Patricia L. Glaser

Glaser is known internationally as a go-to lawyer for high-profile disputes in Hollywood but she doesn't consider herself to be purely an entertainment lawyer.

"I am blessed with an eclectic business practice," she said. "When I say blessed, I mean I never know from day to day what my day is going to look like, which I love."

Sitting atop one of Hollywood's most fearsome law firms, Glaser has taken on cases involving banking, IP, real estate, environment, breach of contract and family disputes.

She represents Conan O'Brien, his production company and Turner Broadcasting System Inc. in a lawsuit over material another comedian claims the talk show host stole. Kaseberg v. Conaco LLC, 3:15-cv-01637-JLS-MSB (S.D. Cal. filed July 22, 2015).

"These are stunning allegations," Glaser said. "Comedians read the newspaper in the morning or some social media outlets, and they come up with jokes. Half the time these comedians come up with the same jokes or very similar jokes because people who see things in a funny way oftentimes see things in the same way."

Glaser also represented O'Brien a few years ago in a contractual dispute with NBCUniversal Media LLC over the decision to reinstate Jay Leno as host of "The Tonight Show," replacing O'Brien.

"Conan got a very substantial appropriate settlement," Glaser said. "But he wouldn't go forward with the settlement unless the people working with him on set were also paid. He's a very smart person with a conscience."

Glaser and partner Andrew Baum also negotiated a reported $20 million settlement for Josh Goldstine, a former executive at Universal Pictures, after he was fired on an accusation of undisclosed "inappropriate conduct."

"There was a JAMS arbitration award and then the case settled before it was confirmed by the LA Superior Court. I was the lead trial lawyer and Andy was terrific, Andy was the second chair. He was invaluable," said Glaser.

-- Nick Kipley