What we say about the firm's legal practice in London
Dispute resolution
Within Defamation and privacy, tier 4
Paddy Gardiner recently joined Michael Simkins LLP as practice head from Eversheds LLP, while Catherine Fehler left for Swan Turton.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Within Brand management, tier 4
Eversheds LLP saw an increase in trade mark related instructions from Coca-Cola, Chanel and Northern Foods in 2010. Andrew Terry advises on high-profile sponsorship arrangements. Advertising head Phil Sherrell moved to Bird & Bird, and Paddy Gardiner joined Michael Simkins LLP.
Within Media and entertainment, Michael Simkins LLP is a first tier firm,
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’.
Within Sport, tier 6
Niche firm Michael Simkins LLP advises on sports player and manager contracts, and transfer agreements between clubs. It also advises broadcasters and venues on broadcasting rights.