April 9, 2026
Willkie partners Alan Epstein and Michael Gottlieb have been named to The Hollywood Reporter’s “Power Lawyers 2026,” an annual series recognizing the top 100 attorneys in the entertainment industry.
THR again recognized Alan, Chair of Willkie’s Entertainment Transactions Practice, as one of Hollywood’s go-to dealmakers. The publication highlighted his success advising longtime client Ryan Reynolds on numerous transactions, including the $610 million sale of Aviation American Gin to Diageo and the sale of Mint Mobile to T-Mobile as part of a $1.35 billion deal. It also noted his role representing Tom Brady’s creative studio Shadow Lion in connection with an investment from Fox Sports, as well as his work for clients Pharrell Williams and Kate Hudson, among other deals. This is the eighth year that Alan has been named a THR “Power Lawyer.”
Michael Gottlieb was again recognized as one of the entertainment industry’s leading litigators and trial attorneys. THR highlighted his representation of actor Blake Lively in her high-profile lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of It Ends With Us, including successfully dismissing Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit. It also highlighted Michael’s representation of rap superstar Drake on the appeal of his defamation case against Universal Music Group. This is the second year in a row that he has received the THR award. Michael serves on Willkie’s Executive Committee and is Chair of the Crisis Management Group, Co-Chair of the Media & First Amendment Practice Group and a member of the Appeals & Strategic Motions Practice Group.
View The Hollywood Reporter’s “Power Lawyers 2026” here.
THR again recognized Alan, Chair of Willkie’s Entertainment Transactions Practice, as one of Hollywood’s go-to dealmakers. The publication highlighted his success advising longtime client Ryan Reynolds on numerous transactions, including the $610 million sale of Aviation American Gin to Diageo and the sale of Mint Mobile to T-Mobile as part of a $1.35 billion deal. It also noted his role representing Tom Brady’s creative studio Shadow Lion in connection with an investment from Fox Sports, as well as his work for clients Pharrell Williams and Kate Hudson, among other deals. This is the eighth year that Alan has been named a THR “Power Lawyer.”
Michael Gottlieb was again recognized as one of the entertainment industry’s leading litigators and trial attorneys. THR highlighted his representation of actor Blake Lively in her high-profile lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of It Ends With Us, including successfully dismissing Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit. It also highlighted Michael’s representation of rap superstar Drake on the appeal of his defamation case against Universal Music Group. This is the second year in a row that he has received the THR award. Michael serves on Willkie’s Executive Committee and is Chair of the Crisis Management Group, Co-Chair of the Media & First Amendment Practice Group and a member of the Appeals & Strategic Motions Practice Group.
View The Hollywood Reporter’s “Power Lawyers 2026” here.
