April 2026 – Leading entertainment publication Variety has named Kendall Brill & Kelly LLP (KBK) Partners Philip M. Kelly, Richard B. Kendall, Nary Kim, and Patrick J. Somers as “Leading Lawyers” in its 2026 Legal Impact Report, recognizing their achievements in media and entertainment litigation over the past year.

In its latest Report, Variety, which annually recognizes “trusted counselors of the town’s top talent and companies,” highlighted the important role this year’s honorees continue to play in navigating the “fast-changing landscape” of media and entertainment – including the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the contraction of production, the consolidation of major players in Hollywood, and political polarization affecting consumer tastes.

Founding Partner Richard B. Kendall, who has spent more than four decades serving as “lead trial counsel for many of Hollywood’s biggest names,” was recognized for his distinguished career and notable longstanding clients, including Paramount and MTV. Named Partner Phil Kelly was praised as a “notable litigator” with high-profile victories in cases involving ParamountSkydance, NBCUniversal, TikTok, CAA, Lionsgate, Hans Zimmer and more.

Partner Nary Kim was recognized for her work on behalf of “major film and television studios, music labels and brands, law firms, and leading entertainment figures and artists,” including her record of securing multiple anti-SLAPP victories for entertainment and malpractice clients. Partner Patrick J. Somers was honored for his work as lead and co-lead counsel on “several significant cases,” including well-publicized wins for CAA and Nirvana, and his roster of high-profile entertainment, media, corporate, and individual clients.

This is the sixth time Mr. Kelly and Mr. Kendall have each been named to the Variety Legal Impact Report, and the second time for Ms. Kim and Mr. Somers. Mr. Kelly was previously recognized as a Variety “Rising Star” (2016) and Ms. Kim was listed among the publication’s “Up Next” list (2022).

To see Variety’s 2026 Legal Impact Report, please click here.