The Beverly Hills Bar Association honored L. Lee Phillips of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP with the prestigious Entertainment Lawyer of the Year award on Wednesday, April 16.
This year’s night of recognition took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel, and boasted a laundry list of red-carpet attendees.
Randy Jackson of “American Idol” energized the room as Master of Ceremonies, with music legends Burt Bacharach and Paul Ancha sitting as honorary chairs.
At one point, the crowd sang along with Kenny Loggins as he performed some of his greatest hits live.
Phillips has served as a devout advocate for major musicians, growing a deep roster of entertainment clientele over his 40 years of practice.
Phillips received his juris doctor with distinction from Cornell Law School in 1959.
Although he began his career as a tax trial attorney, he quickly transitioned into the entertainment sector due to his passion for the arts.
Representing some of the most acclaimed performers in the industry, Phillips has served as counsel for international sensations Barbra Streisand, Brian Wilson, The Eagles, Neil Young, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry, and Tracy Chapman.
Among many other colleagues and friends, co-host Jeff Barry took the stage to commemorate Phillips’ achievements.
Barry commended Phillips for his strong reputation for contract negotiations.
“Lee Phillips is a deal-maker, not a deal-breaker,” he stressed.
Numerous government figures offered warm wishes to the industry leader as well.
“In his work, Mr. Phillips has been responsible for protecting and fostering the industry that many of my constituents depend on, and that so many members of our community enjoy every day,” wrote Congressman for the 29th
Mayor Eric Garcetti wrote a letter recognizing Phillips as an “inspiration to us all,” noting Phillips’ talent for combining his affinity for music with a “dedication to the law and public service.”
Undoubtedly, Phillips felt appreciated for all of his hard work and dedication on this special night, and he will surely experience continued success in his profession.
“When you look at all the albums Lee Phillips has been involved in, you realize that this tribute is long overdue,” said BHBA’s former chair Adam Siegler.
The Beverly Hills Bar Association is the 5th largest Bar Association in California with the largest entertainment law section in the world.
The organization has cultivated a long-standing tradition of honoring the most brilliant lawyers of our time.
The Awards Dinner has cemented itself into the Association’s agenda on an annual basis since 1989.
Previous Entertainment Lawyer of the Year recipients include Nina Shaw, Marty Singer, Ken Kleinberg, Eric Weissmann, Maren Christensen, Patti Felker, and Barry Hirsch.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Beverly Hills Bar Association’s education and community outreach programs.
