Global Business · Entertainment · Media · Intellectual Property
We Don't
Just Close
Deals.
30+ years structuring transactions that shape the media landscape — across every screen, every border, every format.
About
Creative problem solver.
Skilled negotiator.
Trusted counsel.
Robert Jesuele is a media and entertainment, business and intellectual property lawyer with over 30 years of experience handling complex domestic and cross-border transactions.
He advises IP owners, studios, financiers, production companies, platforms, broadcasters, distributors and new media businesses on a wide range of deals involving the creation and exploitation of film, television, music, game and other content — for both scripted and non-scripted programming.
Robert has depth of experience in complex corporate transactions including joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, investment and financing transactions, loans and credit facilities, reorganizations and licensing arrangements.
Robert serves as external business affairs and outside general counsel to large and small companies, working closely with senior management on strategic planning, structuring and executing key transactions and advising on myriad legal issues that arise from day-to-day operations.
Select Clients
4DX Apple Canal+ Citicorp CJ Entertainment & Media Deutsche Bank Disney Dolce & Gabbana Dow Jones Europa Corp Fox Entertainment Google Kuaishou Technology National Geographic Naver NBCUniversal News Corporation Pathé Porsche AG Quincy Jones Productions StudioCanal The C.S. Lewis Company Triller Vivendi Webtoon Entertainment
Practice Areas
Where expertise
meets execution.
Film & Television Finance
Film funds, slate financing ventures, co-financings, international co-productions, loan transactions and credit facilities. Lead counsel on some of the most complex financing structures in the industry.
Content Development & Production
Development, production, and finance transactions for scripted and non-scripted programming. Writer, producer, showrunner, director and performing talent deals, guild requirements, production matters and profit participations.
International Co-Productions
Structuring and negotiating cross-border joint-development deals, split-rights arrangements, and international co-productions across multiple territories and regulatory frameworks.
Licensing & Distribution
Broadcast and distribution arrangements in traditional and emerging digital media and platforms. Music and digital rights licensing, merchandising, advertising and promotions across every format.
Digital Media & AI
Representing large digital rights platforms including digital comics publishers. IP rights licenses, joint ventures, groundbreaking creator arrangements, and licensing for film, television and micro-drama adaptations. Generative AI counseling and deal making.
Corporate & M&A
Joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, investment transactions, reorganizations and licensing arrangements for major media, entertainment and technology companies. Counseling development-stage companies on corporate formation, capital raising and strategic alliances.
Intellectual Property
Copyright and trademark protection, idea submission, rights of privacy and publicity, fair use, and character licensing. Comprehensive brand management for creators and corporations alike.
Endorsement & Influencer Deals
Celebrity spokesperson, endorsement and influencer agreements for corporate clients and individual talent.
Corporate Finance
Structuring and negotiating investment and financing transactions, public and private offerings, loan transactions and credit facilities.
Career
Built on
three decades
at the frontier.
From international law firm partner to founder of a boutique practice at the forefront of entertainment, media and technology — Robert Jesuele has spent 30 years at the leading edge of the most consequential deals in the industry.
Jesuele Law Firm
Founded with the mission of providing top-quality legal services to sophisticated clients at reasonable rates, with an emphasis on client service and satisfaction. Specializing in complex transactions and advice in the media, entertainment and technology industries.
Hogan Lovells US LLP
As a member of the firm's corporate and intellectual property groups, led the transactional entertainment practice in the firm's Los Angeles office.
Coudert Brothers LLP
Equity partner at the international law firm and Co-Chair of the firm's Global Entertainment and Media Practice Group. Led complex domestic and cross-border transactions across multiple territories.
Education
Managing Editor, Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Journal
St. Thomas More Law Honor Society
Bachelor of Business Administration — Loyola Marymount University
Emphasis in Finance
Member, California State Bar
Contact
On the cutting
edge of what's
possible.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Available for new engagements.
Domestic & international matters welcome.