Firm Profile > Harbottle & Lewis LLP > London, England

‘They are extremely smart, experienced and responsive. They have the ability to think around problems and offer up innovative solutions. They are friendly but steely when necessary. A delight to deal with and certainly people you would want on your side!‘

‘Colin Howes’ experience is unrivalled. He is unflappable and unfailing in coming up with excellent advice and often, a unique angle of approach to challenged faced.‘

‘The Harbottle & Lewis team clearly know their way around M&A deals, and their collective experience and strong culture comes through in the way they work with clients and handle opposing counsel. We felt we had access to the most knowledgeable experts within each area of our SPA at Harbottle & Lewis, beyond the excellent core individuals who supported us throughout, and this created a powerhouse team and enabled us to nail down the best outcome. The attention to detail, clear explanations and advisory throughout the process was reassuring. The lead partner on our deal was hands-on throughout and always available, which was a deciding factor for us in choosing this team.‘

‘They are truly client focused. They select the team to meet your precise requirements. You are made to feel that your objectives are at the centre of everything.‘

‘Colin Howes is exceptional.‘

‘Highly knowledgeable and connected in the industry.‘

‘Exceptionally responsive to client requests. The team displays an ability to work through complex issues and explain them to business teams in a pragmatic and clear way. Matters are run efficiently with a clear focus on fee transparency.‘

‘Sarah Lazarides – a pragmatic negotiator with an obviously deep insight into the market. Displays an ability to determine what’s important to her client and to focus on these issues.’

‘Clare Zucker (associate) – A pleasure to work with. Fantastic attention to detail and very responsive to client requests. Runs matters efficiently and inspires confidence in her clients.‘

‘The media and entertainment team have great knowledge and wisdom, wide experience, excellent breadth of contacts, yet remain highly approachable with their feet on the ground.‘

‘Jonathan Berger continues to be an outstanding partner who is excellent at resolving issues and making things happen. And fun!‘

‘Strong knowledge of all areas of the Theatre and Entertainment sector. No nonsense practical approach with sensible consideration of time and cost.‘

‘Neil Adleman – in-depth knowledge and contacts across the sector with good topline overview as well as detailed understanding.‘

‘The team is knowledgeable, commercially-astute, and very approachable; making working with them, individually and collectively, a real pleasure. We work predominantly with the team on film production and film finance matters but with a broad cross-disciplinary practice, we always feel that we are in safe hands as issues in other areas will be handled seamlessly by other teams.‘

‘Harbottle & Lewis has a well-deserved reputation in the sector, both in the contentious and non-contentious fields.  Its Reputation Management team is one of the best in the country.  Not only do they know how to protect their clients’ reputations but they know how to pursue opponents with tactical astuteness that makes the publishers and broadcasters know they have a fight to get out of before it gets so much worse for themselves.’

‘Gerrard Tyrrell knows all the questions and all the answers.  You want him acting for you and not against you. John Kelly is highly skilled and enjoys a well-deserved reputation.’

‘Its in-depth knowledge is second to none. Their capacity for work, attention to detail, and timely feedback is excellent. Their counsel and advice is first class.’

‘I worked with Gerrard Tyrrell and don’t think I could have carried out my role (in-house) without his counsel and expertise. His knowledge of the media industry, and understanding of important nuances or changes within the industry were vital to me.’

‘Highly experienced, hard-working and dedicated team which is able to combine providing the best legal advice with understanding other perspectives, be they those of the client, communications considerations or operational requirements. Particularly good with media related issues and HNWI/VIP clients. Solicitors are always available, considerate and able to present complex legal arguments in an understandable way. Gerrard Tyrrell, and John Kelly provide first class counsel in complex situations to very important and influential clients.’

‘What makes this practice unique is the fact that they all bond together really well. Media problems need dealing with instantly. The team is brilliant at this. Gerrard Tyrrell is head and shoulders above any other reputation lawyer in the country. His knowledge of media law is second to none. He is always available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.’

‘I have worked with the HL reputation team for many years on little and large cases. They are excellent, responsive, and smart. John Kelly and Gerrard Tyrrell are at the top of their game. They attract first rate work and deservedly so.’

‘A stellar team that is getting stronger and stronger. There is a high standard throughout‘

‘Catherine Bedford is a superb family lawyer. Her client list is the envy of many. Her work rate is prodigious. She has sound judgement and always makes the right call. Her strategic overview is astute and first rate’

‘Catherine Bedford and her team have been exemplary, in every respect, through that time. Utterly professional and dedicated in their behaviour, wise in their advice and unflinchingly loyal to me as the client‘

‘Mark Irving is also one of the best lawyers  I have worked with. Calm, clever and considered. You want him on your side. Every lawyer in this team is excellent‘

‘Catherine Bedford’s legal knowledge, judgement, sensitivity to the needs of the clients, industry and efficiency mean that she is among the top family law solicitors. Mark Irving and Lidia Cantele have also shown exceptional legal skills and judgement, all while working under great pressure’

‘In every sense, H&L represents the future of family law. Catherine Bedford is vastly experienced in family law and is responsible for driving the team forward in an energetic and collaborative way. She is a master tactician who is familiar with all the tricks of the trade and is never one to be caught out by the other side. Her advice is sensible and pragmatic, whilst she also knows how to fight a client’s corner hard when required’

‘What a team! It is flourishing under the leadership of Catherine Bedford, who is a force to be reckoned with. She brings with her a heady mix of ambition for her clients, an understanding of the necessity for well-placed pragmatism and a steely commitment to the cause’

‘Nick Westley is really easy to work with but he also rigorously pursues his clients’ best interests. Nick sees cases differently to most solicitors and can see what is likely to be achievable and can plot a route map for achieving the most difficult results. A brilliant lawyer and a tough negotiator but pragmatic and down to earth. Clients love him‘

‘The clarity and precision they brought to my situation was extraordinary. They were much easier to understand than others I have worked with.’

‘Marian Derham brought an amazing range of qualities to the task. She was absolutely brilliant at manoeuvring the twists and turns of my situation and in briefing me on what to do. She enabled me to be much stronger than I would normally have been in a situation such as mine and was an inspiration to me.’

‘The team is highly knowledgeable and where necessary are able to refer to colleagues within the team for additional input. The relationship is personal and committed.’

‘Marian Derham is knowledgeable and experienced and highly practical in her approach.’

‘Creative and lateral thinkers, resourceful, ‘big picture’ approach, buddy-scheme four-eyes approach to strategy, emotionally intelligent approach to handling clients, extremely fast turnaround, transparent and proportionate regarding fees. All major sectors covered.’

‘Marian Derham has the ability to make you feel like yours is the only case she is working on. She is focused, clearly explains all detail, and is happy to clarify any aspects again and again. She was always available to discuss information over the phone – nothing is ever too much trouble. Marian also displays a very wide knowledge of all the different sectors.’

‘Marian Derham’s detailed knowledge of legislation and her calm, measured approach to issues have made her invaluable when dealing with some complex matters. She evaluates things from all angles helping clients to make informed decisions. I would not hesitate to recommend Marian in particular to anyone.’

‘Harbottle were always proactive and one step ahead of the other side at all times. They exuded an aura of calm in a stressful situation.’

‘Marian Derham is at the top of her craft, one of the very best, an exceptional lawyer. Offering immense professionalism, incredible intellect and sheer talent; additionally she has the gift to offer calm, logic, strategic focus at a time of intense fear and anxiety. Marian is fast, astute, works with zero fuss and few words that are clear, direct, powerful, decisive and directional. Marian quietly takes control and leads with total transparency. I felt that I could trust Marian 100%. She is a quiet, gentle, deeply caring individual and there was not one moment I felt unsupported; legally, emotionally and psychologically… she had my back from our first hello and to this day I credit her with saving my life and preserving my future.’

‘Lizzie Williams has been excellent at managing the client and attention to detail. Sandi Simons has an unusual grasp of detail and unusually good legal brain for a partner.’

‘Strength in depth. Efficiency and rapid turnaround.’

‘Team of Sandi Simons (partner) and Lizzie Williams and Ben Stevens (associates) all excellent.’

‘All round team. Consistently good. Always available and deliver results.’

‘John Kelly and Matt Leverton are an excellent team.’

‘If you want Magic Circle quality and service, with really nice people to work with, but without the price tag, that is Harbottles. They cover most areas of commercial work and can (and do) absolutely go head to head against the giant firms. They have impressive clients, especially in media, and are very much valued by them. In this practice area I think they are brilliant.’

‘I think the whole team demonstrate a no-nonsense commercial approach to cases, always putting clients’ interests first and doing the necessary to achieve the best. Louis Castellani would be my personal choice of lead partner if I had a commercial issue in any area of commercial litigation, but especially if there were a media or publicity angle. Sandi Simons (partner) is a great tactician, always two steps ahead, but also a stickler for the details as well as a very knowledgeable technical lawyer. Matthew Leverton is cracking on detail, with a fantastic memory for it, and with a dog-like ability to keep gnawing at the other side until he gets an answer. More junior people include Georgina Long who is really switched on to all the complexities and tactics of a case, and Lizzie Williams who shows judgement and instinct beyond her years of qualification!’

‘I struggle to think of a better commercial disputes firm in their part of the market. They combine a wealth of hands-on litigation experience, a deep grasp of how use the court system to get results and an overarching commercial focus on their clients’ interests.’

‘All the H&L people I have worked with have been distinctive for their sheer grasp of how to conduct litigation. It is rare to find this combination of technical expertise and strategic acumen, not just in one or two individuals but across a whole team.’

‘On the partner side, I would single out Andy Millmore (a keen eye for the key point), Louis Castellani (very shrewd litigator) and Matt Leverton (a real rising star).’

‘Delivers top-notch area expertise in a relaxed, professional and personable manner. High energy and forward thinking. State-of-the-art knowledge. Entrepreneurial‘

‘The team has so much experience and understands how to manage and look after UHNW clients’

‘Glen Atchison is dynamic, has boundless energy, is excellent with clients and can get straight to the heart of a matter‘

‘Glen Atchison is an excellent tactician and leader. His team has a very entrepreneurial attitude and has the breadth and ability to deal with anything a client wants’

‘Jonathan Burt is exceptionally bright, technically excellent and experienced in international private client work‘

‘Siena Gold is delightful, mature beyond her years, has excellent judgement and is hugely competent technically‘

‘Jonathan Burt is a great lawyer with a strong practice and interesting clients. He is amazing, very, very clever and provides sound advice‘

‘Zoë Camp’s clients feel absolutely supported by her; they have trust and confidence that they are getting the right advice. She is responsive and delivers a first-class service‘

‘The team have a great depth and breadth of experience in the sports space. They are able to blend deep legal knowledge with an understanding of how brands work and the challenges they face, in order to deliver the right outcomes. ‘

‘Michael Lister is always available; he has extensive experience across a range of sports and a really positive can-do attitude. The advice he has given us in several different scenarios has been invaluable and in instances where we have had to work with in house legal teams.’

‘Besides being highly experienced in the sports industry and doing an exceptional job for us, they have the inimitable capability to explain complex legal topics in a language which makes them understandable/comprehensible for us as a commercial team.’

‘Michael Lister and Sam Purkiss have a really professional way of working, responding quickly to new challenges with high-quality assessments. And all this in an exceptionally pleasant, friendly and cooperative way. I very much appreciate their behaviour in negotiations – resolute in execution, gentle in manner. Which fits perfectly to the spirit of our team.’

‘The team always went the extra mile to understand our needs and understand exactly what mindset we had in relation to the matter they were assisting with’

‘They really went into the nitty gritty and challenged our thought process to make sure we made the right decision when required’

‘Harbottle offer clear pragmatic advice and work well with our business objectives’

‘Shireen Peermohamed is excellent’

‘They are extremely reliable, efficient and very personable. I am always confident of excellent support across various matters’

‘The breadth of practice at H&L means that when I require advice in other sectors of the media (or more generally) I am confident in the expert advice provided’

‘Neil Adleman is the pre-eminent theatre lawyer in Europe. Brilliant industry knowledge and highly commercial’

‘Jonathan Berger is a highly effective commercial media lawyer with superb negotiation skills and business advice’

‘H&L have been on our journey as a start up since day one, even though we have limited budgets and only a small understanding of the legal side of things, they have been amazing in breaking things down and offering time which is above and beyond their means. Always available whenever I needed them to answer questions, no matter how big or small.’

‘Stand out partner is Tom Macleod. He has been like an extension of our team, got to know individuals in my company and supported us through our growth, he has always introduced the right partners at the right times to keep costs down for us too.’

‘The ability to see both side of the equation – investors and founders. The firm always provides a balanced view. They know the VC area inside out and can do small and big deals alike. Love working with this firm.’

‘Anthony Littner – always available with a strong customer focus and commercial mind. Always looking for solutions. Sees all sides of the debate. Tom Macleod – sees many different viewpoints.’

‘Great communication and balancing of key strengths against fees to ensure a holistic service delivered in the most cost effective way.’

‘A very warm and hands-on approach, no question or query is deemed silly and you really get the sense that H&L act and feel like an extension of your own in-house legal team.’

‘Tom Macleod has been handling our account for the last few years and the experience has been second to none. Tom has a rich understanding of the start-up ecosystem and is very well placed to provide us with a top-class service.’

‘They are very responsive, always know the right answer, and are not expensive.’

‘Melanie Benson has a great support team around her. All the other partners I have dealt with have been very professional and knowledgeable in their chosen fields.’

‘I have worked with Melanie Benson for the last 15 years. In this time we have worked on many transactions. She is so good because of her great knowledge of law, but she also makes it clear and understandable for us. She is very commercial in the professional advice that is given, and is responsive in dealing with questions and documentation. She has great understanding of our business and the people who run it which makes it a pleasure to deal with her.’

‘Very friendly and approachable.‘

‘Kind, understanding and helpful.‘

‘Michael Lister and his team made me feel important, valued and some how that I was adding value to the firm by bringing things to their attention. It is a very unique and special way of creating a working dynamic where everyone feels they have a place and is empowered.‘

‘Good with cutting edge and high profile cases. Media savvy. Tactically excellent.’

‘Howard Hymanson is exceptional. Calm, canny, and cunning. He’s great at negotiations, in spotting the angles and in getting surprise hefty wins.’

‘The firm has been particularly helpful during the coronavirus pandemic, staying on top of emerging regulation and giving helpful legal perspectives.

‘Every individual I have worked with at Harbottle has been diligent, offering sound and considered legal advise. The work has been excellent and they are always a pleasure to work with.’

‘The firm is particularly strong in offering employment services in cases that require a multidisciplinary angle.’

‘Howard Hymanson is the partner to go to for cases that cross between the High Court and the Employment Tribunal.’

‘Marian Derham is proactive and gives very good commercially based advice.’

‘Marian Derham – an experienced and wise advisor. Thoughtful and detailed in her responses, Marian enables us to feel secure when navigating challenging issues beyond our experience.’

‘This practice is unique and stands above other firms with the ease and speed with which matters are assessed and dealt with.’

‘Marian Derham is obviously a leader in her field. The ability to balance the awareness of the personal/emotional implications of working in employment practice but without losing the professional clarity required by her client is a difficult one to achieve but one she manages exceptionally well.’