Michelle Johnson ’05 director of production legal at the television, global-based format, and digital production company Embassy Row.
Johnson’s career in entertainment has taken her from MTV to ABC, where she provided counsel on Good Morning America, The Chew, and The View, to her current role handling a range of business and legal affairs for industry-acclaimed shows, including Watch What Happens Live, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. “My work at Embassy Row is fast-paced and mentally stimulating, which are two essentials for me to be fulfilled in my professional life,” says Johnson. “On any given day, I might handle First Amendment matters, close the terms of a construction contract, negotiate an on-camera appearance, and draft a music licensing agreement.” The idea for the alumni group, she explains, grew out of a desire to connect with other St. John’s Law graduates who share her enthusiasm for this special line of work.
“I started with contact information for about seven alumni in the industry,” Johnson says. “With help from fellow alumni like Christina Kim Constantine ’13, director of legal affairs at Bustle, and Joseph Delerme ’10, a business and legal affairs attorney at Monami Entertainment, in less than a year, the group has grown to over 45 participants. I believe that, as word spreads, many more alumni will join us.”
