Entertainment unit presses right buttons at firm: Sheppard Mullin plugs into expanding industry.

AFTER some prompting from first-year associate Shawn Foust, Los Angeles-based Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP launched a video game practice group.

"He is a gamer," said Brian Pass, a partner in the firm's Century City office and a member of the new group. "We had the good fortune

Foust, who graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2007, said he saw the opportunity for the firm to capitalize on the growth industry of video games.

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"The industry has grown too big and complex to not have high-quality legal services," Foust said.

The new team is made up of 20 attorneys, including members from the firm's intellectual property, entertainment and media and labor and employment practice groups.

Sheppard Mullin attorneys will be serving clients from all facets of the video game industry, including publishers, buyers of third-party accessories and online gaming providers.

Pass, whose practice focuses on technology and media, said that games are being incorporated more and more into everyday life.

"Console games are becoming home entertainment systems," Pass said.

Foust said he and the other partners enjoy playing to unwind.

Pass, who says he's a casual garner, enjoys playing Nintendo Wii's Tiger Woods golf game.

But Foust can often be found dusting off his Super Nintendo to play his favorite game: Ogre Battle.

Staff reporter Alexa Hyland can be reached at ahyland@labusinessjournal.com or at (323) 549-5225, ext. 235.