KM&M Bolsters Entertainment Practice with Strategic Partner Hire in Los Angeles

KM&M has expanded its entertainment practice with the addition of Dan Stone as a partner in the firm's Los Angeles office. Stone brings more than 16 years of experience across entertainment, media, technology, sports, and labor and employment law, providing the firm with enhanced capabilities in navigating the complex legal landscape of modern entertainment industries. This strategic hire is significant because it addresses the growing need for legal counsel that understands both traditional entertainment structures and the disruptive forces reshaping content creation and distribution.

Stone's practice encompasses a broad range of entertainment law matters, including intellectual property protection, contract disputes, rights of publicity and privacy, labor and employment issues, and compliance under California's Talent Agencies Act. His client roster spans the creative and corporate spectrum, from artists, producers, and content owners to major studios and global corporations. He also serves as a trusted advisor to executives and founders of emerging digital and entertainment companies, guiding them through complex negotiations, partnerships, and disputes that blend innovation and creative rights. This dual expertise is crucial as the lines between technology, media, and entertainment continue to blur, creating novel legal challenges that require specialized knowledge.

The addition of Stone represents a strategic move for KM&M as the entertainment industry undergoes rapid transformation. His background includes serving as a partner at Greenberg Glusker, where he represented both plaintiffs and defendants in all stages of litigation and dispute resolution, including trials and appeals. His previous role as Assistant General Counsel at the Directors Guild of America provided him with extensive experience negotiating and interpreting collective bargaining agreements and advising on pension and health plan matters affecting thousands of entertainment professionals. This labor law experience is particularly valuable at a time when industry labor relations are under intense scrutiny and transformation, as highlighted by recent high-profile strikes and negotiations covered by publications like The New York Times and Variety, where Stone has contributed commentary.

Bill Zuckerman, KM&M's Managing Partner and Entertainment Group Leader, emphasized the significance of Stone's dual expertise, stating that his combination of entertainment industry experience and labor law experience makes him an exceptional addition to the team. Zuckerman noted that Stone brings not only deep legal knowledge but also firsthand insight into how creative and business decisions intersect in the fast-evolving industry. Stone's thought leadership has been featured in prominent publications including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and Variety, where he has provided commentary on legal and labor developments shaping Hollywood. His unique perspective is further informed by his early career experience in television development as Director of Development for a studio-affiliated production company, giving him practical understanding of the creative process from both legal and production standpoints.

The move comes as entertainment companies face increasingly complex legal challenges related to digital content distribution, emerging technologies, and evolving labor relationships. Stone's appointment strengthens KM&M's ability to serve clients navigating these changes while maintaining the firm's commitment to combining large-firm expertise with boutique firm flexibility and personal service. This development matters because it reflects the broader industry shift where legal advisors must be versatile enough to handle traditional contract and IP issues while also addressing the implications of streaming platforms, artificial intelligence in content creation, and changing workforce dynamics. By integrating Stone's comprehensive background, KM&M positions itself to offer more holistic counsel that can anticipate and mitigate risks in an unpredictable market, ultimately influencing how entertainment businesses structure deals, protect assets, and manage labor in the digital age.