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David M. Ehrlich has led a diverse career in the entertainment industry. Born in Detroit, MI, and raised in New York City, Ehrlich’s early exposure to the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. In Los Angeles, CA, he honed his skills as an attorney representing artists from a wide range of industries.

He is the founder of the New York-based entertainment and media practice law firm David M. Ehrlich & Associates, which offers comprehensive legal services across a wide spectrum of sectors that include music, film, television, fine arts, sports, mobile, gaming, interactive media, and live theater. For more than 20 years, David M. Ehrlich & Associates has presented new and established artists on a variety of transactions and provided legal help and counsel in areas such as contract law, trademark law, A&R, radio, management, press, touring, publishing, and concert promotion. David Ehrlich has represented clients from Seattle, Washington to New York.

Ehrlich’s academic journey began at Cornell University, where he pursued his Bachelor of Science degree He continued his academic pursuits at the esteemed Boston University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor (JD) degree in 1986, laying a solid foundation for his future legal career. With a deep-seated passion for the law and a keen interest in entertainment, Ehrlich embarked on his professional journey, becoming a member of both the New York and Connecticut bars as he prepared to make his mark in the dynamic world of entertainment law.

Ehrlich’s career trajectory saw him navigate various roles and environments. Each contributed to his growth and expertise in the field. He started his career with Epstein Becker & Green P.C., where he gained invaluable experience in legal practice and honed his skills as an attorney. It was his fascination with entertainment law that propelled him to pursue opportunities in the music industry, leading him to join EMI Records, one of the most renowned record labels in music history. His tenure at EMI Records allowed him to immerse himself in the intricacies of the music business, fostering relationships and gaining insights that would prove invaluable in his future endeavors.

Seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth, Ehrlich made the pivotal decision to relocate to Los Angeles after his time at EMI. This move would mark a significant chapter in his career. In Los Angeles, he joined Myman Abell Fineman Greenspan. At this prestigious entertainment firm, he represented a diverse clientele in film, television, and music, further expanding his first-hand experience and establishing himself as a trusted advisor within the industry.

In 1998, Ehrlich returned to New York, eager to explore new horizons and opportunities. He accepted the position of Vice President and East Coast General Manager with Priority Records, a subsidiary of EMI Music Group, where he played a pivotal role in driving the label’s success on the East Coast. He then joined Universal Records as an A&R Consultant, leveraging his expertise to identify talent and capitalize on emerging trends in the music industry.

Ehrlich’s entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking mindset led him to explore new frontiers in the entertainment landscape. He served as content counsel for Zingy, a music collaboration platform, and later as Chief Music Industry Strategist and Counsel for Rednote, which evolved into Audiobyte, a pioneering platform for social media sound-byte sharing. These experiences allowed Ehrlich to stay at the forefront of technological innovation while contributing to projects that would shape the future of the music industry.

Before establishing his own firm, David M. Ehrlich & Associates, Ehrlich enjoyed a successful tenure as an attorney and personal manager, representing Grammy-winning artists and producers such as Nickelback, Wu-Tang Clan, and Prince Paul. He also founded music publishing companies like Infamous Beats Music and Song Collect Music Publishing, showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to supporting artists’ creative endeavors.

Ehrlich’s keen eye for talent and his knack for identifying emerging artists have earned him a reputation as a tastemaker in the industry. He played a pivotal role in discovering talents like Nickelback and Tina Parol. He then helped launch their careers. In addition to his work with artists, Ehrlich has contributed to the entertainment industry in other ways, such as by producing the soundtrack for the Oscar-winning film “Training Day” and consulting for the video gaming industry on issues such as content and intellectual property rights.

Ehrlich stays actively involved in talent scouting and development, nurturing the next generation of artists and helping them navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry. He has worked with artists across various mediums, providing strategic guidance and support to help them achieve their creative goals.

Today, his roster includes a diverse array of talent, from Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar winners to up-and-coming artists looking to make their mark in the industry. His corporate clients span television production companies, advertising agencies, mobile application companies, software developers, record labels, and music publishers, showcasing the breadth and depth of his expertise.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ehrlich has bridged the worlds of talent, production, and technology with content and intellectual property at its core. His broad experience, keen insights, and unwavering dedication have made him a significant figure in the entertainment industry.

David Ehrlich personal website for more information.

Jeffrey Schottenstein was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, to Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein, a family with generations of experience in the apparel industry. His father, Jay Schottenstein, served as Chairman and CEO of Schottenstein Stores Corporation, American Eagle Outfitters, and American Signature. His grandfather, Jerome Schottenstein, helped to establish the Schottenstein Stores Corporation, along with other family members. Due to their success, the Schottensteins have been able to secure a future for their family and improve the lives of many in their community. Jeffrey grew up learning all he could from his father concerning retail and business. His grandfather was another important role model and the inspiration behind many of Jeffrey Schottenstein’s philanthropic endeavors.

Throughout his life, Jeffrey not only mastered the business world of retail but also learned the importance of giving back to his community, as his family has long supported different charitable organizations. Jeffrey has continued this mission by supporting groups with values close to his family’s hearts, as well as other groups working to better the lives of those less fortunate. His parents established the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Foundation, a foundation that supports Jewish causes through private grantmaking. Giving back to the Jewish community has always been an important family focus, and this foundation gives almost exclusively to Jewish culture and religious organizations.

Carving His Own Path

Coming from a well-established family such as the Schottensteins, Jeffrey Schottenstein knew he wanted to keep his family’s legacy alive, especially through philanthropic work. While he stayed close to his roots by continuing to work in the retail industry, he also started to branch out to support efforts that mattered to him. It was important to Jeffrey that he continues to carry out the passions of his family, but it was also important to stay true to himself.

Jeffrey Schottenstein was raised to not only be a smart businessman but also to share his success by giving back to the community whenever possible. In high school, he volunteered much of his time at Chabad’s Friendship Circle Program and helped to double their number of volunteers through his dedication to the cause. He found a passion early on for helping children that require special support services and people of all ages experiencing mental health issues.

In 2011, Jeffrey Schottenstein founded TACKMA, a clothing apparel line designed to bring greater awareness to mental health issues and give back to communities in need. Much of Jeffrey Schottenstein’s work is centered around his community of Columbus, OH, which is where this storefront is located. He developed TACKMA so people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds could feel comfortable in their skin and show off their unique personalities through high-quality products. The mission of this brand is to foster self-expression and empower people with the confidence to do things their way.

TACKMA is an acronym created by Schottenstein that stands for “They All Can Kiss My Ass,” a cheeky statement that emphasizes finding happiness in yourself without worrying about what other people have to say. Even before the brand was completely realized, Schottenstein had this acronym custom engraved into a pair of Nikes as a reminder to stay true to himself. This brand was created for the underdogs or those that society may be quick to overlook or judge. Encouraging self-love among these people has been one of the driving philosophies in his life.

Jeffrey Schottenstein is a long-time contributor to LifeTown Columbus, a one-of-a-kind facility run by Lori Schottenstein Chabad Center in New Albany. Designed to imitate a small city, Life Town provides children with special needs the opportunity to learn about real-world scenarios in fun and engaging ways. It offers a safe, nurturing environment in which specially trained volunteers help children acquire the skills they need to thrive, from socialization to fiscal responsibility. When COVID-19 impacted the work that LifeTown was able to provide, the facility adapted by creating LifeTown on the Go to serve Central Ohio students virtually. Jeffrey Schottenstein donated $100,000 to this new program and was honored for his advocacy and contributions to helping children at the 2021 Annual Lifetown Legends Luncheon.

Recently, Jeffrey Schottenstein and his family have pledged $10.15 million for the endowment of a new chair at the Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus. The goal of this contribution is to create a new comprehensive mental health wellness program, the Jeffrey Schottenstein Program for Resilience. Jeffrey remembers his struggles as a college student at Ohio State, dealing with anxiety, depression, and OCD. He felt alone, not realizing that many of his peers were experiencing the same issues. This stigma attached to mental health issues creates a sense of isolation that is common among students and creates a serious barrier to seeking help.

Jeffrey created the Program for Resilience to ensure students have access to a reliable, 24/7 support system. This program will help students address their mental health issues, overcome their obstacles, and build the foundation for a happy, successful future. It will teach them valuable coping skills that build cognitive and emotional resilience, so they feel confident to handle any challenges they face throughout their education and later after they graduate. The program will be led by Dr. Luan Phan, a well-known leader in psychiatry who has made cutting-edge neuroscience discoveries associated with resilience and mental health. It should be formally approved in November.

Jeffrey Schottenstein continues to integrate his passion for apparel with his love of helping his community. His line, TACKMA, has gained increased attention due to celebrity endorsements. LeBron James has been spotted wearing the TACKMA brand and supports the overall message and goals of the company. Jeffrey Schottenstein is excited to see the growth and adaptation of the Jeffrey Schottenstein Program for Resilience at Ohio State University. As an alumnus, he looks forward to helping his alma mater better cater to the needs of a diverse student body. He strongly believes that through this program, many more students can achieve academic success that will translate to future success in their adult lives.

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Will Floersheimer was a JP Morgan associate supporting an impressive and diverse $70 billion multi-asset portfolio. This is a brief biography of the young financier who served at one of the US’ most prominent banks, including his background, education, and interests.

Early Life

Will Floersheimer was born in New York City but spent most of his childhood in Greenwich, Connecticut – a quintessential and idyllic suburban upbringing with his two siblings, being the middle child between an older sister and younger brother. He attended the prestigious preparatory academy for boys, Brunswick School, from preschool through graduating high school. At the varsity level, Will was very involved in the school’s well-established sports programs, including soccer, lacrosse, and paddle tennis. Will Floersheimer is one of the grandchildren of Dr. Stephen Floersheimer who created the Floersheimer Institute.

Will also developed a passion for philanthropy, languages, and the humanities during high school, which he has carried on through his life and career. He is fluent in Spanish and Italian and received humanitarian awards for his achievements in the languages during high school. In the realm of charitable efforts, Will and several high school friends started the Blue Blazer Fund – a registered 501c3 that sold gently-used blazers with proceeds going to youth in Netanya, Israel. Through sales, fundraising, and grants, the young men were able to raise around a quarter of a million dollars for Israeli youth. Will often donates his time to The Lord’s Place in South Florida. They have been operating for over 40 years focusing on helping to combat homelessness.

College

After Brunswick School, Will Floersheimer was accepted to the well-regarded Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California, where he majored in business. Additionally, he played lacrosse and was actively involved in a fraternity. He served in multiple leadership roles at his fraternity, including those related to philanthropic efforts. In his free time, he avidly followed USC football. On summers off from college, Will diligently applied for and completed finance internships back in NYC and the northeast with plans to move home, including interning for Van Eck Global, a mutual fund/ETF firm specializing in commodities, and GoldenTree Asset Management, a distressed credit-focused hedge fund. In his junior year of college, though, he interned on the west coast at JP Morgan Asset Management’s San Francisco office. Following graduation, Will was hired full-time at JP Morgan’s New York office, fulfilling both the desire to work at a major bank and to return to NYC, where he was born.

Career in Finance

Will’s first two years at JP Morgan were spent as an analyst managing multi-asset portfolios on behalf of public and corporate pension funds. He was subsequently promoted to Associate and supported a $70B portfolio. Will was tasked with portfolio construction and asset allocation across public and private markets, fundraising new assets, as well as meeting with clients to deliver updates on their investments and commentary on the markets. He put his experience in high school and college to use in the realm of directly communicating with clients about market trends and in fundraising and philanthropic efforts for both the company and clients. As he is fluent in Spanish and Italian, he is an important asset for current and future endeavors with international client portfolios.

On his personal time, Will enjoys returning to the west coast for visits, spending time with his family, and continuing to follow college football, particularly his alma mater, the University of Southern California. He spends time with old friends for the holidays like (New Years’ & Halloween). His family is really important to him as well as giving back.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wfloersheimer/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-floersheimer-695a34203/

Personal Website: https://www.willfloersheimer.com

Johnnie Cochran was a prominent figure in the legal world, known for his fervent advocacy for justice and civil rights. His career spanned decades and was marked by groundbreaking cases that reshaped the landscape of American law. From humble beginnings, Cochran rose to prominence as a skilled attorney, eventually becoming a household name after his involvement in the infamous O.J. Simpson trial. Beyond his legal prowess, Cochran’s legacy extends into the realm of civil rights activism, leaving a lasting impact on both the legal profession and society as a whole. This biography delves into the life, career, and enduring legacy of Johnnie Cochran.

Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. was born on October 2, 1937, in Shreveport, Louisiana. His great-grandparents were slaves, and his grandfather was a sharecropper. His father, Johnnie Cochran, Sr., and mother, Hattie B. Cochran, instilled in Johnnie a strong work ethic that propelled him from the Jim Crow Era South to the upper echelons of the American Legal System. Growing up alongside his sisters, Pearl and Martha Jean, in a time when Louisiana was still grappling with the aftermath of The Great Depression and deeply entrenched Jim Crow laws, Johnnie’s childhood in Shreveport was marked by fond memories of Sundays spent with his family and church.

In the fall of 1943, Johnnie’s father relocated to California and secured employment as a pipe fitter with Bethlehem Steel in the Alameda Naval Shipyards. At age six, Johnnie and his family embarked on a journey to California as part of the second wave of the Great Migration, during which 6 million African Americans moved to the Northeast, Midwest, and West. Initially residing with Aunt Lucinda, the family soon found their home near the shipyard, marking their first experience with an integrated neighborhood where individuals of various races and religions coexist harmoniously.

Johnnie Cochran’s upbringing in Shreveport and subsequent move to California not only shaped his perspective on racial dynamics but also laid the foundation for his future success in the legal field.

In 1949, a year after accepting a promotion and relocating to San Diego, Johnnie Cochran, Sr. was offered another opportunity for advancement. He was asked to move to Los Angeles, where Golden State Mutual, the company he worked for, was headquartered. The family packed their belongings once again and made the move to the city that would become the permanent residence of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. for the remainder of his life.

Johnnie graduated from UCLA in 1959 and subsequently enrolled in Loyola Law School. Despite the demanding schedule at Loyola, Johnnie managed to balance his studies with work commitments, marriage in his first year, and the birth of his first child during his third year. Additionally, he secured a position in his desired field and made history as the first African American law clerk in the office of the Los Angeles city attorney.

Inspired by the legal triumph of Thurgood Marshall in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education, Johnnie Cochran made the decision to commit his life to the practice of law. Viewing his career as a calling, Cochran saw it as a unique chance to fight for justice and confront injustice head-on; he believed that he could truly make a difference through the practice of law. In his book “A Lawyer’s Life,” Cochran reflected, “I devoured every piece of literature I could find on Thurgood Marshall, solidifying my belief that a single dedicated individual could utilize the law as a tool for societal change.” Cochran’s dedication and perseverance in the face of numerous challenges exemplify his unwavering commitment to success and breaking barriers in the legal profession.

On June 1, 1962, Johnnie graduated from law school and commenced his preparations to take the California bar exam. After completing the exam, he returned to his position at the city attorney’s office, where he began the month-long wait to receive his results. In the early hours of Monday, December 17th, Johnnie was abruptly awakened at 2:30 a.m. by a friend who called to deliver the exciting news that he had successfully passed the bar exam.

In 1965, Johnnie Cochran departed from the city attorney’s office and established his inaugural private practice alongside fellow former deputy district attorney, Gerald D. Lenoir. Throughout his career, Cochran’s clientele boasted notable figures such as Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, and Jim Brown. Additionally, he fervently advocated for victims of police brutality.

The O.J. Simpson trial captivated audiences worldwide and propelled Johnnie Cochran to international fame as one of the most renowned attorneys of his time. From June to October of 1995, a mesmerized nation followed the televised trial closely, culminating in the highly anticipated verdict on October 3rd at 10:07 A.M., when Simpson was acquitted on both murder charges. An estimated 100 million viewers tuned in to witness the verdict, causing a significant loss of productivity amounting to approximately $480 million as people across the globe paused to witness this historic moment.

Johnnie’s proudest moment of his career, however, was his work for Geronimo Pratt.  Johnnie Cochran dedicated himself to working alongside Black Panther leader Geronimo Pratt, who was unjustly serving a sentence for a crime he did not commit. It was revealed that crucial evidence, such as police wiretaps proving Pratt’s whereabouts at the time of the murder in Santa Monica, was withheld during his 1972 trial. Additionally, the key witness, Julius Butler, was discovered to be an informant for both the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department.

On June 10, 1997, Johnnie Cochran successfully completed his efforts on behalf of Geronimo Pratt, resulting in the vacating of Pratt’s conviction after 27 years of wrongful imprisonment. This monumental achievement stood as one of Johnnie’s proudest moments as an attorney. The bond between Cochran and Pratt remained strong until Mr. Cochran’s passing in 2005, solidifying their friendship as a testament to the power of justice and perseverance.

In December 2003, Cochran received the devastating news of a brain tumor diagnosis. Following surgery in April 2004, he chose to step away from the public eye to focus on his health. Despite this challenging time, he reassured the New York Post that he was feeling well and maintaining good health.

Tragically, Cochran lost his battle with the brain tumor on March 29, 2005, at his residence in Los Angeles. A public viewing of his casket was held on April 4 at the Angelus Funeral Home and on April 5 at Second Baptist Church, both in Los Angeles. A memorial service took place at West Angeles Cathedral on April 6, 2005.

Cochran’s final resting place is in the Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California. His father, Johnnie Sr., attended the funeral, as well as many former friends and clients, including O. J. Simpson and Michael Jackson. Johnnie Cochran’s legacy continues to live on through his impactful work in the legal field.