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 (2023–2025). Client feedback includes:
- “Matt is a brilliant counselor and deal-maker.” (2025)
- “Matt is the best in the business.” (2025)
- “He is very knowledgeable in the music space and he's very well liked in the market. He knows how to get a transaction finished in a way that protects us in a sensible way and where everyone feels happy at the end.” (2024)
- “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.” (2023)
- “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.” (2023)
- “He calibrates resources appropriately, is a terrifically clear and concise communicator.” (2023)
- “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.” (2023)