Based in New York City, Allen Grubman is known as being a premier lawyer specializing in Entertainment Law. Grubman graduated from Brooklyn Law School and began practicing since the mid-1970’s.
With over 30 years of legal experience, Grubman operates his own partnered legal firm that employs over 35 attorneys. His firm Grubman, Indursky and Shire is known as the premier representation firm for entertainment industry professionals and celebrities. Today, Grubman along with his publicist daughter Lizzie, are fixtures in the entertainment industry and New York social scene.
In the past, Grubman has represented many celebrity clients including recording artists Bruce Springsteen, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Ricky Martin, Elton John and actress/singer, Jennifer Lopez. Using his talents to reach celebrities in other areas of the entertainment industry, Grubman has also represented magazine and television personality Martha Stewart, and fashion designers including Tommy Hilfiger and Vera Wang.
Coveted by multiple parties and corporations involved in the entertainment industry, Grubman has represented both artists and record labels. This somewhat conflict of interest does not seem to bother many celebrities, as Grubman is one of the most in-demand entertainment lawyers. The need for both artist and record company to utilize Grubman’s services further strengthens the power he yields in the entertainment world.
He has received accolades from City File, referring to the fact that celebrities are high-profile people when they receive representation from Allen Grubman. New York Magazine has referred to Grubman as the “sole superpower attorney,” when mentioning his work within the entertainment industry. Even Forbes magazine profiled Grubman back in 2001. Allen Grubman, along with Harry (skip) Brittenham and John Branca were noted as being the highest paid entertainment lawyers. At that time, it was estimated Grubman was earning $10 million a year, double what he earned in 1997. His firm also grew in size from 20 attorneys in 1997 to over 35 in 2001.
While a popular legal representative choice with celebrities, not all relationships have been amicable. In 1992 Grubman was sued by his former client singer Billy Joel. Joel sued Grubman for $90 million claiming fraud and breech of contract. During the time Joel was being represented by Grubman in the 1980’s, his firm was also representing Joel’s record label, Sony Music. Joel was upset this information was not disclosed to him and that this could have created a possible conflict of interest. The case was eventually settled though the settlement terms were not made public.
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