Ellis Jay Pailet

Pailet was a trailblazer, who focused on entertainment and intellectual property law for over 30 years, representing outstanding and internationally-known and highly visible clients. Many of these were highly regarded artists and entertainers, songwriters, film and television producers, screenwriters and directors.

His extensive knowledge and experience within the entertainment industry included an active role as executive producer on various music & broadcast entertainment productions, including HBO and other major media outlets, and worked with internationally known entertainers such as Julio Iglesias, Ron Wood, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Rita Coolidge, Fats Domino, Brittney Spears, Jerry Lee Lewis, Doug Kershaw, Davell Crawford, Charmaine Neville and Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr. to name only a few. He was an integral part of signing Dopsie Sr. to Atlantic records where their album Louisiana Man was nominated for a Grammy in 1991.

He was an associate producer for HBO and Cinemax television specials and served as well as a producer for annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon for many year.

Over the years, Pailet represented artists throughout the world including Europe, Asia and South America. Among his clients were various festival organizations and renowned club venues such as The Bourbon Street Club in Sao Paulo Brazil, who have over the years hosted such global artists as bluesman B.B. King.

Pailet also represented the American Film Market Association and the American Film Festival. His extensive experience made him the perfect teacher, professor and lecturer of numerous courses of study at the University of New Orleans. One of his most regularly attended course focused on “Music Business Overview and Application.”

Pailet lectured at the Tulane School of Law, Southern University Law Center, and Loyola Law School. He was a confidante of numerous governors, mayors and dignitaries and was a featured speaker on numerous panels on musical entertainment throughout Louisiana and around the United States.

A member in good standing of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, the American Judicature Society, and the Academy of New Orleans Trial Lawyers Association, he was bigger than life with his cherubic face and rollicking laugh, loving life as few others have.

He is survived by his daughter Brigitte Pailet (Neil) and his ex wife and dearest friend, Nona Pailet.

In light of the outbreak of COVID-19 and out of respect for everyone’s health and safety, the family held a private burial at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery. Eventually, the family will announce a memorial service and jazz funeral in celebration of his remarkable life.