Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, a national law firm with offices in New York, Los Angeles and Miami, announced the addition of James G. Sammataro as a Partner in the firm’s Entertainment group in Miami, effective immediately. Courtney Caprio will also be joining Stroock as a Senior Associate in the firm’s entertainment group.
“As Stroock’s entertainment practice continues to grow and thrive, expanding our national presence into Florida is an obvious move” said John Gatti, chair of Stroock’s Entertainment Litigation group. “James is an outstanding lawyer with a strong and complementary client base, and his and Courtney’s arrival strengthens our capabilities in both the Miami and Los Angeles markets.”
Mr. Sammataro brings depth in both litigating and dealmaking on behalf of premier entertainment clients. He represents television and radio stations, touring companies, filmmakers, distributors and talent. This past year provides a glimpse into the diverse nature of James’ practice, as 2011 was marked by a $7.5 million settlement with MTV Networks and Bad Boy Films relating to the television series, Making the Band; a significant summary judgment on behalf of Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. and Mega Media Holdings, Inc. in a politically charged copyright infringement action brought by Cuban author, Norberto Fuentes; and a challenge to Lindsay Lohan’s claim of New York residence.
Ms. Caprio focuses her practice on commercial litigation, particularly in entertainment, intellectual property, contract disputes, class actions and torts. In 2011, Ms. Caprio was recognized by The Daily Business Review as South Florida’s Most Effective Lawyer in the Complex Business Civil Litigation Category.
“James and Courtney are tremendous additions to our office,” added Ronald A. Kriss, managing partner of Stroock’s Miami office. “This obviously creates a strong synergy between our Miami and Los Angeles offices, and further builds the firm’s national client base in entertainment. We couldn’t be more delighted to seize this opportunity.”
A recognized leader in entertainment law, Stroock’s transactional lawyers have handled some of the largest entertainment transactions over the last few years, and its litigators have handled recent high-profile trial and appellate matters. Multiple Stroock attorneys have been named to The Hollywood Reporter’s “Top 100 Influential Attorneys in Entertainment,” Variety’s “Dealmakers Impact Report” and The Daily Journal’s “Top 100: California’s Leading Lawyers,” including Sky Moore, Matt Thompson and John Gatti.
“Stroock understands the wonderful potentials being realized in Miami’s burgeoning entertainment market,” said Sammataro. “With management so well-attuned to this opportunity, and the ability to join a group that includes many of Hollywood’s leading entertainment attorneys, we see unlimited potential in making this move.”
Mr. Sammataro comes to Stroock from the Miami office of Kasowitz Benson Torres & Friedman LLP, where he was a partner. He received his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from Cornell University, and J.D. from Duke University School of Law. The author of “Film and Multimedia and The Law” (West), James gives speeches around the country and is frequently asked to provide commentary on legal issues. He is admitted in Florida, California and New York. Ms. Caprio also comes from Kasowitz’s Miami office, where she was a senior associate. She received both her undergraduate degree and J.D. from the University of Virginia.
