The University of Ulster has teamed up with some of the top lawyers representing and advising HBO, Sony, Paramount Pictures and the Discovery Channel, to deliver an exciting new international entertainment and media law course.

Based at Ulster’s Magee campus, the Masters level short course has been designed to meet the growing industry need for legal professionals who have specific expertise in media, entertainment and sports law.

Ulster has secured the expertise of Russell Smith, a partner at renowned US law firm SmithDehn, which represents entertainment clients ranging from HBO and Sony Pictures, to Paramount Pictures and Channel Four.

Smith will be joined by two of the top in-house lawyers at HBO; Viviane Eisenberg, Senior Vice President and Chief Counsel for Programming and Marketing, and Peter Rienecker, Vice President for Legal Affairs. Also teaching the course will be Laura Farina, now a member of SmithDehn, but until recently Vice President for Legal Affairs at Discovery.

Dr Eugene McNamee, Head of the University of Ulster’s School of Law said:

“The legal sector in Northern Ireland and beyond is growing and developing in new directions, as is the demand for legal advice and services from the media and entertainment sectors.

“Ulster’s School of Law has developed this exciting practical course to meet this demand. We aim to equip law graduates with specialist, in-demand skills that should enhance their employability or add to an experienced practitioner’s specialist competence.

“Ulster is delighted to have secured such experienced, well respected and globally renowned practice lawyers to help deliver this new course.”

Demand for the course is expected to be high and space is limited to 25 places. Applications must be received by 10 January 2014.

Ends

Notes to editors:

The module runs on the Magee (Derry/Londonderry) campus over one semester on six alternate Saturdays, commencing 8 February 2014; class-times 10am-5pm (two 3 hour sessions with 1 hour lunch break).

Applications for a place should come in the form of a CV with a one-page covering letter explaining interest and motivation . Applications and queries by email to e.carlin@ulster.ac.uk, message subject line ‘Media Law Module’.

More information for prospective students on the course content can be obtained from Ulster’s School of Law website: www.socsci.ulster.ac.uk./law/media.html

Press queries to Edel Mairs, University of Ulster, Communications Team: Tel: 028 9036 8310 e-mail: e.mairs@ulster.ac.uk