Hollywood Power Lawyer Craig Emanuel is reportedly in discussions to leave his current firm Paul Hastings and join iconic television and film producer Ryan Murphy as in-house counsel. Emanuel, who has been featured on The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list of top attorneys in the entertainment industry, has an impressive client roster that includes Tom Hanks, Daniel Day Lewis, Julie Delpy, Robert Rodriguez, Luke Davies, and Tony Gilroy, as well as companies such as MSG Entertainment and Animal Logic.
Rumors of Emanuel’s move to work full-time for Murphy began circulating in late August, although it is unclear if the deal has been finalized. This news comes after a busy summer for Murphy, who recently transferred his overall deal from Netflix to Disney and launched a $500,000 strike support fund. However, Murphy also faced controversy when a former Writers Guild of America strike captain accused him of encouraging crew members to cross the picket line. Murphy’s spokesperson vehemently denied these allegations.
Emanuel played a crucial role in assisting Murphy with his groundbreaking move from 20th Century Fox to Netflix in a record-breaking $300 million deal. The attorney considers this deal to be a monumental moment in his career, as it changed the landscape of his work. Emanuel’s involvement in this deal also earned him a spot on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of Top Dealmakers. Given his previous success in negotiating significant agreements, it is not surprising that Emanuel would choose to focus on working with such a prolific creator and his production company, Ryan Murphy Productions. Additionally, the attorney has worked on deals for projects like “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” and ongoing series in the “American Horror Story” and “Feud” franchises.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Emanuel joined Paul Hastings in 2018 when a group of entertainment partners moved from Loeb & Loeb. In addition to his legal work, Emanuel is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. He serves on the board of directors of The Faith and Politics Institute and the March on Washington Film Festival, both of which are civil rights non-profits. He is also associated with organizations like the Black-Jewish Entertainment Alliance and Creative Community for Peace.
As of now, representatives from Paul Hastings and Murphy’s team have not commented on Emanuel’s potential transition. However, if the move is finalized, it would mark a significant change in Emanuel’s career trajectory as he shifts to an in-house role for one of his long-standing clients.
In conclusion, Craig Emanuel, a prominent Hollywood Power Lawyer, is currently in talks to join Ryan Murphy’s team in an in-house counsel position. Emanuel’s extensive experience and successful track record in the industry make him a valuable asset to Murphy, who has recently made headlines with his deals and initiatives. If the transition is confirmed, it would undoubtedly be an exciting move for both Emanuel and Murphy’s production company.
