Kathleen Cerniglia Hipps

Overview

Kathleen Cerniglia Hipps is a partner in the Litigation practice group at Greenspoon Marder LLP. She concentrates her practice on all facets of commercial and business litigation matters in state and federal courts. Ms. Hipps has extensive experience negotiating pre-trial settlements, crafting litigation strategies, preparing cases for trial, or negotiating favorable settlements prior to trial.

As an experienced commercial litigator, Ms. Hipps has counseled clients in a wide range of industries, including sports and entertainment, cannabis, finance, hospitality, and among others. Throughout her career, she has also maintained a pro bono practice representing women and artists.

Prior to joining Greenspoon Marder, Ms. Hipps founded and led her own firm. She handled matters involving commercial and business litigation, intellectual property, entertainment, construction, securities, insurance dedicated funds, labor and employment, and general corporate work. In addition to trial advocacy, Ms. Hipps has experience handling general corporate work, such as the formation of an LLC or partnership, and civil litigation matters, such as breach of contract cases, an array of general business litigation, and entertainment cases.

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court, Central District of California
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California

Bar Admissions

California

Education

J.D., University of Iowa College of Law, 2008
B.A., Emory University, 2003

Experience

Representative Experience

Served as lead trial counsel in Dumag v. Allen, a multimillion dollar fraud and breach of contract case tried in California Superior Court. Ms. Hipps successfully defeated all claims and won all costs and attorney fees for her client
Represents directors and officers in shareholder derivative actions and general business disputes
Provides advice to hedge fund and fund of fund managers in establishing and operating insurance dedicated funds (“IDFs”) and private placement life insurance (“PPLI”)
Represents homeowners, builders and contractors in a wide range of construction disputes, including breach of contract and construction defect
Defends producers and photographers in labor disputes brought by models and talent, and in guild disputes
Negotiates contracts for entertainment clients. Ms. Hipps uses her experience as an insider in the entertainment industry, gleaned from working on multiple shows at CNN prior to attending law school.
Represent producers and financiers in film, television, and new media.
Negotiate talent contracts and employment/severance contracts.
Multiple California Labor Code 203 litigations involving models, producers, photographers, and fashion houses.

Professional and Community Involvement

The American Bar Association, Fellow
Female Executives in Media & Entertainment (“FEME”), Board Member

Speaking Engagements

Speaker, “U Start Here X workshop” U Start Here, May 30, 2021
Speaker, “Entertainment law program” Webinar, Iowa College of Law, March 29, 2021
Speaker, “Entrepreneur Panel,” Emory Alumni Association Entrepreneur Networking Event, September 26, 2018

Awards