Harbottle & Lewis LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Harbottle & Lewis LLP Offices

7 Savoy Court
LONDON
WC2R 0EX
England
Harbottle & Lewis LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m Tier 1
Harbottle & Lewis LLP's focus on the technology and media industries sees the team regularly acting for a broad cross-section of industry stakeholders both domestically and internationally, from blue-chip video game studios to television production companies and high-growth fintech ventures. Charles Lévêque helms the group, which is equally capable of handling transactions in a number of other sectors, including the retail, leisure and data infrastructure industries. Colin Howes is highly rated by clients for his 'intelligent and original approach' to transactional matters. Mark Phillips specialises in private M&A both for early and later stage companies, while Tim Parker concentrates on entrepreneurial and talent-led businesses. Anthony Littner's practice centres on founders and investors, while Tom Macleod is noted for his growing expertise in advising early stage businesses on M&A transactions.
Practice head(s):
Charles Lévêque
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have used Harbottle & Lewis in a number of small and medium-sized M&A-type deals and their advice, help and support has been absolutely invaluable. I have worked with other firms but I always find myself gravitating back to them. They are accessible, smart, original thinkers and I am always delighted to have them on my side.’
‘Colin Howes is an absolutely exceptional lawyer. I have worked with Colin for a number of years in a wide and varied set of situations and he never fails to deliver the highest quality advice and guidance in a clear and simple form. His intelligent and original approach to solving often complex problems is remarkable. I cannot recommend him highly enough.’
‘Very responsive, a large team is involved. They are able to track, check and summarise the pros and cons in simple context for all changes in contract terms and ongoing negations.’
‘Tim Parker is approachable, friendly, huge amount of knowledge, explained clearly and applicably. Pleasure to work with.’
‘Attention to detail, availability and knowledge were all excellent. Colin Howes was incredibly helpful throughout.’
‘The H&L team is strong but most importantly very commercially oriented. The team members are hard-working, always available and willing to explore all possible avenues.’
Key clients
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
DeepCode AG
StorMagic Ltd
The Panoply Holdings Plc
Plato Media Ltd, t/a Hopster
Punchdrunk Global Limited
Watford & Essex
I E B Trading Ltd t/a allbeauty
iM Global Partner
All3Media
Secret Group
MUSO
Validus Risk Management
Coldpress
Temperley London
Locksmith Animation
Eiffel Investment Group
Work highlights
- Advised Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. on its recommended offer to acquire Codemasters Group Holdings plc.
- Advised DeepCode AG on its acquisition by Snyk Ltd.
- Advised The Panoply on its acquisition of Keep IT Simple Limited.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 1
The cross-practice team at Harbottle & Lewis LLP is noted for its ‘specialist knowledge’ and ‘wide-ranging experience’. It acts for clients from areas such as film, TV, theatre, publishing, gaming and music. Jointly led by Michael Lister and Sacha Wilson, the advertising and marketing department acts for brands, agencies and talent, particularly in the influencer marketing and adtech space. The scope of the work includes advice on regulatory issues, contracts, digital marketing and sponsorship matters. The head of the film and TV group is Sarah Lazarides, who ‘goes above and beyond the call of duty’. Music sector lead Kieran Jay advises clients on recording, publishing, management, live performance and endorsement agreements. Kostyantyn Lobov and Mark Phillips jointly head up the video games group, which is praised for its ‘great knowledge of the industry’. Elsewhere, media finance expert Abigail Payne ‘doesn’t miss a trick but is very practical in her advice’, while Neil Adleman is commended ‘as an industry leading expert’ in the theatre and live performances space. IP specialist Shireen Peermohamed is a key contact for publishing matters. Alan Moss departed to set up Moss Legal Limited. In another development, IP specialist Andrew Terry joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.Practice head(s):
Michael Lister; Sacha Wilson; Sarah Lazarides; Kieran Jay; Kostyantyn Lobov; Mark Phillips; Abigail Payne; Neil Adleman; Shireen Peermohamed
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Terry; Jonathan Berger; Clare McGarry; Matthew Hiscox
Testimonials
‘Abigail Payne is an excellent lawyer. Doesn’t miss a trick but is very practical in her advice. Has quickly become my go-to lawyer at Harbottles.’
‘Sarah Lazarides (partner) is our lead counsel who goes above and beyond the call of duty on all legal matters great and small.’
‘Shireen Peermohamed (partner) is an exceptional advisor who provides pragmatic solutions and considers commercial realities in her strategic thinking.’
‘The specialist knowledge in this team is extraordinary – our primary contact Neil Adleman is recognised as an industry leading expert in what is a complicated and unique field.’
‘We’ve worked with the team at Harbottle for years and the relationship is a strong one. They have a wide-ranging experience across the industry which helps given the various contracts we work on. They understand our business completely.’
‘Our business is in the video games industry, and it makes a big difference when the legal firm has great knowledge of the industry. Harbottle & Lewis has practitioners who has served the industry for a long time, which makes it so much easier to communicate with when we have legal issues that need help and advice.’
‘Michael Lister consistently provides top quality advice and is really commercial and pragmatic. He gets what we are trying to achieve and helps us get there, steering us through any challenges that come up.’
Key clients
Havas
Interpublic
Kyra TV
Diageo
Mr President
Nissan
De Beers
Cara Delevingne
David Beckham
The Ozone Project
Universal Pictures
Michaela Coel
Amazon Studios
Punchdrunk
Sky UK Limited
Complete Fiction Pictures
Marv Studios
Global Citizen
Magic Light Pictures
John Battsek
Microsoft
Take-Two Interactive/Rockstar Games
Square Enix
Cloud Imperium Games
The Pokémon Company International
The Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE)
The Tonic Games Group
Ukie
Rebellion Games
Fourth State Games
all3media Group
Neal Street Productions
Hopster
Quiddity Films
Finstock Capital
Pixion Games
LA Media Fund
Secret Group
Jamie Hendry Productions
Queen
Stormzy
Jess Glynne
Mahalia
Little Simz
FKA Twigs
Nina Nesbitt
Tom Elmhirst
Paolo Nutini
Snakehips
Emir Taha
Lucy Blue
Global Citizen
Association of Independent Music (AIM)
Hachette UK
Association of Applied Biologists
Suitcase Magazine
The Publishers Association
Rebellion Publishing
The Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett
BibliU Limited
The Bent Agency
Dazed Group Ltd
Unputdownable Ltd for author Mark Dawson
National Theatre
Sonia Friedman Productions
The Old Vic
Donmar Warehouse
Sadler’s Wells
Playful Productions
Michael Cassel Group
Smith & Brant Theatricals
Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park
Work highlights
- Advised David Beckham on his various endorsement and brand ambassador arrangements, including his deal with Guild Esports.
- Advised Nira Park, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish on the establishment of a new production company, Complete Fiction Pictures, and its subsequent arrangements with Netflix.
- Advised Stormzy on his recent exclusive recording agreement, via his #Merky imprint, with Universal Music.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 1
Harbottle & Lewis LLP's strong reputation in defamation and privacy work is reflected in its impressive roster of clients, which includes members of the Royal Family, UHNWI, company executives and high profile entertainment, media and sports personalities. The team also advises on breach of confidence, data protection and information law, with the majority of its work being preventative. Practice heads Gerrard Tyrrell and John Kelly collectively have over 60 years' experience in the the field and are supported by a wider team of associates, including Louise Prince who advises corporate clients on various reputational issues and Amy Bradbury, a specialist in data protection rights.
Practice head(s):
Gerrard Tyrrell; John Kelly
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have worked very closely with the Harbottle & Lewis reputation team for many years. They are first-rate. They are strategic, considered, and effective.’
‘Highly experienced team. John Kelly is outstanding.’
‘Discretion, sector expertise, speed and availability combined with sensitivity around the nature of and personalities involved in our business.’
‘Gerrard Tyrrell – always available to help with advice and background context when issues erupted.’
Key clients
All of the most senior members of the Royal Family, including HM The Queen; TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall; TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum
Former First Lady of the United States Melania Trump
Sir Richard Branson
David and Victoria Beckham
Kate Moss
Roman Abramovich
David Ross
Iceland
Matthew Vaughn and Claudia Schiffer
Sir John Major
Pets at Home Limited
Gordon Ramsay
Softbank (SBIA)
Universal
Work highlights
- Representing Roman Abramovich in his libel claim against Harper Collins over false claims made about him in the book ‘Putin’s People’.
- Advising Roman Abramovich, Chelsea Football Club, Lisa Armstrong and Robert Cooper in relation to reputational issues including obtaining prominent apologies and the payment of damages and costs in respect of the publication of unlawful claims by the media.
- Protecting private family matters for the family and children of a number of very high-profile individuals.
Employment > Senior executives Tier 2
Home to 'an extraordinary group of experts', Harbottle & Lewis LLP stands out for the comprehensive range of expertise it offers to C-level individuals, and also its handling of discrimination and unfair dismissal matters that have arisen due to Covid. In addition to an array of discrimination and whistleblowing cases, Howard Hymanson is notable for his personal injury expertise, assisting clients who are dealing with mental health and 'long Covid' illnesses, while Yvonne Gallagher is considered a 'stand out' for litigation and negotiating settlements. Marian Derham has a strong practice in the creative, fashion and telecoms industries, and senior associates Poppy Lucas and Sarah Verrecchia both attract praise for the scope of their expertise.
Practice head(s):
Yvonne Gallagher; Howard Hymanson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘An extraordinary group of experts who provide professional advice on a full range of employment law issues. Diverse expertise acting for executives level negotiating and advising on: – exit strategies – termination packages – contractual arrangements – PR communication. Exceptional client service.’
‘I had a pleasure to work with the extraordinary Marian Derham and Poppy Lucas.’
‘The lawyers are intelligent, astute, knowledgeable and supportive.’
‘H&L which came highly recommended and very quickly stood out. Howard Hymanson not only gave me valuable free advice at the end of the call but he showed me that he is really sympathetic and understanding towards my matter.‘
‘Howard and his associate team member thoroughly captured all the details of my case and offered sound advice throughout. Everything seemed transparent and they were always ensuring that I am comfortable with the strategy they laid out. Howard was always very generous with his time and patient with me. He spent more hours on my case than what he finally invoiced me.’
‘Howard Hymanson has incredible judgment.’
‘Yvonne Gallagher stood out, taking a very sensible but firm approach to litigation for her client, which enabled the matter to reach a sensible outcome for both parties at an early stage, without the need for protracted litigation.’
‘Sarah Verrecchia provided an outstanding service with impeccable response rates, supportive people skills in a difficult time, and thorough analysis of the unusual issues arising.’
Work highlights
- Successfully negotiating a six-figure settlement for a client, a victim of workplace sexual assault.
- Attained a very favourable exit terms for a client, who suffered chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Advising on a high seven-figure claim against a US law firm following the client, an employee of that firm, suffering significant psychiatric injury.
Private client > Family Tier 2
Harbottle & Lewis LLP has an exceptional team with Catherine Bedford 'leading from the front and inspiring the team' that represents HNW clients with public profiles to protect. Clients include UHNW individuals from the business world and those with dynastic/family wealth as well as entrepreneurs. It continues to act in complex and unusual children matters such as child abduction; advising same sex couples and alternative families on both children and financial issues. Another area of expertise is advising on financial claims for non-married couples. Nicholas Westley specialises in complex matrimonial matters. Mark Irving is also recommended. It 'can manage the most complex litigation as if it were a walk in the park' .
Practice head(s):
Catherine Bedford
Other key lawyers:
Nicholas Westley; Mark Irving; Lidia Cantele; Eleanor Haidon
Testimonials
‘The family team is relatively young and has excellent energy. It is never afraid of a fight although it will try and find compromise where that is in the client’s best interests. Catherine Bedford and Nick Westley are both excellent litigators‘.
‘Excellent family/private client team, friendly and approachable, providing first rate practical advisors and advice, dealing with the largest matters, but offering the same quality of service to all tiers. Exceptional commitment to the interest of the clients – the lawyers really care in a way that is a pleasure to see and to work alongside. They leave no stone unturned and will work day and night (literally) for their clients. If you want a family legal team to really be not only on your side, but by your side, I cannot recommend anyone more strongly. Catherine Bedford who heads up the team is fantastic. She is the embodiment of all that is described in the preceding section (which I could repeat here), whose validity owes a great deal to her qualities. She is very ably supported indeed by her partner Mark Irving and assistant solicitors, senior – Lidia Cantele – and more junior – Eleanor Haidon. Mark, Lidia and Eleanor all exhibit the same qualities, and apply the same standards that are a hallmark of the department. A pleasure to work with them‘.
‘I have been extremely pleased and impressed with Harbottle & Lewis’s thorough knowledge about every detail of my case. The lawyers never seemed preoccupied by other cases they may have been involved with and always acted and made me feel like mine was the most important case. Lidia Cantele’s care is extraordinary. Her thoughtfulness, patience, attention to detail and ability to see the big picture is exactly what is needed to steer a clear path through often difficult situations‘.
‘I have been very impressed by the exceptional quality of the work done by the team at Harbottle & Lewis, which is of the highest standard in terms of all relevant criteria, including knowledge of relevant law and practice, judgement on sensitive tactical questions, client care and handling of the client and sheer hard work. The team is led by Catherine Bedford, assisted by other partners – Mark Irving. My comments also apply to a very impressive team of Associates led by Lidia Cantele. An outstanding performance all round‘.
‘The family law team at Harbottle and Lewis is one of the few truly top family law departments in London. Led by the dynamic Catherine Bedford, H&L has quickly overtaken competitors in the field over the last few years, as a result of which the biggest clients are now queuing up at the door. Given the strength in depth of the team, it is clear to see that they will continue in the ascendancy for many years to come. Harbottle and Lewis is a very strong team from top to bottom, and is blessed with a number of serious players‘.
‘Catherine Bedford is, quite simply, the future of family law in London. Over the last few years she has emerged as the front runner to replace the old guard of leading solicitors who are fast approaching retirement. Catherine has it all: she is charismatic, thoughtful, driven and a brilliant strategic thinker. Clients warm to her immediately and she is utterly dedicated to them‘.
‘Mark Irving and Lidia Cantele are both stars of the future. They are already handling very serious cases and both have all that it takes to succeed at the highest level. I expect to see both of them at the very pinnacle of family law over the next twenty years‘.
‘A good mix of both male and female and a wide spectrum of experience meant they worked well together as a team. Catherine Bedford – Excellent managerial and client management skills. Nick Westley – tough negotiator’.
Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 3
Leveraging the firm's well-regarded IP and technology capabilities, Harbottle & Lewis LLP's venture capital team provides 'exceptional and solution-oriented advice' to media and technology entrepreneurs and start-ups, through every step of the funding process, from early stage access to SEIS/EIS capital through to follow on rounds of equity finance provided by larger institutional funds. Team head Tony Littner takes the lead on the majority of the firm's work for investee clients, which praise the 'strategic' nature of his advice. The firm also continues to grow the investor side of the practice and has begun to pick up some notable mandates from corporate venturers. Appreciated for his 'thorough' advice, senior associate Tom Macleod is gaining significant market visibility.
Practice head(s):
Tony Littner
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They provide exceptional and solution-oriented advice.’
‘They collaborate and always look for the best solutions.’
‘Anthony Littner is very quick thinking and takes a strategic viewpoint on all advice given. Anthony will be thinking about what is around the corner in 1-5 years and shares his experience from the outset. This ultimately not only protects the company but is cost effective.’
‘Tom Macleod is thorough with his work.’
‘Tom Macleod is extremely personable, very sharp legally but willing to be pragmatic when appropriate.’
Key clients
Smart Pension
Primer API Limited
DeepCode AG
ENV (ENGIE New Ventures)
GMG Ventures
Laundryheap
StorMagic
Electric Noir Studios
Pavegen
Validus Risk Management Ltd
iM Global Partner
Punchdrunk Global Limited
Work highlights
- Advised global savings and investments technology platform provider, Smart Pension, on separate strategic investments from Natixis Investment Managers, one of the world’s largest asset management firms, and Barclays.
- Advised UK fintech, Primer API Limited (Primer), on multiple rounds of funding, including a £14m Series A fundraising led by Accel.
- Advised DeepCode AG, a Swiss technology company at the forefront of semantic AI-driven code analysis, on its acquisition by Snyk Ltd, a market leader in developer application security.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 3
Harbottle & Lewis LLP's commercial litigation group handles contentious matters for the firm's media, technology and entertainment sector clients. In addition, it is also active in retail and finance industry disputes, and it generates mandates from high-net-worth clients from the firm’s private capital practice. The firm is frequently involved in complex litigation with a nexus to jurisdictions such as the US, Russia, the Middle East, Cayman Islands/BVI and across Europe. Sandi Simons leads the commercial litigation group, which includes experienced partners Louis Castellani and Matthew Leverton. At senior associate level, Georgina Long has 'a good eye for detail' and Lizzie Williams is 'very good at running cases with little support'. Former partner Andy Millmore is now a consultant.
Practice head(s):
Sandi Simons
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A friendly and efficient team with experience in both litigation and arbitration.‘
‘An excellent, client-focused and accessible service delivered by people who work very well as part of a wider team encompassing clients and counsel.‘
‘Unparalleled expertise in the media field, and very approachable and adaptable.‘
‘Sandi Simons is an excellent team leader, with good strategic instincts and bags of common sense – very friendly for a partner of her seniority, and happy to get her hands dirty mulling over the issues and even the details.‘
‘Louis Castellani is a fantastic tactician, who really understands what makes opponents tick and what will press the appropriate buttons. He really sees the bigger picture with clients whose interests are not necessarily confined to the dispute in hand.‘
‘Matthew Leverton has built a very strong reputation and has very good fraud experience – a very safe pair of hands and very insightful.‘
‘Senior associate Georgina Long has a good eye for detail.‘
‘Senior associate Lizzie Williams is very good at running cases with little support, doing the work of several associates.‘
Key clients
Virgin Atlantic Airways
Victoria Beckham
LiveNation
Ticketmaster
Oxford University Press
IS Prime
ISFE 21
McCann Erickson Central
Floreat Group
Mishal Al-Sanea
Laurence Sargent
Lara Sargent
Work highlights
- Represented Laurence and Lara Sargent in defeating an urgent injunction application brought by Entertainment Partners (at the time a 25% shareholder in Sargent-Disc), which sought to restrain the sale of Sargent-Disc to Cast & Crew.
- Acting for Mishal Al-Sanea in co-ordinating pieces of ongoing and/or potential litigation in various jurisdictions, which involve the Al-Sanea family, particularly Maan Al-Sanea (Chairman of the Saad group of companies).
- Acting for the internationally known fashion brand, Victoria Beckham, in a claim relating to the defective construction and fit-out of its luxury flagship London store.
Industry focus > TMT Tier 3
Harbottle & Lewis LLP has a noteworthy media and entertainment practice, which primarily advises a broad spectrum of prominent companies in relation to corporate transactions, commercial agreements and IP law. In a recent highlight, the team advised Marv Studios on the financing of the feature film Tetris, which will be available on Apple TV. Peter Armstrong frequently advises major production companies in relation to feature films, whereas Jonathan Berger tends to assist broadcasters, producers, distributors and financiers with commercial agreements, including joint ventures. Abigail Payne is also a core member of the media group, with notable expertise in international co-productions and complex financing arrangements.
Practice head(s):
Abigail Payne; Peter Armstrong
Other key lawyers:
Michael Lister; Sacha Wilson; Sarah Lazarides; Shireen Peermohamed; Gerrard Tyrrell; John Kelly; Jonathan Berger
Testimonials
‘Harbottle & Lewis is a firm that cares about its clients and their needs: they look for ways to help their clients with flexible costs, confidentiality, honesty and commitment from the first instance.’
‘Team are innovative, practical, commercially minded and really pleasant to deal with.’
‘Sacha Wilson is very commercial, gets straight to the heart of the matter, makes everything seem very manageable and you know you are in a safe pair of hands.’
‘Harbottle have a deep understanding and expertise in the video games industry and this comes through in their advice which is concise and commercially focused. In addition to this obvious strength, an area where I have sought their expertise quite regularly is in the ad tech space. Sacha Wilson’s expertise in this area, both from a practical and legal perspective, has been invaluable.’
Key clients
Interpublic
Kyra TV
Mr President
The Ozone Project
De Beers
Havas
Nissan
Amazon Studios
Complete Fiction Pictures
Magic Light Pictures
Michaela Coel
Sky UK Limited
Universal Pictures
Marv Studios
Punchdrunk
Cloud Imperium Games
Fourth State Games
The Interactive Software Federation of Europe
The Pokémon Company International
Ukie
Microsoft
Rebellion Games
Gumball 3000
Work highlights
- Advised Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. on its offer to acquire AIM-listed Codemasters Group Holdings plc.
- Served as production counsel on the third film in the Jurassic World franchise, Jurassic World: Dominion.
- Advised DeepCode AG, a Swiss technology company at the forefront of semantic AI-driven code analysis, on its acquisition by Snyk Ltd, a leader in developer application security.
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 3
Harbottle & Lewis LLP continues to be instructed by a number of well-known new and existing charity clients on a diverse range of charity law matters. Under the leadership of David Scott and Colin Howes, it advises corporate foundations, media-related fundraising charities, subsidised arts organisations and high-net-worth-individuals on their personal philanthropy. It is also well-placed to advise charities on mergers, reorganisations and other corporate transactions and is skilled at handling issues where clients face huge public scrutiny by working with its reputation management team.
Practice head(s):
David Scott; Colin Howes
Other key lawyers:
May Delaney; Katerina Capras
Testimonials
‘It has deep expertise in not-for-profit activity – we have worked with H&L on a range of issues (charity re-structuring and objects, managing relationships with the Charity Commission, major donor/commercial agreements, trademarking, HR advice and strategy support), in both formal and informal capacities. The service and relationship that we have received is high-quality, timely and effective – the team at H&L is always available and supportive – in many cases we present a problem to them and they are quickly able to identify solution options with supporting expertise. We also value the philanthropic contribution that H&L offers to our charity, which spans a number of areas‘.
‘Our primary interface is Colin Howes – who is a key, trusted stakeholder for our organisation. His advice and support is highly-valued by our charity’s leadership team and our trustees. Colin’s approach starts and ends with the relationship, and how best he can serve our charity’s objectives, from which the legal strategy and work then flows. I always feel that he takes into consideration the entirety of our situation, never focusing on specific legal points. The other quality that I value in Colin, having worked with him for several years, is his consistent and positive development of junior staff’.
‘May Delaney helpful and proactive. Colin Howes – intellectually extremely able and a joy to work with‘.
‘Very customer focused, the lawyers go the extra mile to support clients. The expertise provided on amending our Articles of Association was invaluable. Katerina Capras guided us through the entire process step by step- we could not have managed this without her advice and excellent support!‘.
‘A very responsive team with creative solutions to client problems. The team works hard to support clients at every stage of the process and is transparent on fees. May Delaney has always been an excellent resource for clients. Her enthusiasm, attention to detail and forward thinking approach has solved many a tricky problem for clients‘.
‘Very good and capable. Has helped to save the day on one case which was difficult and we had to deal with challenging third parties. I am profoundly impressed and grateful for the support and professionalism. A great team to work with. May Delaney – associate. I really value her experience and quality of work. Hardworking, sees the bigger picture. Commercial. Committed‘.
‘Outstanding, open, honest and direct. Fully up to date technically and digitally. Engaged and committed. Every one is an outstanding communicator‘.
‘ Harbottle & Lewis for its expertise in the Charity sector and because of the excellent existing relationship with the firm ( Media ). H&L is always keen to show willing in accommodating the client‘.
Key clients
The Wigmore Hall
Screen Academy Foundation
The Talent Fund
Virgin Unite
Film London
Make My Money Matter
Dance Umbrella
Theatr Clwyd Trust Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Wigmore Hall on the its appointment as corporate trustee of a charitable trust.
- Advising Theatr Clwyd Trust on the transfer of all of the arts activities and operations associated with Theatr Clwyd from Flintshire County Council to a newly incorporated charity.
- Advised Virgin Unite on grants and grant agreements, the relationship between the English charity and associated overseas entities and board governance.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 3
Glen Atchison heads a dynamic and ‘great‘ team at Harbottle & Lewis LLP. Clients include entrepreneurs in new disrupter industries and high-profile ‘celebrities’. The group continued to expand with the recruitment of Zoë Camp from New Quadrant Partners LTD. Atchison’s principal focus is advising UK resident and non-resident ultra-high-net-worth individuals on multifarious issues, ranging from tax-efficient international succession planning and structuring through to the use of trusts or other bespoke arrangements to trace and protect assets, increasingly with a significant international dimension. Jonathan Burt is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Glen Atchison
Other key lawyers:
Zoë Camp; Jonathan Burt; Marianne Kafena; Gary Ashford; Chris Moorcroft; Siena Gold; Caroline Rao
Testimonials
‘I find this firm to be friendly, easy to work with, calm, wise, knowledgeable, efficient, prompt in responding and, in short, very professional in providing a first class service which is just what I need‘.
‘A refreshing and vibrant team. Marianne Kafena – very experienced and a delight to work with. Chris Moorcroft -very knowledgeable and innovative. Siena Gold is bright and engaging’.
‘Approachable, very responsive and easily understood advice. Very transparent on billing and very reasonable. Very approachable, happy to explain a point until there is understanding. Quality of advice is always clear and concise‘.
‘Innovative, entrepreneurial mindset to match the clients. Collaborative and always willing to help. Gary Ashcroft – always goes the extra mile and incredibly knowledgeable on tax. Caroline Rao – strong and knowledgeable with a good client base‘.
‘It is a good private client law firm with expertise in the entertainment industry which is what I use them for. Zoe Camp a leader in the field‘.
‘The team at Harbottle Lewis all bring slightly different areas of expertise to the table, but seem to genuinely “get on” as individuals, which really helps them work collaboratively across the practice. The main thing that sets Harbottle apart, in my experience, is the combination of being very good, professionally and technically on the one hand and approachable on the other. They are informal and easy/straightforward to deal with, but really “know their stuff”‘.
‘Experienced team on the private client side. Jonathan Burt has both experience as an external advisor and also from the perspective of a trust company, as he worked in-house. His international exposure and connections make him a go-to lawyer‘.
‘The team is excellent and expanding rapidly, which is a testament to its abilities in a highly competitive field. Jonathan Burt is first-rate – the perfect private client lawyer, combining technical expertise with first-rate judgement’.
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 3
Harbottle & Lewis LLP undertakes a significant amount of corporate occupier work with a nexus to the retail, hospitality and office sectors. In addition, it is also active in the tech, video games and interactive entertainment arenas. Melanie Benson leads the property department, which acts for a client roster including restauranteurs, cinemas and fashion luxury brands, as well as landlords, ultra-high-net-worth investors and family offices.
Practice head(s):
Melanie Benson
Other key lawyers:
Leo Marino; Lee Greaves
Testimonials
‘The partners are very talented and helpful, giving good commercial advice . The accounts team have been very understanding through the pandemic. In summary, they are well run, professional and a client-focused company.’
‘Melanie Benson is very insightful, using her excellent knowledge to make complex leases transaction run smoothly. She has very good interpersonal skills which makes working with her a pleasure.’
Key clients
Commercial Holdings 496 Limited
IMO Car Wash Group
Arch Light Cinemas
Cross Stone Group
Gordon Ramsay Holdings
Rockstar North
LW theatres limited
Work highlights
- Ongoing advice to longstanding client Commercial Holdings 496 Limited on its England-wide and varied property holdings. Work in 2020 included various acquisitions, new lettings and general property management such as the grant of licences.
- Acted for the world’s largest car wash group, IMO Car Wash, on the sale and leasebacks of seven sites in its portfolio to two buyers.
- Acting for the property holding group owned by well-known television and multiple Michelin-starred chef, Gordon Ramsay. In 2020, highlights included handling the acquisition of new premises located in Charing Cross, London. Other portfolio acquisition work is ongoing.
Real estate > Residential property Tier 3
Harbottle & Lewis LLP demonstrates strong capabilities in residential property work, as is reflected by the fact that it acts for high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, overseas investors and media and sports personalities. The practice advises clients on matters in the London prime and ultra-prime markets, as well as more generally countrywide. Team head Melanie Benson is an expert in leasing, conveyancing and investment. She works with Leo Marino, Lee Greaves and senior associate Jonathan Hewitt.
Practice head(s):
Melanie Benson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fantastic firm with great lawyers, entrepreneurial spirit and incredible clients.’
‘Excellent professional advice, always available.’
Key clients
Zedra
Work highlights
- Advised Zedra on acquisitions and disposals and a large number of on-shoring and de-enveloping matters relating to high value central London residential properties.
- Acting for an SPV on the multimillion pound acquisition of 12 apartments at the new Gasholder’s Development at King’s Cross.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 3
The team at Harbottle & Lewis LLP performs proactive copyright and trade mark infringement searches and subsequent takedowns in IP-rich sectors such as theatre and publishing. Notable work includes practice head Shireen Peermohamed’s representation of the estate of Terry Pratchett in wide-ranging enforcement actions. The team has recently brought in a number of new clients from a range of creative sectors including video gaming, which is the forte of Kostyantyn Lobov, whose instructions often concern copyright protection of visual assets. Recently joining from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, Andrew Terry has added additional capabilities in strategic brand management mandates.
Practice head(s):
Shireen Peermohamed
Other key lawyers:
Kostyantyn Lobov; Andrew Terry; Neil Adleman
Testimonials
‘The whole team act as one, they offer support and understanding but listen and offer the best solutions to the problems.‘
‘Under the leadership of Shireen Peermohamed the team are excellent, efficient, objective and essential to our UK enforcement operation. Shireen has imparted her automotive trade mark knowledge not only to Kostyantyn Lobov, who has become a key player in our operation, but also to the trainees whose knowledge grows everyday.‘
‘Shireen Peermohamed is excellent and sets a high standard.‘
‘The team is experienced, innovative and passionate about understanding their clients’ needs.‘
‘Shireen Peermohamed is a brilliant lawyer, razor sharp, expert in her field of specialism, incredibly commercial in her approach and a pleasure to work with.‘
‘Neil Adleman is a fantastic legal partner, he goes the extra mile; he is very commercial, knows the theatre industry intimately and is a strategic thinker.‘
Key clients
Queen Productions Limited (The band ‘Queen’)
Dunmanifestin Limited (owners of the rights in Sir Terry Pratchett’s works)
Electronic Arts, Inc
Warpaint PLC
Stormzy
The Tonic Group (owners of the hit video game FALL GUYS)
Gumball 3000 (the famous international car race)
Work highlights
- Acting as the global IP managers of the band Queen including managers of the band’s worldwide trade mark portfolio, assisting in matters of brand protection, enforcement and IP disputes.
- Acting for Dunmanifestin Limited, the IP holding company for the rights in the works of Sir Terry Pratchett. Work includes managing a rapidly expanding global brand portfolio, brand protection, licensing work and enforcement.
- Acting for the international video game giant Electronic Arts, including managing the company’s large and growing EU and UK trade mark portfolio.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 3
Harbottle & Lewis LLP is home to a sports practice praised by one client as ‘pure gold standard’. Practice head Bob Mitchell is a dedicated specialist in this sector; he is principally active on commercial and regulatory affairs, supporting a client list of governing bodies, marketing and management agencies, leading brands and athletes. A further figure of prominence is Michael Lister, who ‘consistently provides top quality advice’ on sponsorship agreements, event staging arrangements and player contracts, both on the field and off of it. The practice is able to call upon the firm’s leading defamation and reputation management expertise and also includes ‘fantastic’ associate Mike Jones, who recently supported on German international Kai Havertz’s transfer to Chelsea FC.
Practice head(s):
Bob Mitchell
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team feels like an extension of ours – they fit in seamlessly providing commercial and practical advice and drafting when we need them. We work across a very broad range of arts and entertainment sectors, from global ceremonies to creative installations and festivals and we know that the team can plug in and advise confidently whatever we turn our hand to.’
‘A lot of our work involves cutting-edge technology and often deals that are the first of their kind. The team have been very helpful in helping us with novel agreements and in getting things done in short timescales. They are pragmatic, highly commercial and also great people who we enjoy working with, which makes a big difference.’
‘Mike Jones is fantastic, he is commercial and highly pragmatic and feels like an extended part of the team. He is able to turn his hand at a really wide range of agreements and subject matters, often working at the forefront of new technologies in entertainment. We enjoy working with him and value his advice and input.’
‘Michael Lister consistently provides top quality advice and is really commercial and pragmatic – he really gets what we are trying to achieve and helps us get there, steering us through any challenges that come up. A safe pair of hands with a cool and calm approach. He is a really nice guy to work with, and feels like an extended part of our team. Highly recommended!’
‘They have the talent to make complex legal topics understandable and comprehensible for us as a commercial/sponsorship outfit. Very experienced in the sports industry and with big sports organisations. They are pure gold standard from my point of view.’
Key clients
Kai Havertz
South African Professional Rugby Players’ Association
Cricket West Indies
Nissan e.dams
The Queen’s Club
David Beckham
Team England Player Partnership (England Cricketers)
Esports player Mongraal (Kyle Jackson)
Powerboat P1
Tyrone Mings
SecuTix
Volkswagen
Ladies European Tour
Williams Harfield Sports
Conor Hourihane
Memphis Depay
Che Adams
Professional Cricketers’ Association
The Race Around
Bamg Sports Limited
Emirates
Federation of International Cricket Association
Diageo
Gumball Rally
Work highlights
- For Team England Player Partnership, the firm acted on behalf of England’s cricket players in respect of such arrangements including establishing protocols, negotiating and advising on revised playing contracts and new commercial and employment agreements.
- Advised the Nissan e.dams Formula E team on various sponsorship, kit supply, car development and sports marketing agency agreements as well as on the impact of COVID-19 and the team’s return to racing under bio-secure conditions.
- Advised German international footballer Kai Havertz and his management team on a number of aspects of his club record transfer to Chelsea FC, including advising and negotiating his image rights licence and playing contract with the club.
Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 4
Harbottle & Lewis LLP advises luxury brands, fashion designers and retailers, and high-profile individuals, and has niche expertise in ethical fashion-related matters and sustainability projects. Jointly headed up by commercial litigator Sandi Simons and property lawyer Melanie Benson, the group has exhibited particular expertise in commercial contracts, reputation and brand management issues, employment matters, sponsorships, influencer marketing, IP mandates, and dispute resolution. Other names to note are Marian Derham and Michael Lister.
Practice head(s):
Sandi Simons; Melanie Benson
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Victoria Beckham Limited
Kate Moss
Harrods Limited
Arizona Muse
MOB Kitchen
Astrid & Miyu
Wolford London Limited
De Beers UK Limited
SimiHaze
Cara Delevingne
Diageo
HyperX
Work highlights
- Advising Kyra, a new-age media youth entertainment company heavily involved in the fashion and retail industries, on its commercial partnerships with major fashion and lifestyle retailers, branded content deals and arrangements with high profile influencer talent.
- Advised I E B Trading Limited, t/a allbeauty which sells well-known beauty brands at discount prices, on its acquisition by Maximo Group, a joint venture between the owners of allbeauty, private investors and the Guernsey Investment Fund.
- Advised Cara Delevingne, as well as her sisters Poppy and Chloe, on their investment and promotional services related to the new prosecco brand Della Vite.
Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 4
Harbottle & Lewis LLP has a niche focus on the technology, media and entertainment sectors and has considerable experience in the adtech sphere. Its expertise includes data compliance work, international data transfer issues, data breaches and SARs. The cross-departmental team handles both contentious and non-contentious matters under the leadership of Sacha Wilson, who is head of the firm’s advertising group. Gerrard Tyrrell advises high-profile individuals and institutions on data protection work and reputation management issues, while John Kelly is a name to note for ICO matters and cybersecurity work. Daniel Tozer left for Keystone Law in December 2020.
Practice head(s):
Sacha Wilson
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Take Two Interactive
Diageo Plc
De Beers Group
Havas Media Group
Expedia
The Ozone Project
Nimax Theatre
Sargent-Disc Ltd
WhiteHat Jr
Hunter Boots
Primer API
SecuTix
Carwow
Work highlights
- Advised Havas Media Group on complex data privacy issues in relation to its agencies digital advertising activities.
- Advised Citywire on its multi-territory GDPR compliance work.
- Advised Sargent Disc on its data processing agreements.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 4
Harbottle & Lewis LLP is known for advising large and small technology companies in relation to a wide range of transactions, including M&A, investments and fundraising rounds. Sacha Wilson is known for his expertise in adtech, digital marketing, digital media transactions and data privacy matters. Anthony Littner leads the firm's start-up and venture capital groups, focusing primarily on the technology and media sector.
Practice head(s):
Sacha Wilson; Anthony Littner
Other key lawyers:
Tom Macleod
Testimonials
‘Sacha Wilson – outstanding knowledge and understanding of application of GDPR. Most knowledgeable I have found in the market.’
‘Harbottle & Lewis have a deep understanding and expertise in the video games industry and this comes through in their advice which is concise and commercially focused. In addition to this obvious strength, an area where I have sought their expertise quite regularly is in the adtech space. Sacha Wilson’s expertise in this area, both from a practical and legal perspective, has been invaluable.’
Key clients
Expedia
Take Two Interactive
Square Enix
De Beers Group
Tonic Games Group
Havas Media Group
Diageo Plc
Whitehat Jr
Carwow
Sargent-Disc Ltd
Nimax Theatre
Primer API
HyperX (Kingston Technology)
Skymagic
Nissan
Hunter Boots
Work highlights
- Advising Expedia on a range of commercial and technology matters relating to its online partner products and services.
- Advised Kingston Technology, a multinational computer technology company, on various commercial and technology agreements, and data queries, relating to ‘HyperX’, its world-renowned brand of gaming peripherals including headsets, keyboards and mice.
- Advised The Panoply Holdings PLC (The Panoply), on its acquisition of Arthurly Ltd (Arthurly).
Employment > Employers Tier 6
Equally strong in contentious and non-contentious work, Harbottle & Lewis LLP is best known for its work in the media and entertainment sector. Practice co-head Yvonne Gallagher routinely defends employment tribunal claims, in addition to her extensive record in TUPE transfers and day-to-day issues Fellow co-head Howard Hymanson specialises in personal injury claims and senior executive issues, while Marian Derham focuses on matters pertaining to the theatre, television and film industries.
Practice head(s):
Yvonne Gallagher; Howard Hymanson
Other key lawyers:
Marian Derham; Sarah Verrachia
Testimonials
‘Efficiency, knowledge and clarity.’
‘Marian Derham is proactive and has our institution’s Vision and Values firmly in mind when giving advice. Very strategic thinker. Mark Primrose is thorough and gives excellent technical HR advice.’
‘Very responsive, practical and commercial advice from experienced and approachable lawyers who understand our business.’
‘Technically strong and competent, always available.’
Key clients
NFU Mutual Insurance Society Limited (Insurance)
Nimax Theatres (Theatre)
Harrods Limited (Retail)
GP&J Baker Limited (Retail)
Taj Hotels (Leisure)
Take Two Interactive Software Inc (Games)
Wolford London (Retail & Fashion)
Punchdrunk Global Limited (Theatre)
Wanis International Foods (Food & Beverage)
Astrid & Miyu (Fashion & Retail)
LAMDA (Higher Education)
Work highlights
- Defended NFU Mutual Insurance Society Limited against a claim in an Employment Tribunal.
- Advising Take Two Interactive Software Inc on their $1bn bid to take over Codemasters – an AIM listed company.
- Providing wide-ranging employment law advice to Astrid & Miyu Limited.
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
Harbottle & Lewis LLP > Firm Profile
Harbottle & Lewis is a leading UK-based law firm focused on the technology, media and entertainment (TME) and private client sectors. Clients range from start-ups to multinational companies, from household names to private individuals and their family offices.
Whilst known for our stand-out expertise in the Technology, Media and Entertainment sectors, our capabilities spread far wider than this advising for some of the most creative, talented and successful people, businesses and corporates, across all of their legal needs. Whether we are talking about wealth, relationships or information, the firm’s private capital expertise enables its lawyers to support clients, as well as to help them successfully develop, grow and protect their assets.
Harbottle & Lewis’ clients benefit from strong legal expertise delivered with industry insight and a commercial approach. Their deep client relationships are built on mutual trust and understanding.
Principal areas of work:
Harbottle & Lewis provides a full service across corporate, commercial, employment, family, finance, intellectual property, litigation, private wealth, immigration, property and tax law.
The firm also advises on regulatory matters and the legal issues faced by organisations and individuals in the media spotlight, such as defamation, information protection, privacy and image rights.
Recent work highlights include:
- Advising Universal Pictures on Jurassic World, the first UK production to restart after Covid pandemic restrictions.
- Advising Stormzy on his recent exclusive recording agreement, via his #Merky imprint, with Universal Music – one of the most lucrative artist deals signed in the music industry in 2020.
- Advised the Ozone Project, which is a cutting edge digital advertising platform owned by the major news publishers, including the Guardian, News UK and the Telegraph.
- Advising members of the Royal Household in relation to reputational and privacy issues.
Other recent highlights include:
- Advising Diageo on its new global agency media buying services agreement with the Omnicom Group.
- Advising leading games publisher Take-Two Interactive on its US$1 billion bid for Codemasters.
- Acting as trusted advisors to Amazon Studios across its scripted and unscripted slate of projects.
- Advising several sporting organisations including Team England Player Partnership (England Cricketers), Queens Club a number of top footballers and major sponsors on a range of matters.
The firm continues to act for high-net-worth individuals and public figures on all aspects of their personal and financial affairs. The firm has advised a number of clients on sensitive employment matters; on the sale and purchase of multi-million pound residential properties; on effective tax structuring of new and existing businesses for entrepreneurs; and on the administration of significant UK trusts and estates.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing Partner | Glen Atchison | glen.atchison@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Advertising and Marketing | Michael Lister | michael.lister@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Advertising and Marketing | Sacha Wilson | sacha.wilson@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Broadcasting | Sacha Wilson | sacha.wilson@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Charities and Philanthropy | Colin Howes | colin.howes@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Charities and Philanthropy | David Scott | david.scott@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Commercial Property | Lee Greaves | lee.greaves@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Commercial Property | Leo Marino | leo.marino@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Corporate and Commercial | Colin Howes | colin.howes@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Corporate and Commercial | Charles Leveque | charles.leveque@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Corporate Finance | Tim Parker | tim.parker@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Corporate Recovery and Insolvency | Rhys Llewellyn | rhys.llewellyn@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Data Protection | Sacha Wilson | sacha.wilson@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Dispute Resolution | Louis Castellani | louis.castellani@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Dispute Resolution | Matthew Leverton | matthew.leverton@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Dispute Resolution | Sandi Simons | sandi.simons@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
E-commerce and New Media | Sacha Wilson | sacha.wilson@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Employment | Marian Derham | marian.derham@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Employment | Yvonne Gallagher | yvonne.gallagher@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Employment | Howard Hymanson | howard.hymanson@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Family | Catherine Bedford | catherine.bedford@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Family | Mark Irving | mark.irving@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Family | Nicholas Westley | nicholas.westley@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Fashion | Melanie Benson | melanie.benson@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Fashion | Sandi Simons | sandi.simons@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Film & Television | Sarah Lazarides | sarah.lazarides@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Immigration | Sarah Gogan | sarah.gogan@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Intellectual Property | Kostyantyn Lobov | kostyantyn.lobov@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Intellectual Property | Shireen Peermohamed | shireen.peermohamed@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Intellectual Property | Andrew Terry | andrew.terry@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Interactive Entertainment | Kostyantyn Lobov | kostyantyn.lobov@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Interactive Entertainment | Mark Phillips | mark.phillips@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Media Finance | Abigail Payne | abigail.payne@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Music | Kieran Jay | kieran.jay@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Personal Injury | Daniel Marks | daniel.marks@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Private Capital | David Scott | david.scott@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Private Wealth | Glen Atchison | glen.atchison@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Private Wealth | Jonathan Burt | jonathan.burt@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Private Wealth | Zoë Camp | zoe.camp@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Private Wealth | Siena Gold | siena.gold@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Private Wealth | Sofie Hoffman | sofie.hoffman@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Private Wealth | Marianne Kafena | marianne.kafena@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Private Wealth | Chris Moorcroft | chris.moorcroft@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Private Wealth | Marcus Parker | marcus.parker@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Publishing | Shireen Peermohamed | shireen.peermohamed@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Reputation Management | John Kelly | john.kelly@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Reputation Management | Gerrard Tyrrell | gerrard.tyrrell@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Residential Property | Melanie Benson | melanie.benson@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Restructuring & Insolvency | Matthew Leverton | matthew.leverton@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Retail | Melanie Benson | melanie.benson@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Sport & Sponsorship | Michael Lister | michael.lister@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Sport & Sponsorship | Bob Mitchell | bob.mitchell@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Tax | Gary Ashford | gary.ashford@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Theater and Performing arts | Neil Adleman | neil.adleman@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Venture Capital | Tony Littner | tony.littner@harbottle.com | +44 (0)20 7667 5000 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Neil Adleman | Neil is Head of the firm’s Theater Group. He advises clients in… | View Profile |
![]() | Peter Armstrong | Peter is a Partner in the firm’s Film & Television Group, specialising… | View Profile |
![]() | Gary Ashford | Gary is a highly experienced International Tax Partner and is an expert… | View Profile |
![]() | Glen Atchison | Glen established the Private Client & Tax and Private Capital groups at… | View Profile |
![]() | Catherine Bedford | Catherine is well-known in the field of family law, leading the Family… | View Profile |
![]() | Melanie Benson | Melanie leads the Property Group and deals with all aspects of real… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Berger | Jonathan is Head of the firm’s Film and TV Group. He acts… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Burt | Jonathan has spent 25 years advising international entrepreneurs and wealth owners. His… | View Profile |
![]() | Zoë Camp | Zoë is a private client lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience.… | View Profile |
![]() | Louis Castellani | Louis is a litigation partner and undertakes a broad range of commercial… | View Profile |
![]() | Marian Derham | Marian is a Partner in the firm’s Employment group acting for employers,… | View Profile |
![]() | Yvonne Gallagher | Yvonne specialises in employment law, acting for employers and senior executives. She… | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah Gogan | Sarah is a private client lawyer with over 20 years’ experience in… | View Profile |
![]() | Siena Gold | Partner advising individuals, family offices, trustees and the financial institutions representing them… | View Profile |
![]() | Lee Greaves | Lee is a Partner in the firm’s Property Group, specialising in all… | View Profile |
![]() | Sofie Hoffman | Sofie Hoffman acts on a number of international contentious trust and probate… | View Profile |
![]() | Colin Howes | Colin is a partner who works in both the Corporate and Commercial… | View Profile |
![]() | Howard Hymanson | Howard acts for both employers and senior executives in relation to contentious… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Irving | Mark is a Partner within the firm’s Family department. He handles all… | View Profile |
![]() | Kieran Jay | Kieran represents leading artists, song-writers, producers and mixers as well as independent… | View Profile |
![]() | Marianne Kafena | Marianne is a leading tier one private client lawyer with more than… | View Profile |
![]() | John Kelly | John Kelly is recognised as a leading litigator who specialises in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah Lazarides | Sarah is a Partner in the firm’s Film & Television Group, specialising… | View Profile |
![]() | Charles Leveque | Charles is Head of the Corporate Group at Harbottle & Lewis. He… | View Profile |
![]() | Matthew Leverton | Matthew is a Partner with wide-ranging litigation and dispute resolution experience. He… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Lister | Michael is a Partner in the firm’s Sports Group and head of… | View Profile |
![]() | Tony Littner | Tony is a Corporate Partner and Head of the firm’s Venture Capital… | View Profile |
![]() | Rhys Llewellyn | Rhys is a Corporate partner specialising in private company and business sales… | View Profile |
![]() | Kostyantyn Lobov | Kostyantyn advises on all matters involving intellectual property, dispute resolution, regulatory and… | View Profile |
![]() | Leo Marino | Leo is a Partner in the firm’s Commercial Property group, advising on… | View Profile |
![]() | Daniel Marks | Daniel is a Litigation partner who advises on all aspects of personal… | View Profile |
![]() | Bob Mitchell | Bob has been a dedicated sports lawyer and head of the firm’s… | View Profile |
![]() | Chris Moorcroft | Chris Moorcroft advises individuals and families on the structuring of wealth and… | View Profile |
![]() | Dalton Odendaal | Dalton advises on all aspects of the commercial exploitation of rights in… | View Profile |
![]() | Marcus Parker | Marcus has over 20 years’ experience in the private client industry as… | View Profile |
![]() | Tim Parker | Tim is a Partner in Corporate Finance, advising both private and public… | View Profile |
![]() | Abigail Payne | Abigail is a Partner in the Film and TV Group providing advice… | View Profile |
![]() | Shireen Peermohamed | Shireen is a Partner advising on intellectual property and publishing. She specialises… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Phillips | Mark is Partner in the firm’s Corporate & Commercial group, Publishing group,… | View Profile |
![]() | David Scott | David provides personal and corporate tax advice to the full range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Sandi Simons | Sandi has been a dispute resolution specialist for over 25 years. She… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Terry | Andrew is an Intellectual Property partner with more than 20 years’ experience… | View Profile |
![]() | Gerrard Tyrrell | Gerrard is Senior partner and head of media and information group; specialising… | View Profile |
![]() | Nicholas Westley | Nicholas is an experienced family barrister. He previously practised at Queen Elizabeth… | View Profile |
![]() | Sacha Wilson | Sacha is a partner working across the firm’s Media & Entertainment and… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 42 Number of UK associates : 34 Number of UK senior associates : 23 Other Lawyers : 6Diversity
We believe a diverse firm is a stronger firm. Diversity allows us to better understand our clients’ needs, provide innovative solutions and conceive alternative approaches to issues. We are committed to ensuring that our workforce is as diverse as our client base, and that our staff feel included and respected.
Grass Roots Impact
During the year, the firm has continued to focus on diversity and inclusivity at graduate level. As well as providing better financial assistance to prospective trainees, we partner with Aspiring Solicitors (AS), an organisation that champions graduates from underrepresented groups (e.g. low income families, first generation undergraduates, BAME, LGBTQ+ and those with special needs and disabilities). Through mentoring, employability assistance and involvement in AS events we are proud to say that this year we have offered more training contracts to AS members than to non-AS members.
We partner with Prime, an organisation committed to improving access to the legal profession through work experience.
Last year we also signed up to The Brokerage’s Generation 2020 Academy, a digital programme that allows us to support disadvantaged students (aged 17 or 18) through mentoring and masterclasses. Ten individuals from across the firm took part and partners Marianne Kafena and Sacha Wilson gave sessions about their careers and how to become a lawyer.
A supportive and inclusive environment
We have a dedicated Diversity and Inclusivity events program, including fundraising activities, circulars and sessions with key speakers. This programme of events complements our skills-based diversity, unconscious bias and interview skills training for those taking part in the recruitment process.
Following a review of the firm’s parental policies, these were recently enhanced. Maternity leave increased from 16 weeks to 22 weeks of full pay; shared parental leave increased from statutory pay to 22 full weeks of full pay; the length of service requirement for paternity pay was removed; and further time could be taken as single days following return to work to adjust to the pressures of parenthood. In addition, the firm introduced a parental mentoring programme for new parents.
We support those who wish to return to work on a part-time basis following maternity leave. A 100% of those requests have been granted to date. The firm also accommodated childcare-related flexible working requests from those who have not recently returned from maternity or paternity leave and requests unrelated to childcare.
Our gender balance at the senior level has improved year on year and this year we increased the number of female partners from 22% to 28% and increased the number of female partners on the Management Executive Committee from just over a third to over a half.
Supporting the Change Makers
We work to use our expertise to support those within our industries who are working to effect change.
Pro Bono Work and Initiatives
In the past year our lawyers have undertaken a number of pro bono initiatives including providing advice on furlough to social care organisations in North Central London during the COVID-19 pandemic and advising the organisation Equal Representation for Actresses 50:50.
- Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance)
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Employment > Senior executives
- Private client > Family
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Venture capital
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market
- Industry focus > TMT
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers
- Real estate > Residential property
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport