Alex M. Weingarten

Alex M. Weingarten is a managing partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and chair of the firm’s entertainment litigation practice in Los Angeles. Since co-founding the firm’s Los Angeles office in 2021, he has played a pivotal role in its expansion and success.

Notably, Weingarten is representing Selena Gomez against Forgame US Corporation, where he litigated against the unauthorized use of Gomez’s name and likeness in a game. This case is significant as it sets a precedent in protecting the rights of individuals in the entertainment industry against unauthorized commercial use of their persona. The case reached a tentative settlement in September 2023.

“Our win for Selena Gomez in her right to protect her name and likeness was particularly significant because all of the defendants were international, hiding in offshore holding companies and foreign trusts,” Weingarten said. “Having to break through that labyrinth to find and collect from the responsible parties is increasingly common and our ability to do it here provides a road map for the future and demonstrates that infringers can’t hide from the law.”

Weingarten is also representing Jamie Spears, father of pop star Britney Spears, in an ongoing matter related to the termination of her conservatorship. The elder Spears, who was the conservator, is seeking to have a judge grant a request for his daughter to pay his legal fees.

Weingarten said the media circus around the Britney Spears conservatorship created an incredible challenge for his representation of Jamie Spears.

“The press and the public were unfairly polarized against Jamie and getting him a fair day in court has been a significant uphill climb,” Weingarten said. “Nonetheless, hard work and determination pay off. We turned things around since we got involved in the case, have secured some key wins along the way and I am confident that the trial in May is going to be a success.”

Apart from his legal work, Weingarten is deeply involved in community and philanthropic activities. He is a member of the board and executive committee for the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and was recently honored with the Torch of Justice Award. He has also served as chair of the Community Engagement Division and Legal Division of the Jewish Federation, contributing significantly to community-building efforts.

Weingarten is also a board member of Bet Tzedek, one of Southern California’s leading pro bono legal organizations.