Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP has launched a Video Game industry group.  The interdisciplinary team includes a core group of 20 attorneys from among the firm's eleven offices and most practice groups, including Intellectual Property, Entertainment and Media, Business Trial, Corporate, and Labor and Employment.  

"The idea to formally launch a video game team was conceived by associate Shawn Foust, based on his interest, enthusiasm, and desire to align his practice with his industry knowledge.  Shawn is entrusted with leadership in this initiative and will work closely with a core group of partners, who bring decades of experience representing gaming and tech clients," commented Robert Beall, Sheppard Mullin's administrative partner and Business Trial practice group leader.  "This burgeoning team is an excellent example of the entrepreneurial opportunities available to the firm's associates, and the teamwork our clients value."

Working most closely with Foust are partners James Chadwick, Shaun Clark, Bob Darwell, Bob Gerber, Keith Gercken, Tom Hopkins, Ed Komen, Brian Pass, Kent Raygor, Neil Smith and Marc Sockol. In addition, associates Bethany Hollister and Oscar Cisneros have been instrumental in developing the team. In recent years Sheppard Mullin has represented Activision, Aruze, Comcast, Electronic Arts, Game Show Network, Namco Bandi Games America, Zeebo, among others.

"The video game industry deserves a firm that is willing to commit to servicing the full range of unique issues game companies face," observed Foust.  "By combining our extensive legal experience with our industry knowledge, we aim to protect our clients' businesses, products, and services, and help ensure that innovation will continue to define this amazingly vibrant industry."  

Foust is an avid gamer and draws upon an understanding of games developed through years of playing and studying interactive entertainment.  His practice is devoted to tackling the cutting edge legal issues facing businesses in the entertainment, new media, and technology industries.  

About Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Sheppard Mullin is a full service AmLaw 100 firm with more than 520 attorneys in 11 offices located throughout California and in New York, Washington, D.C. and Shanghai.  The firm's California offices are located in Los Angeles, Century City, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Orange County, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Del Mar Heights.  Founded in 1927 on the principle that the firm would succeed only if its attorneys delivered prompt, high quality and cost-effective legal services, Sheppard Mullin provides legal counsel to U.S. and international clients.  Companies turn to Sheppard Mullin to handle a full range of corporate and technology matters, high stakes litigation and complex financial transactions.  In the U.S., the firm's clients include more than half of the Fortune 100 companies.  For more information, please visit www.sheppardmullin.com.