Christopher R. Navarro (LL.M. ‘11), partner at Singh Singh & Trauben, was recently named one of Billboard’s Top Music Lawyers for 2021, along with Singh Singh’s managing partner, Simran A. Singh.

Navarro, who joined the Beverly Hills-based firm in April 2019, helps head Singh Singh’s transactional entertainment matters in the areas of recorded music, including publishing, distribution, licensing, live shows and touring, merchandising, and much more. Prior to joining Singh Singh, Navarro was head of Business and Legal Affairs at Universal Music Latin Entertainment, where he led the negotiations for Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” collaborations with Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber, and Beyoncé’s participation on J Balvin’s “Mi Gente.”

While working on his LL.M. at the Fowler School of Law, Navarro participated in the Entertainment Law Contracts Clinic, which Navarro says he found “extremely helpful in providing fundamental practical knowledge of entertainment contracts.” Navarro said that an important moment for him was attending the premiere of the film he worked on with his fellow clinic students.

“Seeing the film I worked on come to life on the big screen was a unique and incredible experience,” Navarro said.

Since earning his degree from the Fowler School of Law, Navarro has maintained a close relationship with the law school. When he was hiring to fill a temporary position at Universal Music, he reached out to Professor Kathy Heller, executive director of the school’s Entertainment Law emphasis program. Heller recommended one of her recent alumni, Nick Huelster (JD ‘18), and not only did Navarro hire him for the temporary role, but he also recommended Hueller for a more permanent role at Universal Music Group corporate.

“Nick always stayed in touch and updated me on his career path,” said Navarro, who subsequently hired Huelster as an associate at Singh Singh last summer. “When the time came for me to fill a position at my firm, Nick was top of mind and the perfect fit.”

It’s fitting that Navarro turned to the Fowler School of Law when looking to give a new attorney an opportunity, because one of the key reasons Navarro said he chose Chapman was because of its “extensive alumni network in the industry”—an industry in which he is now a recognized leader.

“The law school has always been so supportive,” Navarro said. “I’m honored and humbled by the continued support.”