Brian Nixon
Partner – Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

 

Description of field of expertise

As a former technology consultant specializing in e-business solutions, Brian Nixon understands his clients’ business goals and strives to provide them with forward-thinking counsel that helps propel enterprise at the leading edge of technology. To that end, Brian helps clients of all sizes—from startups to Fortune 500 companies—negotiate and structure complex commercial transactions that implement data- and technology-driven innovations across various media channels. 

Brian has handled all aspects of drafting and negotiating agreements in marketing, merchandising, publishing, promotions, media, sponsorships, entertainment, branded and integrated marketing, and social media. Brian advises teams, leagues, and technology companies in the sports business on online gambling, sports betting, and other data- and technology-driven initiatives. His matters often involve complex, multiparty allocations of intellectual property rights, Big Data management, and related privacy considerations. 

His experience includes advising organizations of all sizes on mobile commerce, TCPA compliance, online behavioral advertising, privacy issues, software development, advertising service agreements, and content license agreements. Throughout his legal career, Brian has worked with clients across a range of industries, including sports, automotive, motion picture studios and other entertainment companies, financial services, media companies, online retailers, consumer products companies, fashion technology, new media ventures, and advertising and promotions agencies. 

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Read widely and be curious. I’m always amazed at how any knowledge you can cultivate about how businesses operate, patterns of consumer behavior, changes in digital technology, etc. can play a key part in making you a better lawyer. It’s not enough to know the law and how that’s changing, though that’s essential. You also have to understand the overall business context in which your clients are operating. So anything you can do to make yourself more informed about that will give you an important edge.

 

Final thoughts…

The right colleagues make all the difference. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a smart and supportive team. That should be a high priority for anyone looking to build a successful legal practice.