Howard Rosenberg Interviews Yakub Hazzard, Los Angeles Sports Royalty and Chair of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP

In this episode of The Future Is Bright podcast, Howard Rosenberg, head of Talent Intelligence + Acquisitions at Baretz+Brunelle, and his co-host Chris Batz welcome Yakub Hazzard, chair of the Los Angeles media- and entertainment-focused boutique Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP. Yakub has decades of experience in the entertainment business, both at MSK and in-house at NBCUniversal. He knows what it means to have a celebrity profile in Los Angeles firsthand, as the son of legendary Olympic gold medalist, NBA star, and former USC basketball coach Walt Hazzard.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Yakub shares his journey from paralegal to law firm chair, how MSK managed a seamless leadership transition, and how the firm is thinking strategically about culture, growth, and the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. From Hollywood accounting to artificial intelligence, Yakub brings a thoughtful perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing modern firms.

Episode Highlights:

• Succession Planning Done Right
  Yakub outlines how MSK executed a smooth leadership transition, starting nearly two years in advance. Listeners will hear how proactive planning, consensus building, and careful timing ensured a seamless handoff of leadership responsibilities.
  
  
• Bringing In-House Insight Back to Private Practice
  Having served as in-house counsel at NBCUniversal, Yakub shares how that experience shaped his client-first mindset. He explains what clients really value in outside counsel and how to communicate legal advice in a more actionable, business-focused way.
  
  
• Where Entertainment Law Is Headed
  Yakub discusses how the definition of “entertainment” has expanded—from film and music to gaming and digital platforms—and how MSK is positioning itself at the forefront. Listeners will learn how traditional legal practices are evolving to meet new forms of media and content creation.
  
  
• Strategic Growth That Preserves Culture
  Learn how MSK is growing its ranks through lateral hiring while preserving its collaborative and collegial culture. Yakub explains why cultural fit matters just as much as business potential and how the firm evaluates talent through that lens.

About the Podcast:

On The Future Is Bright, Howard Rosenberg and Chris Batz engage with thought-provoking C-suite executives and leaders from corporations, professional service firms, and the global legal industry. Each episode uncovers insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving dynamics of the modern professional landscape.

You can subscribe to The Future is Bright Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and PodBean.