A renowned entertainment lawyer who represented A-list celebrities like Tom Cruise, Warren Beatty, and Madonna, and also wrote novels and non-fiction books.
Bert Fields, a renowned American lawyer, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, representing a constellation of Hollywood A-listers, film studios, and iconic music legends. With a career spanning over six decades, Fields' impressive portfolio boasts an array of celebrated clients, including Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Warren Beatty, and James Cameron, among many others.
Born on March 31, 1929, in Los Angeles, California, Fields was the only child of Mildred Arlyn Rubin, a former ballet dancer, and F. Maxwell Fields, an eye surgeon. Growing up in a Jewish family, Fields received his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1949, and his LL.B. from Harvard Law School magna cum laude in 1952. He was admitted to the California and New York Bars, laying the foundation for his illustrious legal career.
Fields' impressive client roster reads like a Who's Who of Hollywood. He represented Michael Jackson during contract talks with Sony Music and during the 1993 child molestation allegations. He also worked with George Lucas on contract negotiations with The Walt Disney Company regarding Disney theme parks. Additionally, Fields represented Paramount Pictures in the landmark Buchwald v. Paramount case over Coming to America, and secured a multimillion-dollar judgment for George Harrison against his former business manager.
Fields' expertise extended beyond celebrities, as he represented DreamWorks SKG and Steven Spielberg in defeating an application for an injunction against the exhibition of Amistad. He also defended the Church of Scientology after many of its celebrity members, including Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and Chick Corea, were boycotted in Germany.
Beyond his legal pursuits, Fields was an accomplished musician and author. He lectured at both Stanford and Harvard Law Schools, sharing his expertise with the next generation of entertainment lawyers. Fields wrote several fiction and nonfiction books, showcasing his versatility as a creative force.
Due to his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry, Fields received numerous awards and honors. He was recognized as one of the top entertainment lawyers in the country by publications such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
Bert Fields' legacy extends far beyond the courtroom. He played a significant role in shaping the entertainment industry, negotiating landmark deals, and advising icons of popular culture. His work continues to influence the legal and business aspects of the entertainment industry, cementing his status as a titan of entertainment law.
Through his remarkable career, Fields demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his clients, a keen understanding of the entertainment industry, and an unrelenting passion for his work. As a result, he leaves behind a lasting impact on modern society, inspiring future generations of entertainment lawyers and industry professionals.
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