About Catherine James Esquire

I'm Catherine James, a California entertainment employment attorney fighting for fair treatment in Hollywood.  I've built my career standing up for the creatives and professionals who too often face abuse of power in workplaces that reward silence.

I began my legal path at SAG-AFTRA, where I fought to ensure performers received the treatment and compensation they were guaranteed under union agreements.  That frontline experience showed me how difficult it can be for even the most visible workers to get what they're owed - and how much harder it is for those without institutional protection.

I went to lead litigation and also performed entertainment transactional matters at a Beverly Hills entertainment law firm, where I represented individuals facing serious workplace violations in high-pressure creative environments. I've helped clients across the industry push back against exploitation where powerful players assumed no one would challenge them.

Today, I'm an Associate Attorney at Payton Employment Law, PC, a leading California firm known for securing results in cases involving some of the biggest names in entertainment. The firm's work on behalf of exploited creatives - including Reality TV Stars against power production companies - reflects the same commitment that drives my practice: the belief that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful.

All legal services promoted on this site are provided through Payton Employment Law, PC.

My work spans litigation and contract negotiation, but the mission stays the same: I help people who've been pushed aside, underpaid, retaliated against, or pressured into silence.  I make sure creative workers have real options - and a real advocate - when something goes wrong. 

Because the people who create cultute deserve protection.

Because talent alone shouldn't make you a target.

Because too many are still told to be quiet - I won't be.

I do this work to break those  patterns protect the people the system overlooks.