John Dermott Mitchell is an attorney with extensive experience representing businesses, executives, and creative talent.

John advises companies of all sizes on a wide range of issues. Whether relating to day-to-day operations or complex business transactions, John develops tailored strategies to effectively resolve challenges and structures solutions to achieve business goals. He has significant international experience and has traveled extensively, participating in transactions and leading negotiations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America. He has substantial experience structuring cross-border joint ventures and strategic alliances and advising foreign companies entering the U.S. market for the first time. While he counsels clients across many industries, John has in-depth knowledge of the legal and business issues relating to the distribution, licensing, and franchising of global brands and luxury consumer products.

John also provides counsel to senior corporate executives transitioning to new relationships, developing practical and creative strategies in structuring and negotiating their employment contracts and compensation packages, including guiding them through salary, non-compete and severance issues.

In addition to his work with executives, John is recognized for his expertise advising creative talent, including European and U.S. designers, prominent hair stylists and make-up artists, notable photographers, Hollywood A-list stylists, performing artists, and celebrity talent.

He has been a partner in a New York-based international law firm and, more recently, president and general counsel of a strategic consulting firm focused on the luxury sector.

John has participated on panels and spoken at high-profile events dedicated to issues relating to the luxury industry, including at Harvard Business School.

John is admitted to the New York Bar.

Business

John provides his clients with comprehensive, personalized guidance and support at every stage of their business’ development, from establishment, through growth, to sale. He collaborates closely with executive management and boards of directors in formulating legal strategies to achieve business goals. Key services include:

  • Advising on Business Structure

  • LLC / C-Corp. / S-Corp. Formations

  • Preparation of Shareholder Agreements and LLC Operating Agreements

  • Contracts for Corporate and Commercial Transactions, including Employment and Consulting Contracts, Sales, Distribution, Manufacturing and Supply Agreements, Intellectual Property Licenses, and Agency Agreements

  • Preparation and Negotiation of Agreements Relating to Acquisitions, Sales, Mergers, Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances

  • Ongoing Advice on Business Operations

Executives

John has significant experience representing senior executives in diverse industries, protecting their individual interests when entering into employment, as well as when exiting or changing positions.  Services include:

  • Preparation and Negotiation of Employment and Independent Contractor Agreements

  • Counsel on Restrictive Covenants and Non-Compete Issues

  • Negotiate Stock Option and Incentive Bonus Plans

  • Draft and Negotiate Confidentiality Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, and Non-Competition Agreements

  • Preparation and Negotiation of Consulting Arrangements, Commission Agreements, and Retention Agreements

  • Advice and Counsel in Termination, Separation, and Severance Situations

Creative Talent

John’s many years representing creative talent has given him an in-depth knowledge of the legal and business issues particular to this specialized field.  His clients include fashion designers, makeup artists, hair stylists, fashion and image stylists, photographers, interior designers, authors, celebrities, and performing artists.  Services include drafting and negotiating contracts, and counseling on: 

  • Design Collaborations and Services

  • Creative Director Appointments

  • Employment, Independent Contractor, and Consulting Positions

  • Celebrity Appearances and Services

  • Performance Engagements

  • Book Publishing and Ghostwriter Arrangements

  • Celebrity Spokesperson Engagements

  • Promotions, Endorsements, Sponsorships, and Commercial Tie-Ins

Fashion and Luxury

Representing clients in the fashion and luxury industries has always been a cornerstone of John’s legal practice.  He has over twenty-five years experience working with the world’s premier luxury brands, whose products include designer fashion apparel, accessories, jewelry, watches, home, beauty, and fragrances.  Among other areas, John advises on: 

  • Licensing

  • Franchising

  • Distribution

  • Agency

  • Sponsorships

  • Strategic Partnerships

  • Manufacturing/Supply

  • In-Store Shops and Concessions

JD Mitchell Associates is also a joint venture partner in Cavanaugh & Mitchell, through which John is able to offer his clients additional legal services, including intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. Please see www.cavanaughmitchell.com for further information.

Contact

John Dermott Mitchell

JD MITCHELL ASSOCIATES pc

1270 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

640 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

jdmitchell@jdmitchellassociates.com
212.750.3051