Davis Polk Hired Media M&A Partner in Los Angeles
Los Angeles firms navigating complex media mergers now have access to a former Skadden practice leader.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Advertising
Glen Mastroberte has joined Davis Polk & Wardwell as a partner in its mergers and acquisitions practice. His move bolsters the firm’s capabilities in Los Angeles, which opened its office in May 2026.
Why it matters
The hire signals an intensification of legal competition for high-stakes media and entertainment deals in the Los Angeles market. Mastroberte brings specific expertise in managing complex global transactions within the entertainment sector.
This appointment follows the expansion of Davis Polk & Wardwell into the Los Angeles market in May 2026. The firm is now scaling its M&A headcount to compete for regional deal volume.
The players
Glen Mastroberte
A veteran legal partner who previously led the global media and entertainment practice at Skadden.
Davis Polk & Wardwell
An elite global law firm providing corporate and financial legal services to major institutional clients.
Skadden
A large, international law firm known for its high-profile work in global media and entertainment mergers.
The details
Mastroberte joins the firm to collaborate with a former colleague, leveraging his experience leading Skadden’s global media and entertainment group. His transition into the Los Angeles office integrates specialized media transaction expertise into the firm's existing M&A practice structure.
Timeline
Davis Polk & Wardwell opened its Los Angeles office in May 2026.
Glen Mastroberte joined the firm as a partner in October 2026.
Market Landscape
This move builds upon the firm's establishment of its Los Angeles office in May 2026. It reflects a trend of global law firms deepening their local M&A talent benches to better capture regional media industry deal flow.
Operators in the media sector should review their external counsel arrangements to determine if current firms possess the specialized M&A experience required for upcoming transactions. Monitor the firm's local activity for signals on shifting competitive dynamics for entertainment-focused legal services.
The takeaway
The arrival of high-level M&A talent at firms entering a new territory often signals an immediate push for larger market share in niche sectors. Audit your current legal service agreements to ensure your firm is positioned to leverage updated capabilities as new competitive threats emerge.
Further reading
For broader trends in industry expansion and hiring, see Advertising.
