Atty. Gary L. Gilbert
Gary Gilbert, a leader in the music industry, concentrates his practice in the area of music transactions. His clients include renowned performers, including Jackson Browne, Death Cab for Cutie, Rick James Estate, B.B.
Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television & More Attorney · Serving Los Angeles, CA
Profile Summary
About Gary L. Gilbert at a Glance
Gary L. Gilbert is a entertainment attorney based in Los Angeles, California, practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP. Admitted to practice in California, State Bar of California. Educated at University of California Los Angeles (J.D., 1971) and University of Southern California (BA, 1968). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Music (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serves clients in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Gary L. Gilbert
- Gary Gilbert, a leader in the music industry, concentrates his practice in the area of music transactions
- His clients include renowned performers, including Jackson Browne, Death Cab for Cutie, Rick James Estate, B.B
- King Estate, George Thorogood, Pat Benatar, Dixie Chicks, Wynonna Judd, Michael McDonald, Sara Evans, Peter Frampton, Jennifer Nettles, George Benson, k.d. lang, Lyle Lovett and several alumni from American Idol
- He has been recognized as a “Top Music Lawyer” by Billboard every year since 2015
- Gary joined Manatt after serving as partner at Baker & Hostetler, LLP. Before then, Gary was senior vice president for Capitol Records, where he negotiated contracts and oversaw the activities of the company's legal and business affairs division
- He has handled transactions for a number of well-known musical artists and handles negotiations on employment contracts for many top record company executives
- Prior to joining Capitol Records, Gary was a partner in the entertainment law firm of Bloom, Dekom & Hergott, following several years as a named partner in the firm of Mason & Gilbert
- He has been named a "Southern California Super Lawyer" by Law & Politics and the publishers of Los Angeles Magazine every year since 2006, and a “Power Lawyer” by The Hollywood Reporter in April 2016
- Gary has also served on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Country Music and Vice President of Academy of Country Music’s Lifting Lives
Practice Areas Explained
Gary L. Gilbert's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Gary L. Gilbert handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Los Angeles.
Entertainment & Sports Law in Los Angeles
Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.
Gary L. Gilbert is one of 45,619 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Los Angeles
Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Los Angeles are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Los Angeles Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Los Angeles-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Los Angeles or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Los Angeles Choose Gary L. Gilbert
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Gary L. Gilbert's practice in the field of entertainment.
Focused Entertainment Practice
Concentrating on entertainment means Gary L. Gilbert's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Los Angeles
A Los Angeles-based practice means Gary L. Gilbert attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Gary L. Gilbert's Practice Areas & Specializations
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