‘Everybody Needs a Lawyer’: Why a Former Showtime GC Returned to Law Firm Life
NEW YORK — In a candid interview published on August 26, 2025, by Above the Law, former General Counsel (GC) of Showtime Networks, Sarah Levinson, revealed her decision to leave the in-house role at the premium cable network after nearly a decade to rejoin the law firm world at entertainment powerhouse firm Loeb & Loeb LLP. Titled “‘Everybody Needs a Lawyer’: Why a Former Showtime GC Returned to Law Firm Life,” the piece explores Levinson’s transition, highlighting the evolving demands of the entertainment industry and the enduring appeal of private practice amid corporate consolidations and economic shifts. For American legal professionals and executives, her story underscores the fluidity of career paths in a post-streaming boom era, where adaptability and client-facing work offer renewed excitement.
Levinson, who served as Showtime’s GC from 2016 to 2024, oversaw legal affairs for the network during a transformative period, including the launch of Showtime’s streaming service and high-profile content deals for series like Billions and Shameless. Her departure coincides with Paramount Global’s ongoing restructuring, parent company to Showtime, which has seen layoffs and mergers following the 2024 acquisition by Skydance Media. In the interview, Levinson emphasized that her move was not driven by dissatisfaction but by a desire for broader impact: “Everybody needs a lawyer, but in-house, you’re siloed to one company. At a firm, you get to advise a diverse array of clients—from startups to giants—and shape their strategies holistically.”
Joining Loeb & Loeb as a partner in the entertainment and media practice group, Levinson will focus on advising clients in television, film, and digital content, leveraging her expertise in content licensing, IP rights, and regulatory compliance. The firm, known for representing major players like Netflix and Warner Bros., sees her hire as a strategic boost amid rising demand for specialized counsel in AI-driven content creation and global distribution. “Sarah’s in-house perspective is invaluable; she understands the business side intimately, which allows us to provide proactive, business-oriented legal solutions,” said Loeb & Loeb partner Michael Beck, who worked with Levinson during her Showtime tenure.
The Pull Factors: From Corporate Stability to Firm Dynamism
Levinson’s career arc reflects a common trajectory in Big Law and in-house transitions. She began at Loeb & Loeb in 2005 as an associate, rising to counsel before jumping to Showtime amid the network’s expansion into original programming. The in-house role offered stability, work-life balance, and direct involvement in business decisions—perks that initially lured many GCs away from firms during the 2010s talent wars. However, as Levinson explained, the landscape has changed: “Post-pandemic, with streaming wars cooling and budgets tightening, in-house teams are under pressure to do more with less. I missed the intellectual challenge and variety of firm life—the constant learning from different industries and the ability to build long-term client relationships.”
Industry experts note that returns to law firms are on the rise in 2025, with a 15% increase in lateral hires from in-house roles reported by the National Association for Law Placement (NALP). Factors include burnout from corporate politics, the allure of partnership equity (Levinson is expected to earn in the seven figures), and the flexibility to work remotely while serving high-profile clients. For women in law, like Levinson—a mother of two—firms are increasingly offering better support for work-life integration compared to the high-stakes environment of media conglomerates.
In the interview, Levinson shared anecdotes from her Showtime days, such as navigating FCC regulations during the 2020 election cycle and negotiating deals for Emmy-winning shows, but highlighted the limitations: “As GC, you’re the company’s lawyer, not an external advisor. At Loeb, I can help clients avoid pitfalls I saw firsthand.” She also touched on the importance of mentorship, crediting her return to the firm that launched her career.
| Aspect | In-House at Showtime | Law Firm at Loeb & Loeb |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Work | Focused on one company’s needs (e.g., content deals, compliance) | Diverse clients across entertainment, tech, and media |
| Compensation | Salary + bonus (est. $500K-$800K) | Partnership track with equity (est. $1M+) |
| Work-Life Balance | More predictable hours, but corporate demands | Billable hours pressure, but flexible remote options |
| Career Growth | Internal promotions limited by company size | Partnership opportunities and business development |
| Challenges | Restructuring and layoffs in media industry | Competitive lateral market and client acquisition |
Implications for the Legal and Entertainment Sectors
For U.S. lawyers contemplating similar moves, Levinson’s story is a blueprint: Network aggressively, maintain firm contacts, and time transitions during industry upswings. The entertainment bar is particularly fluid, with streaming giants like Disney and Amazon poaching firm talent, only for some to cycle back as firms adapt to new revenue models like ad-supported tiers and international expansion.
Above the Law’s piece, part of its ongoing series on legal career shifts, has sparked discussions on LinkedIn and legal forums, with many praising Levinson’s boldness. As one commenter noted, “In a world where ‘everybody needs a lawyer,’ going back to the firm side makes perfect sense—it’s where the action is.” For American professionals in law or media, her return signals resilience in a consolidating industry, reminding us that career paths aren’t linear but opportunities abound for those willing to pivot. As Levinson concluded, “Law firm life isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s home—and the clients need me more than ever.”