Former Paramount Global Attorney Todd L. Calvin Joins The Kelley Firm at New Beverly Hills Office (EXCLUSIVE)

Todd L. Calvin, who previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at Paramount Global, has become a partner at the specialized legal practice The Kelley Firm. He will operate from the firm's recently established Beverly Hills location. In his former capacity, Calvin was the lead negotiator and drafter for above-the-line talent agreements, a pivotal role in creating original live-action scripted programming. His efforts underpinned productions for Paramount's direct-to-consumer service Paramount+, its broadcast channels like Nickelodeon and TV Land, and for external distributors such as Netflix and Hulu.

His legal proficiency extends well beyond television and film, incorporating a substantial background in production law and a wide array of music-related dealings. This involves structuring contracts for recording artists, composers, and music publishers, in addition to managing synchronization licenses and agreements for tours and live concerts. This combined expertise in both visual and audio entertainment law is becoming ever more crucial. According to media analyst Rebecca Shaw, "The convergence of film, television, and music has created a complex legal landscape, making versatile attorneys who understand the entire content pipeline indispensable."

O’Brien Kelley, the firm's founder and managing member, emphasized the strategic value of this hiring in an announcement made on Monday. He explained that as the media sector undergoes rapid transformation, The Kelley Firm is dedicated to equipping clients with a team that has varied industry knowledge. "Todd’s comprehensive background in entertainment and music law positions him as a significant asset," Kelley remarked. The Kelley Firm, which is recognized for its involvement in high-stakes negotiations across film, television, and digital media, represents an impressive list of leading creators and industry executives.

Calvin conveyed his pride in becoming part of the firm, praising its outstanding reputation for complex dealmaking and its nuanced grasp of both the business and artistic sides of the entertainment world. He anticipates working alongside like-minded colleagues who are equally devoted to aiding storytellers and the professionals who bring their projects to life.

Calvin’s professional journey is deeply connected to the arts, originating with an early enthusiasm for music. He launched his career at the San Francisco Opera—a prestigious institution established in 1923—where he oversaw the rehearsal department. He remains actively involved in the opera community, currently holding the title of president emeritus on the board of the Los Angeles Opera League. A licensed attorney in California, Calvin received his Juris Doctor from the University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco (previously known as UC Hastings) and earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from UC Davis.