Lee & Thompson LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Lee & Thompson LLP
80 Charlotte Street
LONDON
W1T 4DF
England

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV Tier 1

Leading production companies turn to Lee & Thompson LLP for specialist advice on both national and international film and TV matters, including financing, production and distribution issues. Recent highlights included advising on award-winning TV series and films, such as “The Zone of Interest” where film and TV expert Reno Antoniades acted as executive producer. Christos Michaels leads the firm’s film practice and advises on a myriad of production matters, while Richard Lever leads the TV group, handling a mix of financings and commercial arrangements. Nicki Parfitt, a name to note for film sales agents, distributors, financiers, and production companies, heads up the internal film and TV department. Recently promoted partner Luke Carey is especially active in the film industry, while Antony Swiatek is known for his work with producers. Anwen Griffiths left the practice in March 2024.

Practice head(s):

Christos Michaels; Richard Lever; Nicki Parfitt

Other key lawyers:

Reno Antoniades; Anthony Swiatek; Luke Carey; Mike Brookes; Marek George; Lee Stone

Testimonials

‘Very commercial, approachable, knows the TV industry and the needs of its clients inside out.’

‘Reno Antoniades is unflappable, commercial, charming, gets the deal done. Nicki Parfitt is very bright, no nonsense and solution-driven. Mike Brookes is a trusted collaborator and great on strategy.’

‘They are the best media law practice, with strength in depth and complimentary support (corporate, employment, etc).’

‘Richard Lever – the head of TV – is the best lawyer currently practising in the UK. A great dealmaker. Excellent on the corporate side but primarily has an extraordinary knowledge of current deals and what can be achieved. Marek George is a meticulous and quick senior associate who handles our day-to-day transactions with efficiency and great intelligence.’

‘Excellent firm and all the team I have worked with have excelled at the highest level.’

‘The team is brilliant at looking after independent producers.’

Work highlights

  • Advised JW Films (James Wilson) on extensive development, production, financing, sales and distribution of the Academy Award and BAFTA-winning theatrical feature film, “The Zone of Interest”.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Media finance Tier 1

Lee & Thompson LLP‘s media finance practice has considerable experience in assisting banks with the financing of film and TV productions. Other types of financiers - including private equity firms, providers of post-equity finance, as well as post house and non-bank financiers - also turn to the team for assistance with media finance transactions as do producers, with the group often acting as production counsel on films. Sam Tatton-Brown leads the practice and is the go-to for film and TV financings. Christos Michaels assists finance clients with film-related financing issues. Nicki Parfitt represents a mix of financiers, sales agents and production companies, while Johan Ewing advises on the setting up and structuring of film and TV companies and projects. Sarah Cundall is the key associate to note, whose areas of expertise cover the financing, development, production and distribution of film and TV productions. Anwen Griffiths left the firm in March 2024.

Practice head(s):

Sam Tatton-Brown

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I feel completely secure when I work with Lee & Thompson. The depth and breadth of knowledge, their years of experience, the variety of disciplines their partners and associates possess, means that whatever hurdle I may be facing, they will have an array of solutions for me.’

‘Christos Michaels’s calm, diplomatic approach to problem solving and conflict resolution means I always have a safe, calm pair of hands to help me navigate often tricky, time-sensitive issues.

‘We always feel totally looked after. The expertise brings an exceptional level of trust and the team is completely flexible, adjusting its approach according to the needs of individual projects and transactions. Lee & Thompson are always the proverbial calm in the eye of the storm.’

‘Christos Michaels has to be one of the most respected partners operating in the UK screen sector. He can see his way through incredibly complex deal structures and work with incredibly big hitters, but can always find time to support and advise those nearer the start of their careers.’

‘Sarah Cundall is a brilliant associate who understands all aspects of the screen sector and always steers business along the smoothest path, even when transactions become tricky. Both Christos and Sarah have a generosity and humour which makes everything so much more enjoyable.’

Key clients

Headgear

JW Films

LA Studios

Media Finance Capital

Arbuthnot Lathan

Coutts

Lorton Entertainment

Creativity Capital

Cofiloisirs

Aver

Work highlights

  • Advised James Wilson on the financing of the Academy Award and BAFTA-winning theatrical feature film “The Zone of Interest”.
  • Acted for financier Head Gear with respect to its financing of “How to Have Sex”.
  • Represented LA Studios in the provision of equity finance for “The Cleaner”, a UK action thriller starring Daisy Ridley and Clive Owen.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Music Tier 1

A 'go-to firm for music work', Lee & Thompson LLP acts for renowned national and international music artists, collection societies, major and independent publishers, and record labels in the full array of industry-specific matters. Music litigation is a particular strength for the practice, which has represented artists and music publishers in high-profile music rights disputes and copyright infringement cases. Martyn Bailey is a key contact for contentious matters in this space. Alongside its litigation practice, the team continues to assist clients with contractual issues, publishing deals, reputation management issue and IP portfolio management. Lawrence Engel, a reference for top-tier music talent seeking advice on commercial and creative enterprises, jointly leads the practice with Dominic Bray, who oversees the dispute resolution group with a focus on the media and entertainment sectors. Lizzie Payne-James is trusted by artists, agencies and rights holders, and Gordon Williams specialises in music disputes.

Practice head(s):

Lawrence Engel; Dominic Bray

Other key lawyers:

Lizzie Payne-James; Gordon Williams; Martyn Bailey; Liv Lyons; Tim Fowler; James Rushton; Michael Lucas; Marek George; Will Everitt; Mark Stafford; Mike Brookes

Testimonials

‘Great team, engaged, phenomenal market knowledge and understanding. ’

‘Will Everitt is a fantastic lawyer, engaged, adaptable and insightful. Phenomenal understanding of the industry. ’

‘Friendly but fearsome when needed. This is a go-to firm for music work with in-depth knowledge and experience.’

‘Mark Stafford has a deep knowledge of the music industry. He gets straight to the point and is astonishingly efficient. Great to deal with. Dominic Bray is a great litigator well able for the technical issues that arise in online infringement. Super realistic and commercially savvy.’

‘Superb depth of experience.’

‘Mike Brookes excellent judgment. Martyn Bailey is a wonderful tactician.’

‘The Lee & Thompson team has real strength in the field of media and entertainment, and particularly in music disputes. They are one of the go-to firms in this practice area with a strong reputation and excellent industry knowledge.’

‘Martyn Bailey has a keen eye for his clients’ commercial position and the need to devise a legal strategy to meet their commercial goals. Dominic Bray has great industry knowledge and attention to detail.’

Key clients

Harry Styles

Dave

Wet Leg

Lana Del Ray

Rita Ora

BMG

Yungblud

Yoko Ono

Years & Years

Depeche Mode

Sam Ryder

Universal Music Group

Kathy Sledge

Work highlights

  • Acting as Harry Styles’s sole legal counsel.
  • Acting as Wet Leg’s sole legal counsel.
  • Been acting for Depeche Mode since the firm’s establishment in 1983.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Advertising & marketing Tier 2

Lee & Thompson LLP advises global brands, advertising agencies and communications agencies on a slew of advertising and marketing issues. The team is co-led by advertising and marketing experts Huw Morris and Dominic Bray; Morris is trusted by several leading brands in commercial issues, including talent and influencer contracts, while disputes and IP specialist Bray is a key contact for advertising and communications agencies. Recent highlights for the practice have included advising clients on major sponsorship agreements, brand partnerships, talent agreements and marketing campaigns. Nick Swimer, who joined from Reed Smith LLP in March 2024, brings a wealth of experience in media buying.

Practice head(s):

Huw Morris; Dominic Bray

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

McDonald’s

Social Chain

Publicis

Dentsu

W Communications

Outernet Global

Shaken Udder

Next 15 Communications Group PLC

World Wrestling Entertainment

B The Communications Agency

VCCP

FunnelFuel

The Alliance of Independent Agencies

Vue Cinemas

Re:Act Marketing

The DMA

Hub Productions

The Online Studio

Distillery London

Gamesys

Work highlights

  • Advises McDonald’s on all of its activities and contracts with talent and influencers on an ongoing basis.
  • Advising Publicis on all advertising and marketing legal issues, including those relating to client campaigns, brand partnerships, commercial agreements, disputes, and regulatory investigations.
  • Advised W Communications on campaigns for W across a range of sectors including consumer, hospitality, and food and beverage.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Video games Tier 2

Lee & Thompson LLP‘s video gaming practice is led by digital and tech law specialist Julian Ward, who excels in matters relating to the development and publication of video games, and is noted for his 'outstanding level of knowledge within the field of digital entertainment, IP and video games'. Instructed by independent publishers, indie studios, global video game companies and platforms, the team is particularly skilled in mobile gaming, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) issues. The group also assists gaming companies with IP, data privacy and corporate mandates, including M&A transactions. Andy Florence is active in esports, online platform distribution and video game publishing matters.

Practice head(s):

Julian Ward

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I’ve worked most closely with Julian Ward, who is a tremendously capable lawyer with outstanding knowledge. But Julian is also an excellent communicator; affable, persuasive, and warm, his attitude makes working through difficult legal issues a pleasure. He is highly effective in tough negotiations with counterparties.’

‘The team has in-depth knowledge of video games and they are easy to work with. It is quite important for a legal team to be able to work with people that don’t have legal training and communicate in a way that finds mutual understanding. I really appreciate how they make it so easy to work with them.’

‘Julian Ward is one of the best partners that I’ve worked with. He had very good grasp of the video game industry and the challenges that it often faces. He works to resolve the issues/concerns and support the clients to go through the details in contracts, negotiations, etc. ’

‘Julian Ward is always approachable, listens to what our team needs and consistently delivers. Andy Florence – complements Julian as his ‘right hand man’ and is thorough and methodical in how he approaches our workload needs.’

‘The team is professional, down-to-earth people and that is what is great about them. I have full confidence speaking with the team as I know that everything we speak about is in confidence and will be dealt with professionally and that is what I want from my legal partners.’

‘Everybody I have dealt with has been easy to speak with and for me, that makes a huge difference as I know I can trust any advice or decisions that a team member of L&T provides me.’

‘A very tailored and personal approach which provides reassurance when dealing with complex and demanding international situations/requirements.’

‘Julian Ward has an outstanding level of knowledge within the field of digital entertainment, IP and video games. ’

Key clients

Maximillian Studios

Jagex

Team 17

FunPlus

Wired Productions

Pixel Toys

Rapideyemovers

Reality Gaming

Maximum Entertainment

Hutch Games

Work highlights

  • Acting as Maximillian Studios Inc’s primary appointed external counsel.
  • Assisting Jagex with all its games-focused commercial, licensing and IP transactional work as its primary appointed external counsel.
  • Acting as the sole external legal counsel to Pixel Toys.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 3

Strong in both claimant and defendant-side work, Lee & Thompson LLP provides comprehensive reputation management advice to an array of clients, with a focus on the entertainment sector. The group 'has a very broad depth of knowledge and experience', demonstrating expertise in not only defamation and privacy matters, 'but also related areas such as data protection and copyright law'. A key contact for 'heavily contested and hard-fought litigation', co-head Mike Brookes advises leading broadcasters and media insurers on complex defamation and privacy cases. Co-leader Leo Dawkins, noted for being 'a superb strategist', handles defamation and data privacy work.

Practice head(s):

Mike Brookes; Leo Dawkins

Other key lawyers:

Lucy Pether

Testimonials

‘Leo Dawkins is very easy to work with, knowledgeable about the law and on top of the facts.’

‘Mike Brookes’s cases are a testament to his control and mastery of the case coupled with his dogged determination to achieve the absolute best for his client.’

‘The team is diverse in background and has a very broad depth of knowledge and experience, taking in not just defamation and privacy but also related areas such as data protection and copyright law. The team is also unique in that they routinely act for both individual claimants and media defendants, meaning they understand how their counterparties think and what they are seeking to achieve.’

‘The team work together very well, playing to their individual strengths. Mike Brookes is great in heavily contested and hard-fought litigation. Leo Dawkins is a superb strategist.’

‘Mike Brookes and his team offer a superior level of service that combines communication excellence, industry expertise, and proactive risk management.’

‘Mike Brookes brings a unique blend of expertise and understanding to the table. His practice is distinguished by its comprehensive approach, seamlessly integrating clearance services into the production process. He doesn’t just offer legal advice; he becomes an integral part of the production team, ensuring potential risks are identified and mitigated early.’

‘Mike Brookes is very responsive and offers sound, pragmatic advice. He also has an excellent understanding of the UK media landscape and tailors his advice accordingly. ’

Key clients

Lee Anderson MP

Maria Church

Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited

Peter Andre

Paul Hollywood

Former members of One Direction

Ant McPartland

Yoko Ono

Various high-profile Film and TV Production companies and broadcasters

Work highlights

  • Instructed to represent Lee Anderson MP (ex Deputy Chairman of the Conversative Party) in a libel claim commenced against him by Michael Hollis, arising out of a Facebook post made by the client.
  • Continuing to act for former members of One Direction, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne, in various reputation protection matters against the tabloid press.
  • Defending Channel 5 in respect of a number of privacy claims that have been brought by individuals who featured in episodes of the programme “Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away”, which depicts the execution of warrants and writs of possession by the High Court Enforcement Agents.

Employment > Senior executives Tier 4

With a strong presence in the media and entertainment sectors, Lee & Thompson LLP‘s senior executives practice is regularly tasked with handling high-profile moves of senior TV and film executives, musicians and celebrities. James Baker heads up the practice, and enjoys extensive experience in High Court litigation, contentious moves of high-level senior executives and workplace conduct matters.

Practice head(s):

James Baker

Testimonials

‘James Baker is exceptional – calm and measured.’

‘The team were very good at explaining each step of the legal process in clear and digestible language. As such my partner and I felt confident in asking questions about any part of the process we didn’t understand. They were speedy in their responses and went the extra mile to ensure we were happy with every decision taken. It really felt that our best interests were being prioritised at all times.’

‘James Baker was incredibly supportive and explained things in a clear and concise manner.’

‘Genuinely specialist, niche media firm – members of the team bring extensive employment law experience from the wider market into the media sector, so they really understand employment litigation and can obtain excellent results for their clients.’

‘James Baker has a relaxed, approachable, unfussy manner, but has exceptional employment law knowledge, and is skilled at negotiating complex high-value claims.’

‘Lee and Thompson have an interesting array of clients in the media sector. The team utilises their knowledge across several complementary practice areas (i.e. commercial, intellectual property, employment) to provide accurate and practical advice to their clients that covers all aspects of a dispute.’

‘James Baker adopts a highly collaborative and pragmatic approach to working with his clients and counsel, which creates trust, and he demonstrates really good judgement in his cases. In my view, clients feel looked after well by him. He is a pleasure to work with.’

‘Fantastic team players. Broad and deep knowledge and experience.’

Key clients

Farfetch Employees

Work highlights

  • Advised various Farfetch employees on their terms of settlement.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 5

Regarded as ‘friendly but fearsomely effective’, Lee & Thompson LLP retains a varied roster of notable clients comprised of names such as Harry Styles and the Beckhams, assisting them with a plethora of issues arising from the media and entertainment space. Practice leader Dominic Bray provides his significant knowledge in the disputes arena to the group, while Gordon Williams harnesses his brands expertise to represent an array of creative clients. Mark Stafford and Martyn Bailey are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Dominic Bray

Testimonials

‘Very strong and experienced IP, media and entertainment disputes team.’

‘A real depth of talent in both the partnership and at associate level.’

‘Mark Stafford is excellent. Commercial and clever he is a great person to have in your corner.’

‘Friendly but fearsomely effective. They really know their IP, particularly in the music, film and TV field.’

‘Mark Stafford has a deep knowledge of the record and TV industries. He gets straight to the point and is astonishingly efficient. Great to deal with.’

‘Dominic Bray is a great litigator and well equipped to handle the technical issues that arise in online infringement. Super realistic and commercially savvy.’

Key clients

Harry Styles

David Beckham

Little Mix

5 Seconds of Summer

Sid Gentle

Victoria Beckham

UB40 ft Ali Campbell

Kathy Sledge

World Wrestling Entertainment LLC

RELX (UK) Limited

Wistron Corporation

Re:Act Marketing Limited

Next 15 Communication Group PLC

Publicis Groupe

British Film Institute

Work highlights

  • Acting for Wistron Corporation as an interested third party in the patent litigation between Lenovo and InterDigital.
  • Assisting Mr Beckham with his worldwide trade mark portfolio, from filing his first trade mark application in 2000 through to being responsible for all aspects of an internationally reputed portfolio of over 200 trademarks.
  • Acting for Harry Styles in respect of all brand protection matters, protecting and enforcing his intellectual property rights

Lee & Thompson is one of the UK’s leading law firms for the media, technology and creative industries.

The firm: Lee & Thompson provides clients with the legal services they need to succeed in their creative and commercial ambitions. The firm counts multinational media organisations, brand and rights owners, production companies, record labels and entrepreneurs as clients as well as acting for many of the world’s most successful creative talent throughout their careers.

Since its inception in 1983, the firm has been at the top of its game and it has achieved this by prioritising two things: building a firm that understands the interdependence of the creative industries and by being relentless when it comes to meeting the needs of all its clients, whether these are professional or personal, creative or commercial.

It’s not just the high quality or breadth of the firm’s legal advice that sets it apart. It is the lawyers’ ability to merge this expertise with both a rigorous understanding of the industries in which the firm’s clients operate.

Types of work undertaken: All aspects of commercial, corporate and IP law  together with a strong and complementary litigation, employment and immigration offering.  We work across the media, entertainment and creative industries with particular strength and experience in advertising and marketing; art; digital and interactive entertainment; fashion; film and tv; live events; music; publishing; sport; theatre; video games.

Department Name Email Telephone
Partner, Film & TV and Managing Partner Reno Antoniades [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Consultant & Co-Founder Andrew Thompson [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Consultant & Co-Founder Robert Lee [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner, Dispute Resolution and Head of Brand Protection Gordon Williams [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Head of Corporate Malcolm Murray [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner and Head of Film Christos Michaels [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Head of Dispute Resolution and Partner, Advertising & Marketing Dominic Bray [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner, Film & TV and Head of Media finance Sam Tatton-Brown [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner and Head of Music Lawrence Engel [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner, Dispute Resolution and Head of Reputation protection Mike Brookes [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner and Head of Television Richard Lever [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner, Music Will Everitt [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner, Advertising & Marketing Huw Morris [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner and Head of Digital & Technology Julian Ward [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner, Film & Television Lee Stone [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Consultant, Film & Television Jeremy Gawade [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner, Dispute Resolution Mark Stafford [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner, Film & Television Nicki Parfitt [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner, Dispute Resolution Martyn Bailey [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner, Film & TV Antony Swiatek [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Partner, Music Lizzie Payne-James [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Head of Marketing & Business Development Jo Rosenblatt [email protected] 020 3073 7600
CFOO Simon Boyden [email protected] 020 3073 7600
Photo Name Position Profile
Reno Antoniades photo Reno Antoniades Reno is managing partner of Lee & Thompson. He trained at the…
Martyn Bailey photo Martyn Bailey Partner, Dispute Resolution
James Baker photo James Baker Partner and Head of Employment
Dominic Bray photo Dominic Bray Head of Dispute Resolution; Head of Advertising & Marketing Group
Mike Brookes photo Mike Brookes Mike is a partner in the Dispute Resolution department and head of…
Luke Carey photo Mr Luke Carey Luke is a Partner within our Film & TV Group and advises…
Sarah Cundall photo Ms Sarah Cundall Sarah is an Associate in Lee & Thompson’s Film & TV Department,…
Leo Dawkins photo Leo Dawkins Leo is a partner at Lee & Thompson and head of the…
Lawrence Engel photo Lawrence Engel Lawrence is a partner at Lee & Thompson and heads the firm’s…
Will Everiit photo Will Everiit Will Everitt – Partner, Music Will is a partner in the firm’s…
Johan Ewing photo Mr Johan Ewing Johan is a partner in the firm’s Film, Television & Games Group.…
Andy Florence photo Mr Andy Florence Andy is a Senior Associate in Lee & Thompson’s Digital & Technology…
Tim Fowler photo Tim Fowler Tim is a Partner in the firm’s Music Group. Tim is highly…
Jeremy Gawade photo Jeremy Gawade Jeremy is a partner at Lee & Thompson with over 25 years’…
Sam Goodman photo Sam Goodman Sam is a partner in Lee & Thompson’s Corporate & Commercial Group.…
Robert Lee photo Robert Lee Robert Lee co-founded Lee & Thompson in 1983 and is now a…
Richard Lever photo Richard Lever Richard is a partner and heads Lee & Thompson’s Television Group, advising…
Liv Lyons photo Liv Lyons Liv is a Partner in Lee & Thompson’s Music team. She represents a…
Christos Michaels photo Christos Michaels Christos is a partner and heads up Lee & Thompson’s renowned Film…
Huw Morris photo Mr Huw Morris Partner, Advertising & Marketing
Malcolm Murray photo Malcolm Murray Malcolm is a partner and heads up Lee & Thompson’s Corporate &…
Nicki Parfitt photo Nicki Parfitt Nicki trained at the city firm Denton Hall and, after qualifying in…
Lizzie Payne-James photo Lizzie Payne-James Lizzie is a Partner in Lee & Thompson’s Music Group. Lizzie joined…
Stephen Spence photo Stephen Spence Stephen is a Partner in our Film & TV Group. A media…
Mark Stafford photo Mark Stafford Mark is a partner in the firm’s Dispute Resolution, Brand Protection and…
Lee Stone photo Lee Stone Lee is a partner in Lee & Thompson’s Film and Television Groups.…
Antony Swiatek photo Antony Swiatek Antony joined Lee & Thompson in 2011 as an associate and is…
Nick Swimer photo Mr Nick Swimer Nick is a partner working across the firm’s Commercial and Film &…
Sam Tatton-Brown photo Sam Tatton-Brown Sam is a partner in Lee & Thompson’s film and TV group.…
Andrew Thompson photo Andrew Thompson Andrew is one of the Lee & Thompson’s founding partners and is…
Julian Ward photo Mr Julian Ward Julian is Head of Lee & Thompson’s Digital & Technology Group –…
Gordon Williams photo Mr Gordon Williams Partner, Dispute Resolution and Head of Brand Protection
Number of UK partners : 33
Number of UK fee-earners (non-Partner) : 55

Lee & Thompson is a truly special place to work and at the very heart of the business are some exceptional people. There is a unique culture that fosters real passion for delivering good results for clients, expression of personality, respect and genuine support for all who work at and with the firm.

We want to ensure that our people are able to become the very best that they can be and we offer the support and encouragement required to fulfil these ambitions. Above all, we want everyone to take pleasure and pride in all that they do. A significant part of our culture is fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion and we work hard to ensure that our people, and all those who we work with, are able to bring their whole selves to the office.

We have a long-established Inclusion & Belonging (I&B) Network at our firm.  This is part of our ongoing commitment to bring more diversity to our firm and to ensure that each staff member is confident to bring their whole selves to work, providing a safe space for our talent to grow and develop.  Our Network focuses on the key strands of diversity with Strand Champions appointed for each:

  1. Family & Carers – supporting the team with family, parenting and caring responsibilities
  2. Women’s Network – supporting our women with their career progression
  3. LGBTQ+ – connecting, representing and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community
  4. Wellbeing & Mental Health – training, support and activity to improve staff wellbeing
  5. The Race Network– educating and improving ourselves on race related matters
  6. Recruitment/Access – ensuring we recruit, retain and progress diverse talent

Our Summer Vacation Scheme was set up in 2019 to open our doors as widely as possible to a more diverse talent pool. Nine former participants currently hold permanent positions at the firm as paralegals and trainees and we are very proud that two Vac Scheme graduates have now qualified at the firm. 

2023 marked Lee & Thompson’s 40th anniversary.  To mark the occasion, the firm Lee & Thompson’s launched a three-year partnership with Creative Access, the leading social enterprise, addressing the barriers to progression faced by individuals from under-represented groups in the creative industries.  Lee & Thompson is funding 10 places per year on, taking a hands-on role by supporting Creative Access with the development of the programme, hosting training and networking events, providing mentoring to participants and delivering legal fundamentals training sessions.