC Television Group, where he oversaw legal matters for major global entertainment franchises. His experience with employment of minors in entertainment, music composition and distribution, podcast production, and video games adds depth to KM&M's practice at a time when these areas face increasing regulatory scrutiny and labor challenges.
The firm, which has been representing businesses for more than 50 years according to its website, emphasizes combining large-firm expertise with boutique firm flexibility. Ellman's addition strengthens KM&M's ability to serve entertainment clients facing labor disputes, contract negotiations, and the implementation of new technologies that affect workforce management and union relationships across traditional and digital media platforms.
