Pierson Ferdinand bolsters global media, entertainment, and sport practice

New York, NY – February 10, 2025 – Pierson Ferdinand LLP, one of the world’s fastest-growing law firms renowned for its commitment to client service excellence and innovation, announces the appointment of Merlyne Jean-Louis as Partner.

Jean-Louis joins PierFerd after nearly a decade managing her own boutique law firm, Jean-Louis Law, specializing in business and entertainment law. Earlier in her career, she worked at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Davis+Gilbert LLP, and the Federal Trade Commission.

As a former dancer, Jean-Louis combines her extensive legal expertise with a deep passion for the arts – advising clients across the creative industries. Within her practice, she helps businesses and creative professionals protect their assets, brands, and content. She assists clients with contract drafting and negotiations, trademark and copyright protection, business structuring, and corporate governance. Her entertainment practice focuses on the influencer marketing and podcast industries.

Jean-Louis is a frequent legal commentator, appearing in leading national print and broadcast outlets to discuss intellectual property law relating to creative professionals. She is also actively involved in the legal community as a member of the New York State Bar Association (and a long-time participant in its Entertainment, Arts & Sport Law Section) and the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association.

Licensed to practice in New York and California, Jean-Louis joins PierFerd’s Global Media, Entertainment & Sports practice, co-chaired by Steven S Sidman and Denise M Stevens.

She holds a J.D. from Duke University School of Law and a B.A., cum laude, in Psychology and French from New York University.

Joel M Ferdinand, Co-Chairman of Pierson Ferdinand, said: “Merlyne is a pioneer in providing legal assistance to content creators and other digital creatives – businesses and professionals perhaps underserved by traditional law firms. Her unique expertise and insight will be invaluable as we grow our Global Media, Entertainment & Sports practice, while her addition to the PierFerd family reflects the welcoming culture that is at PierFerd’s core.”

Merlyne Jean-Louis, Partner at Pierson Ferdinand, commented: “It is an honor to join PierFerd – one of the most exciting, innovative, and welcoming law firms in the US. The commitment of PierFerd to a tech-driven, full-service model aligns perfectly with my goals for the practice, and I look forward to current and future clients benefitting from my new home.”

Steven S Sidman, Co-Chair, Global Media, Entertainment & Sports at Pierson Ferdinand, added: “Business and entertainment law is evolving rapidly, but Merlyne has long been ahead of the curve. She brings an extensive track record serving creative professionals, digital natives, influencers, and other future-minded businesses. Merlyne is a fantastic hire for PierFerd, and we all look forward to working with her.”

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