The Legal 500

United Kingdom > London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment

Editorial sections

Other

All countries

Index of tables

  1. Media and entertainment
  2. Leading individuals

Leading individuals

Led by the talented Sean Egan, Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP’s ‘very good’ team is a particularly strong option for theatre and musical clients. In 2010, it continued to advise leading West End producer Bill Kenwright on rights issues; advised the Royal Shakespeare Company on rights agreements concerning its hit production of the musical Matilda; acted for the English National Opera; and received new mandates from the Theatre Royal York. Former film producer Lawrence Simanowitz, who regularly advises on copyright and freedom of information matters and also alternative financing matters, is recommended, as are Robert Oakley and Philip Trott.

Clintons’ ‘well-regarded’ theatre department represents various high-profile clients including Sir Tim Rice and the Lionel Bart estate on matters concerning West End productions including The Wizard of Oz, Evita, Love Story and Grease. John Cohen is highly recommended, as is James Jones, who recently advised the Donmar Warehouse on US transfers and live cinema broadcasts. The firm’s noted music practice is led by Peter Button and Andrew Myers. Clients include bands such as Muse, The Cure and Faithless. The team also represents songwriters and producers, and corporate clients including EMI Music Publishing, Sony Music and Syco. Philip Stinson advises Sophie Conran, Square Meal, AKA and Hussein Chalayan on IP, employment and contractual issues.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team, led by the ‘smart and highly competent’ Chris Hanson, represents major film studios and producers, including Paramount Pictures, FremantleMedia and Universal, as well as major publishers such as Macmillan. Recent highlights include acting for Comerica on the financing of Dark Tide and the Judge Dredd remake, and work for Fuji Television regarding FIA Formula One World Championship broadcasting rights. The team also advised Random House, and Warner Bros’ games publishing group. Sian Croxton, who heads the advertising group, demonstrates ‘strong legal and interpersonal skills’, and Nicholas West, publishing lawyer Duncan Calow and Nick Fitzpatrick are also recommended.

Davenport Lyons’ expertise spans film, publishing and music. Its ‘very good’ film and TV team has expertise in financing and production, and is noted for its ‘quick response times’. Consultant Leon Morgan heads the practice, which recently advised on the production and financing of a film version of King Lear. Fraser Bloom advised Flutter Films on production and distribution issues, and Sam Tatton-Brown represented Coutts & Co regarding the financing for a children’s television programme. Robin Shaw advises publishers including HarperCollins and Random House, and the team also acts for MGN Ltd. Michelle Brown advised Bertelsmann/KKR on the £107m buyout of music publisher Chrysalis. Nigel Davies advises the management team behind Compact Media Group. David Marchese is ‘highly professional and well informed’, and Kevin Bays, Paul Mustafa, Richard Moxon and Adam Glass are also recommended.

Peter Wienand at Farrer & Co continues to advise the British Museum on the digitisation of its archives. Emap is a client of Henry Sainty and associate Paul Jones, who also worked with corporate partner Jeremy Tizzard in advising publisher Bauer Media on various technology contracts. In 2010, Nigel Palmer and associate Lisa Mayo advised the International Film LLC on its completion guarantee with a specialist US film finance lender.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP’s ‘strong’ cross-departmental team was bolstered by the arrival of transactional lawyer Barry Smith from Reed Smith and senior associate Phil Lee from Osborne Clarke. The group’s clients include Getty Images, BBC Worldwide, NBC Universal and Aegis Film Fund, as well as film financiers and production companies. Smith and practice head Tim Johnson have been leading the advice to Lions Gate Films on financing and distributing arrangements for various film projects. Corporate partners Christopher Jackson, Christine Phillips and Tim Bee advised Viacom in 2010. David Naylor, Andrew Blankfield, Derek Hill and Hamish Porter are also recommended.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP’s practice includes music, computer games and software, and book publishing, and stands out for its ‘invaluable in-depth knowledge of both the film and television industry’. The ‘first-rate’ Medwyn Jones, who heads the film and TV practice, has a ‘a wealth of knowledge, and handles even the most complex negotiations deftly and with clarity’. New clients include DreamWorks Studios (which it advised on Steven Spielberg’s War Horse film), Film London, NBC Universal and Sony Pictures Entertainment, and the team continues to advise established clients including Working Title. Peter Armstrong represents US studios, and Jonathan Berger advises on film financing, production and distribution. Abigail Payne is also recommended for her ‘thorough’ knowledge. The ‘very highly regarded’ Neil Adleman, who has ‘in-depth knowledge of theatre production’, is advising on several West End productions including Wicked and We Will Rock You. He also advised on the opening of new musical Ghost, which involved complex rights issues. Paul Jones advises Jamie Cullen, Universal Music Group and Omnifone, and Chloe Wright represented new artist Connor Maynard in negotiating a recording agreement with Parlophone. Mark Phillips, who co-heads the e-commerce and technology group, is ‘commercially very sharp and aware, and a good strategic planner’. The ‘exceptional’ Caroline Turner is an expert in e-books.

Lee & Thompson’s ‘very strong’ team has ‘great knowledge of industry practice and current trends’, particularly in film, TV and music. The ‘smart and capable’ Reno Antoniades heads the film group, whose clients include Studio Canal/Optimum, Origin Pictures and new client Iain Canning, co-founder of See-Saw Films. Big Talk Productions is a major client of the television practice, which is headed by the ‘skilled and imaginative’ Richard Lever. Mark Ashelford leads the digital media team, which represents museeka.com and Richer Sounds. Jeremy Gawade’s talent team continues to attract high-profile stars including Stephen Fry. Lawrence Engel, head of the music team, acted alongside Ashelford and senior partner Robert Lee in advising rock band Queen on its move from EMI Records to Universal. Other clients include BMG Rights and Ingenious Media.

Michael Simkins LLP’s practice head Paddy Grafton Green, who is ‘experienced and professional’, advised on the distribution of Susan Boyle’s 2010 album I Dreamed a Dream, and all management agreements, endorsements and appearances with Syco and Sony Music. The ‘excellent’ Jonathan Blair advised Ruby Films on producing Toast, the film based on cookery writer Nigel Slater’s memoirs. Ed Baden-Powell advised the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Other clients include Talkback Thames, and major theatre producers The Really Useful Group and Stage Entertainment, as well as Universal Music Group, the English National Opera, Jools Holland and Music Nation. James Harman is ‘experienced, professional and straightforward’.

Tony Leifer’s publishing team at Olswang provides an ‘excellent level of service’, and is the key adviser to Guardian News & Media for content issues and commercial matters relating to the Guardian. Reader’s Digest is also a client. The music team, led by John Enser, acts for Universal Music subsidiary Globe Productions regarding music-related television shows. Mark Devereux and Victoria Gaskell regularly advise on music deals and represent industry talent. Head of department Lisbeth Savill and tax partner Cliona Kirby advised The Walt Disney Company on selling Miramax, and the film and TV team continues to advise ITV in relation to The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. BBC Worldwide and Microsoft are also clients. Jacqueline Hurt, Selina Potter, Paul Guite, Geraldine Proudler, David Zeffman and Mark Bertram are all recommended.

Osborne Clarke’s digital media practice won a number of new clients in 2010, including Flying Brands plc and Cable and Wireless. The team also advised Facebook regarding its establishment in numerous jurisdictions, and provided regulatory and contractual advice to Nintendo. Motorola and News International are also clients. Head of interactive entertainment Paul Gardner and head of digital business Mike Turner are recommended. Nick Johnson is noted for advertising, marketing, sponsorship and digital marketing advice, while Ray Berg heads the publishing team, which represents numerous clients in magazine, periodical and newspaper publishing. Phil Lee joined Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP.

Reed Smith provides ‘an extremely high quality of service’. The ‘phenomenal’ Michael Maxtone-Smith, who is valued for his ‘intelligence and problem-solving skills’, acts on film financing deals for clients such as Coutts & Co and Silver Reel. Broadcasting specialist and practice head Stephen Edwards continues to advise the BBC on reforms to copyright law, and also advised Channel Four on a complex £1bn advertising and sponsorship sales agreement. The team also acted for The Walt Disney Company, and advised the UK Film Council on selling its film-collecting subsidiary. Also recommended are Gregor Pryor, a well-regarded digital content lawyer; and Richard Philipps, who specialises in film and television acquisition and production financing. Neil Gillard, who handles film and television finance and production, recently moved to Wiggin LLP.

Russells’ music practice is well regarded. Steven Tregear’s clients include individual artists such as Beyoncé, and Gavin Maude has represented bands such as Coldplay, Elbow and Kaiser Chiefs. The team also advises theatre and film producers. Joint managing partners Brian Howard (head of litigation) and Chris Organ (head of commercial) are also recommended.

Sheridans’ ‘responsive and pragmatic’ team attracted a number of new clients in 2010, including Virgin Media, BSkyB and All3Media, and continues to advise the BBC, HBO and Channel Four. The ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’ James Kay, who joined from Olswang, and the ‘sure-footed and sharp’ Jeremy Roberts, joined ‘first-class’ head of film and television Peter McInerney in advising FilmFour on proposals for assuming some of the UK Film Council’s roles after it was disbanded. Other film and TV clients include Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Shine TV, and United Agents. Managing partner Howard Jones represents high-profile musicians such as Sir Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams, and advised Pink Floyd on a new licence agreement with EMI; head of the music group Russell Roberts advises Katherine Jenkins; the ‘very knowledgeable’ James Sully acts for Dizzee Rascal; Steven Luckman and Michael Thomas advise acts including Pet Shop Boys, N-Dubz, Peter Gabriel and Thin Lizzy; and Stephen Kempner advises Biffy Clyro and Scouting for Girls. The theatre team advised Andrew Lloyd-Webber and The Really Useful Group on agreements relating to Love Never Dies and The Wizard of Oz. Alex Chapman advised software studio Rocksteady on its sale to Warner Bros, and the computer games department attracted new clients including Slightly Mad Studios and Playdead.

Wiggin LLP’s ‘outstanding and very responsive’ group handles film, TV, music, computer games, digital media, and publishing. David Quli, who has ‘detailed technical knowledge of finance and productions’, heads the film and TV financing team, which acts for lenders and borrowers. It represents many traditional studios and spin-offs on film projects, including Fox on X-Men: First Class, Focus on One Day, and Fox Searchlight and Trademark Films on My Week with Marilyn. It also acts for HBO, and new clients such as BBC Worldwide and Coutts & Co. Sean James’ broadcasting and digital carriage team handled a complex mandate for Virgin Media involving long-term carriage agreements for BSkyB and Virgin Media channels across all platforms. It also advised ITV on acquiring HD DTT capacity from the BBC, and Endemol on core formatting licensing arrangements. Shaun Lowde is recommended for his ‘excellent technical skills’. The publishing team, led by the ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’ Caroline Kean, has recently been busy with non-contentious pre-publication work for Grazia, More and Kerrang!. The music team, which includes the ‘excellent and pragmatic’ Alexander Ross, advises the Brit Awards on IP matters, and also represents Decca Music Group and Universal Music. Charles Moore’s clients include major film studios, and Simon Baggs is an expert in protecting online content. Jason Chess advised BT Vision on acquiring broadcast rights for Sky One and Sky Two. Richard McMorris advised Virgin Media on negotiations with major music labels including Sony and Universal Music. Senior associate Nav Sunner joined from Osborne Clarke in 2010 to run the computer games team, which has recently acted for Zattikka and Firefly Studios.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s ‘extremely good’ team acted for Peel Media in its negotiation of a new ten-year agreement with the BBC, and advised new client MoMedia on licensing agreements. Simon Harper, who is noted for his ‘commercial application of the law’, led a team that represented the Newspaper Licensing Agency in winning a High Court ruling in a dispute over web licensing models. IP partner Simon Clark is an ‘excellent adviser’. Former group head Vanessa Barnett joined Charles Russell LLP in July 2011.

Bird & Bird leverages its IP expertise and international scope to provide an ‘excellent’ mid-market transactional service. The broadcasting team acts for content owners such as the Football Association and the Lawn Tennis Association, as well as distributors. The ‘extremely efficient’ Jonathan Taylor has a notable practice in sports-related content work. Justin Walkey and Ian Williamson, an ‘outstanding associate’, advised Yahoo! on user-generated content issues. The international computer games team advised Codemasters on game development during 2010, and also represents Yoostar Entertainment. Felicity Reeves is an ‘excellent relationship partner who provides concise, commercial advice’. Howard Rubin’s interactive entertainment expertise is ‘first class’, and international media group head Matt Dennis is also recommended.

Richard Bray and Mark Krais at Bray & Krais, Solicitors advise a number of high-profile entertainment industry clients. Simon Dixon represents theatre producers and owners, as well as agents and investors.

Charles Russell LLP’s Nick Armstrong and James Quartermaine advised BSkyB on a format claim relating to Sky One’s music show Must Be The Music. Paul Stone and Elora Mukherjee advised ITV on participating in Project Canvas; Jason Saiban and Jonathan Walters advised Nike on setting up and operating its running event, The Grid; and the team also advises Channel Four, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and physical theatre DV8. Duncan Lamont heads the practice, which was significantly enhanced with several notable hires: Vanessa Barnett from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP; Mary Bagnall from Mayer Brown International LLP; and computer games expert Jaclyn Wilkins from Marriott Harrison.

Mark Stephens at Finers Stephens Innocent LLP recently advised Bloomberg on data protection and freedom of information matters. He also acts for the Associated Press, and advised Julian Assange on issues relating to Wikileaks and his autobiography. Other clients include The New York Times Company, CNN, and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. Robert Lands is a key figure in the team. Nicola Solomon has moved to a role as General Secretary at the Society of Authors.

Forbes Anderson Free specialises in media and entertainment litigation, and is particularly strong in the music sector, but also advises on film, TV and publishing matters. Andrew Forbes represents several pop groups, and acted for Sugababes and The Ting Tings in disputes. Also recommended are Dominic Free, who represents Universal Music Publishing, and Martyn Bailey, who has acted for Ministry of Sound.

Goodman Derrick LLP’s ‘excellent’ team recently advised the seller of the world’s largest fashion film library on its sale to NET-A-PORTER. It also acted for Coutts & Co on a number of production loans; advises Clearcast on clearance and compliance issues; and represents ITV. Practice head Paul Herbert is recommended, as is consultant Keith Northrop, for his ‘excellent customer service, attention to detail, and practicality’. Tanya Shillingford advises on film financing issues.

Herbert Smith LLP’s team, led by the excellent Nick Elverston, acts for corporate clients including Google, IPC Media and BSkyB, on matters ranging from regulation to rights issues and restructurings. Highlights in 2010 included advising Warner Bros on its acquisition of a majority stake in Shed Media, a deal led by Gareth Roberts and Alex Kay. Joel Smith, Alan Watts and senior associate Hannah Wardell are also recommended.

Lewis Silkin LLP strengthened its resources by recruiting Jonathan Coad from Swan Turton and consultant Paul Chinnery, formerly head of legal at Channel Five. Music lawyer Cliff Fluet heads the team, which represents clients including Ministry of Sound, Sony BMG, BSkyB, and MTV. The team is particularly noteworthy for its format protection expertise. Simon Morrissey continues to advise media and entertainment clients on IP and IT issues, including the licensing and distribution of digital content across different platforms. Simon Entwistle advises publishers on contracts.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP bulked up its department in 2010 with the lateral hire of IP partner Clive Thorne from Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP and competition partner Stephen Smith from Mayer Brown International LLP. The latter recently advised on merger control issues arising from the sale of The Independent newspaper and website. The team advises Square Enix, the computer game publisher, and recently acted for Google in a case regarding search engine liability. On the publishing side, the ‘astute’ David Hooper continues to advise on Condé Nast’s Vanity Fair magazine, and Tim Anderson and the ‘confident, reliable and commercial’ Sanjay Pritam acted for Associated Newspapers in 2010. David Cran, an expert in digital content, advised Beautiful Games Studios on brand and content licence issues. Jaron Lewis heads the media group.

Simons Muirhead & Burton’s busy practice spans film, TV, music and publishing. It boasts key clients such as the BBC, Channel Five, Faber & Faber, and Carbon Music. In 2010, the film and television team advised Publicis on broadcasting issues relating to Renault TV. It also advises production companies on financing, production and distribution; Razwana Akram and James Greenslade recently advised 4321 Limited and Pinewood Studios on the release of 4321, and Greenslade and Simon Goldberg advised the producers of Age of Heroes. Charles Law has a music practice representing clients including Serious Music and Fuel Management LLC. Martin Soames advised Random House on publishing Tony Blair’s autobiography, and Orion Publishing in relation to Keith Richards’ autobiography, Life.

Media boutique firm Swan Turton is ‘fantastic’, with a ‘forward-thinking’ 14-lawyer team devoted entirely to commercial and corporate work in the media sector. In 2010, Antony Gostyn advised the producer of hit television programme The Inbetweeners on the financing and production of a film based on the series. Gostyn and the ‘experienced, understanding and patient’ Julian Turton, head of music and publishing, continue to advise author Sebastian Faulks, a longstanding client, on various projects. Other clients include pop group Madness, FremantleMedia, and comedian Michael McIntyre.

Niri Shanmuganathan, head of the practice at Taylor Wessing LLP, has ‘excellent judgement’’ and is ‘brilliant under pressure’. He advised Dan Akroyd and the widow of John Belushi regarding unauthorised use of certain Blues Brothers IP rights. Graham Hann led a team advising Foxy Bingo/Cashcade on producing games for mobile devices. Other clients of the ‘excellent and speedy’ team include the Royal Opera House, Showtime and the estate of Ira Gershwin. Tony Ghee heads the broadcasting practice. He advises broadcasters and production companies such as Talpa Media, which in 2010 joined up with Antenna Television of Greece to make a bid for Channel Five. Consultant Paul Mitchell and special counsel Christopher Benson are recommended for their copyright expertise.

Steve Holmes heads Baker & McKenzie LLP’s ‘superb’ group, which has expertise in interactive media and broadcasting and is noted for its ‘tremendous commercial sensibilities and first-rate service’. In 2010, it advised FremantleMedia on digital media matters, and Take Two Interactive on computer gaming issues. The ‘impressive’ Ben Allgrove, who was recently promoted to partner, advised Hit Entertainment on dissolving a joint venture with Chellomedia. Tom Cassels and Joanna Ludlam continue to advise the BBC Trust. Google and The London Symphony Orchestra are also clients. Duncan Reid-Thomas advises on commercial contracts in a broadcasting context, including recently advising Arqiva.

IP boutique Briffa advises clients in the film and television industry, and Silas Brown has a strong practice advising computer games developers and publishers.

Dr Myles Jelf at Bristows continues to advise Endemol on formatting disputes relating to one of its flagship programmes. Mark Brown recently acted for Music Sales Group and Faber Music in a copyright infringement claim over sound recording synchronisation. Other clients include the BBC, MTV and Oxford University Press. Paul Walsh, who heads the publishing practice, Paul Jordan and associate Angela Fouracre are also recommended.

Clifford Chance’s multidisciplinary team works on a global scale advising clients including Mediaset and Goldman Sachs on big-ticket M&A deals. Consultant Michael Smyth handles media litigation, and antitrust partner Jenine Hulsmann has a particular focus on media. Daniel Sandelson heads the team.

Eversheds LLP has been busy with music publishing work, and acted for Apple Corps Ltd in its negotiations with Apple Inc and EMI Records for the release of The Beatles’ catalogue on iTunes. The group advised HSBC on securitising two major music publishing catalogues, and acted for Elton John’s management company on merchandising agreements. Newly promoted partner Neil Mohring now heads the group, with Nicholas Valner having moved to a consultant role. At the start of 2011, Phil Sherrell joined Bird & Bird and Paddy Gardiner moved to Michael Simkins LLP.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP handles big-ticket, cross-border media deals using its international network. Sony is a client of practice head Ben Spiers and computer gaming specialist Justin Watts. Simon Marchant recently advised Pearson Media and The Financial Times Ltd on acquisitions, and antitrust partner David Aitman is also recommended.

Hamlins LLP’s combined media, marketing and IP practice recruited Christopher Hutchings and solicitor Callum Galbraith from M Law in 2010. The team advised on trade mark protection and format rights for the Monty Python franchise throughout Europe; acts for musician Bruce Springsteen; and advised Matt Lucas and David Walliams on the Little Britain brand. Laurence Gilmore and practice head Philip Herbert are recommended.

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘excellent’ team, led by Richard Welfare, recently advised Nintendo of Europe GmbH on celebrity endorsement agreements with talent including Helen Mirren and Ant and Dec. It advised the same client on regulatory and marketing issues associated with the launch of a major new product. Consultant Louise Zafer worked with colleagues in Europe and the US to advise Play.com in several trade mark oppositions. Mars is another active client. Adrian Walker is recommended for his ‘very strong business acumen’ and ‘good knowledge of TV production services contracts’, and Peter Watts is also recommended.

The ‘excellent’ Brian Eagles heads Howard Kennedy’s team, which works across film and film financing, TV, music, theatre and publishing. The group acted alongside the firm’s corporate practice to advise BMG Rights Management on a major acquisition. Eagles also advises Old Vic Productions on licensing and production requirements. Other clients include the Peter Schaufuss Ballet Company and literary agents Alexandra Cann Associates. Keith Lassman is recommended.

Kemp Little LLP continues to advise online computer games giant Gamesys, and attracted new clients including Youview, Spotify and Random House. Callum Murray and Paul Garland recently represented LOVEFiLM, and are recommended, along with Richard Kemp and Andrew Moseby. The specialist digital media team includes Paul O’Hare, Paul Hinton and Andrew Joint.

Linklaters LLP handles big-ticket M&A, and recently advised RTL Group on divesting Channel Five to Northern & Shell. It also advised Khazanah Nasional Berhad on partnering with Pinewood Studios to launch a media production facility in Malaysia. Roger Barron, who co-heads the media and leisure sector group with Paris-based Marianne Schaffner, is recommended along with Marly Didizian.

Marriott Harrison’s busy music industry practice advises on recording and merchandising deals for clients such as Delta Music and Domino Music Publishing. On the film and TV front, the team advised Carnaby Films on issues ranging from music and sales to production finance and distribution. Practice head Tony Morris has ‘excellent knowledge of the entertainment industry’. Hadleigh Graves joined from Statham Gill Davies, while Jaclyn Wilkins moved to Charles Russell LLP.

Miles Robinson leads Mayer Brown International LLP’s ‘excellent’ cross-practice team, which acted for key client EMI in its high-profile litigation with Pink Floyd in 2010, as well as on several online acquisitions. Sarah Byrt’s publishing team advised longstanding client Hachette on a new agency agreement with Amazon. Cadbury and Vue Entertainment are also clients. Corporate partners Stephanie Bates and Andrew Stewart are recommended for M&A. Mary Bagnall joined Charles Russell LLP.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s six-partner publishing practice, led by Susan Biddle, advises Macmillan Publishers on competition law. Other clients include AOL and the Associated Press. Iain Connor and head of IP Kim Walker recently advised Orion Publishing Group in matters including a cross-border trade mark and copyright dispute. Walker is well regarded for his archive work, for companies such as Ancestry.com.

Pitmans LLP’s media practice, known as Pitmans SK Sport and Entertainment, is noted for its ‘excellent level of service and good value for money’. The ‘extremely good’ Jeremy Summers heads the department, which counts Taio Cruz, The Ting Tings and Live Nation as clients, and works closely with forensic royalty auditors to help artists and authors track and release royalties. The team also represents theatre producers and the English National Ballet.

Following the firm’s transatlantic merger, SNR Denton’s enlarged practice has won various new clients including Hit Entertainment. Head of the team Ingrid Silver recently led advice to Al Jazeera in an Ofcom investigation and in obtaining a new broadcasting licence to launch on UK Freeview. The team also represented Sony Pictures Television on several matters in 2010. Senior associate Helen Anderson and ‘hardworking and responsive’ associate Stephen Ridgway advised Endemol on various matters, and Ridgway continues to advise the England and Wales Cricket Board on media rights. Consultant Adrian Barr-Smith has ‘excellent knowledge of broadcast matters’. The team as a whole has ‘very good client-servicing skills’.

SSB advises individual artists, independent record labels, and production companies in the music industry. Recommended individuals include Paul Spraggon and Sarah Stennett, who represent artists including Jessie J, The Prodigy and Adele.

Nicholas Tall at Speechly Bircham LLP advises longstanding client Coolabi on matters such as broadcasting and merchandising agreements relating to its popular children’s television programme Poppy Cat, and the sale of film rights. Other clients include Zorilla Entertainment Limited and Elle Macpherson. Consultant David Wills handles theatre-related matters, and acts for Trevor Nunn. Team head Alexander Carter-Silk has a ‘keen and thorough sense of understanding of his practice area’. Tall and Robert Bond advise Touch Press, a new client in the e-publishing business, on arrangements with rights owners. Assistant Michelle Lewiston is also recommended.

Richard Brown, head of the team at Travers Smith LLP, is noted for his ‘excellent grasp of the industry’. He recently advised Virgin Media on its investment in a joint venture with BBC Worldwide, and led advice to Channel Four on its DTT multiplex agreements with the BBC and S4C. Head of commercial Tom Purton led advice to Pinewood Studios on its new ventures with international partners. The team continues to advise the Ambassador Theatre Group on commercial issues. Senior associate Ben Chivers is recommended.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges’ team, led by Barry Fishley and Mark Soundy, handles top-end corporate mandates for clients including Microsoft, Facebook and All3Media. Fishley recently advised China Media Capital on acquiring controlling stakes in three Chinese television channels, while Soundy advised two private equity houses on selling PEP.com.

Allen & Overy LLP’s ‘first-rate’ team handles corporate deals for international clients, and is regularly instructed in high-end transactions and disputes. Highlights in 2010 included advising BSkyB in its high-profile appeal to the Court of Appeal regarding its stake in ITV; and advising Electronic Art on acquiring the popular Angry Birds app. Other clients include Amazon, NBC Universal and HarperCollins. Neville Cordell is a ‘highly experienced and canny litigator’, and Judith Gill QC gives ‘very concise and to-the-point advice’.

Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP’s team, led by Richard Dickinson, works closely with the firm’s IP and telecoms practices, and has a focus on high-end work for clients including Virgin Media and Random House. Ian Kirby and Dickinson also advise Orange and other major clients on content and branding.

Media and entertainment boutique Aslan Charles Kousetta LLP advises production companies in media rights disputes, and on clearance and content issues. Practice head Hakan Kousetta and colleagues advised on a number of international film productions including The Joneses in 2010, and also advise funding parties, including private investors and banks, on film financing. Susan Aslan and the ‘expeditious and level-headed’ Sue Charles recently advised longstanding client Universal Pictures International Entertainment in media rights disputes.

Sole practitioner Bernard Nyman at B M Nyman & Co advises on publishing matters including contracts for journals and books, as well as confidentiality and distribution agreements. He also drafts and negotiates media contracts.

Barry Shaw continues to advise on West End productions.

At Collins Long, Bollywood expert Simon Long continues to advise composers, new bands and solo artists. Christopher Phillips left for Bolt Burdon.

Steven Heffer heads Collyer Bristow LLP’s ‘absolutely fantastic’ and ‘efficient and knowledgeable’ team, which recruited Kate Macmillan and associate Annsley Ward from Gallant Macmillan LLP in 2010. Howard Ricklow has recently advised on the commissioning, songwriting and soundtrack agreements for films such as Made in Dagenham and Morning Glory. The firm also advises a number of individuals including Raymond Blanc and John Prescott on reputation management issues. Associate Neil Eagleton is also recommended.

Irving David heads the team at DWFM Beckman, which provides a wide range of media services.

Stephen Gare joined Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP from Mayer Brown International LLP in 2010. His recent work includes advising a musician on alleged illegal expulsion from a high-profile band, and advising RTL on renewing its exclusive broadcast agreement for televising Formula One motor racing in Germany. The firm also advised New Delhi Television Group on the restructuring and buyback of part of its entertainment facility from NBC Universal.

At Goldkorn Mathias Gentle Page, David Gentle and Bob Page advise artists and record companies on contractual matters and in disputes.

Lawrence Graham LLP’s head of commerce and technology Jonathan Riley advises a number of specialist technology companies, while the wider team also represents publishers and film production companies.

At Lea & Company, consultant Stephen Lea advises recording artists and producers.

Consultant Alexis Grower heads Magrath LLP’s team, and advises recording artists and producers on music and publishing contracts. Litigator Nick Goldstone is also recommended.

Manches LLP advises on digital media rights and publishing contracts, and acts in contractual disputes between publishers and media organisations. Cathleen Blackburn, who acts for publishers and authors, is recommended, as is IP/IT litigator Steven Maier.

The impressively knowledgeable Chris Coulter heads Morrison & Foerster (UK) LLP’s ‘excellent’ team, which has an increasing amount of work in the digital cinema space, working for Odeon and UCI. It also advises on digital film distribution, representing content holders and distribution technology providers. Universal Music and Sony BMG are also key clients.

Norton Rose LLP’s ‘thorough and practical’ team works on high-value matters, such as a recent acquisition for FTSE International. It also regularly advises Arqiva on carriage agreements and disputes. Mike Knapper leads the nine-partner team. Peter Scott is noted for his ‘capture of key issues’, and he and senior associate Mark Simpson are recommended for their ‘ability to make clear and well-argued recommendations’. Jonathan Ball, who heads the firm’s contentious IP practice, works closely with the media practice.

Onside Law LLP’s well-regarded team advised the founder of Cake Entertainment in various disputes and on an investment. It also advises chef Heston Blumenthal on his television career; provides legal advice to the fashion industry; and acted for Premier Models model agency regarding its fly-on-the-wall TV documentary. Practice head Jamie Singer, Simon Thorp, Chris Walsh and Oliver Hunt are all recommended.

Simon Chalkley at IP and litigation boutique Redd acts for computer game publishers including Eidos, advising on software licensing and development, trade marks, and online gaming.

William Holder heads SJ Berwin LLP’s department, which counts Nintendo and Universal Music as clients. Holder advised a private equity house on its bid for Shed Media; and ‘brilliant corporate and M&A partner’ Mark Sanders and associate Nadim Zaman advised the shareholders of music publishing business Stage Three Music on its sale to BMG Rights Management.

Schillings handles image rights, privacy and reputation matters for high-profile recording artists and celebrities. Clients include Madonna and Matt Lucas. Litigator John Kelly specialises in protecting reputations.

Smiths-Law LLP advises social media websites on copyright law and online commerce, and represents independent and major record labels, artists and producers. Liam McNeive advises AOL and Photobox, and Andrew Lewis advises several companies in the Universal Music Group.

Robert Horsfall, who leads the practice at boutique music firm Sound Advice (Legal) LLP, focuses on representing recording artists, including Robert Plant. Sonia Diwan and Alan Lander advise managers, and music television and film production companies.

Statham Gill Davies focuses on advising recording artists, writers and producers on recording and production contracts, as well as merchandising and sponsorship. Clients include Guy Chambers, William Orbit, and Badly Drawn Boy. John Statham is recommended.

Weightmans LLP’s John Schorah advises major computer game companies on commercial issues. Sean Crotty specialises in drafting entertainment contracts.

Human rights expert Tamsin Allen heads the media and information practice at Bindmans LLP. She represents high-profile individuals in the arts, as well as the New Statesman and the National Union of Journalists.

Simon Stokes heads the publishing team at Blake Lapthorn, which advises publishers on matters including digital media. Clients include the Department for Education, the Antique Trade Gazette, and international publisher Story Worldwide. Joss Saunders has been advising traditional and new-media publishers on e-book publications.

Bolt Burdon’s ‘excellent’ team includes Mike Shepherd, who is ‘knowledgeable, technically able and an excellent litigator’; and recent recruit Chris Phillips, who joined from Collins Long and handles non-contentious matters. Shepherd recently represented musician Paul Kodish in a dispute over a terminated band agreement. Phillips acts for award-winning musician Tinie Tempah and production company Insatiable International.

Carter-Ruck’s five-partner publishing team, led by Guy Martin, advises on matters including trade mark and copyright issues and contract disputes. Magnus Boyd advises Slimming World on competitions and promotions, as well as libel and copyright. Incisive Media and Pearson Education are also clients. Senior partner Andrew Stephenson undertakes a significant amount of pre-publication review work; Ruth Collard’s practice spans contentious and non-contentious matters; and Claire Gill advises on matters including privacy, contempt and libel.

Covington & Burling LLP advises clients such as Sony NetServices and Microsoft on partnership agreements and digital content protection. Louise Nash is recommended. Lisa Peets leads the London media practice, advising major publishers and multinationals, and Michael Kingston is also recommended.

In 2010, Fladgate LLP recruited litigator Lawrence Abramson, a former managing partner at Harbottle & Lewis LLP. He now leads the team, which advises clients such as Boosey & Hawkes, G2 Media and Revolver Films. The group recently advised Affinity Media UK, the online games and entertainment company, in a dispute with another online games website. Random House is a longstanding client of David Robinson. Eddie Powell advises on e-publishing matters.

The ‘very good’ team at Foot Anstey, headed by Plymouth-based Chris Worrell, acted for Progressive Digital Media Group on an acquisition in 2010. Exeter-based Tony Jaffa advised a picture agency in a breach of privacy claim brought by the family of the Duchess of Cambridge.

Specialist IP and media law firm Hansel Henson LLP attracted several new clients in 2010, including Wyndham Pre-Press and affilinet. The firm advised Future Games of London on copyright infringement issues and distribution agreements. Tom Henson is ‘excellent’, and David Hansel is also recommended.

Latham & Watkins LLP works on big-ticket music, film and broadcasting matters, including advising on content protection and licensing arrangements. Recent highlights include the ‘excellent’ Luke Grubb and associate Justin Cornish advising BSkyB on technology procurement, and Gail Crawford advising Trion Worlds Inc. The team also recently acted for Live Nation and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

M Law’s ‘very good’ team gives ‘commercially savvy advice, which serves the practical interests of the client’. Consultant Peter Coles heads the practice and specialises in film and TV financing and production. The team acts for Hachette Filipacchi on all legal issues, and advises on music tours, such as Shakira’s 2010 global tour. Unstoppable Entertainment and Westminster Abbey are also clients. Oliver Fetiveau, Matthew Higdon and Victoria Russell are recommended.

Macfarlanes LLP represents DC Thomson & Co, one of the UK’s largest publishing companies, as well as Incisive Media and EMI. Assistant Sophie Holt advised Virgin on digital plans for a number of Richard Branson’s publications. Jeremy Courtenay-Stamp heads the team.

Rubinstein Phillips Lewis LLP’s John Rubinstein advises clients in the areas of music, publishing and art.

Simmons & Simmons’ ‘responsive, efficient and well-versed’ team advised NBC Universal on acquiring independent television producer Monkey Kingdom in 2010. It also advised new client Fox Entertainment on trade marks and passing off. Other clients include HMV and the English National Ballet. David Stone is ‘excellent’.

The team at Slaughter and May, led by corporate partner Jeff Twentyman, continues to advise Google in a long-running antitrust investigation. The team also advised Telegraph Media Group on new distribution contracts. BMG Rights Management is also a client.

Robert Wegenek heads the department at Squire Sanders Hammonds, which acts for Live Nation; and advised a number of advertising agencies on television campaigns. Senior associate Nessa McGill is ‘knowledgeable, clear thinking and personable’.

Wallace LLP’s head of commercial and IP, Matthew Pryke, advised Models One agency and nightclub impresario Piers Adams. John Woodhouse advises high-profile musicians and artist managers, as well as the Lovebox festival organisers.

Search News and Articles

Press releases

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to

Legal Developments in the UK

Legal Developments and updates from the leading lawyers in each jurisdiction. To contribute, send an email request to

Press Releases in the UK

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to
© 2012 www.legal500.com