Atty. Michael R. Williams

Atty. Michael R. Williams

Michael R. Williams is a partner and Chair of the firm’s Fashion Group and Co-Chair of the Celebrity Branding Group.

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Profile Summary

About Michael R. Williams at a glance

Michael R. Williams is a entertainment attorney based in New York, New York, practicing at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC. Admitted to practice in New York, New York State Bar Association. Educated at Albany Law School of Union University (J.D., 1993) and Fairfield University (B.S.). Recognitions include Lawyer of the Year — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (New York City) (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in New York, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Michael R. Williams is a partner and Chair of the firm’s Fashion Group and Co-Chair of the Celebrity Branding Group
  • Mr. Williams’ clients include major television and motion picture actors, leading fashion designers, top models, fashion show production companies, photographers and executives in the entertainment and fashion industries
  • Mr. Williams represents actors in the negotiation of deals to perform in film, television, theater and other media
  • He also works to assist clients in capitalizing on their name, fame, likeness, and other rights in all media
  • He negotiates and structures profitable merchandising, licensing, endorsement and spokesperson agreements, and counsels clients on the development of their own celebrity-branded product lines
  • Mr. Williams has extensive experience working with fashion brands and individuals with regards to the creation, protection and, licensing of their intellectual property and trademarks
  • He also advises clients regarding corporate structuring and employment matters
  • Best Lawyers in America has recognized Mr. Williams as a top entertainment lawyer for several years and The Hollywood Reporter included him in its 2023 and 2020 “Power Lawyers” lists of the top 25 entertainment lawyers in New York
  • Super Lawyers and The Legal 500 consistently recognizes Mr. Williams for his entertainment law expertise
  • In the past, he was also included in Variety’s “Dealmaker’s Impact Report.” Mr. Williams is a member of the New York State and American Bar Associations
  • He is admitted to practice in New York

Practice Areas Explained

Michael R. Williams's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael R. Williams handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Entertainment & Sports Law

Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.

Michael R. Williams is one of 45,946 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment attorneys in New York →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in New York

Practicing law in New York. Legal matters in New York are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in New York are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New York state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New York brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New York courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional New York attorneys? Browse all attorneys in New York or all attorneys in New York.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael R. Williams

Where is Michael R. Williams's law office located?
Michael R. Williams's law practice is located in New York, New York. The firm is Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael R. Williams handle?
Michael R. Williams focuses on entertainment. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in New York.
Where did Michael R. Williams go to law school?
Michael R. Williams earned their education at (J.D., 1993); (B.S.).
How can I contact Michael R. Williams for a consultation?
You can contact Michael R. Williams directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael R. Williams received?
Michael R. Williams's notable recognition includes: Lawyer of the Year — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (New York City); Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:.

Education

J.D.
Albany Law School of Union University
- 1993
B.S.
Fairfield University
- In Progress

Awards

Lawyer of the Year — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (New York City)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — New York-area "Super Lawyer"
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Legal 500
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Hollywood Reporter
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Variety
- 2026

Bar Admissions

New York, New York State Bar Association

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