First Annual David A. Pierce Award Ceremony

NSEAL CEO & President Steven T. Lowe presents David A. Pierce award to David Hecht

NSEAL East Coast Director Scott Burroughs speaks about the organization’s work and advocating for artists’ rights

Honoring David A. Pierce:

David Albert Pierce was the Managing Member of PIERCE LAW GROUP LLP an entertainment law firm, which has served as production counsel for entertainment studios, such as: Lionsgate, Netflix, MGM and Fox, Cartoon Network, and Harpo Productions, as well as numerous independent production companies of all sizes.

David also served as General Counsel & Business Affairs for the world famous Comedy Store and over the years he has represented highly successful and beloved comedic writers, directors and performers, such as: Leslie Jones, Brian Moses, Willie Hunter, Stephen Kramer Glickman, Fred Stoller, Jeff Garlin, Gabriel Iglesias, Penelope Spheeris, Tony Hinchcliffe, David Spade, Dana Carvey, Scott Thompson, Kiki Melendez, Mark Ellis, Pauly Shore, and the estate of Milton Berl.

David A. Pierce Award Recipient: David Hecht

David Hecht possesses an unwavering commitment to championing the rights of artists and creators. His dedication to advocating for the underdog in complex legal battles is unassailable. He has fearlessly taken on mega-corporations such as Apple and Epic Games, achieving remarkable victories that have reshaped the landscape of artists' rights. One recent notable triumph is his groundbreaking appeal on behalf of famous choreographer, Kyle Hanagami, at the Ninth Circuit against Epic Games, where the court's published decision set forth important law favorable to creators, and elevated choreographic works to the same level of protection of other expressive works, thereby significantly enhancing the rights of choreographers and content creators, including those on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts. This landmark victory, recognized as one of the most important copyright rulings of 2023, underscores David's prowess in navigating intricate legal terrain to safeguard artists' intellectual property rights.