(LOS ANGELES) Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP announced today that Fred Bernstein has joined the firm as a partner in its Entertainment and Media Practice. Bernstein is an industry veteran who has worked both in private practice and as a top studio executive for many years.

“Fred has broad, hands-on knowledge of the entertainment industry,” said Vincent A. F. Sergi, Katten’s national managing partner. “His extensive experience with both the business and legal aspects of the industry make him a great addition to Katten’s Entertainment and Media Practice.”

Bernstein advises clients on the legal issues surrounding the creation, financing, distribution and branding of entertainment content. He focuses his work on areas including negotiating and structuring deals relating to the development, financing, production and distribution of feature films, television programming, video games and other forms of entertainment content across all media platforms. He also represents brand marketers with transactions related to film and television productions and other media.

“Through his work as a private practice attorney and as a top studio executive, Fred has garnered invaluable knowledge within the entertainment industry and has a unique understanding of the challenges and needs of the clients we serve,” said Michael Hobel, head of Katten’s Entertainment and Media Practice.

Bernstein was formerly the president of Columbia Tri-Star Motion Picture Companies, where he oversaw the business and operations of Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Classics, Sony Pictures Releasing and Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International. Prior to that, Bernstein served as senior vice president of the MCA Motion Picture Group, where he managed the operations of Universal Pictures and its affiliates. Prior to that, he served as president of worldwide production and senior vice president of business affairs at Columbia Pictures.

Katten has one of the nation’s premier, full-service entertainment and media practices, providing comprehensive domestic and international representation in the entertainment industry. Katten attorneys counsel clients engaged in all areas of entertainment, communications, new media, high-tech and related fields, including motion pictures, television, Internet, merchandising, licensing, technology, book and e-book publishing music, stage productions, interactive games and entertainment and communication systems, film finance, banking and related areas, labor relations, executive employment agreements and estate planning. The firm advises and counsels clients on copyright and trademark regulation and protection of intellectual property in all media worldwide. In addition, the litigation component of the practice offers clients a full range of dispute resolution services, including representation involving intellectual property issues, contractual and business tort disputes, distribution rights issues, and artists representation in business and personal matters.