The Writers Guild of America, West has appointed Katherine Shannon Christovich as its Director of Legal Services, effective June 22. Christovich had served as the WGAW’s Interim Director for the past three months.
“Having been an integral part of the WGAW’s legal team for the past six years, Kathy’s well-deserved promotion to Director of Legal Services recognizes her hard work and expertise,” commented WGAW Executive Director David Young. “Her sharp legal skills, knowledge, and experience make her a valuable asset to the Guild, allowing the WGAW to continue to step up its contract enforcement efforts on behalf of our members.”
In her new position, Christovich will manage and supervise the WGAW’s Legal and Claims Department, including staff attorneys, business representatives, and support staff, as well as contribute to the development and execution of integrated enforcement policies, ranging from compensation matters to complex disputes involving intellectual rights.
Christovich began her career at the Guild in 2003 as Associate Counsel in the Legal Department, where she represented both the WGAW and writers in arbitration proceedings, enforcing the WGA’s collective bargaining agreement and individual contracts.
Prior to joining the WGAW staff, Christovich served as a senior litigation associate with national law firm Tressler, Soderstrom, Maloney and Priess. Before that, she worked as a litigation associate at the Burbank-based law firm Marrone, Robinson, Frederick & Foster.
She received her law degree at the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law and is a graduate of UCLA, School of Theater, Film and Television. Christovich lives in Pasadena, CA, with her husband, Jeff, her two children, Olivia and Cameron, and a stepdaughter, Amanda.
The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) is a labor union representing writers of motion pictures, television, radio and Internet programming, including news and documentaries. Founded in 1933, the Guild negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of its members. It is involved in a wide range of programs that advance the interests of writers, and is active in public policy and legislative matters on the local, national and international levels. For more information on the WGAW, please visit: www.wga.org.