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Jesse Kearney, Jr.
Content Acquisition and Development Manager at Audible, Inc.
Professional Background
Jesse Kearney is an accomplished Entertainment Attorney with a wealth of experience spanning various aspects of law practice, particularly in business and intellectual property law. With an impressive portfolio of work across the performing arts and nonprofit sectors, Jesse has established a notable reputation for being an advocate for artists, creators, and organizations alike. His journey in the legal field is complemented by his deep-rooted passion for performing arts, making him uniquely qualified to navigate the intricacies of entertainment law.
Kearney has held several influential roles, including serving as the Content Acquisition and Development Manager at Audible, Inc., where he honed his expertise in intellectual property rights and content production. His legal acumen has been further demonstrated through his role as an Entertainment Attorney at his own law office. Here, he focused on providing comprehensive legal services tailored to clients in the entertainment industry. Jesse's experience as Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer, and General Counsel at The STAGE Network showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to promoting the arts.
Throughout his career, Jesse has also contributed to the legal landscape in the performing arts as an Associate to General Counsel at Samuel French, Inc., where he engaged with publishing and rights management for theatrical works. His early legal training included significant experience as a Post-Graduate Fellow with the Racial Justice Project at New York Law School, deftly blending law and social justice, which remains a cornerstone of his professional ethos.
Education and Achievements
Jesse Kearney’s educational background is as diverse as his professional experience. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from New York Law School, where he specialized in business and intellectual property law. This rigorous academic training laid the foundation for his career as an attorney proficient in handling complex legal matters related to the entertainment industry.
Additionally, Jesse pursued his passion for the dramatic arts by obtaining a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Musical Theater Writing from New York University. This unique blend of legal education and artistic training allows him to deeply understand the needs and challenges of artists within the entertainment space.
Kearney also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, Drama, from Dartmouth College, where he engaged in the study of literature and performance, further solidifying his credentials in the arts. His academic experiences not only enriched his understanding of the performing arts, but they also equipped him with the skills necessary for critical analysis, creativity, and effective communication in both written and verbal forms.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Jesse's commitment to community engagement is evident from his numerous leadership roles during his time in law school. He served as President of the NYLS Student Bar Association, where he advocated for student interests and initiatives. In addition, he was appointed as the Executive Lt. Governor for the Law Student Division's 2nd Circuit of the American Bar Association, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the legal profession.
His dedication to philanthropy and the arts is reflected in his former role as Arts Ministry Director at Crenshaw Christian Center - New York. Here, Jesse utilized his talents in theater to foster artistic expression within the community. His diverse experiences reveal a multifaceted professional committed to improving the legal representation and resources available to artists and organizations in the performing arts sector.
Notable Contributions
Among his many accomplishments, Jesse Kearney has also demonstrated a keen interest in mentorship and legal advocacy. As a legal intern at various prestigious organizations, including Louis Vuitton North America, Inc., and the New York City Council, he gained invaluable insights into the intersection of law and business. Furthermore, his judicial internship with The Honorable Marc J. Whiten allowed him to observe the judicial process first-hand, enriching his understanding of the legal system.
Beyond his legal work, Jesse has also made significant contributions to the arts as a member, actor, and playwright at the Prospect Theater Company. His hands-on experience in theater complements his legal practice by allowing him to understand the intricate networking involved in the entertainment industry
He has also embraced opportunities to engage in creative endeavors as a self-employed actor, stage director, playwright, and composer, enriching the cultural fabric of his community. These contributions showcase Jesse's versatility and his dedication to fostering arts and culture wherever he goes.
Jesse Kearney continues to be a driving force in both the legal and creative fields, leveraging his diverse skills to advance the arts and provide top-notch legal representation. His dedication to fostering a supportive environment for artists and creators shines through his work, making him a respected figure among colleagues, clients, and the broader community. Jesse's future endeavors undoubtedly promise to continue advocating for innovation, collaboration, and excellence in the entertainment law sphere.
