Nicole Gates Lean

How Nicole Helps Clients

Nicole Gates Lean brings more than a decade of in-house and law-firm experience advising clients on complex commercial transactions, intellectual property licensing strategy, and brand management. She partners with companies across industries to structure deals that protect innovation, strengthen brand value, and support long-term growth. 

Before joining the firm, Nicole served as head of legal for a global media and entertainment company, where she oversaw all aspects of its legal function. Earlier in her career, she advised technology, media, and consumer products clients on commercial contracts and other IP-centric transactions at international law firms. 

What Clients Can Expect

Clients value Nicole for her thoughtful, solutions-oriented counsel and her ability to make complex issues feel clear and manageable. She approaches each matter as a collaborative partner — responsive, grounded, and deeply invested in helping clients achieve practical and strategic results.

Nicole possesses a rare ability to marry legal expertise with business judgment, consistently delivering practical guidance that reflected not only the law but also the broader context in which our company operated.

Proof Points

• Advised a global media and entertainment company on the negotiation and execution of complex intellectual property licensing arrangements spanning movies and television, consumer products, publishing, location-based entertainment, and digital platforms.
• Advised a leading healthcare staffing company on a broad range of commercial transactions, including negotiating and drafting services and master staffing agreements with hospitals, health systems, and physician groups nationwide.
• Represented a global semiconductor and technology company in multiple acquisitions and strategic transactions, including matters involving the transfer of licensed engineering tools and other proprietary assets.
• Advised a global gemological and certification company on agreements involving proprietary technology and innovation projects.
• Represented a leading global toy and entertainment company in connection with technology sourcing, content development, and licensing arrangements.
• Represented a national specialty retailer in negotiating and drafting commercial agreements related to merchandise partnerships and talent agreements.

Outside the Office

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys running in the San Diego sunshine, spending time with her family and their dog, and supporting local arts and education initiatives.