Raskin Peter Firm Launches

Gary Raskin and Arnold Peter are among the prominent Los Angeles attorneys who have formed a new Century City-based entertainment law practice.

Barbara Rubin and Jody Simon are among the other founders of Raskin Peter Rubin & Simon, which plans to represent production companies and distributors, financial entities, corporations seeking sponsorship deals, new-media firms, trade associations and talent. The firm also expects to work in such other areas as real estate, labor, employment and general business practice.

"We decided to build this firm on the collective background of entertainment industry experts who are sought out by clients as much for their business acumen as for their legal expertise," said Peter, a former chair of the entertainment practice at the international law firm of Lord Bissell & Brook.

Raskin, who has handled transactional matters as well as complex entertainment litigation, plans to focus on motion picture development and finance.

Rubin, who handled business affairs for the A&E Network on the West Coast as well as Rysher Entertainment and Spelling Television, said the firm would bridge the gap between legal and strategic business advice.

Simon has represented production companies, networks and executive producers, as well as licensing and sponsorships for major educational and nonprofit groups and corporate clients in the video game and auto industry.