Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP today announced the addition of Jared Bartie, who has joined as a partner in the Firm’s New York office. A nationally recognized transactional attorney with particular expertise in the sports and entertainment sectors, Jared joins Willkie’s Corporate & Financial Services Department from O’Melveny & Myers LLP, where he was Co-Chair of Sports Industry Group. Jared’s arrival follows the January addition of leading music and entertainment partner Sid Fohrman to Willkie’s entertainment and media group in Los Angeles, led by partner Alan Epstein, and further bolsters Willkie’s capabilities across the entertainment, sports and music industries.
“Jared is widely regarded as one of the top sports and entertainment lawyers in the country,” said Willkie Chairman Matthew Feldman. “His deep experience, sophisticated knowledge and understanding of the intersection of sports, entertainment and law is unparalleled, and he will further strengthen our capabilities in these active and growing areas. We are thrilled to welcome him to Willkie.”
Jared represents domestic and international clients on a variety of high-profile matters, including professional sports team investments, stadium and arena transactions, prominent facility naming rights and sponsorship transactions, and complex media rights agreements. He has also developed a robust practice in the burgeoning esports industry and advises on team investments, league entry negotiations, corporate sponsorships, player contract discussions, and arena development matters. Jared’s unique and impressive background encompasses both legal and business professional sports and entertainment experience. He also has experience advising on corporate investigations and crisis management issues. Among his various roles, he has previously served as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of the United States Tennis Association (USTA); General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of the NBA Charlotte Bobcats; an executive in the National Basketball Association’s renowned Team Marketing and Business Operations group; and Acting Chief Counsel of Productions at Black Entertainment Television. He has been recognized as a top attorney by a number of prominent publications and organizations, including being named a “Dealmaker” by Variety, a “Power-Player” by Sports Business Journal, “Sports Attorney of the Year” by the National Bar Association, one of the “Most Influential Black Lawyers in America” by Savoy Magazine, and most recently recognized as a "Sports/Gaming/Entertainment Trailblazer" by The National Law Journal.
Jared commented: “I’m excited to join Willkie, a Firm that is already working with many of the top names in the entertainment industry. I look forward to working with my innovative and talented colleagues to solidify Willkie’s reputation as the go-to law firm for the most challenging, complex and transformative legal matters in the sports and entertainment sectors.”