Meet the team

Patti Leiva-Hayes, Vice President of Operations, combines two decades of experience working live events spanning hundreds of shows across the world with her personal, client-focused approach to negotiation and problem solving.

Patti’s wealth of experience helps protect the clients at Smith Entertainment Law Group from even the most difficult of situations, finding creative solutions in complex environments that bridge the gap between client, talent and distributor needs. 

From music events to presidential inaugurations, awards shows, television variety specials and many other tentpole events, Patti has an unparalleled level of experience that she and her team bring to every project. 

Patti can be found making playlists that span from James Browns’ “The Payback” to “Sour Times” by Portishead and loves baking shows…even though she doesn’t bake.

Nori Chia is Director of Business Development at Smith Entertainment Law Group, where she utilizes her breadth of experience from working in film and television production for over 17 years, to support the growth of the firm.  After working alongside managing partner, Kerry Smith, on several productions, Nori began taking great interest in expanding her acumen in the legal aspects of the entertainment business.

Prior to joining SELG, Nori began her career working freelance positions in production and post-production on various television programs.  She then moved on to become the gatekeeper for Tom Hanks’ producing partner, Gary Goetzman, under their Playtone production company banner. During her nearly 11-year tenure at the production company, she continued to build her own portfolio of freelance positions and credits on their films and television shows, staying involved in every stage of production from development to prep, physical production, post-production, delivery, marketing, and distribution.  The multi-tasking and extensive experience she garnered supporting Hanks and Goetzman contributes to the growth and robust development of SELG. 

In her spare time, Nori enjoys traveling, cooking, outdoor activities, going to concerts and spending time with family and friends.