MATTHEW THOMPSON is co-leader of the Entertainment, Sports and Media group firmwide. He represents entertainment companies and sources of capital in complex M&A and financing transactions, as well as general corporate matters. He also represents entertainment companies and other similar parties in a wide variety of industry-focused commercial transactions.
Matt currently serves as a member, and is co-chair emeritus of the UCLA Entertainment Symposium Advisory Committee, is a member of the Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, Technology and Sports Law Advisory Board, and is a member of the USC-BHBA Entertainment Institute Advisory Board. He holds a number of leadership positions at Sidley including serving on the Greater Los Angeles Practice Development Committee; SidleyWomen; and the Greater Los Angeles Finance Committee.
Matt is a Band 1 ranked Chambers USA (California Media & Entertainment: Transactional) lawyer (2023). Client feedback from the 2023 guide includes:
- “Matthew Thompson has a thriving transactional practice, with particular expertise handling mergers and acquisitions. His client list includes prominent names in the TV and film industry.”
- “Matt is fantastic and has a vast understanding of the entertainment industry. On top of that, he is good to work with. He is realistic, efficient and drives great results.”
- “He calibrates resources appropriately, is a terrifically clear and concise communicator.”
- “He has a really great demeanor. Even in difficult situations, he manages to find a way through and is unflappable. Having Matt at the helm makes us confident.”