Marc Jacobson

Current

Counsel at Greenberg Traurig
Founding Chairman at New York State Bar Association, Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section

Past

Chief Financial Officer at TurboChef Technologies, Inc.
President at Politics.com, Inc
Sr. Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer at Prodigy Communications

Partner at Phillips Nizer
Partner at Carro Spanbock

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Education

New York University School of Law
State University of New York at Buffalo

Recommended

15 people have recommended Marc

Connections

500+ connections

Industry

Law Practice

Websites

Marc Jacobson’s Summary

I advise companies and talent about their entertainment and internet related ventures. Film financing, production & distribution, music publishing catalog transfers and loans, and strategic corporate advice and counselling for entertainment related companies are particular areas of expertise. I also handle minor's cotract approval processes for talent and employers.

After serving 16 years as a music, film and television lawyer, I became the General Counsel, then Chief Financial Officer, and Senior Vice President for Corporate Development and Public Policy at Prodigy Communications, the on line service. I was part of the team that took the company from near bankruptcy, to a purchase from IBM and Sears at $50 million, to a public offerring at a valuation of about $1.0 billion, to about $2.0 billion upon my resignation. I then worked and ran several internet companies, and helped raise over $340 million during the internet years.

During my career I've represented Meg Ryan, Cathy Lee Crosby, Rip Torn, Jimmy Webb, Herb Ritts, Lamont Dozier, Brian and Eddie Holland, Ronan Tynan, Julianne Moore, numerous soap opera actors and others. Companies included Prodigy, Carlin Music, EMI Music Publishing, Casablanca Media, Handmade Films, Wachovia Bank and others.

Marc Jacobson’s Specialties:

Particular focus on Internet related ventures, Music Publishing, Film Finance & Production and Talent Representation.

Marc Jacobson’s Experience

Counsel

Greenberg Traurig

(Privately Held; Law Practice industry)

September 2001 — Present (8 years 3 months)

Seeking to expand a solid practice with a focus on Entertainment clients, in Music, Film, Television and Theatre. Emphasis on strategic direction and advice, in particular with emerging companies and talent. Borrowing and lending expertise, as well as purchase and sale of music, film and television libraries.
Founding Chairman

New York State Bar Association, Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section

(Law Practice industry)

1984 — Present (25 years )

This 1700+ member organization began after three attempts for approval from the NYS Bar Assn. in 1984. We began as the Committee on Entertainment Law, but only had room for 25-30 people. After three years of consistently turning away members, we applied for and achieved Section status. The organization quickly grew to 1300 members and now is steady at 1700+. We produce a quarterly scholarly journal, run CLE programs each year and now produce an annual CLE program in conjunction with the CMJ music festival and the annual meeting of the State Bar Association. Members who attend meetings expand their networks, learn how to represent their clients better, and achieve significant personal success. Join us!
Chief Financial Officer

TurboChef Technologies, Inc.

(Public Company; 11-50 employees; TRBO; Food Production industry)

March 2000 — December 2000 (10 months)

Management of cash flows, equity investment, analyst views. Identify potential investment sources. Originate and identify, negotiate and document major multi-million dollar transactions.
President

Politics.com, Inc

(Online Media industry)

September 1999 — March 2000 (7 months)

Created award winning web site, doubled stock value, developed advertising and other models. Identified, sourced originated, negotiated and documented all transactions. Raised financing. Handled press and television appearances, developed long and short term strategies.
Sr. Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer

Prodigy Communications

(Privately Held; Design industry)

1995 — 1999 (4 years )

Part of management-led buyout, and three years later achieved 400% increased valuation. Company valuation upon departure was approximately $2.0 billion. Reduced outside counsel fees by 60%, monitored outside investments, identified hidden assets for sale, supervised accounting staff of over 100, and legal staff of 7.
Partner

Phillips Nizer

(Partnership; Law Practice industry)

1990 — 1995 (5 years )

Actively represented music industry companies and professionals, as well as film and television companies and professionals.
Partner

Carro Spanbock

(Law Practice industry)

1988 — 1990 (2 years )

Marc Jacobson’s Education

New York University School of Law

JD , Copyright, Intellectual Property, Entertainment , 1974 — 1977

Activities and Societies:

Member, Moot Court Board.
State University of New York at Buffalo

BA , Political Science , 1970 — 1974

Won several academic scholarships.

Activities and Societies:

Phi Beta Kappa. National Editor for "The Spectrum" 3x a week newspaper.

Additional Information

Marc Jacobson’s Websites:

Marc Jacobson’s Interests:

Film Financing and Production. Additional emphasis on emerging companies, talent and markets. Particular skill in matching client's needs with companies and individuals who can benefit from such introductions.

Marc Jacobson’s Groups:

Founding Chairman, NYS Bar Association Section on Entertainment Arts and Sports Law.
Adjunct Professor of Entertainment Law and three area colleges and law schools.
Former Chair, The Internet Alliance
Member:
The Copyright Society of the USA
Independent Filmmaker Project
New York Women in Film & Television
Association of Independent Music Publishers
American Bar Association, Entertainment and Sports Law Section