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Donald R. Whittaker, Entertainment Attorney in New York

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Entertainment and M&A

Corporate CounselatWeil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

New, NY

Practicing entertainment in New York since 1983.

43+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

Donald R. Whittaker is a corporate counsel based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Entertainment and M&A. Donald has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.

Based in
New York, NY
Experience
over 43 years
Known for
Entertainment · M&A
  • Handles Entertainment and M&A matters from New York, NY.
  • Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Donald R. Whittaker: Donald R. Whittaker is a corporate counsel based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Entertainment and M&A. Donald has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.

Areas of practice

Donald's practice areas in New York

Donald concentrates on entertainment and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Entertainment cases in New York

Donald takes entertainment matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

M&A cases in New York

Donald takes m&a matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Biography

Donald R. Whittaker, entertainment attorney serving New York

Donald R. Whittaker is a corporate counsel based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Entertainment and M&A. Donald has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. Donald works from New York and takes on entertainment matters across the region.

Donald R. Whittaker is a lawyer practicing entertainment, advertising, mergers & acquisitions. Donald received a B.A. degree from Ursinus College in 1977, and has been licensed for 43 years. Donald practices at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York, NY.

Working with Donald on a entertainment matter

Donald R. Whittaker is a lawyer practicing entertainment, advertising, mergers & acquisitions. Donald received a B.A. degree from Ursinus College in 1977, and has been licensed for 43 years. Donald practices at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York, NY.

Who Donald represents

Donald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for entertainment and m&a matters across New York.

Credentials

Credentials — where Donald studied and practices

  • Duke University Law

    J.D. · 1980

  • Ursinus College

    B.A. · 1977

Jurisdictions

Donald's state bar admissions

  • New York

    1983 · ACTIVE

Donald studied at J.D. in Duke University Law and B.A. in Ursinus College.

Law school and academic background

Donald completed J.D. in Duke University Law and B.A. in Ursinus College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donald runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Donald R. Whittaker's office in New York

Donald's primary office is at 767 5th Ave., Ste. 2237, New York, NY, 10153-0023. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

767 5th Ave., Ste. 2237

New York, NY 10153-0023

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Donald R. Whittaker

Donald has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Donald R. Whittaker — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new entertainment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Donald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Donald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a entertainment attorney in New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many entertainment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Donald

Donald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in entertainment practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every entertainment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Donald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Donald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many entertainment practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Donald R. Whittaker

  • How much does it cost to hire Donald for a entertainment case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Donald offer a free consultation?

    Donald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office. Some entertainment attorneys offer free consults — check Donald's current terms during booking.

  • How long do entertainment cases in New York typically take?

    Simple entertainment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Donald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Donald take my case if I'm outside New York?

    Donald is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donald will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Donald?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Donald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Donald accepting new entertainment clients right now?

    Donald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Entertainment attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York

Donald handles entertainment matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified entertainment attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Donald's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these entertainment attorneys in New York handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.