In the News

Education

Loyola Law School, JD

California State University at Fresno
M.S. in Criminology

California State University at Long Beach
B.S. in Criminology

Bar Admissions

State Bar of California

Court Admissions

Superior Court of California

Arnold P. Peter

Founder and Managing Partner

310-432-0500    apeter@peterlawgroup.com    Vcard   

Education

Loyola Law School, JD

California State University at Fresno
M.S. in Criminology

California State University at Long Beach
B.S. in Criminology

Bar Admissions

State Bar of California

Court Admissions

Superior Court of California

Arnold P. Peter

Arnold P. Peter has a unique combination of specialized legal and business experience with national law firms, the public sector, and international companies. He divides his practice between employment matters and complex entertainment transactions and litigation. He currently represents a variety of clients for litigation and transactional matters, including clients in television and cable, new media, location-based entertainment, hospitality, real estate, and franchising. Mr. Peter is one of the most prominent attorneys assisting Indian and United States-based clients, navigating the interaction between Hollywood and Bollywood in a vibrant Indian practice.

Mr. Peter is one of the most prominent labor and employment attorneys in the State of California. He previously served as the Chair of the California State Bar Labor and Employment Law Section. Mr. Peter created the first draft of the employment interrogatories now adopted by the California Judicial Council and utilized by California attorneys in employment litigation.

Mr. Peter began his legal career at New York-based Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, the nation’s oldest Wall Street firm, after completing a clerkship with the Honorable Edward Dean Price, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California. He later served as Director of Labor Relations for Universal Studios. Soon he was promoted to Vice President of Legal and Business Affairs for Universal Studios. He later served as a Partner and Chair of the Entertainment and Media Practice at the international law firm of Locke Bissell & Brook (now Lord Liddell LLP).

Mr. Peter has published numerous articles in law reviews and journals and industry publications. He is a frequent lecturer and media commentator on legal and business issues and has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, Fox, and various international news outlets.

Honors & Recognition

  • Los Angeles Business Journal: Leaders of Influence: 2023 Minority Attorneys – Arnold Peter
  • Chambers USA 2025 – Recognized in the Spotlight Guide for Media & Entertainment in Los Angeles
  • AV Preeminent Rating – Martindale‑Hubbell – Multiple Years 2013 – 2025
  • Southern California Super Lawyer – Multiple years
  • Top Dog Alumni Award, CSU Fresno (2009)
  • Trailblazer Award, South Asian Bar Association
  • Rainmaker of the Year, Diversity Magazine
  • Lawdragon 500 National Finalist – among America’s most influential attorneys
  • Profiled in Los Angeles Daily Journal, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News
  • Named one of the “25 Most Influential South Asian Executives in the Media & Entertainment Industry” by Korn Ferry, Intl (2009)
  • Recipient of the “Premio a la Excelencia” (Award for Excellence) from the Festival Internacional Expresión en Corto (now the Guanajuato International Film Festival) in 2009, recognizing his outstanding professional career and contributions as International Legal Counsel.
  • Recipient of the MUSEXPO 2026 “Global Entertainment & Media Attorney Award”

Leadership & Public Service

  • Co-Founder, Association of Media & Entertainment Counsel (AMEC) – over 14,000 members; established the Counsel of the Year Awards
  • Chair, State Bar of California Labor & Employment Law Section & Committee on Federal Courts
  • Adjunct Professor, CSU Fresno – graduate courses and NCAA/research integrity reviews
  • Member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
  • International Legal Consultant, ABA Rule of Law Initiative – labor law reform in Belarus and Bulgaria
  • Advisory Board Member, Taj Hotel Group – part of the Tata Corporation, India’s foremost global brand
  • General Counsel:
    ◦ Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (also served as Board Chair)
    ◦ National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE)
    ◦ National Sports Marketing Association
  • Advisor/Board Member:
    ◦ House of Blues Foundation
    ◦ U.S. Fund for UNICEF
    ◦ South Asian Studies Association (board member since 2017)
    ◦ Los Angeles India Film Council (Motion Picture Association of America initiative)
  • Los Angeles Olympic Bid Committee (2012)
  • Executive Committee & VP of Development, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Publications

  • Author, Liability For Actions Of Third Parties, Chapter in Practicing California Employment Law, Continuing Education Of The Bar (CEB)
  • Numerous Law Reviews and Legal Periodicals

Military Service

  • Honorably served eight years as a U.S. Reserve military officer, attaining the rank of Captain.