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Suann MacIsaac

Partner

Practice Areas

Honors & Awards

  • Variety 2020 “Legal Impact Report”
  • “Most Influential Women Attorneys,” Los Angeles Business Journal, 2019-2020
  • U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Lawyers in America,” 2018-Present
  • “Super Lawyer,” Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine, 2013-2022, including Top 100 List (2017-2020) and Top 50 Women (2017-2020)
  • “Top Women Lawyers,” Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal, 2016
  • Rising Star,” Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine, 2005-2010
  • Variety’s “best and brightest” list of “attorneys that stand above the crowd and represent the next generation of sharp legal minds in the entertainment business,” 2011

Education

  • University of Michigan, B.A. (High Honors), 1992
  • University of Pennsylvania, J.D. (magna cum laude, Order of the Coif.), 1996

Ms. MacIsaac specializes in entertainment, intellectual property and general business litigation. She has successfully prosecuted and defended numerous cases involving claims for breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition, employment related claims, professional negligence, copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and trade secret misappropriation.

In addition to representing actors, musical performers, writers, producers, executives, business managers, talent agents and others within the entertainment industry in connection with a wide range of business and employment disputes, Ms. MacIsaac has also served as civil litigation counsel in a number of high-profile marital dissolution actions. She has also defended and prosecuted numerous actions related to professional negligence, including malpractice committed in entering into marital property agreements.

Ms. MacIsaac also has litigated a number of matters within the video game industry, where she has represented both large video game publishers and independent developers. Ms. MacIsaac was lead trial counsel in an action brought against a major video game publisher by an independent developer which concerned one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. She was also a central part of a litigation team that won a $13 million judgment in favor of video game publisher Ubisoft Entertainment in a matter involving the development of a video game based on a major doll brand.

Ms. MacIsaac has been widely recognized for her litigation work, including being named a “Top Women Attorney” by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2019 and 2020, and being included in Variety’s 2020 “Legal Impact Report.” Ms. MacIsaac has also been recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer from 2013 until the present, and made the Top 100 Southern California Attorney list for the past three years in a row. From 2017 until the present, Super Lawyers Magazine also recognized Ms. MacIsaac as among the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Southern California. In 2016, Ms. MacIsaac was named a “Top Women Lawyer” by the Daily Journal, and has also been selected for inclusion in the U.S. News & World Report’s “The Best Lawyers in America.”

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Law Clerk to the Hon. Ferdinand F. Fernandez, 1997-1998)
  • Speaker, “Litigation Update,” Gamer Law Technology Conference, March 2009
  • Speaker, “Put Your Game Face On: Video Game Development, Licensing and Litigation,” May 2006
  • Speaker, “Can You Keep a Secret?: Protecting Your Trade Secrets In The Workplace and In The Courts,” October 2005

Representative Matters

  • Represented legendary producer Neal Moritz in his dispute with Universal regarding the motion picture Hobbs & Shaw.
  • Representing Paradigm Talent Agency in an employment-related dispute with a former agent.
  • Representing, along with other KWIKH lawyers, The Estate of Michael Jackson in a variety of civil litigation matters.
  • Represented Hollywood business managers, The Management Group, in a high-profile dispute with actor Johnny Depp.
  • Represented legendary singer and songwriter in a dispute with a former band member regarding unauthorized photographs and recordings.
  • Represented business manager, Clare Staples, in a dispute with celebrity hypnotist Paul McKenna.
  • Represented conservators of Britney Spears in a civil action brought by her former branding agent concerning commissions related to Ms. Spears’ various perfumes.
  • Represented television producer, Chuck Lorre, in connection with an action brought by Charlie Sheen regarding television show Two And A Half Men.
  • Served as civil litigation counsel for wife in her marital dissolution proceeding from legendary singer and songwriter husband.
  • Represented Jamie McCourt in her successful efforts to overturn a marital property agreement, which her former husband claimed made the Los Angeles Dodgers his separate property.
  • Represented former actress and model in a palimony action against the estate of her former boyfriend who died without fulfilling his promise to take care of her for life.
  • Represented Ubisoft Entertainment, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, in a license dispute against MGA Entertainment, the owner of the girl doll property known as “Bratz,” which resulted in a $13 million award in favor of Ubisoft.
  • Represented Ubisoft Entertainment in a breach of contract and negligence action brought against a video game replicator whose employee had pirated one of Ubisoft’s most successful video game properties.
  • Represented Ubisoft Entertainment in a declaratory relief action against its insurer regarding Ubisoft’s right to independent counsel; obtained summary adjudication in favor of Ubisoft on core issue in the action.
  • Represented Spark Unlimited, the developer of video games “Call of Duty: Finest Hour,” “Turning Point: Fall of Liberty,” and “Legendary: The Box,” in a fraud and breach of contract action against Activision Publishing; the matter was resolved out of court in a confidential settlement.
  • Represented a Los Angeles real estate developer and his investment company in a hotel partnership dispute and obtained a $15.5 million settlement in favor of our clients based on an approximately $2 million investment.
  • Represented two successful commercial photographers in a copyright infringement action brought against a national health care company, which was continuing to use and retain our client’s photographs after the license to use the photographs had expired.

Practice Areas

Honors & Awards

  • Variety 2020 “Legal Impact Report”
  • “Most Influential Women Attorneys,” Los Angeles Business Journal, 2019-2020
  • U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Lawyers in America,” 2018-Present
  • “Super Lawyer,” Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine, 2013-2022, including Top 100 List (2017-2020) and Top 50 Women (2017-2020)
  • “Top Women Lawyers,” Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal, 2016
  • Rising Star,” Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine, 2005-2010
  • Variety’s “best and brightest” list of “attorneys that stand above the crowd and represent the next generation of sharp legal minds in the entertainment business,” 2011

Education

  • University of Michigan, B.A. (High Honors), 1992
  • University of Pennsylvania, J.D. (magna cum laude, Order of the Coif.), 1996

Related News

January 13, 2023

Larry Iser, Shawn Holley, and Suann MacIsaac Named to 2023 “Super Lawyers” Top Lists

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KWIKH is pleased to share that three of its attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers’ annual “Top” lists for 2023. Each year Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers in...
January 10, 2023

13 KWIKH Attorneys Named to 2023 Southern California “Super Lawyers” List

KWIKA logo

KWIKH is pleased to announce that 13 of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2023 Southern California “Super Lawyers” list by Thomson Reuters. One of the most respected...
August 18, 2022

Fourteen KWIKH Attorneys Named 2023 “Best Lawyers;” Shawn Holley Named Entertainment Law- Motion Pictures and Television “Lawyer of the Year”

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Partners Chad Fitzgerald, Shawn Holley, Lawrence Iser, Dale Kinsella, Gregory Korn, Alan Kossoff, Michael Kump, Suann MacIsaac, Amber Melius, Patricia Millett, Allen Secretov, Nick Soltman, Kristen Spanier, and Jon Steinsapir...
January 20, 2022

Larry Iser, Shawn Holley, and Suann MacIsaac Named to “Super Lawyers” Top Lists

KWIKA logo

KWIKH is pleased to note that three of its attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers' annual “Top” lists for 2022....
January 20, 2022

13 KWIKH Attorneys Named to 2022 Southern California “Super Lawyers” List

KWIKA logo

KWIKH is pleased to announce that 13 of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2022 Southern California “Super Lawyers” list by Thomson Reuters. One of the most respected...
August 19, 2021

Eleven KWIKH Attorneys Named 2022 “Best Lawyers;” One Named to “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch”

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Partners Zachary Elsea, Chad Fitzgerald, Shawn Holley, Lawrence Iser, Dale Kinsella, Gregory Korn, Alan Kossoff, Michael Kump, Suann MacIsaac, Nick Soltman, and Kristen Spanier have been recognized among the top...
April 26, 2021

KWIKH Obtains Dismissal of Long-Running Abuse Lawsuit Against Michael Jackson Estate

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The Estate of Michael Jackson, represented by Jonathan Steinsapir and the late Howard Weitzman, scored a major victory on Monday when a Los Angeles judge ruled that the late artist’s...
January 28, 2021

Larry Iser and Suann MacIsaac Named to 2021 Super Lawyers ‘Top’ Lists

KWIKA logo

KWIKH is pleased to note that two of its attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers‘ annual “Top” lists for 2021. As noted on its website, each year, “Super Lawyers”...
January 21, 2021

14 KWIKH Attorneys Named 2021 “Super Lawyers”

KWIKA logo

KWIKH is pleased to announce that 14 of the firm’s attorneys have been named 2021 Southern California “Super Lawyers” by Thomson Reuters. One of the most respected rating services in...
August 20, 2020

Eleven KWIKH Attorneys Named 2021 “Best Lawyers;” One Named to “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch”

KWIKA logo

Partners Zachary Elsea, Chad Fitzgerald, Shawn Holley, Lawrence Iser, Dale Kinsella, Gregory Korn, Michael Kump, Suann MacIsaac, Nick Soltman, Kristen Spanier, and Howard Weitzman have been recognized among the top...
July 14, 2020

Five KWIKH Attorneys Named to Variety’s 2020 “Legal Impact Report”

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The firm is pleased to note that partners Dale Kinsella, Howard Weitzman, Michael Kump, Shawn Holley, and Suann MacIsaac were selected for inclusion in Variety’s coveted “Legal Impact Report” for...
April 21, 2020

Shawn Holley and Suann MacIsaac Named to Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Top Women Attorneys”

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The firm is pleased to announce that Shawn Holley and Suann MacIsaac have been selected for inclusion in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s list of the “Top Women Attorneys” for...
January 22, 2020

Larry Iser and Suann MacIsaac Named to Super Lawyers ‘Top’ Lists

KWIKA logo

KWIKH is pleased to note that two of its attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers‘ annual “Top” lists for 2020. As noted on its website, each year, “Super Lawyers”...
August 15, 2019

Nine KWIKH Attorneys Named 2020 “Best Lawyers”

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Partners Shawn Holley, Lawrence Iser, Dale Kinsella, Gregory Korn, Michael Kump, Suann MacIsaac, Nick Soltman, Kristen Spanier, and Howard Weitzman have been recognized among the top lawyers in the nation in...
April 8, 2019

Suann MacIsaac Named to Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Most Influential Women Attorneys”

The firm is pleased to announce that partner Suann MacIsaac has been selected for inclusion in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s list of the “Most Influential Women Attorneys” for 2019....
January 30, 2019

Larry Iser and Suann MacIsaac Named to Super Lawyers ‘Top’ Lists

KWIKA logo

KWIKH is pleased to note that two of its attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers' annual "Top" lists for 2019. ...
August 15, 2018

Seven KWIKH Attorneys Named 2019 “Best Lawyers”

KWIKA logo

Partners Shawn Holley, Lawrence Iser, Dale Kinsella, Gregory Korn, Michael Kump, Suann MacIsaac, and Howard Weitzman have been recognized among the top lawyers in the nation in the 2019 edition of “The...
January 31, 2018

Larry Iser and Suann MacIsaac Named to Super Lawyers ‘Top’ Lists

KWIKA logo

KWIKH is pleased to note that two of its attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers' annual "Top" lists for 2018. ...
August 15, 2017

Seven KWIKH Attorneys Named 2018 “Best Lawyers”

KWIKA logo

Partners Shawn Holley, Lawrence Iser, Dale Kinsella, Michael Kump, Jeremiah Reynolds, Suann MacIsaac, and Howard Weitzman have been recognized among the top lawyers in the nation in the 2018 edition of “The Best Lawyers...
February 1, 2017

KWIKH files countersuit in Johnny Depp battle

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KWIKH Partners Michael Kump and Suann MacIsaac have filed a countersuit on behalf of The Mandel Company dba The Management Group alleging that its former client Johnny Depp is solely...
January 27, 2017

Larry Iser, Shawn Holley and Suann MacIsaac Recognized as 2017 Top “Super Lawyers”

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KWIKH is pleased to note that Shawn Holley and Suann MacIsaac are included on Thomson Reuters’ Southern California Top Women “Super Lawyers” list, and that Larry Iser and Suann MacIsaac...
April 22, 2016

Suann MacIsaac Named Among 2016 Daily Journal “Top Women Lawyers”

Suann MacIsaac has been selected for inclusion in the 2016 list of “Top Women Lawyers” by California’s most prestigious legal publication, the Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal....
February 3, 2016

KWIKH lands three spots on Super Lawyers ‘Top’ lists

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KWIKH is pleased to note that three of our partners have been named to Super Lawyers' annual "Top" lists for 2016. As noted on its website, "Super Lawyers is...
January 20, 2016

Twelve at KWIKH named Super Lawyers for 2016

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KWIKH is pleased to announce that twelve of our attorneys were named Super Lawyers for 2016, including Dale Kinsella, Howard Weitzman, Larry Iser, Michael Kump, Alan Kossoff, Shawn Holley, Greg...
January 22, 2015

Ten at KWIKH named Super Lawyers for 2015

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KWIKH is pleased to announce that 10 of our attorneys were named Super Lawyers for 2015, including Dale Kinsella, Howard Weitzman, Larry Iser, Michael Kump, Alan Kossoff, Shawn Holley, Greg...
January 30, 2014

Seven at KWIKH named Super Lawyers for 2014

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A full 40 percent of all lawyers at KWIKH were named Super Lawyers for 2014, including Dale Kinsella, Howard Weitzman, Larry Iser, Michael Kump, Shawn Holley, Suann MacIsaac and Jonathan...
February 3, 2013

Super Lawyers Magazine, 2013: Seven at KWIKH named Southern California Super Lawyers

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Thirty-five percent of all lawyers at KWIKH were named Super Lawyers for 2013, including Dale Kinsella, Howard Weitzman, Larry Iser, Michael Kump, Shawn Holley and Suann MacIsaac. In the annual...
June 30, 2011

Patricia Millett and Suann MacIsaac Among Variety’s ‘Best and Brightest’

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KWIKH is proud to announce that partners Patricia Millett and Suann MacIsaac are on Variety‘s latest “best and brightest” list of “attorneys that stand above the crowd and represent the...
December 7, 2010

KWIKH Lawyers Invalidate Alleged Dodgers Ownership Agreement

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December 7, 2010 — Today, Judge Scott Gordon of the Los Angeles Superior Court issued a 100-page decision which invalidated an alleged agreement between KWIKH client Jamie McCourt and her...
June 20, 2010

Super Lawyers Magazine, Rising Stars 2010 Edition: Six at KWIKH Recognized

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Suann MacIsaac, Greg Korn, Jonathan Steinsapir, Amber Holley, Greg Gabriel and David Swift were named Rising Stars in Super Lawyers‘ 2010 edition. Suann and Amber were recognized for their success...
May 13, 2010

The Huffington Post: Trouble for Breaking the Mother of All Laws?

If you’re wondering, Suann MacIsaac reassures us that there’s no risk of legal liability for insulting your mother-in-law. Read the Full Article...
September 8, 2009

KWIKH Adds Leading Entertainment and Video Game Litigator Suann MacIsaac as Partner

Los Angeles, CA — September 7, 2009 — Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley LLP (KWIKH), a high-profile litigation firm specializing in the areas of entertainment, intellectual property, commercial disputes, and...

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