Lee & Thompson LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Lee & Thompson LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

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

Richard Lever heads up the television side of Lee & Thompson LLP’s practice, while fellow co-head Christos Michaels is more focused on the film sector. Lever’s broad expertise spans the creation of talent-based television production companies, the set-up and financing of high-end television projects, and related commercial arrangements. Michaels specialises in the financing and production of independent films in addition to implementing exploitation models of emerging and established media. Other recommended individuals include managing partner Reno Antoniades, internal film and television head Nicki Parfitt, head of media finance Sam Tatton-Brown and Antony Swiatek.

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

Lee & Thompson LLP‘s client roster spans the generations, from heritage acts such as Depeche Mode and Roxy Music, in addition to the biggest artists of today such as Harry Styles, Little Mix and Dave, through to emerging talents including Wet Leg and Yungblud; the latter being an area in which Liv Lyons excels. The team also acts for music organisations, publishers and record labels, and collection societies. Lawrence Engel is a regular fixture on non-contentious matters; he co-heads the practice with dispute resolution head Dominic Bray. Lizzie Payne-James has a track record of work for well-known artists, while Tim Fowler‘s expertise can be seen in contractual matters, including recording, publishing, management, production and live performance agreements. On the contentious side, experienced litigators Gordon Williams and Martyn Bailey come recommended.

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

Lee & Thompson LLP advises a diverse client roster, notably including McDonald’s and Social Chain, on advertising campaigns and sponsorship agreements, in addition to negotiations with social media brands. Huw Morris and Dominic Bray jointly lead the team. Morris dispenses advice on a variety of commercial issues, including international distribution, media buying and planning, and content acquisition; whilst Bray heads the dispute resolution practice, frequently acting for advertisers and agencies in matters concerning regulatory compliance and clearance. Sam Goodman primarily represents talent in sponsorship deals and arrangements with agencies.

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

Steered by television head Richard Lever and film head Christos Michaels, Lee & Thompson LLP regularly handles financing arrangements for a range of high-profile productions, as well as inbound studio investments. Key media finance specialists within the team include Sam Tatton-Brown – noted for his representation of major banks – and Stephen Spence, who routinely acts for both financiers and production companies.

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

Lee & Thompson LLP has an extensive client roster comprising of UK and international game developers, publishers, platforms and creative individuals. With digital, IP and tech expert Julian Ward at the helm, the team is well-placed to advise on music licensing arrangements in the Metaverse, video game development and publishing transactions, M&A deals and IP rights. The group often draws on the firm’s broader media finance expertise, as well as from members within its corporate, commercial, employment, data protection, IP and dispute resolution teams.

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

With considerable expertise in the entertainment industry, Lee & Thompson LLP acts for a diverse range of globally recognised individuals across the full spectrum of reputation management issues on both the claimant and defendant side. The team is jointly led by Mike Brookes, who works for leading broadcasters and media insurers, offering advice on defamation, privacy and pre-publication issues, and Leo Dawkins, an expert in defamation and data privacy work.

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

Lee & Thompson LLP is noted for its expertise in the creative industries, including film, music and digital media sectors. The team has a wealth of experience advising on prosecution, licensing and general advisory mandates. Dominic Bray spearheads the practice, specialising in disputes, notably within the film, TV, music and advertising sectors, while Gordon Williams’s expertise involves handling trade mark portfolios and Martyn Bailey is well-versed in copyright issues.

Employment > Senior executives