Bela has served as lead or co-lead counsel in numerous cases tried to a verdict, and in appeals, both published and non-published, including a four and one-half month jury trial in The Three Stooges case entitled DeRita v. Scott. His transactional and other nonlitigation experience includes wealth planning and, in the entertainment field, negotiating and drafting a wide range of agreements and legal instruments, such as contracts and licenses for the exploitation of intellectual property rights. As an entertainment executive, he negotiated licensing transactions and managed litigation relating to The Three Stooges’ rights of publicity. His responsibilities and activities covered a wide variety of areas within the entertainment industry. Bela has been president of Lugosi Enterprises since 1963.
Prior to joining Arent Fox in 2006, Bela counseled clients at the following firms:
O’Brien Abeles
Los Angeles, California
(Of counsel, 2002-2005)
Sole Practitioner
(2000-2001)
Benjamin, Lugosi, & Benjamin
Glendale, California
(Partner 1995-1999)
Hanna and Morton
Los Angeles, California
(Associate, partner, managing partner, of counsel 1964-1994)
