For over 20 years, as an entertainment and business attorney Demetrius has helped clients through a variety of difficult business and entertainment matters, including, but not limited to, masters and IP return, talent agreements, tour agreements, film, streaming, tv and production documents, chain of title, copyright, trademark, 360 agreements, streaming deals, publishing deals,  employment discrimination disputes, sexual harassment, executive employment disputes, severance packages, stock option agreements, collective bargaining, formations and dissolution, due diligence reviews, tax negotiations, collections, arbitration, litigation, forensic accounting, entertainment related divorce, estate planning, and international ventures.

 

In a nutshell Demetrius practices "money law", i.e. he handles anything that has to do with making, preserving, transferring, protecting, gaining or acquiring, investigating, or otherwise involving assets and wealth.

​

Often your legal matter can be terminated by a well drafted summary judgment motion. As a litigator Demetrius successfully defeated a motion for summary judgment brought by the City of Detroit despite the City's assertion of governmental immunity, which is normally a near complete defense. He defeated a motion for summary judgement asserted by Vibe Magazine where the magazine claimed to not have control of a third-party security provider. At the same time Demetrius has acted as trial first chair and conducted numerous arbitrations in regards to collective bargaining agreements.

​

Going beyond the normal client and attorney relationship he has helped develop and create projects with clients as creative consultant. He has assisted in creating, developing, and selling numerous shows to production companies and broadcast networks as well as other entertainment products. 

 

As a result of his cross-functional skills, at times Demetrius has created, pitched, and negotiated the agreements for a single project and/or transaction. Demetrius has negotiated and television, film, and streaming deals with company ranging from NBC, ABC, CBS, and Amazon.

​

Demetrius was responsible for the highest cast per pay episode deal at that time in the history of the Oprah Winfrey Network.   Internationally he has negotiated and closed licensing deals and joint venture deals in numerous countries. Demetrius continues to combine and use both his creative and business expertise to develop new and exciting opportunities and partnerships for his clients.

​

He received his Juris Doctor from University of Tennessee Law School after graduating from Tennessee State University and also earned a MBA from Clark Atlanta University with a focus on finance and marketing. Demetrius is a member of the California and Michigan State Bars.

​

From the moment Demetrius began his legal career he always believed that the practice of law could be improved.  Specifically he always wanted to create a law firm that could handle 100% of its clients needs and forge a deeper partnership with its clients. Nelson and Murdock is that firm.