3 minute read
THEIR WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS
THE STARS BEHIND THE STARS
Every year, industry publications recognize USC Gould School of Law alumni who are leaders in entertainment, music and sports law, trusted by some of the hottest entertainers and most powerful players in Hollywood to negotiate mergers, finalize deals, and navigate streaming, NFTs and new technology. HOLLYWOOD POWER LAWYERS 2022 — HOLLYWOOD’S TOP 100 ATTORNEYS
The Hollywood Reporter
TAMERLIN GODLEY (JD 1996) Partner, Paul Hastings PJ SHAPIRO (JD/MBA 1999) Partner, Johnson, Shapiro, Slewett and Kole
RICHARD KENDALL (JD 1979) Founder and Managing Partner, Kendall, Brill and Kelly LLP FRED TOCZEK (JD 1989) Partner, Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson McGinnis Ryan LLP
DEBORAH KLEIN (JD 1985) Partner, Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein
BOBBY SCHWARTZ (JD 1984) Partner, Quinn Emanuel DAVID WEBER (JD 1986) Partner, Sloan Offer Weber & Dern LLP
SUSAN ZUCKERMAN WILLIAMS (JD 1986) Partner and Co-Chair, entertainment and media finance group, Paul Hastings
TOP MUSIC LAWYERS 2022
Billboard
ROBERT WINDOM (JD 2005) Chief counsel, content and services, Apple
KRISTEN JOHNS (JD 2013) Chief legal officer, The Mechanical Licensing Collective
JILL H. BERLINER (JD 1984) Partner, Rimon PC
DAVID FERRERIA (JD 1997) Partner, Mark Music & Media Law ROBERT LIEBERMAN (JD 1977) Partner, Fischbach Perlstein Lieberman & Almond LLP
JOSHUA LOVE (JD 2014) Partners, global entertainment and media industry group, Reed Smith LLP
STANTON “LARRY” STEIN (JD 1969) Chair, media and entertainment practice group, Russ August & Kabat
RON SWEENEY (JD 1978) Founder, Ron Sweeney & Co.
Q&A with Richard Kendall (JD 1979) and Fred Toczek (JD 1989)
RICHARD KENDALL (JD 1979)
Kendall, Brill & Kelly LLP
How did your Gould education/experiences shape you and your career? Law school was the first academic pursuit in which I really applied myself, because I found it both fascinating and challenging. I became a far more confident student once I learned the benefits of intense research and preparation. That lesson guided the rest of my career.
What professional accomplishment from the past year would you consider to be the most interesting, or that you’re proudest of? It has been a year of interesting trials and arbitrations, and some notable victories, but most recently I took on the defense of a law firm in a highly charged professional liability case that was spinning out of control. Our team developed new arguments that substantially strengthened our clients’ position, and we brought the case quickly to a satisfactory resolution.
What advice would you give current Gould students as they prepare for their careers? Don’t be afraid to take a path outside BigLaw. After clerking I spent five years as a criminal prosecutor before entering private practice. The salary wasn’t great, but it was the best possible way for an aspiring litigator to get started in the profession. FRED TOCZEK (JD 1989)
How did your Gould education/experiences shape you and your career? My educational experience at Gould was exceptional and gave me the foundation to pursue my dream of becoming an entertainment lawyer. The alumni connections and Gould family have and continue to be an incredible asset to me in my career; Gould alumni really look out for each other.
What professional accomplishment from the past year would you consider to be the most interesting, or that you’re proudest of? I’ve been blessed to represent a number of extremely talented actors, directors, producers and writers over the years. But, I particularly enjoy watching a client’s ascent to stardom while advocating on their behalf. For example, meeting a relatively unknown young boy who was cast as Harry Potter remains one of the biggest highlights of my career. A more recent example is witnessing Anya Taylor-Joy’s trajectory from Queen’s Gambit to starring roles in a number of features (including George Miller’s upcoming Furiosa). Being a part of their teams gives me tremendous pride.
What advice would you give current Gould students as they prepare for their careers? Whatever your career goals may be, approach them with focus, grit and creativity and never be afraid to blaze your own trail. A wise mentor advised me to spend time ensuring I had my own bag of business so my career would not be dependent on anyone. While I certainly had to pay my dues in the early days, I was always mindful to work with an eye towards maximum autonomy.
