Having been engaged exclusively in the field of entertainment law for more than thirty years, Benton specializes in a broad range of transactional matters in the areas of film, video, television, music and licensing and merchandising. In his early career, serving in various legal capacities at NBC and CBS, he handled regulatory matters relating to television and radio (e.g., commercial sponsorship and “plugola”; radio and television license renewals; clearance of chance and skill contests; and the drafting of corporate position papers regarding issues impacting the television and radio operations of CBS Inc.). During this early period, Benton was appointed to serve as special counsel to CBS’s Los Angeles television station and led a successful effort to block the FCC from lifting the network’s license to run the station. Thereafter, Benton became a member of the CBS Records Law Department, and in his role as a Senior Attorney, negotiated and drafted agreements in the areas of music, television, film and video. Subsequently, Benton headed the Legal and Business Affairs Department of MGM/UA's Home Video Division and was responsible for overseeing the legal aspects of establishing the company’s worldwide distribution network, as well as its program distribution and acquisition activities.

Since entering private practice, included among the clients Benton has represented are: high-profile entertainment companies; film producers, writers and directors; recording artists and musicians; intellectual property rights and franchise holders; film and music production facilities; print and Internet publishers; a well known record club; and the estate of a legendary figure in the music industry. Other areas of Benton’s practice include: handling intellectual property issues; negotiating and structuring/negotiating employment agreements and severances for executives; drafting and “clearing” chance and skill contests in connection with network, Internet and print advertising promotions; negotiating and drafting agreements relating to the production of live concerts; and representing the financiers of motion pictures.

Prior to entering the field of entertainment law, Benton served as an Assistant Attorney General of the State of New York. Admitted to practice in New York State, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) and the Supreme Court of the United States, Benton is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill. In addition to his affiliation with SmithDehn LLP, Benton is a member of the law firm of Levy & Halperin LLP.