KM&M has strengthened its entertainment labor practice with the addition of Kevin D. Ellman as Of Counsel. Ellman brings more than two decades of experience in labor relations and business and legal affairs from major media companies, including Paramount Global and The Walt Disney Company. His practice combines high-level labor strategy with hands-on leadership in business and legal affairs, enabling him to deliver integrated counsel that aligns labor relations, business objectives, and legal risk management.
Ellman joins KM&M following his tenure as Senior Vice President of Labor Relations at Paramount Media Networks, where he oversaw labor relations and developed strategy across traditional and digital exhibition platforms, business units, studio operations, and corporate facilities. He has successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements, resolved union grievances, led management responses to union organizing efforts, and provided strategic labor counsel across complex operations. Previously, Ellman served as Senior Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs at Viacom Media Networks and as Vice President of Business Affairs at Disney/ABC Television Group, overseeing matters for major global entertainment franchises and exhibition platforms.
His experience spans animated and live-action content for television, streaming, and theatrical release; content licensing and distribution; commercials, endorsements, and social media campaigns; consumer products; live entertainment including concert tours and theme park attractions; podcast production; video games; music composition and distribution; employment of minors in entertainment; and the application of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in media. This hiring comes at a time when entertainment companies face increasing complexity in labor relations, particularly with the rise of streaming platforms, digital content creation, and emerging technologies.
Ellman's background in both traditional media and digital platforms positions him to address the evolving challenges in entertainment labor law. His experience with artificial intelligence applications in media is particularly relevant as the industry grapples with technological disruption. Kevin's executive-level experience provides him with a unique perspective that will be extremely valuable to our clients, said Bill Zuckerman, KM&M's Managing Partner and Entertainment Group Leader. He understands the legal framework of labor relations and business affairs, as well as the operational realities and pressures facing media companies today.
Ellman earned his J.D. from the Cardozo School of Law and holds a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is admitted to practice in New York. KM&M, founded more than 50 years ago, represents businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups and not-for-profit entities in labor, employment and immigration matters. The firm combines large-firm expertise with boutique firm flexibility and personal service. More information about the firm is available at https://www.kmm.com.
