Mackenzie Pearson is a senior associate in Manatt Entertainment in the Firm’s Los Angeles office, advising at the intersection of artists, rights and capital. Recognized on Best Lawyers in America’s 2026 “Ones to Watch” list, she advises a dynamic roster of entertainment clients across the talent and corporate spectrum—from recording artists, producers, songwriters, DJs and bands to private equity and investment funds, asset management companies, record labels, music publishers, talent agencies, brands and management companies.

Mackenzie is known for quarterbacking complex, high-value music transactions from structuring through closing, combining deep fluency in talent-side agreements with sophisticated institutional deal execution. Her practice spans music catalog sales and acquisitions, recording, distribution and publishing agreements, clearances, digital asset and NFT matters, merchandising and branding arrangements, licensing deals, live performance agreements and management agreements. She also advises on broader corporate transactions affecting entertainment and intellectual property assets.

A significant focus of Mackenzie’s practice is music catalog acquisitions. She represents both buyers and sellers in transactions involving diverse music and IP rights, with particular depth in buy-side acquisitions featuring complex securitization and debt financing structures. Since 2022, she has led or played a key role in catalog transactions totaling more than $1.6 billion in aggregate value. Drawing on her experience representing talent, she brings a nuanced understanding of the underlying rights, revenue streams and contractual frameworks that drive catalog value—an edge that allows her to navigate diligence, risk allocation and rights analysis with precision and commercial insight.

In addition, Mackenzie counsels music and entertainment clients on live touring and employment matters. She negotiates and documents employment, independent contractor and consultancy agreements for high-profile touring artists, executives and companies across the industry, delivering practical, strategic and business-oriented guidance in fast-moving environments.