#USA #Los Angeles #Entertainment Law #Barnes & Thornburg #Media Law

Barnes & Thornburg Enhances Entertainment Practice

Barnes & Thornburg, a leading national law firm with over 850 attorneys in 26 markets, has made a significant move to expand its Entertainment, Media, and Sports practice by adding three distinguished partners from Nixon Peabody. This strategic addition strengthens the firm's capabilities and improves its representation for artists, creators, and entertainment companies navigating the complex landscape of the entertainment industry.

The new partners—Christina S. Chang, Carron Joan Mitchell, and Farrah Usmani—will be operating from Barnes & Thornburg’s offices in Los Angeles and Nashville. Their arrival not only enhances the firm's national footprint in the industry but also enables them to better serve the evolving needs of clients amid the merging of music, traditional, and digital media alongside sports and consumer brands.

Andrew J. Detherage, the managing partner at Barnes & Thornburg, expressed great enthusiasm about the new additions, highlighting how their expertise aligns with the firm’s vision and commitment to key industries. He stated, "They bring not only exceptional legal skill but also a rare level of cohesion, loyalty, and shared vision that strengthens our entertainment platform."

The trio is well-recognized by industry publications like Variety, Billboard, and The Hollywood Reporter, and they are known for their outstanding work in career strategy and deal-making in the entertainment sector. Their practice focuses on advising diverse creators, talent, and emerging enterprises, positioning them at the forefront of the content marketplace. Some notable clients they represent include well-known figures such as Tim Burton, Childish Gambino, and the popular music group Pussy Riot.

Carron Joan Mitchell's extensive background includes working in entertainment, sports, and intellectual property, with a specialty in music law. She has built a reputation for her work with recording artists, music producers, and content creators, and she regularly advises platforms in the burgeoning short-form verticals and micro-drama content space. Recognized by Billboard and Variety for her legal expertise, she believes Barnes & Thornburg aligns perfectly with her team’s values and commitment to clients.

Christina Chang brings invaluable experience in addressing complex corporate and commercial matters as they relate to the creative economy. She advises digital creators, brands, and sports teams on brand development and content monetization. Her presence at Barnes & Thornburg reinforces the firm’s capabilities of supporting clients at every phase of their journey in the dynamic entertainment landscape.

Farrah Usmani is a trusted name among performing artists and music industry stakeholders, covering music rights, publishing, distribution, and executive business matters. She has earned a place on Billboard's Top Music Lawyers list and frequently shares her expertise at prominent industry conferences such as SXSW.

With a deep commitment to the entertainment sector, Barnes & Thornburg continues to attract top legal talent. The addition of this trio further solidifies the firm’s status as a premier destination for creators, talent, and companies seeking sophisticated legal counsel backed by a comprehensive support network. Furthermore, this expansion reflects the firm’s strategic growth, as it recently welcomed a 12-lawyer insurance recovery group and a 39-lawyer public finance and infrastructure team, increasing its workforce in 2026 by over 85 lawyers.

As the Entertainment, Media, and Sports practice at Barnes & Thornburg continues to develop, the firm remains focused on building robust partnerships that enhance client representation and respond effectively to the evolving trends within the entertainment industry. Their roster of clients now includes names like Paramount, the NFL, and popular artists, positioning them well for future growth and success in the entertainment law arena.