Pierson Ferdinand Bolsters Global Media, Entertainment, and Sports Practice

Merlyne Jean-Louis brings vast experience in serving creative professionals and artists

New York, NY – February 10, 2025 – Pierson Ferdinand LLP (“PierFerd”), one of the world’s fastest-growing law firms renowned for its commitment to client service excellence and innovation, announces the appointment of Merlyne Jean-Louis as Partner.

Merlyne joins PierFerd after nearly a decade managing her own boutique law firm, Jean-Louis Law, specializing in business and entertainment law. Earlier in her career, she worked at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Davis+Gilbert LLP, and the Federal Trade Commission.

As a former dancer, Merlyne combines her extensive legal expertise with a deep passion for the arts – advising clients across the creative industries. Within her practice, she helps businesses and creative professionals protect their assets, brand, and content. She assists clients with contract drafting and negotiations, trademark and copyright protection, business structuring, and corporate governance. Her entertainment practice 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.”

About PierFerd
Pierson Ferdinand LLP is an international law firm serving clients globally from 25+ markets. Its 200+ partners practice in 80+ areas of law, including corporate, employment and executive compensation, intellectual property, litigation, private clients & estates, and tax. Its partners have a reputation for excellence and significant experience practicing in preeminent law firms, corporate legal departments, and government.[1]

Media Contact
Jake Horwood
pf@thoburns.com
+44 7564 584 481


[1] In London, the firm operates as Pierson Ferdinand UK LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales with registered number OC449880. It is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registered number 8006801. Pierson Ferdinand UK is connected with its affiliate in the United States, Pierson Ferdinand LLP, although they are two separate legal entities.

The word “partner” denotes a member of Pierson Ferdinand UK or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications.

Previous
Previous

Understanding the Intricacies of Wire Fraud Liability

Next
Next

Pierson Ferdinand Elevates Founding Partner - Jill A. Guldin - To Global General Counsel