Frank Salzano represents some of the most celebrated names in entertainment and sports—A-list entertainers, elite athletes, and industry innovators—guiding them through high-stakes negotiations and complex litigation. Over more than two decades of practice, he has secured landmark contracts, resolved career-defining disputes, and safeguarded the interests of clients whose reputations and livelihoods command the highest level of legal skill and strategic foresight.
Frank’s current and former clients reads like a marquee of global entertainment and sports icons—Michael Jackson, Prince, Ezekiel Elliott, Run DMC, Matchroom Boxing (Eddie Hearn), Usher, Evander Holyfield, Lil’ Kim, Ruff Ryders, and the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. His work with these luminaries is defined by exceptional legal skill, strategic foresight, and a commitment to protecting both their careers and their legacies.
Frank began his career at the law firm of Jones Day, advising Fortune 100 companies on complex transactions and intellectual property matters—experience that instilled a level of sophistication and strategic insight rarely seen in the entertainment sector. He went on to join The McMillan Firm, a boutique entertainment practice, where he honed the art of balancing legal precision with the fast-paced, creative realities of the entertainment and sports industry. There, he represented a wide range of artists, athletes, and media companies in matters from contract negotiations to commercial disputes.
In 2007, Frank became an original founding member of Dewey & LeBoeuf’s Entertainment, Media & Sports Practice Group, blending his legal acumen with extensive entertainment industry expertise. In this role, he cultivated enduring relationships with agents, managers, executives, and other industry power players—connections that continue to serve and advance his clients’ interests today. In 2011 he began his private practice which has now evolved into SEL.
As a certified NFL contract advisor, Frank has negotiated some of the most prominent and high-value deals in professional sports, including Ezekiel Elliott’s headline-making $90 million extension with the Dallas Cowboys. This requires expertise in league regulations, skill in managing team negotiations, and the foresight to structure contracts that support an athlete’s long-term goals. With careful preparation and a clear understanding, Frank achieves results that benefit his clients now and in their future.
When you work with Frank, you’re not just hiring an attorney—you’re gaining a strategic partner who understands both the legal complexities and business realities of the entertainment and sports industries. With over two decades of experience, he blends Big Law sophistication with deep industry knowledge to deliver results for high-profile clients.
Frank personally manages every matter, leveraging his extensive network to create opportunities and solve challenges that legal expertise alone cannot. From Fortune 100 companies to emerging artists, his approach ensures every decision supports your long-term career and financial goals. Whether guiding a start-up through its first major deal or representing an established artist in high-stakes litigation, Frank combines legal precision with strategic insight to drive lasting success.