Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that senior counsel George N. Tobia and of counsel Michael A. Deiulis have joined the firm’s Boston office in the Corporate, M&A, and Securities and Commercial Litigation groups, respectively. George and Mike join Blank Rome from Burns & Levinson LLP, reuniting with the prominent 25-attorney corporate and finance team and leading corporate trio who launched the Boston office earlier this year.
“We are thrilled to have George and Mike join our growing Boston office, which now includes 33 attorneys,” said Frank A. Segall, partner and co-chair of the Boston office. “George and Mike have both been instrumental in our team’s past successes, and their exceptional experience and insights will significantly benefit our clients.”
“We are very excited to have George and Mike rejoin our team,” added Josef B. Volman, partner and co-chair of the Boston office. “Their experience will bolster our corporate and litigation capabilities, enabling us to provide even more comprehensive and effective solutions to our clients’ complex legal challenges.”
George focuses his practice on a wide range of entertainment and media matters, representing clients in both the traditional and emerging media arenas. He handles contracts and other arrangements involving book publishing, motion picture, television, radio, podcasting, online and digital content, copyright and trademark licensing, commercial endorsements, speaker services, brand funded content, and marketing and advertising sponsorships and events.
Along with representing investors, producers, publishers, and artists, George represents the literary estates and properties of some of the world's best-known authors, as well as journalists, independent publishers, and on-air talent, ranging from those of the highest national and international profiles to newer, up-and-coming clients. Given his background in tax law and finance, George is able to provide much-needed business advice in addition to contract work. He also represents both investors and producers in related financial matters, including producer fundraising, investor-side participation in media and entertainment projects, and tax credit monetization.
Mike is a versatile litigator and trusted advisor with over a decade of experience litigating complex business disputes in state and federal courts, as well as alternative dispute resolution forums. Mike has represented individuals and companies of all sizes in high-stakes, multi-party litigations involving claims for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, conversion, civil conspiracy, unfair trade practices, and other business torts. Mike has extensive experience litigating intra-company disputes between partners in closely held businesses and prosecuting and defending derivative lawsuits.
Although a litigator by trade, Mike is committed to understanding and advancing his clients' business objectives. Clients often engage Mike to provide strategic advice on critically important business issues, including pre-litigation contractual disputes. He collaborates closely with clients to formulate dispute avoidance and risk mitigation strategies, and, when necessary, navigate the litigation process effectively and efficiently to achieve desired results.
George is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and California, and received his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, his LLM from Boston University School of Law, and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Boston University. Massachusetts Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America© have consistently recognized George for his work.
Admitted to practice in Massachusetts, Mike received his J.D. from Boston College Law School and his B.A. from Boston College. Mike has been named “One to Watch” by The Best Lawyers in America© and a “Client Service All-Star” and “Super All-Star” by BTI Consulting Group.
