Pierson Ferdinand LLP (“PierFerd”), a rapidly growing global law firm known for its focus on client service and innovation, is excited to announce the appointment of Merlyne Jean-Louis as Partner.
Merlyne comes to PierFerd after nearly ten years of successfully running her own boutique law firm, Jean-Louis Law, where she specialized in business and entertainment law. Prior to this, she worked at prestigious firms like Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Davis+Gilbert LLP, and even held a role at the Federal Trade Commission.
A former dancer, Merlyne’s passion for the arts is evident in her work. She combines her extensive legal expertise with a deep understanding of the creative industries, providing top-tier legal advice for clients in the arts, entertainment, and business sectors. She assists businesses and creatives in protecting their assets, intellectual property, brand, and content through contract negotiations, trademark and copyright protection, business structuring, and corporate governance. Notably, Merlyne’s entertainment practice also focuses on the influencer marketing and podcast industries.
Merlyne 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 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, Merlyne 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 U.S. 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.”