ARS Counsel, P.C.

ARS Counsel, P.C. is a boutique law firm that handles all facets of intellectual property, licensing, corporate and entertainment law. We are a modern law practice that combines the reach and expertise of a large firm with the personal attention and cost structure of a boutique firm. Our "Of Counsel" relationships with some of the top lawyers in licensing, corporate, financing, commercial real estate, entertainment, and technology adds invaluable expert skill and knowledge to our firm.

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We at ARS Counsel P.C. know that finding the right attorney to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.

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Principal attorney

Almuhtada Smith

Almuhtada Smith is the principal attorney at ARS Counsel, P.C. With more than a decade of experience, Almuhtada regularly handles complex transactional matters, providing counsel to start-up enterprises, entertainment professionals, venture-backed companies, and family-owned businesses in areas including intellectual property, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, licensing, e-commerce, securities compliance and corporate governance. Almuhtada represents a wide range of companies and individuals, including media, emerging technology companies, fashion and beauty companies, authors, and individual artists.

Almuhtada spent the first decade of his career at several prestigious law firms, including nearly five years at corporate powerhouse Jenner & Block. His exposure to Fortune 500 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionary start-ups influenced his strong entrepreneurial vision that inspired his future endeavors, leading to the founding of ARS Counsel, P.C. as principal attorney. Through his practice, he is dedicated to social good and providing premium service to people of color. His high-quality work led to his selection in the 2021 Southern California Rising Stars list, an honor reserved for only 2.5 percent of Southern California attorneys.

A native of Passaic, New Jersey, Almuhtada was born into a loving family struggling with the realities of poverty. His environment instilled him with strong character, ethical values, and a determined work ethic. The turning point in his life occurred when he was accepted to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. There, he cultivated meaningful relationships and life-changing experiences, including joining Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Almuhtada later attended UCLA School of Law, where he earned his J.D. degree and served as the chief managing editor of the Entertainment Law Review.

In his spare time, Almuhtada is committed to community service and social change. Since 2016, he has proudly served on the board of directors for the Los Angeles Southwest College Foundation, quickly elevating the ranks as the Chairman of the Board since 2018. He is also a lifetime member of the John M. Langston Bar Association, where he formerly served on the board of directors as treasurer. When he is away from his law practice and philanthropic endeavors, he enjoys the arts, live music, and attending sporting events.  

Of Counsel

J. Christopher Hamilton

J. Christopher Hamilton is an attorney, professor and author with over 20 years in the entertainment industry (ViacomCBS, Disney, and Warner Media). He’s negotiated deals on behalf of celebrities, producers and production companies such as: Kevin Hart, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Garner, Cedric (the Entertainer) Kyles, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Frank Marshall, Barry Sonnenfeld, DreamWorks, Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Spyglass Entertainment.  

As a vice president for Lionsgate’s Digital Studios, Over the Top Services and International Co-Productions, J. Christopher helped build the “Laugh Out Loud” and “Comic Con HQ” streaming services, the feature film studio “Studio L” and negotiated deals to remake major theatrical motion pictures like “Red,” “Step Up” and “Nerve” as international co-productions in Asian territories. Eventually, J. Christopher’s passion for creative expression inspired him to join the executive producer ranks and he brokered deals for his own projects with HBO, VH1 and BET. He also helped build a successful and independently financed streaming service called Black & Sexy TV, which launched its diverse talent onto mainstream platforms like HBO, Showtime and Netflix.

In his spare time, J. Christopher authors journal articles and publishes a podcast series on ways to leverage untapped opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Of Counsel

Olinga Mitchell

Technically astute and relationship-driven are just a few of the terms most often used to describe Olinga Mitchell. With almost a decade of experience, Olinga has distinguished himself through his extensive knowledge of patent law and scientific/technical innovation, which has positioned him as a standard of excellence in the industry. He has a proven track record in all aspects of patent law, research, and advisement on product development.

As an of counsel intellectual property attorney with ARS Counsel, P.C., Olinga transforms his expertise as a patent examiner and computer engineer to bring a wealth of knowledge into play with every aspect of his clients’ business transactions. He is detail-oriented and driven by innovation. Because of his expertise, he is a trusted legal and scientific advisor with the ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver exemplary results.

Olinga was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Grenada, where he was instilled with strong character values, stellar integrity, and a structured work ethic. These attributes significantly contributed to his foundation of success. Because of his interests in computer science and information technology, Olinga pursued a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. During his college years and for a short time afterward, he gained invaluable knowledge and expertise in the scientific community. Soon, he discovered that he wanted more and found his passion as an attorney. Olinga followed his dreams and attended American University, Washington College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor.

After completing law school, Olinga worked in numerous roles developing and honing his skills as a patent attorney and advisor, including work as a Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In these roles, he developed his strength in research, attention to detail, and tireless examination of processes. He worked with a variety of firms, exposing him to every aspect of patent law. Olinga subsequently built his vast expertise working in the Netherlands for an international spice company and later with the Ministry of Finance for the Government of Grenada. These roles elevated his skills as an attorney, consultant, and advisor. He specializes in working with consumer products, electrical and computer technology, hardware and software, internet technologies, medical devices, telecommunication and transportation.

In his free time, Olinga enjoys participating in a wide variety of sports activities, including basketball, soccer, football and tennis. He is an avid culinary explorer and enjoys practicing all aspects of hospitality and hosting.

Of Counsel

C. Nicole Gaither

C. Nicole Gaither is an attorney and adjunct law professor. She has over 20 years of business experience and over 10 years of legal experience. For the last five years, she has focused on trademark and copyright protection, enforcement, and monetization. Nicole has worked with fashion and beauty companies, beverage and spice-makers, diversity coaches, and visual artists to leverage their intellectual property.

 Nicole started her career as a Certified Public Accountant and audited several Fortune 100 and 500 companies. Her internal audit experience led her to the practice of law, as she saw a need for artists and entertainers of color to understand the contracts they were signing, enforce their intellectual property rights, and find ways to make money from those rights. She returned home to attend Loyola University of New Orleans School of Law, where she participated in the Sports and Entertainment Law Society and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and interned for the New Orleans Saints.

 Nicole has authored articles on topics such as the ownership of Black Lives Matter and global expansion’s effect on trademarks. She has presented on cultural appropriation in trademarks and copyrights, intellectual property and racial justice, and the likelihood of consumer confusion caused by upcycled luxury goods. She enjoys British crime shows, art and history museums, live music, international travel, and trying new restaurants in her spare time.

Education

Loyola University of New Orleans College of Law J.D., Certificate in Tax

The University of Texas at Austin, M.P.A Management Accounting

Tulane University, B.S.M. Accounting

Activities & Affiliations

• Howard University School of Law, Adjunct Professor and Supervising Attorney, Trademark Law Clinic

• “Can I Trademark That?”, BFABW.tv

Bar Admissions

• Louisiana