David Shraga brings legal precision, business judgment, and executive experience. He’s led legal at Miramax and NBC Universal and taught IP law at Pepperdine. Clients trust him for clarity and strategy when it counts.
DAVID SHRAGA OFFERS UNCOMMON INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE AMONG ENTERTAINMENT & IP MEDIATORS IN LOS ANGELES
“DAVID IS EXCEPTIONAL. HE UNDERSTANDS FACTS AND PERSPECTIVES QUICKLY, KEEPS THINGS ON TRACK, AND IS A SUPERIOR COMMUNICATOR. EXACTLY WHAT’S NEEDED.”
–Head of International Business Affairs, Amazon
THE DIFFERENCE? HIS UNIQUE CREDENTIALS AS AN EXECUTIVE LEADING BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS AT MAJOR STUDIOS, COUPLED WITH AN EXTENSIVE RECORD LITIGATING HIGH VALUE DISPUTES ON BEHALF OF CELEBRITY TALENT AND SOPHISTICATED INDUSTRY CLIENTS.
Experience
MIRAMAX
- SVP AND HEAD OF GLOBAL TELEVISION BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS
NBCUNIVERSAL
- VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL INTERNATIONAL STUDIOS
- SENIOR COUNSEL LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Boutique Law Firm Founder & Managing Partner (KSW LLP)
Iaffaldano Shaw & Young LLP, Of Counsel (Real Estate)
Alschuler Grossman Stein & Kahan LLP, Senior Associate
Pepperdine School of Law, Guest Lecturer
MIRAMAX
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
HEAD OF GLOBAL TELEVISION BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS
NBCUNIVERSAL
VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL INTERNATIONAL STUDIOS
SENIOR COUNSEL LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL PICTURES
RIGHTS CONSULTANT, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
KSW LLP
FIRM FOUNDER
MANAGING PARTNER
IAFFALDANO SHAW & YOUNG LLP
OF COUNSEL
REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
ALSCHULER GROSSMAN STEIN & KAHAN LLP
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
ENTERTAINMENT, COMMERCIAL & CORPORATE
PEPPERDINE CARUSO SCHOOL OF LAW
GUEST LECTURER
ENTERTAINMENT/TELEVISION LAW & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Education
University of Southern California School of Law
Juris Doctor | Law Review
yale university
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution, Mediating the Litigated Case Certification
University of Southern California Gould School of Law
Juris Doctor
southern california Law Review
Judicial Extern to the Hon. Dean D. Pregerson (C.D. Cal.)
yale university
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution, Mediating the Litigated Case Certification
Entertainment, Media & Visual Arts
Rights Acquisition (Books, Podcasts, Articles, Life Rights, Screenplays, Pilot Scripts); Development (Writers, Producers, Directors, Performers, Consultants, Term/Overall Deals, First Look Deals); Domestic & International Producing & Co-Productions (UK, Germany, Canada, France, etc.); Television & Film Financing & Tax Incentives/Rebates; Domestic & International Distribution/Licensing (SVOD/PVOD/AVOD/Linear); Guilds (WGA, DGA, SAG, IATSE); Creators & Digital Media; Participation Accounting/Audits (Gross/Net Profits, MAGR, etc.); Collection Account Management; Artist, Agency & Manager Disputes (Commission Disputes, etc.); Defamation & First Amendment; Music Licensing & Royalties; Video Game Disputes; Fashion & Interior Design Related Claims
Intellectual Property, Technology & AI
Copyright Infringement & Termination; Idea Submission (Breach of Implied Contract & Idea Theft/NDAs); Literary & Life Rights; Publicity Rights (NIL – Athletes/Sports); Invasion of Privacy; Trademark Registration, Infringement (False Endorsement) & Dilution; Trade Secrets & Misappropriation; Trade Dress Infringement; Cybersquatting/Domain Disputes; Counterfeiting & Enforcement Actions; Large Language Models/Bots/Artificial Personalities & Synthetic Performers
Complex Business & Real Estate Litigation
Consumer Claims (Individual & Class Action); Fraud; Tortious Interference With Contract/Economic Advantage; Unfair Competition & False Advertising; Breach Of Fiduciary Duty (Directors & Officers, Agents); Brokers/Financier/Finder Actions; Joint Venture Disputes; Corporate Governance & Partnership/LLC/Shareholder Claims; Real Estate Development & Management
Employment Litigation
Wage & Hour Claims (Individual & Class Action); FEHA & Labor Commissioner Disputes; Misclassification; Wrongful Termination; Harassment & Workplace Misconduct; Discrimination (age, sex/gender, race, religion); Retaliation
Real Estate
Finance; Construction/LIENS; hoteliers; Property management; HABITABILITY; Leasing Disputes; RECEIVERSHIPS; architectURE AND design DISPUTES.
American Arbitration Association
Panel Member, Commercial Arbitration and Mediation Panels
Beverly Hills Bar Assn
ENTERTAINMENT LAW SECTION, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION & AI SECTIONS
International Academy of Mediators
Mentorship Program Invitee
Will Work For Food – The New Possibilities Hour
Co-Host, Program Coordinator and Speaker
Los Angeles Copyright Society
Member
Association of Media & Entertainment Counsel
Member
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Intellectual Property Section, ADR Section
Southern California Mediation Assn
Member, Conference Speaker
Association of Business Trial Lawyers (Los Angeles Chapter)
Member
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Guest Lecturer (Entertainment Litigation, IP Law, ADR)
Western Center for Law & Poverty
Volunteer Mediator Trainer
Bet Tzedek Legal Services
past committee chair & pro bono volunteer
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
past committee chair
CALIFORNIA LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS
MEDIATOR PANEL
BEVERLY HILLS BAR ASSOCIATION
ENTERTAINMENT LAW SECTION, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SECTION
WILL WORK FOR FOOD – THE NEW POSSIBILITIES HOUR
PROGRAM OUTREACH COORDINATOR & GUEST SPEAKER
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MEDIA ASSOCIATION
GUEST SPEAKER
CALIFORNIA LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS
MEDIATOR PANEL
LOS ANGELES LEGAL AID FOUNDATION
ASSOCIATES ADVISORY BOARD, PREVIOUS CHAIR
BET TZEDEK LEGAL SERVICES
JUSTICE BALL PLANNING COMMITTEE, PREVIOUS CHAIR
WGA Deal Unpacked: What Attorneys Need to Know
Presented by David Shraga (co-panelist) (May 4, 2026 – Beverly Hills Bar Assn, Entertainment Law Section)
Institute on Entertainment Law & Business
USC Gould School of Law (Fall 2026) – Syllabus Committee Member
“From Template to Cautionary Tale: What the Unrealized Disney-OpenAI Deal Signals About Hollywood IP Licensing in a Rapidly Evolving AI Market”
by David Shraga (co-author) (May 2026 – The Licensing Journal) Read Me
“Copyforward: AI, IP, and the Fight for Creative Control”
Flux Festival/USC School of Law Center for Sports, Entertainment, Media & Technology - Panel Speaker (April 24, 2026)
“From Blueprint to Breakdown: Lessons From the Unrealized Disney-OpenAI Deal”
Presented by David Shraga (co-panelist) (April 23, 2026 – Beverly Hills Bar Assn, Entertainment Law Section)
“One Battle After Another… Until Mediation: Winning Strategies for Settling Entertainment and Complex Business Disputes”
by David Shraga (April 20, 2026 – Mediation Magazine). Read Me
“Legal & Psychodynamic Perspectives on AI Adoption in Entertainment:
Risks, Realities, and Responsible Use”
Presented by David Shraga (co-panelist) (April 15, 2026 – Beverly Hills Bar Assn, Entertainment Law & AI Law Sections)
“Taking A Look At 2025: Transactional Entertainment Law Year-In-Review”
Presented by David Shraga (co-panelist) (March 20, 2026 – Beverly Hills Bar Assn, Entertainment Law Section)
Apology, Forgiveness & Reconciliation (in Entertainment Law)
Guest Lecturer (March 23, 2026 – Pepperdine Caruso School of Law)
“Hollywood’s High-Stakes Negotiator: How Complex Deals Really Get Done”
Presented by David Shraga (March 4, 2026 – The Negotiation Room Seminar Series, World Commerce & Contracting). Watch Me
“The New Frontiers: AI, Sports, And The Business Forces Reshaping The Industry”
Beverly Hils Bar Assn Entertainment Law Summit (2026), Advisory Committee Member
“Why Generative AI Litigation In Hollywood Is Ripe For Mediated Settlement”
by David Shraga (February 20, 2026 – The Daily Journal) Read Me
“Disney and OpenAI Make A Deal: The Paradigm Shift in AI Content Licensing & Litigation Risk”
Presented by David Shraga (co-panelist) (January 21, 2026 - Beverly Hills Bar Assn, Entertainment Law Section)
“Real World Mediation Advice From General Counsel”
by David Shraga (January 9, 2026 – The Daily Journal) Read Me
“Netflix-Warner Merger Sparks Concerns Over Consolidation, Shrinking Opportunities”
(quoted in article dated December 8, 2025 – The Daily Journal)
“Mediation In Hollywood: Knowing How to Close the Deal”
by David Shraga (December 5, 2025 – The Daily Journal) Read Me
“AI & The Guilds: What’s Next?”
Presented by David Shraga (co-panelist) (December 2025 - Beverly Hills Bar Assn, Entertainment Law Section)
“Hollywood Enters The Legal Battle Over AI: The Midjourney Case From The Studio Perspective”
Presented by David Shraga (October 2025 - Women in AI Governance)
“Backstage Secrets of Hollywood Dealmaking: An Insider's Negotiation Techniques To Power Breakthrough Mediation Results”
Presented by David Shraga (October 2025 - Southern California Mediation Assn Annual Conference)
“Hollywood Enters The Legal Battle Over AI: The Midjourney Case From The Studio Perspective”
Presented by David Shraga (September 2025 – Beverly Hills Bar Assn, Entertainment Law Section)
“Lessons From the Table and Hard Won Wisdom: A Dialogue Between Veteran and Emerging Mediators”
Presented by David Shraga (co-panelist) (September 2025 – Will Work For Food) Read me
“The Deal Behind The Deal: Negotiation Secrets From The Trenches”
Presented by David Shraga (August 2025 – Will Work For Food) Watch Me
“What It Takes To Be A Hollywood Negotiator”
Guest Appearance by David Shraga (November 2024 – Mediation Playbook Podcast with David Coher) Watch Me
Experience
MIRAMAX
- SVP AND HEAD OF GLOBAL TELEVISION BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS
NBCUNIVERSAL
- VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL INTERNATIONAL STUDIOS
- SENIOR COUNSEL LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Boutique Law Firm Founder & Managing Partner (KSW LLP)
Iaffaldano Shaw & Young LLP, Of Counsel (Real Estate)
Alschuler Grossman Stein & Kahan LLP, Senior Associate
Pepperdine School of Law, Guest Lecturer
MIRAMAX
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
HEAD OF GLOBAL TELEVISION BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS
NBCUNIVERSAL
VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL INTERNATIONAL STUDIOS
SENIOR COUNSEL LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL PICTURES
RIGHTS CONSULTANT, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
KSW LLP
FIRM FOUNDER
MANAGING PARTNER
IAFFALDANO SHAW & YOUNG LLP
OF COUNSEL
REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
ALSCHULER GROSSMAN STEIN & KAHAN LLP
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
ENTERTAINMENT, COMMERCIAL & CORPORATE
PEPPERDINE CARUSO SCHOOL OF LAW
GUEST LECTURER
ENTERTAINMENT/TELEVISION LAW & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Education
University of Southern California School of Law
Juris Doctor | Law Review
yale university
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution, Mediating the Litigated Case Certification
University of Southern California Gould School of Law
Juris Doctor
southern california Law Review
Judicial Extern to the Hon. Dean D. Pregerson (C.D. Cal.)
yale university
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution, Mediating the Litigated Case Certification
Entertainment, Media & Visual Arts
Rights Acquisition (Books, Podcasts, Articles, Life Rights, Screenplays, Pilot Scripts); Development (Writers, Producers, Directors, Performers, Consultants, Term/Overall Deals, First Look Deals); Domestic & International Producing & Co-Productions (UK, Germany, Canada, France, etc.); Television & Film Financing & Tax Incentives/Rebates; Domestic & International Distribution/Licensing (SVOD/PVOD/AVOD/Linear); Guilds (WGA, DGA, SAG, IATSE); Creators & Digital Media; Participation Accounting/Audits (Gross/Net Profits, MAGR, etc.); Collection Account Management; Artist, Agency & Manager Disputes (Commission Disputes, etc.); Defamation & First Amendment; Music Licensing & Royalties; Video Game Disputes; Fashion & Interior Design Related Claims
Intellectual Property, Technology & AI
Copyright Infringement & Termination; Idea Submission (Breach of Implied Contract & Idea Theft/NDAs); Literary & Life Rights; Publicity Rights (NIL – Athletes/Sports); Invasion of Privacy; Trademark Registration, Infringement (False Endorsement) & Dilution; Trade Secrets & Misappropriation; Trade Dress Infringement; Cybersquatting/Domain Disputes; Counterfeiting & Enforcement Actions; Large Language Models/Bots/Artificial Personalities & Synthetic Performers
Complex Business & Real Estate Litigation
Consumer Claims (Individual & Class Action); Fraud; Tortious Interference With Contract/Economic Advantage; Unfair Competition & False Advertising; Breach Of Fiduciary Duty (Directors & Officers, Agents); Brokers/Financier/Finder Actions; Joint Venture Disputes; Corporate Governance & Partnership/LLC/Shareholder Claims; Real Estate Development & Management
Employment Litigation
Wage & Hour Claims (Individual & Class Action); FEHA & Labor Commissioner Disputes; Misclassification; Wrongful Termination; Harassment & Workplace Misconduct; Discrimination (age, sex/gender, race, religion); Retaliation
Real Estate
Finance; Construction/LIENS; hoteliers; Property management; HABITABILITY; Leasing Disputes; RECEIVERSHIPS; architectURE AND design DISPUTES.
Experience, Education, and Publications
David Shraga has advised some of the world’s most recognized companies, founders, and creatives through moments of risk, growth, and conflict.
With deep roots in law, business, and entertainment, he brings a rare perspective to every negotiation and dispute—earned from years inside studios, courtrooms, and deal rooms alike.
Senior Vice President, Head of Global Television Business & Legal Affairs
Miramax
Vice President, International Television Business Affairs
Universal International Studios
Law School Guest Lecturer - Entertainment and Intellectual Property
Pepperdine Caruso Law
Senior Counsel, Legal Affairs, NBCU International Studios
NBCUniversal Media, LLC
Senior Counsel - Legal Affairs - Theatrical Features/Film
Universal Pictures
Rights Consultant - NBCUniversal Corporate Intellectual Property Group
NBCUniversal, Inc.
Founding and Managing Partner
Boutique Litigation Practice
Associate - Litigation & Intellectual Property
Alschuler Grossman Stein & Kahan LLP
University of Southern California School of Law
Doctor of Law (JD) | 2000 - 2003
yale university
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Political Science | 1992 - 1996
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Certified Mediator | Jan 2024
Chair, Justice Ball Planning Committee
Bet Tzedek Legal Services
Vice President, Associates Advisory Board
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Volunteer Mediator - Los Angeles Superior Court Ordered Mediation Program
Los Angeles Superior Court - Resolve LA Volunteer Mediation Program
Volunteer Mediator - California Lawyers for the Arts
California Lawyers for the Arts
Miramax TV Taps David R. Shraga As Head Of Business & Legal Affairs
Experience
MIRAMAX
- SVP AND HEAD OF GLOBAL TELEVISION BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS
NBCUNIVERSAL
- VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL INTERNATIONAL STUDIOS
- SENIOR COUNSEL LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Boutique Law Firm Founder & Managing Partner (KSW LLP)
Iaffaldano Shaw & Young LLP, Of Counsel (Real Estate)
Alschuler Grossman Stein & Kahan LLP, Senior Associate
Pepperdine School of Law, Guest Lecturer
MIRAMAX
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
HEAD OF GLOBAL TELEVISION BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS
NBCUNIVERSAL
VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL INTERNATIONAL STUDIOS
SENIOR COUNSEL LEGAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSAL PICTURES
RIGHTS CONSULTANT, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
KSW LLP
FIRM FOUNDER
MANAGING PARTNER
IAFFALDANO SHAW & YOUNG LLP
OF COUNSEL
REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
ALSCHULER GROSSMAN STEIN & KAHAN LLP
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
ENTERTAINMENT, COMMERCIAL & CORPORATE
PEPPERDINE CARUSO SCHOOL OF LAW
GUEST LECTURER
ENTERTAINMENT/TELEVISION LAW & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Education
University of Southern California School of Law
Juris Doctor | Law Review
yale university
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution, Mediating the Litigated Case Certification
University of Southern California Gould School of Law
Juris Doctor
southern california Law Review
Judicial Extern to the Hon. Dean D. Pregerson (C.D. Cal.)
yale university
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution, Mediating the Litigated Case Certification
Entertainment, Media & Visual Arts
Rights Acquisition (Books, Podcasts, Articles, Life Rights, Screenplays, Pilot Scripts); Development (Writers, Producers, Directors, Performers, Consultants, Term/Overall Deals, First Look Deals); Domestic & International Producing & Co-Productions (UK, Germany, Canada, France, etc.); Television & Film Financing & Tax Incentives/Rebates; Domestic & International Distribution/Licensing (SVOD/PVOD/AVOD/Linear); Guilds (WGA, DGA, SAG, IATSE); Creators & Digital Media; Participation Accounting/Audits (Gross/Net Profits, MAGR, etc.); Collection Account Management; Artist, Agency & Manager Disputes (Commission Disputes, etc.); Defamation & First Amendment; Music Licensing & Royalties; Video Game Disputes; Fashion & Interior Design Related Claims
Intellectual Property, Technology & AI
Copyright Infringement & Termination; Idea Submission (Breach of Implied Contract & Idea Theft/NDAs); Literary & Life Rights; Publicity Rights (NIL – Athletes/Sports); Invasion of Privacy; Trademark Registration, Infringement (False Endorsement) & Dilution; Trade Secrets & Misappropriation; Trade Dress Infringement; Cybersquatting/Domain Disputes; Counterfeiting & Enforcement Actions; Large Language Models/Bots/Artificial Personalities & Synthetic Performers
Complex Business & Real Estate Litigation
Consumer Claims (Individual & Class Action); Fraud; Tortious Interference With Contract/Economic Advantage; Unfair Competition & False Advertising; Breach Of Fiduciary Duty (Directors & Officers, Agents); Brokers/Financier/Finder Actions; Joint Venture Disputes; Corporate Governance & Partnership/LLC/Shareholder Claims; Real Estate Development & Management
Employment Litigation
Wage & Hour Claims (Individual & Class Action); FEHA & Labor Commissioner Disputes; Misclassification; Wrongful Termination; Harassment & Workplace Misconduct; Discrimination (age, sex/gender, race, religion); Retaliation
Real Estate
Finance; Construction/LIENS; hoteliers; Property management; HABITABILITY; Leasing Disputes; RECEIVERSHIPS; architectURE AND design DISPUTES.
Studios and associations
Projects & Partnerships
From books to global TV hits, David Shraga has helped bring major creative projects to life—advising on rights, resolving disputes, and structuring deals behind the scenes.
After training in a prestigious LA firm he built and managed his boutique practice while handling a wide array of cases. In private legal practice and in business he’s negotiated thousands of deals with top lawyers and agents, and advises C-suite execs, mega-producers, celebrities, and entrepreneurs.
Hear From Those Who’ve Sat Across the Table With David R. Shraga..
Mr. Shraga mediated a high-stakes case with skill and fairness. He grasped the issues, managed diverse personalities with patience, guided us toward settlement by encouraging open dialogue. Friendly & approachable, he made it easy to have candid discussions. Would gladly work with him again.
Jill Kramer
Esq
I met David Shraga through the Los Angeles Resolve Law MSC Program, where he effectively facilitated a resolution within tight time constraints. His strong communication skills, strategic approach, and proactive outreach to counsel helped streamline the process. I highly recommend him as a mediator.
Adam Wannon
Scale Mediation
Mr. Shraga navigated our intricate negotiation with poise and accuracy. He addressed every concern, balanced strong personalities effectively, and strategically directed us toward consensus through clear communication. Approachable and genuine, he created a space where candid dialogue felt truly safe.
Ron
Plaintiff's Employment law attorney
Mr. Shraga guided our contentious contract dispute with calm, precision. He uncovered underlying frustrations, managed varying egos judiciously, and steadily pushed us toward a truly constructive agreement. Accessible and diplomatic, he allowed us to explore concerns without judgment or haste.
M. Karl
Plaintiff
Mr. Shraga led our partnership fallout mediation with unwavering dedication. He easily spotted hidden tensions, facilitated frank discussions, and persistently guided everyone toward a balanced, durable settlement. Patient yet decisive, he ensured fairness by drawing out each viewpoint with care.
Joel Bertet
Scale Mediation
Mr. Shraga handled our multi-party litigation with poise and insight. He coordinated complex interests, maintained a solution-focused dialogue, and deftly guided us toward a truly well-structured resolution. Observant and impartial, he allowed candid input while preserving respect among various parties
Eric Wannon
ResolveWannon
