Words of Wisdom from a Senior Entertainment Lawyer: Follow a Plan, Do It All, and Have Fun

Triathlete, surfer, published author, entertainment-industry executive, and attorney, UWLA School of Law graduate, Quincy Charles Newell (JD, 2017), has been following a plan his entire life and career.

A former film and entertainment executive at Lionsgate Entertainment, Quincy currently works as Attorney at Law at Sanders Roberts LLP, where he was recruited by the managing partner to join the firm and help launch their entertainment transactional division. Fast forward to today, when he recently negotiated the deal for his client to join the Fox series “Alert” as Co-Executive Producer. He also recently negotiated a deal on behalf of Hidden Empire Films to acquire the Floyd Mayweather life story. To say that there is very little that he doesn’t find possible, would be an understatement.

Born in New Orleans, Quincy grew up in Los Angeles, where he has lived for the past 44 years. In 2018, Quincy was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School, where he had earlier completed his MBA.

At UWLA, Quincy reports that he genuinely loved all his professors, but was particularly inspired by the leadership and career path of UWLA President Robert Brown.

“I had a great experience at UWLA. The personal attention and support received from the staff and professors were instrumental in my success at the university and in my career,” Newell said.

Quincy worked as EVP/GM at Lionsgate/Codeblack Films when he was referred to UWLA by alumnus Hector Marrache. Law school was always part of his personal career plan.

“It wasn’t always easy juggling my responsibilities as a full-time senior executive at Lionsgate with my studies,” Newell said. “I just committed to it and made it work. There is no easy path, you just have to take the time necessary to complete it. A lot of late nights, but it was more than worth it in the end.”

“My time at UWLA helped to sharpen my critical thinking skills and increased my ability to deconstruct complex agreements in my business dealings,” he added.

While fully focused on his legal career, he always makes time to give back. From early in his career until today, Quincy has actively mentored young professionals. His passion for mentorship inspired him to write and publish his book, “Insights: If Boys Never Learn, Men Won’t Know” with the goal of offering words of mentorship to young men of color seeking guidance in their lives.

While Quincy is, clearly, very hard-working, he makes sure to take time out for leisure and his family. “I’m not sure how unique this is, but I love to travel, I surf, I participate in triathlons, and I love other recreational endurance-related events,” Newell said modestly.

“I’ve been a film producer, a husband, and a dad to four amazing kids. I try not to worry about what others think about me. I simply try to be the best human I can be, and I always remember to treat people with kindness because you never know where you or they will end up down the line,” Newell added.

Quincy lives life to the fullest, and he says he is always striving to be happy and spend more time with his family.

When asked what advice he has for his mentees or anyone really who’s considering an advanced degree, he said: “Just do it. Don’t live with any regrets!”

Words to live by, indeed. UWLA is proud of you, Quincy Newell. Very proud!