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Hollywood power players are buzzing after one of Tinseltown’s top law firms removed a famed attorney’s name from its doors.
This week, Kinsella Weitzman removed beloved late co-founder Howard Weitzman’s name and rebranded as Kinsella Holley Iser Kump and Steinsapir — upping two close Weitzman protégés in the process.
Weitzman, who died in 2021, co-founded the firm in 2006 and was famous for repping such clients as Michael Jackson, John DeLorean, O.J. Simpson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Justin Bieber, Chuck Lorre and others.
The Hollywood Reporter pointed out the move for a firm to rebrand is normal in legal circles, but that it was “unusual” to drop Weitzman’s name, as top shops from Latham & Watkins to Greenberg Traurig have retained founders’ names well after they’ve passed.
Now there’s backlash from Weitzman’s family, as well as some industry bigs.
Legendary lawyer John Branca, who has repped the Rolling Stones and the estates of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, to name a few, told Page Six: “What a bad decision to remove Howard’s name.
“Not only was he a legendary attorney, but he was beloved, a rare feat for a lawyer these days. We miss him more than I can say… his counsel and judgment were invaluable.”
Michael Kassan, the Hollywood ad guru and CEO of MediaLink, said to us, “[I am] questioning the logic of any law firm that would not maintain Howard Weitzman’s name. He was clearly one of the most influential lawyers of a generation.”
Weitzman’s widow, Margaret, commented when we reached out, “I’m devastated. I don’t know how this honors Howard.”
She added that, “It’s a giant disappointment, and I care so much about [Weitzman protégés] Shawn Holley and Jonathan Steinsapir … Howard mentored them.”
She’d also said in a statement to THR: “Why take Howard’s name off? How does it help the firm? Taking my feelings out of it, all I can come up with is WHY?
“He co-created the firm and certainly put it on the map. I think many of your readers would agree Howard Weitzman was a legendary lawyer and human. Why take his name away?”
Weitzman’s son, Jed Weitzman, also told the Hollywood publication: “The reason why this hurts so much is because having my father’s name on the firm was, for us, a way of keeping his legacy alive… What they are proposing to do appears to be an attempt to erase that legacy.
“Honestly, we don’t understand why they would make such a move. Howard Weitzman, my father, co-founded this firm and built it into the powerhouse that it is. He’ll always be remembered as one of the great lawyers of his time — whether his name is on a door or not.”
When Page Six reached out for comment, a spokesperson for the firm said in an email, “The removal of Howard Weitzman’s name from the door of the firm he co-founded does not imply a negative connotation or an erasure of his legacy. It is essential to understand that naming a law firm is a business decision that can be subject to changes over time.”
The rep further added in their statement, “Removing a founder’s name from the firm’s branding is often part of a broader strategic move to align the firm’s vision and objectives.
“Ultimately, the decision to remove any founding partner’s name from the firm’s door is a business-related one that aims to ensure the firm’s continued success and relevance. It does not diminish the impact of Howard’s legal career or status as a legal legend… a name change does not erase Howard’s accomplishments or reputation.”
The rep concluded, “His legacy will continue to be recognized and respected within the legal community, and his countless contributions during his career will endure, regardless of the firm’s name.”
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Courtesy : https://pagesix.com/2023/07/08/hollywood-buzzing-after-firm-removes-legendary-lawyer-name/