Nina L. Shaw

Some of the most recognizable talent in the entertainment industry call Shaw for legal counsel. She negotiates deals for actors, writers, producers and directors in world-renowned projects.

Ava DuVernay, relied on her legal advice for “A Wrinkle in Time,” a science fantasy adventure film based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Madeleine L’Engle. DuVernay directed the film, released earlier this year, starring Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and Storm Reid.

Shaw represented Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o in a deal for one of the lead roles in “Black Panther,” the most successful film released this year thus far. Nyong’o is part of the film’s all-star cast, which includes actors Chadwick Boseman, Angela Basset and Forest Whitaker. “Black Panther,” directed by Ryan Coogler, is also the highest-grossing solo superhero film of all time, according to numbers from Box Office Mojo.

“Whenever I’m negotiating on behalf of a client, I’m also negotiating without regard of race or gender,” Shaw told the Daily Journal in a previous interview. “It’s always a bit of a challenge when you’re not willing to accept limitations that other people are accepting.

“Part of it is being extremely knowledgeable about how people are being paid and how compensation is being structured, having confidence and having clients who deliver the goods.”

Her advocacy extends beyond dealmaking. She’s also a founding member of the Time’s Up campaign against sexual harassment. The campaign, founded this year, has started a legal defense fund for sexual harassment claims. Many of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Witherspoon, Emma Watson and Tracee Ellis Ross have stepped up to support the campaign.

Shaw’s legal career spans nearly 40 years. She joined O’Melveny & Myers LLP in Los Angeles after graduating from Columbia Law School in 1979. Today, she continues as name partner at Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein & Lezcano, a firm she co-founded in 1989.

— Melanie Brisbon