The Hollywood Reporter has again selected Southwestern Law School for its annual list of Top Entertainment Law Schools, citing the institution’s specialized curriculum, industry‑based externships, and proximity to the global media capital. 

In the same issue, the magazine named four Southwestern graduates to its 2025 “Power Lawyers 100,” an honor reserved for attorneys identified as key contributors to the entertainment industry’s most consequential transactions and disputes: 

• Christopher Chatham '05, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips — advisor on high‑profile influencer and digital‑talent agreements, including Logan Paul’s forthcoming Max docuseries Paul American. 

• Jeff Hynick '06, Jackoway Austen — principal negotiator for Jenna Ortega, Nicole Kidman, and Academy Award‑winning director Edward Berger, with recent deals at Netflix, Amazon, Apple, and A24. 

• Ryan LeVine '04, Jackoway Austen — representative for emerging talents Sophie Thatcher and Mike Faist and counsel on recent stage‑to‑screen projects for Octavia Spencer and Ariana DeBose. 

• Max Wellman '13, Venable — litigator and transactional counsel whose matters range from defamation claims involving Katherine Heigl to business ventures for Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. 

“These distinctions underscore Southwestern’s longstanding commitment to rigorous, practice‑oriented training in entertainment and media law,” said Darby Dickerson, President and Dean of Southwestern Law School. “Our graduates enter the profession prepared to handle complex negotiations, intellectual‑property disputes, and emerging issues in digital media.” 

To learn how Southwestern prepares the next generation of entertainment dealmakers and litigators, visit swlaw.edu/BEMLI.