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Katherine Kleindienst

Partner

Practice Areas

Honors & Awards

  • “The Best Lawyers in America,” Best Lawyers (Present)
  • “The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch,” Best Lawyers (2021, 2023)
  • “Rising Star,” Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine (2016 – 2023)
  • “Top 40 Under 40,” Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal (2020)

Education

  • Harvard University, B.A. (Psychology, cum laude), 2005
  • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D. (magna cum laude; Order of the Coif), 2010

Ms. Kleindienst is an experienced litigator who handles a wide range of complex litigation matters, including entertainment, intellectual property, and general commercial litigation.  She has represented clients in matters involving contract and partnership disputes, trademark and copyright infringement, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and unfair competition.  Her experience includes pretrial investigation, motion practice, fact and expert discovery, witness preparation, arbitration, trial, and appeals.

Ms. Kleindienst has been named a “Rising Star” by Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine every year since 2016, and has been included on the “Up-and-Coming 100 Rising Stars” and “Up-and-Coming 50 Women Rising Stars” lists since 2018. Ms. Kleindienst was also featured in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2020 and recognized in the inaugural edition of “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” in 2021.

Prior to joining KHIKS, Ms. Kleindienst was an associate at O’Melveny & Myers.

  • State Bar of California (Member)
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
  • Warren Christopher Scholarship Fund (Board Member)

Representative Matters

  • Represented Evan Rachel Wood in a defamation lawsuit filed by Brian Warner p/k/a Marilyn Manson based on Wood naming Manson as her abuser during their prior relationship. In November 2024, Warner dropped his lawsuit as well as agreed to pay roughly $327,000 in attorneys’ fees. 
  • Successfully represented the Estate of Michael Jackson in a legal battle with Jackson’s mother over a joint venture deal between the Estate and a third party, valuing Michael Jackson’s music catalog at over $1.2 billion.
  • Represented SeaWorld in a putative class action brought under consumer protection laws. Following a bench trial, a federal judge found that the plaintiffs lacked standing to bring the case and entered judgment for SeaWorld.
  • Represented SeaWorld in a putative class action asserting claims based on the temporary park closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The federal court dismissed the entire case in response to SeaWorld’s motion to dismiss.
  • With Howard Weitzman and other KHIKS attorneys, represented the Estate of Michael Jackson and associated entities in various matters, including a copyright action brought by the Estate against ABC and Disney for their use of copyright protected works in the 2018 television special, The Last Days of Michael Jackson.
  • Successfully defended a financial technology company against a motion that sought to hold the company liable for a multi-million dollar judgment based on allegations that the company was an alter ego of the judgment debtor.
  • Represented the author of a series of children’s books in a copyright and partnership dispute, which settled after filing an anti-SLAPP motion on her behalf.
  • Represented a family seeking to recover compensation for properties stolen after the family fled Iran during the revolution. Following a five week bench trial, obtained a $34 million judgment in the family’s favor.
  • Represented Jessica Simpson in an action alleging breach of oral contract in connection with the sale of the Jessica Simpson brand.
  • Represented Kim Kardashian West in an action alleging trademark infringement in connection with her KKW Beauty cosmetics line.
  • Represented Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Entertainment in an action alleging idea theft in connection with the film Kong: Skull Island.
  • Represented talent management company ROAR in a partnership dispute, culminating in a several-week bench trial in Los Angeles Superior Court.
  • Represented business manager, Clare Staples, in a dispute with celebrity hypnotist Paul McKenna.
  • Represented Kretek International in trade dress infringement case regarding product packaging for electronic cigarettes.
  • Represented a motion picture company in a contract action arising from a film financing transaction. Obtained summary judgment in client’s favor.
  • Part of a team that successfully defended a live entertainment company in a six-month multi-billion dollar wrongful death trial.

Practice Areas

Honors & Awards

  • “The Best Lawyers in America,” Best Lawyers (Present)
  • “The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch,” Best Lawyers (2021, 2023)
  • “Rising Star,” Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine (2016 – 2023)
  • “Top 40 Under 40,” Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal (2020)

Education

  • Harvard University, B.A. (Psychology, cum laude), 2005
  • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D. (magna cum laude; Order of the Coif), 2010

Related News

February 20, 2026

15 KHIKS Attorneys Named to 2026 Southern California “Super Lawyers” List; Allen Secretov Recognized as a “Rising Star”

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KHIKS is proud to announce that 15 of the firm’s attorneys have been honored on the 2026 Southern California “Super Lawyers” list. This impressive accolade comes from one of the...
August 21, 2025

Fifteen KHIKS Attorneys Named 2026 “Best Lawyers;” Two Named to “Ones to Watch” List

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Partners Chad Fitzgerald, Shawn Holley, Larry Iser, Dale Kinsella, Katherine Kleindienst, Gregory Korn, Alan Kossoff, Michael Kump, Suann MacIsaac, Amber Melius, Patricia Millett, Allen Secretov, Nick Soltman, Kristen Spanier, and...
February 20, 2025

16 KHIKS Attorneys Named to 2025 Southern California “Super Lawyers” and “Rising Stars” Lists

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KHIKS is pleased to announce that 16 of the firm’s attorneys have been named by Thomson Reuters to either its 2025 Southern California “Super Lawyers” or “Rising Star” list. One of...
February 12, 2025

Michael Kump, Jonathan Steinsapir, Gregory Korn, Katherine Kleindienst, and Nick Soltman Contribute to the Chambers Defamation & Reputation Management 2025 Guide

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The firm is pleased to announce that Michael Kump, Jonathan Steinsapir, Gregory Korn, Katherine Kleindienst, and Nick Soltman have authored the Trends and Developments section for USA – California in...
November 27, 2024

KHIKS Scores Major Win for Client Evan Rachel Wood After Marilyn Manson Drops Lawsuit

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On November 25, 2024, Marilyn Manson agreed to surrender his lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood and to reimburse Wood for her attorneys’ fees. Manson sued Wood in March 2022, a...
August 15, 2024

Fifteen KHIKS Attorneys Named 2025 “Best Lawyers;” Two Named to “Ones to Watch” List

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Partners Chad Fitzgerald, Shawn Holley, Larry Iser, Dale Kinsella, Kat Kleindienst, Greg Korn, Alan Kossoff, Michael Kump, Suann MacIsaac, Amber Melius, Patricia Millett, Allen Secretov, Nick Soltman, Kristen Spanier, and...
January 10, 2024

14 KHIKS Attorneys Named to 2024 Southern California “Super Lawyers” List

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KHIKS is pleased to announce that 14 of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2024 Southern California “Super Lawyers” list by Thomson Reuters. One of the most respected...
January 5, 2024

KHIKS Prevails for Producers of ‘Love Is Blind’

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On January 4, 2024, Larry Iser, Kat Kleindienst, and Allen Secretov, on behalf of KHIKS client Delirium TV, LLC, the producer of the popular Netflix reality show Love is Blind,...
August 17, 2023

Fifteen KHIKS Attorneys Named 2024 “Best Lawyers;” Kate Mangels Named to “Ones to Watch” List

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Partners Chad Fitzgerald, Shawn Holley, Larry Iser, Dale Kinsella, Kat Kleindienst, Greg Korn, Alan Kossoff, Michael Kump, Suann MacIsaac, Amber Melius, Patricia Millett, Allen Secretov, Nick Soltman, Kristen Spanier, and...
June 6, 2023

Four KHIKS Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” Rising Stars and Make “Up-and-Coming” Lists for 2023

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KHIKS is pleased to announce that Katherine Kleindienst, Kate Mangels, Allen Secretov, and Nicholas Soltman were named Southern California “Rising Stars” for 2023 by Thomson Reuters’ “Super Lawyers.” Additionally, Katherine...
May 10, 2023

KHIKS Scores Major Win for Evan Rachel Wood

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On May 9, 2023, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Teresa A. Beaudet granted in full the anti-SLAPP motion filed by the KHIKS team of Michael Kump, Shawn Holley, and Katherine...
August 18, 2022

Fourteen KHIKS Attorneys Named 2023 “Best Lawyers;” Shawn Holley Named Entertainment Law- Motion Pictures and Television “Lawyer of the Year”

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Partners Chad Fitzgerald, Shawn Holley, Lawrence Iser, Dale Kinsella, Gregory Korn, Alan Kossoff, Michael Kump, Suann MacIsaac, Amber Melius, Patricia Millett, Allen Secretov, Nick Soltman, Kristen Spanier, and Jon Steinsapir...
June 7, 2022

Four KHIKS Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” Rising Stars and Make “Up-and-Coming” Lists for 2022

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KHIKS is pleased to announce that Katherine Kleindienst, Kate Mangels, Allen Secretov, and Nicholas Soltman were named Southern California "Rising Stars" for 2022 by Thomson Reuters’ “Super Lawyers.”...
May 20, 2022

KHIKS Secures Dismissal of Consumer Fraud Class Action Claims Against SeaWorld

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KHIKS’s SeaWorld team (Larry Iser, Kristen Spanier and Kat Kleindienst) won the dismissal of consumer fraud claims brought as a putative class action against SeaWorld. The lead plaintiff claims that...
October 29, 2021

KHIKS Wins in 9th Circuit for SeaWorld

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KHIKS’s SeaWorld team (Larry Iser, Kristen Spanier, and Kat Kleindienst) have won the appeal in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals of the dismissal of a consumer fraud putative class...
August 19, 2021

Eleven KHIKS Attorneys Named 2022 “Best Lawyers;” One Named to “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch”

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Partners Zachary Elsea, Chad Fitzgerald, Shawn Holley, Lawrence Iser, Dale Kinsella, Gregory Korn, Alan Kossoff, Michael Kump, Suann MacIsaac, Nick Soltman, and Kristen Spanier have been recognized among the top...
June 8, 2021

Four KHIKS Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” Rising Stars and Make “Up-and-Coming” Lists for 2021

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KHIKS is pleased to announce that Zachary Elsea, Katherine Kleindienst, Kate Mangels, and Nicholas Soltman were named Southern California Rising Stars for 2021 by “Super Lawyers.” Additionally, Zachary, Katherine, and...
April 26, 2021

KHIKS Obtains Dismissal of Long-Running Abuse Lawsuit Against Michael Jackson Estate

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The Estate of Michael Jackson, represented by Jonathan Steinsapir and the late Howard Weitzman, scored a major victory on Monday when a Los Angeles judge ruled that the late artist’s...
September 4, 2023

KHIKS Wins Trial for SeaWorld of Activist-Backed Lawsuit

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KHIKS’s SeaWorld team (Larry Iser, Kristen Spanier, Kat Kleindienst, and paralegal Chris Avalos) prevailed in the trial of a consumer fraud lawsuit conceived of and backed by anti-SeaWorld advocacy group...
September 25, 2020

KHIKS’s SeaWorld Team Obtains Dismissal of Consumer Fraud Putative Class Action

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KHIKS’s SeaWorld team (Larry Iser, Kristen Spanier and Kat Kleindienst) have obtained dismissal of a consumer fraud putative class action against SeaWorld relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, filed in the...
August 20, 2020

Eleven KHIKS Attorneys Named 2021 “Best Lawyers;” One Named to “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch”

KWIKA logo

Partners Zachary Elsea, Chad Fitzgerald, Shawn Holley, Lawrence Iser, Dale Kinsella, Gregory Korn, Michael Kump, Suann MacIsaac, Nick Soltman, Kristen Spanier, and Howard Weitzman have been recognized among the top...
August 12, 2020

Katherine Kleindienst Named to Daily Journal’s 2020 “Top 40 Under 40”

The firm is pleased to announce that Katherine Kleindienst has been selected for inclusion by the Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal on its 2020 “Top 40 Under 40”...
June 9, 2020

Four from KHIKS named Super Lawyer “Rising Stars” and make “Up-and-Coming″ lists for 2020

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KHIKS is pleased to announce that four of the firm’s attorneys were named Southern California “Rising Stars” for 2020 by Super Lawyers magazine and were named on the “Top 100”...
June 6, 2019

Six from KHIKS named Super Lawyer “Rising Stars,” Three make “Up-and-Coming 100″ List for 2019

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KHIKS is pleased to announce that six of the firm’s attorneys were named Southern California “Rising Stars” for 2019 by Super Lawyers magazine and three were named on the “Top...
January 8, 2019

KHIKS Wins $34 Million Judgment in Iranian Property Dispute

KHIKS partners David Swift and Katherine Kleindienst recently scored a major victory for their clients in Galstian v. Minassian....
January 3, 2019

Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir LLP Elevates Katherine Kleindienst, Joshua Rosenberg and Nicholas Soltman to Partnership

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Santa Monica, CA – January 3, 2019 – Entertainment, intellectual property and business litigation boutique law firm Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir LLP (KHIKS) announces that Katherine (“Kat”) Kleindienst, Joshua Rosenberg and...
June 16, 2018

Six from KHIKS named Super Lawyer “Rising Stars,” Four make Top 100 list for 2018

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KHIKS is pleased to announce that six of the firm’s attorneys were named Southern California “Rising Stars” for 2018 by Super Lawyers magazine and four were named on the “Top...
June 5, 2017

Six from KHIKS named Super Lawyer “Rising Stars” for 2017

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KHIKS is pleased to announce that six of the firm's attorneys were named Southern California "Rising Stars" for 2017 by Super Lawyers magazine. ...
June 7, 2016

Super Lawyers Magazine: Six from KHIKS named Rising Stars for 2016

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KHIKS is pleased to announce that Amber Melius, David Swift, Aaron Liskin, Joshua Rosenberg, Katherine Kleindienst, and Nicholas Soltman have been named Southern California Rising Stars for 2016 by Super...

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