Patricia Glaser Named Variety's 2026 Power of Law Award Honoree

Patricia Glaser began her legal career as an associate at Wyman Bautzer, a law firm in Los Angeles. The firm was led by attorneys active in legal, social, civic and political circles. Glaser spent 15 years at the firm before leaving in 1988.

In 1988, Glaser and partners including Peter Weil and James Schreier founded Glaser Weil. The firm, now known as Glaser Weil Fink Howard Jordan & Shapiro, is based in Century City and employs about 100 lawyers. The lawyers handle litigation and transactional work in entertainment, real estate, banking and other business sectors.

Glaser has represented clients including business executives Kirk Kerkorian and Ron Burkle, producer David Permut, the family of Frank Sinatra and Harvey Weinstein during the early stages of his criminal prosecution on sexual assault charges. She handles time-sensitive matters such as failing deals and executive personal issues.

Glaser has served as a litigator in entertainment law for more than 50 years.

Variety named Glaser the 2026 Power of Law Award honoree in recognition of her leadership at the firm and her litigation work. The award presentation is scheduled for April 8 at the annual Power of Law breakfast. Glaser has held top billing at the firm for nearly 20 years.

J. Cipriani against Paramount Skydance president Jeff Shell. Cipriani, who was previously represented by Glaser Weil in unrelated dealmaking, accused Glaser of a conflict of interest in the suit. Glaser declined to comment on the matter.

In a 1993 case related to the film 'Boxing Helena,' Glaser represented director Jennifer Lynch and a producer against actor Kim Basinger, who withdrew from the project shortly before filming. Lynch described Glaser's approach during the legal battle. The case involved a dispute over Basinger's departure.

Glaser attributes her professional approach to influences from Wyman Bautzer, including partner Gregson Bautzer. She met Peter Weil during her time there, leading to their long-term partnership. Glaser emphasized the collaborative nature of legal practice.

“In a very abstract sense, a lawyer’s job is to walk into a dark room and find the light and not walk into a wall. That’s what I like doing. That’s why I became a lawyer.”

The Power of Law Award highlights contributions to the entertainment industry through legal work. Glaser's career spans multiple high-profile cases and firm leadership. The event on April 8 will feature industry professionals.