Lewis Silkin > London, England > Firm Profile
Lewis Silkin Offices

5 CHANCERY LANE
CLIFFORD'S INN
LONDON
EC4A 1BL
England
Lewis Silkin > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m Tier 1
A range of advertisers and marketers instruct Lewis Silkin LLP for its deep sector expertise and transactional experience. Regularly acting for both high-profile international networks and independent agencies, the team, led by Paul Rajput, has also been engaged on a number of cross-border acquisitions and sales for clients in the technology, sport and media sectors. Jo Evans handles transactions for businesses operating in the creative economy, while Gavin McNaughton specialises in mid-market M&A and equity investments, and Francesa Ainsworth focuses on luxury brands and publishing clients. Geraint Tilsley joined the team from Geldards LLP, leading the expansion of the firm’s regional corporate operations from the Cardiff office.
Practice head(s):
Paul Rajput
Other key lawyers:
Jo Evans; Gavin McNaughton; Francesca Ainsworth; Geraint Tilsley
Testimonials
‘Highly responsive and well-versed in our sector, meaning they quickly understand the intention of deal structures.’
‘Deep and strong expertise.’
‘Lewis Silkin’s M&A team bring unrivalled knowledge and track record in the broad agency/TMT field, with particular sympathy for smaller clients without their own legal resources.’
‘Paul Rajput was an exemplary lead on our deal. Always available; always the voice of reason, and clear-eyed about the other party’s agenda.’
‘Extremely strong from a legal and business standpoint. Unrivalled business acumen. Constantly creating solutions to bridge gaps.’
‘Paul Rajput is the Rolls Royce of Corporate M&A lawyers. He is capable of driving the deal by himself, asking input from his clients when necessary, provides a variety of possible solutions for his clients to choose from, and is a force of nature when it comes to driving everyone to complete.’
‘They punch above their weight giving incisive advice understanding the commercial drivers of the client.’
‘Jo Evans and Paul Rajput are both exceptional. They combine commercial and legal insights with client care that is just what is wanted.’
Key clients
Publicis Groupe SA
Walker Books
Harbour Group Industries Inc.
Next Fifteen Communications Group Plc
Havas SA
Four Communications Group Limited
Mother London Limited
Sopra Steria Group SA
Descours & Cabaud
Ladies Professional Golf Association
Artelia Group SA
Systra SA
Work highlights
- Advised longstanding client Walker Books on the sale of the group to private equity group Trustbridge Global Media.
- Advised Havas, one of the world’s largest global communications groups, on its acquisition of Cicero Group.
- Advised the founders of Public Digital on its sale of a material stake in Public Digital to kyu.
Employment > Employers Tier 1
Firmly at the ‘heart of the firm’, the employment team at Lewis Silkin LLP is widely viewed as ‘one of the leading employment solicitor firms’, whose ‘experience in High Court, tribunal and arbitral proceedings is second to none’. Fielding one of the largest employment teams in the UK, it also has wide-ranging capabilities outside of litigation. ‘Highly commercial and fantastic at managing powerful clients’, managing partner Richard Miskella presides over the wider employment group, specialising in investigations and culture change programmes. Karen Baxter, too, takes the lead on many highly sensitive workplace investigations, particularly for professional services firms. Elsewhere in the department, Michael Anderson attracts plaudits as a ‘behemoth of High Court employment litigation’, Michael Burd wins praise as a ‘brilliant high-level strategist and commercial deal maker’, and Colin Leckey is ‘always on top of his cases in cutting edge law’, especially in relation to employment status issues in the gig economy. Other key names include the ‘very commercial, smart and personable’ tech expert Sean Dempsey, and ‘master of High Court employment litigation and of whistle-blowing claims’ Toni Lorenzo. Additionally, the department is noted by some as having ‘the strongest team in the UK for some industrial relations issues, particularly union recognition and European Works Councils’ - David Hopper leads the firm's industrial relations work. ‘Brilliant tactician‘ Shalina Crossley is another name to note.Practice head(s):
Richard Miskella
Other key lawyers:
Colin Leckey; Michael Burd; James Davies; Sean Dempsey; Toni Lorenzo; Michael Anderson; Karen Baxter; Shalina Crossley; David Hopper
Testimonials
‘I don’t know why a company would use another firm for employment advice: Lewis Silkin has fantastic lawyers who offer excellent, commercial advice and charge substantially less than bigger City firms. They have an unparalleled breadth of offerings (all of which we have used).‘
‘Provide timely, pragmatic advice, offering a range of options and recommendations on highly complex matters in a simple to understand manner, effectively becoming an integral part of our international labour relations team.’
‘With employment being a major focus of the firm, we know that this is not a ‘nice to have’ department – it is the heart of the firm. This means we can expect (and get) strength in-depth, excellent client updates, and a genuine appreciation of employment law and industry matters affecting our business.’
‘Lewis Silkin has a talented and experienced team of lawyers that can advise on all employment / labour related topics. Some of the lawyers have specialised on niche areas such as European Works Councils (EWC), which implies that their knowledge is best in class.’
‘Lewis Silkin has provided my team with exceptional support and advice over the years. They are true partners in the way they work with not only our in-house lawyers but other key stakeholders in our business. We rely on them as trusted advisers for all of our key cases and decisions in the employment sphere.’
‘Extraordinary strength in depth. Excellent training and empowering of associates means that everyone in the team can be relied upon to provide exceptional work.’
‘They have covered almost all aspects of Employment Law and the associated angles with both statutory law and litigation. They not only focus on the strategic issues for their clients, they have also derived innovative ways in which to structure their teams to accommodate their clients’ needs and provide a cost-effective solution. They also have a very strong bench and the associates are switched on and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Their experience in High Court, tribunal and arbitral proceedings is second to none. They are tremendously hardworking without simply grinding their associates into the ground, have great clients, and lead the way in responding to client’s changing needs.’
Key clients
Accenture
ASOS
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Ford
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
Macquarie
Airbnb
Deliveroo
Work highlights
- Advising Citadel on a dispute concerning the alleged misuse of highly valuable confidential information and trade secrets by a former employee who provided the information to a key competitor.
- Supporting the Houses of Parliament with the implementation of a Guardians programme to ensure a safe working space for all employees.
- Advising a professional services firm on government support packages, flexible/ remote working options, changing contracts, health and safety obligations and remote overseas working requests across 46 countries.
Employment > Senior executives Tier 1
The lawyers at Lewis Silkin LLP are trusted advisers in a practice that has ‘strength across the board and a team to support in all areas of employment law‘. Nicholas Hadaway leads the senior executive team, which is part of the wider employment, immigration and reward division. He is noted for combining expertise in discrimination and whistleblowing claims, post-termination restrictions and share plans, which is paired with ‘enormous generosity, consideration and thoughtfulness’. Richard Miskella acts for both employers and senior executives – on the latter he is considered ‘an absolute star who is no pushover, and knows his stuff particularly in the senior exec market‘. ‘Absolutely amazing‘ managing associate Sarah McWhinney is highlighted for being ‘supportive, tenacious, and clear at every stage‘ on matters such as complex discrimination grievances and CEO exits, while senior associate Laetitia Cooke is a trusted adviser with ‘superb judgment‘. In addition to advising on all types of discrimination, exits and post-exit disputes, the group, which has a strong focus on the financial services industry, also specialises in FCA approved status and FCA remuneration code issues.Practice head(s):
Nicholas Hadaway
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team works as a seamless whole ensuring that the client is well advised and up to date at all times.’
‘Nicholas Hadaway is a true professional with a heart of gold. His enormous generosity, consideration and thoughtfulness make him the trusted adviser that he is. He always has his client’s best interests at heart. It is a privilege to have been his client.’
‘They are unique amongst top tier law firms in the breadth of the type of employment law service they are able to provide to senior executives. I can only think of 1/2 other firms that can provide a similar breadth – they are the ultimate one-stop shop for senior executives.’
‘Nicholas Hadaway’s ultimate focus is on what the client needs, 100% commercial and always has his eyes on the bigger picture.’
‘Laetitia Cooke is brilliant. She is incredibly thorough, organised and has the trust of clients.’
‘Pragmatic, measured, calm. Richard Miskella is the new breed of employment partner at Lewis Silkin. An absolute star.’
‘I was looked after by Richard Miskella. Richard gave advice that I felt was carefully considered and highly bespoke to me and my circumstances. He is brilliant, committed, vastly experienced and very wise. I would (and did to a large extent) trust him with my life.’
‘Laetitia Cooke – an excellent collaborative approach. Totally focused on client’s desired outcomes, able to give thoughtful, clear-sighted feedback and to provide constructive solutions.’
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 1
Lewis Silkin LLP has a well-established reputation in the traditional media and entertainment industries, and it is also a major player in the ever-changing digital media and technology sectors. Cliff Fluet‘s expertise spans broadcasting radio, content and online exploitation. He co-heads the practice with employment partner Russell Brimelow, who attracts a strong flow of work from broadcasters and TV production companies. Commended for his ‘depth of expertise in the UK market’ and ‘wealth of insights in the international advertising market’, Brinsley Dresden leads the advertising and marketing group, working closely with Geraint Lloyd-Taylor. The ‘outstanding’ Jo Farmer advises clients on advertising and marketing campaigns and IP issues, while Giles Crown handles brand management matters. Jeremy Summers is noted for his expertise in the theatre and music industries. The ‘hard working and diligent’ Alan Hunt handles commercial and technology agreements, as well as IP matters. Neil Parkes joined from Foot Anstey, while Antony Craggs is a recent arrival from D Young & Co LLP.Practice head(s):
Cliff Fluet; Russell Brimelow
Other key lawyers:
Brinsley Dresden; Geraint Lloyd-Taylor; Jo Farmer; Giles Crown; Jeremy Summers; Alan Hunt; David Deakin; Neil Parkes; Antony Craggs; Nick Allan
Testimonials
‘Lewis Silkin has always provided timely and pragmatic advice. They are experts in the entertainment and media field, understand the marketplace, the players and the types of deals being done, and they have been extremely helpful in providing strategic and tactical guidance and advice.’
‘Brinsley is strategic, sharp and always sees the bigger picture. He doesn’t get bogged down in theory or detail and is a fantastic problem solver.’
‘Cliff Fluet is a great listener who understands the nuances of a particular situation, as well the role of the individuals involved in any particular dealing, and will often appreciate and understand the parties’ motivations that ultimately drive decision making.’
‘Geraint Lloyd-Taylor deserves recognition for his approachability, reactiveness and market-knowledge. Navigating advertising regulations often involves making judgment calls and operating in “grey” areas. Geraint brings clarity to those areas (based on his market experience), and is a trusted voice. I highly value his opinion.’
‘The team at Lewis Silkin are highly skilled and experts in their fields. We rely heavily upon the marketing team for their advice on more complex matters and their knowledge is second to none!’
‘Another partner that is outstanding is Jo Farmer. She is a leading lawyer with expertise in marketing and intellectual property law. She has advised our organisation a number of times on complex matters and her advice has always been highly valued.’
‘Alan Hunt is a real asset to the team, hard working and diligent with energy and efficiency to meet the needs of our fast paced decision making.’
‘The team is extremely well integrated and versatile, so that it is always easy to receive pointed advice from the member of the team with the most relevant expertise.’
Key clients
Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO
adamandeveDDB
Havas
Publicis Groupe
72andSunny
Uncommon
Media Arts Lab
Bacardi
Suzuki
Superdry
Nullarbor Productions Limited
Royal Albert Hall
Bill Kenwright Limited
The Old Vic
Jukebox Hero Inc
Annerin Productions
RG Media
Supertruct Entertainment
LarMac Group
The Music and Media Partnership
Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT)
Haymarket Media Group
Time Out
The Economist
New York Times
Redwood Publishing
Association of Online Publishers
Cedar Communications
Think Publishing
Professional Publishers Association
Sony Music Entertainment
HMV Digital
Ministry of Sound
Driift
Deezer
Mixcloud
Resident Advisor
Endlesss
JambL
VEVO
United Agents
The Electric Shadow Company
Piccadilly Pictures
Ashland Hill
Dignity Film Finance
Sherborne Media Capital LLC
Unstoppable Entertainment
Filmgate Films
Freemantle Media
All3Media
Match.com
Snapchat
HMV Digital
Tru Blu Entertainment
The Incorporated Society of British Advertisers
Fanbytes
Konami
Ustwo
Work highlights
- Advising TBWA on a range of issues relating to the risk of productions being cancelled due to COVID-19.
- Advised Driift Live Limited on all aspects of its productions from venue hire, production agreements, talent agreements, content creation and clearance, ticketing, sponsorship and live streaming arrangements.
- Advising Fanslide Limited on the app development agreement, drafting the app t&c’s and game rules, and advising on data privacy matters, including drafting their privacy policy.
Northern Ireland > Employment Tier 1
The ‘technically excellent and commercially aware‘ team at Lewis Silkin (N.I.) LLP, which merged with specialist Belfast employment firm Jones Cassidy Brett Solicitors in August 2021, covers the full spectrum of employment matters, with particular expertise in discrimination and equality issues. Adam Brett , who previously jointly led the litigation department at Jones Cassidy, focuses on discrimination claims, with a particular interest in issues surrounding disability. The office is managed by Ciara Fulton, who is dual-qualified in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and is experienced in advising on cross-border employment issues. Consultant Fiona Cassidy is particularly strong in employment matters in the public sector, and is highlighted for her ‘deep knowledge and practical considerations‘.Practice head(s):
Adam Brett; Ciara Fulton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Experts in relation to employment law, particularly discrimination and equality issues. Regardless of which colleague you speak to, the advice is practical, trusted and delivered professionally and in a timely manner.’
‘Fiona Cassidy is one of the most intelligent, professional and pleasant experts I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Her deep knowledge, practical considerations and approachable manner make her stand out from others in her field.’
‘Technically excellent and commercially aware.’
‘Ciara Fulton provided an excellent level of service, explained our options clearly and helped guide us in difficult negotiations.’
‘They care! This trait is what makes them stand out from the other law firms – they truly care about their clients and about concerns we might have.’
‘Winning a case is a team effort. They collaborate with colleagues and partners in their firm, as well as liaising with other external partners. They foster close professional relationships with us as a client and will often have high-profile cases alongside those of a smaller business like ours, but they have the agility to make the smaller business feel as valued as the larger. They harness a strong value of trust, which is important for us, and all their legal representatives are personable, persuasive and polite.’
Key clients
Invest NI
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks
Allianz Insurance
Bank or Ireland
KN Group
CCEA
Northstone (NI) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised an employer in a case where it was admitted that a criterion regarding experience was indirectly discriminatory on grounds of sex.
- Defended Northstone/Farrans in relation to complex whistleblowing/unfair dismissal claims brought by a former employee.
- Advising a law firm in relation to its appeal against a tribunal decision in relation to equal pay for a senior solicitor.
Employment > Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1
Lewis Silkin LLP has a large employment team advising clients on the full spectrum of employment law issues, often with a multijurisdictional element. Practice head Jonathan Carr's main specialisms include advising on the employment aspects of M&A deals; he is also building a reputation in the sports sector, acting for leading clubs and teams. Russell Brimelow 'continues to be brilliant' and handles sensitive employee issues, including major projects, board issues, mergers, downsizings and TUPE transfers. James Storke and Carolyn Soakell are also recommended; Storke defends claims in the Employment Tribunal and Soakell advises law firms and barristers’ chambers on internal HR issues. James Walters is also recommended, for advice that is 'second to none'.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Carr
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team covers all aspects of employment law and immigration to a depth I’ve rarely seen in other practices.’
‘The team are very practical in their approach and work well using individual strengths both in areas of advice and matching time and cost constraints.’
‘James Walters stands out in the commerciality and quality of advice provided. He has a very pragmatic approach to situations and his advice and guidance is second to none.’
‘Russell Brimelow continues to be brilliant – doesn’t talk law, talks strategy & tactics.’
‘The size of the team means that there is extraordinary strength in depth and an unrivalled degree of expertise across all aspects of employment law. As a rule the lawyers are responsive, commercial and down-to-earth. It is innovative in terms of its ancillary businesses. They are also thought leaders in relation to D&I and things like the #metoo movement.’
‘Carolyn Soakell is technically excellent, super responsive, and gives clear commercial advice in a very client-friendly manner.’
Key clients
Eli Lilly
Arsenal Football Club
Comcast
Ascential
Grosvenor
RFU
ViacomCBS
Intel
DS Smith
Invesco
Work highlights
- Advising Arsenal FC on a restructuring and redundancy programme and health and safety workplace issues.
- Advising the Rugby Football Union on TUPE issues following the termination of a contract and insourcing of performance analysis work.
- Advising a global engineering company on a multi-site redundancy exercise.
Employment > Employment: Recommended Firms Tier 1
Forming an integral part of the firm's UK-wide employment offering, as well as regularly advising regional, UK-based and international employers on a standalone basis, Lewis Silkin LLP's 'responsive and knowledgeable' 12-strong Cardiff team continues to thrive in the market under the guidance of the 'exceptional' Lucy Lewis. Richard Moore has been pivotal to the growth of the firm's local client base, as well as regularly providing integral employment-related advice pursuant to large-scale M&A and restructuring matters handled by the firm's broader corporate offering. Moore also has expertise advising on large-scale redundancy procedures, which have been particularly commonplace in light of Covid-related lockdown procedures. At an associate level, Tom Ford has a niche advising employers on workplace privacy and data protection matters, while the 'pragmatic and commercial' Charlotte Morgan is noted for her TUPE advice and her contentious expertise, including on cases involving sex discrimination and gross misconduct.
Practice head(s):
Lucy Lewis
Other key lawyers:
Richard Moore; Charlotte Morgan; Tom Ford; Neil Dite
Testimonials
‘The team has very capable lawyers that understand the business requirements and provide practical, balanced solutions and ideas.’
‘A responsive and knowledgeable team.’
‘The advice is always very practical and commercial and technically excellent.’
‘Lucy Lewis is exceptional. She provides first-class advice, is incredibly responsive, clear, to the point and a real pleasure to deal with.’
‘Lucy Lewis is our go-to lawyer for all employment-related matters. She is both technically excellent but also very solution-focussed and pragmatic.’
‘Richard Moore: rapid riser in the firm with a real zeal and enthusiasm shines through in his work. Contactable and approachable.’
‘Neil Dite really understands his clients’ businesses and their aims (both commercial and legal), I know when I get papers from him they will address the issues in the case and those that are bubbling just under the surface.’
‘Charlotte Morgan is very pragmatic and commercial in her advice. She gets to the heart of issues very quickly and provides excellent advice and service.’
Key clients
Dyfed Powys Police
Rockwool Limited
Daily Mail & General Trust Plc
Havas Group
ViacomCBS Group
Marks & Spencer Plc
Omnicom Group (inc adamandeveDDB, Abbott Mead Vickers, Ketchum and TBWA)
Interpublic Group (including FCB Inferno, MullenLowe Group)
Zara UK Limited
Publicis Groupe
Work highlights
- Advising ViacomCBS on the employment aspects of the sale of CBS Interactive.
- Advising a tech platform on changes to terms and conditions and headcount reductions across ten jurisdictions.
- Advising Pacadar on their application for a sponsor licence ahead of the new immigration system coming into force.
Corporate and commercial > Partnership Tier 2
Lewis Silkin LLP fields a 360-degree partnerships practice under the dual leadership of non-contentious expert Fergus Payne and 'absolutely top-notch' litigator Clive Greenwood. An impressive roster of international law firms and a growing list of financial services clients instruct the team on disciplinary matters and sensitive misconduct investigations, with Karen Baxter being the lead partner for the latter. Greenwood's expertise covers disputes concerning compulsory retirements, contentious team moves, expulsions and performance issues, while ongoing transactional highlights include LLP conversions, constitutional drafting and M&A deals. Managing associate Frances Simm also has a contentious focus, including handling disputes arising from restrictive covenants.
Practice head(s):
Fergus Payne; Clive Greenwood
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Huge wealth of knowledge and expertise in partnership law.‘
‘Clive Greenwood is absolutely top notch, and always delivers wise, pragmatic advice. A great practical problem-solver who knows the law inside out.‘
‘The partnership team are superb to work with. They are hugely knowledgeable and sensible, achieve results for their clients and really know their stuff. The tie in with a top employment team gives breadth too.‘
‘I regard Clive Greenwood as one of the total stars of the partnership world. I often recommend him and always know people will be delighted with what he does for them. Stellar! And always a total pleasure to work with.‘
‘Fergus Payne is a highly knowledgeable and experienced non-contentious partnership specialist. Great at drafting agreements and sorting out deals.‘
‘Frances Simm is a fantastic associate. She is really bright and great with clients, hugely efficient and wonderful to have on the team.‘
‘The Lewis Silkin team combine a serious level of knowledge about partnerships and LLPs with a hugely practical approach which achieves great outcomes for their clients. They can handle both contentious and non-contentious matters and excel at steering firms through difficult situations.‘
‘Karen Baxter is a real star. An excellent investigator with amazing EQ which really helps her get to the bottom of what has happens in very charged and sensitive situations.‘
Key clients
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
haysmacintyre LLP
Blick Rothenberg
Gerald Eve
Hickman & Rose
Irwin Mitchell LLP
United Agents LLP
CWM Retail Property Advisors LLP
Work highlights
- Conducting an investigation for an international law firm in response to a complaint about historic abuse of power, sexual harassment and misogyny.
- Advising a leading accountancy firm on a wholesale review and update of its existing LLP membership agreement.
- Advising CWM Retail Property Advisors on refreshing its LLP members’ agreement in connection with the admission of new partners and setting up a new retail consultancy division structured through a new LLP.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 2
Lewis Silkin LLP‘s dispute resolution team has litigated high-value and complex claims at every level of the English courts, through to the Supreme Court and the European Court of Justice. It frequently collaborates with lawyers internationally to resolve cross-border disputes. ‘Tactically astute and highly approachable‘ practice head Mark Lim focuses heavily on corporate issues. Andrew Wanambwa, who is ‘very determined on behalf of clients‘, specialises in the resolution of complex commercial matters. Clive Greenwood, who is ‘a brilliant partner who is at the top of his game’, has over 30 years of experience in this space. Neil Parkes, who joined in February 2021 from Foot Anstey, specialises in media and entertainment and technology sector disputes. At managing associate level, Nigel Enticknap and Fraser McKeating are names to note.Practice head(s):
Mark Lim
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very professional, with strength in depth.‘
‘During the Covid pandemic, they clearly invested in technology to enable partners and staff to work from home seamlessly. No delays in communication which means a lot to clients working with them – high ethical standards and a culture of good manners.‘
‘Mark Lim leads a team of dedicated and intelligent lawyers, who are focused on delivering excellent results for the clients, at economic rates, and often against much more heavily resourced teams at Magic Circle firms – Lewis Silkin is really a cut above.‘
‘Mark Lim leads the department with flair and determination. He is tactically astute and highly approachable – clients love him.‘
‘Andrew Wanambwa is very determined on behalf of clients. Andrew knows exactly how to build up a strong case, and has a particular skill in not leaving any loopholes for the opponents to take advantage of – and he is tough but realistic about hammering out the best possible out-of-court resolution for clients.‘
‘Clive Greenwood is a brilliant partner who is at the top of his game. He is straightforward and has amazing commercial acumen.‘
‘Managing associate Fraser McKeating is superb – one to watch and he will be a partner in no time.‘
‘Managing associate Nigel Enticknap’s efforts to keep the matter tasks in flow and deep study of details are invaluable.‘
Key clients
Airbnb
Roofoods (Deliveroo)
The Arsenal Football Club
ASOS.Com
Havas Media Group
Hermes International
Dyson Technology
Ravi Ruia
Prashant Ruia
Ayanda Capital
Rugby Football Union
Ford Motor Company
Medical Associates of Northern Virginia
Cineworld
Picture House Cinemas
Convrgnt Engineering
Sky
Motion Picture Association
Work highlights
- Representing four individuals, two of whom are members of the Ruia family (founders of the Essar group), in a complex, substantial and very high-value unlawful means conspiracy action, arising out of an unsatisfied arbitration award.
- Represented Airbnb Ireland and Luxury Retreats Management (as defendants) in two related actions involving claims of breach of contract, negligence, and causing loss by unlawful means.
- Acting for Ford Motor Company in a complex, cross-border breach of contract claim against Mitsubishi Turbocharger, Engine Europe BV and Sumitomo Corporation Europe.
Employment > Immigration Tier 2
Lewis Silkin LLP has a strong focus on clients in the creative sectors, such as advertising & marketing, fashion and media & entertainment, as well as technology, and is known for being a firm with a ‘can-do attitude‘. The immigration practice works in tandem with the firm’s market-leading employment team to tackle the full range of issues affecting clients, including sponsor licences, recruitment, right to work checks, as well as recent challenges presented by the global pandemic. Practice head Andrew Osborne is ‘always approachable and provides practical, commercial immigration advice.’ Other key clients are drawn from the professional services, healthcare and hospitality sectors. The firm recently merged with Northern Ireland employment firm Jones Cassidy Brett; that team is set to be joined by managing associate Stephen O’Flaherty, who will lead a business immigration team in Belfast.Practice head(s):
Andrew Osborne
Other key lawyers:
Naomi Hanrahan-Soar; Kathryn Denyer; Stephen O’Flaherty; Supinder Sian
Testimonials
‘Lewis Silkin is my go-to firm for everything regarding visas for skilled workers, including Brexit uncertainties. I have been working with them since 2014, where they magically made all issues disappear as we were assembling a team in the UK. Deeply knowledgeable and very clear communicators.’
‘Naomi Hanrahan-Soar has been incredibly responsive. She also gave a remarkably clear and candid training to our largely foreign team regarding Brexit, bringing much appreciated visibility in a highly changing landscape.’
‘Kathryn Denyer is an invaluable source of practical and accessible knowhow on current immigration policy and law.’
‘Kathryn Denyer – not only is she one of the few people in the immigration sector who is genuinely up-to-date on all the (frankly daily) developments, but she is extremely insightful in her reaction to those developments. I always want to know what she thinks about the latest changes. She sees the bigger picture.’
‘Andrew Osborne is always approachable and provides practical, commercial immigration advice. This has been invaluable during the last 12-18 months, given the ever-changing uncertainty in the immigration landscape. His advice is considered in the wider corporate operational context, the same way that our business heads and stakeholders consider mobility overall.’
‘Stephen O’Flaherty explains complex areas in plain language and makes sure that the stress of immigration law is taken off the client. He is always available for advice and support.’
‘Employment expertise, particularly at partner level, is very strong. Good international reach with a strong network of overseas best friends.’
Key clients
Deliveroo
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang
Benevolent AI
Havas Media
Marks & Spencer
ASOS
Chelsea FC
Babylon Health
Work highlights
- Advising a creative agency on the visa requirements into the US for a high-profile commercial in December 2020 during the height of the pandemic, the COVID-19 related travel ban on international arrivals and changing US policy.
- Successfully advising on numerous Global Talent applications, including for a young fashion designer, a technically innovative architect and a number for clients in the tech sector.
- Advising Katten on the immigration considerations in assessing jurisdictions for the establishment of a cryptocurrency investment arm of a US investment company, for one of the US law firm’s clients.
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 2
With offices in London, Oxford, Cardiff, Dublin and Hong Kong, as well as a new base in Belfast, Lewis Silkin LLP is hailed for its ‘friendly, sociable and attentive service’. Brian Kilcoyne fronts the overall real estate department with Anthony van Hoffen, a lawyer with a distinguished level of knowledge in sports-related assets, fronting the regeneration and development offering. The practice represents private and public sector clients alike on major projects throughout the country, particularly the mixed-use, leisure and residential sectors and is also engaged by family offices and high-net-worth individuals on a wealth of investment transactions. Elsewhere, Rachel Francis-Lang ‘combines fastidious care and attention with a pragmatic commercial acumen’ and is the key contact for corporate occupier matters, catering to a client roster of media, technology, hotel, leisure, telecoms and technology entities.Practice head(s):
Brian Kilcoyne
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Francis-Lang; Julia Poulter
Testimonials
‘We have worked with Lewis Silkin for over 10 years and have never been let down on service or good advice.’
‘Rachel Francis-Lang and her team are always there when you need them and they take time to explain everything.’
‘Rachel Francis-Lang combines fastidious care and attention with a pragmatic commercial acumen; she instills confidence and is a joy to work with.’
‘The team are friendly and sociable, professional and attentive. They also offer good value for money.’
‘Rachel Francis-Lang is a standout real estate professional. She is thorough, responsive and easy to work with.’
‘Great service. Could reach the team at odd hours. The advice provided is clear and the firm has a wide range of services which we could pull in on a case by case basis very handy specially for our organisation.’
‘For me diversity is fundamental in principle and practice in professional as well as business life: Lewis Silkin exemplifies this in certainly all the dealings I have had with them over the years.’
‘Anthony van Hoffen is not just a highly professional and extremely competent lawyer, but is a person who appreciates and conveys a deep understanding of the social and political contexts that shape legal problems as well as the advice he gives. In particular, he understands more than most senior lawyers I know and have worked with over the decades the need to promote as well as align his multicultural view of the world with the values that give expression and meaning to justice and equality.’
Key clients
Pizza Express
Havas
The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc and all of its group companies
Skyscanner
Unispace Global Limited
Nova Scientia Limited
CIC International
VISA
Digital Unlimited Group Limited
AustralianSuper
Gallic Books
Mercedes-Benz
Work highlights
- Advising Verisk, which has taken two floors by way of two separate leases within AXA’s development at 22 Bishopsgate. The property is being taken on a pre-let basis and comprises 76,845 sq. ft.
- Advised McCann-Erickson on the acquisition of a new leasehold interest in 5 floors of 135 Bishopsgate with contraction rights and pre-emption rights.
- Advised Mediabrands Limited on the acquisition of a 15 year leasehold interest in circa 120,000 sq ft in Central London.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 2
Lewis Silkin LLP boasts a team of ‘experts with the most up-to-date knowledge’ and who are ‘extremely well-connected with clubs and agents’. The most prevalent matters among the group’s caseload stem from football and rugby, though expertise is also held in a number of other industries, including motorsport, horse racing, cycling and boxing. Alex Kelham ‘keeps on top of branding and protection issues’, running a broad practice which is spread across IP, advertising and commercial agreements; she jointly fronts the offering with Andrew Osborne who is a prominent sports immigration practitioner, ably supported by managing associate Stephen O’Flaherty with a particular focus on supporting Premier League and Championship Clubs with player transfers. Jonathan Carr is the contact for employment and contractual affairs and the group is also geared to support on corporate and commercial transactions owing to the ‘pre-eminent‘ capabilities of Karish Andrews. Senior associate John Shea is also an integral cog to the offering and is noted as ‘especially strong on international sporting disputes’.Practice head(s):
Alex Kelham; Andrew Osbourne
Other key lawyers:
Stephen O’Flaherty; Jonathan Carr; Karish Andrews; John Shea
Testimonials
‘Very strong in sport, especially commercial disputes. Extremely well-connected with clubs and agents.’
‘Karish Andrews is very linked in and pre-eminent on the corporate side of sporting matters.’
‘Alex Kelham is a former Commonwealth Games swimmer and on top of branding/protection and publicly funded sporting issues.
‘John Shea is a terrific senior associate who is going places fast. Especially strong on international sporting disputes.’
‘Lewis Silkin are experts in their field and, as a client, I have full confidence that they have the latest and most up to date knowledge of their subject. They are efficient, reliable and always have a can-do attitude.’
‘Stephen O’Flaherty has a positive approach to every challenge and is meticulous in his work and knowledgeable in his field. No matter how many clients Stephen and his team may be working with, he always make you feel like you are his priority.’
Key clients
Arsenal Football Club
Rugby Football Union
Chelsea Football Club Limited
Northampton Saints Rugby Football Club
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club Ltd
Ladies Professional Golf Association
Ascot Racecourse Limited
Goodwood Racecourse Limited
Williams Grand Prix Engineering Ltd (Williams Formula 1 Team)
CAA Base Limited
British Telecommunications plc (re BT Sport)
Superna
366 Sports
Supponor Limited
Reema Juffali (Saudi Arabia’s first female racing driver)
OCP Madison Holdings/Madison Sports Group Limited (Owner of Six Day Cycling Series)
Fulham Football Club
Visa
Welsh Rugby Union
Work highlights
- Acted for three Northampton Saints rugby players (Matt Proctor, Andy Symons and Lewis Bean) in disciplinary proceedings brought by European Professional Club Rugby in December 2019. All three players were cited for committing dangerous tackles.
- Negotiated Three’s shirt sponsorship deal with Chelsea FC.
- Helped Ascot Racecourse to adapt its plans to run ROYAL ASCOT at home when the racecourse was closed to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2
In early 2022 Lewis Silkin (N.I.) LLP completed the acquisition of Belfast firm Forde Campbell LLC, a niche firm in the market which specialises in IT, media and IP mandates. The team includes founding partner Rory Campbell, who advises public bodies, IT and tech start-ups, Katey Dixon, who focuses on privacy and data protection law, and legal director Mary Traynor , who focuses on ICT transactional and advisory work.
Practice head(s):
Rory Campbell; Katey Dixon
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fantastic team, very knowledgeable and easy to help navigate through amends of contracts in a timely manner – the team understand and react to our commercial needs quickly.’
‘Rory Campbell – on the ball and manages to articulate legal jargon in a way that makes complete sense. A joy to work with.’
‘The team is small but this is what makes it special. They know our business and industry sector very well which means they have a deep understanding of the legal challenges we face or could face. They recognise that start-ups often need advice particularly around investment and heads of terms.’
‘Rory Campbell (one of the partners) is exceptional. Although he is very busy he makes time for his clients. He will have a coffee and give off the clock advice – he will then do what he says he will do in a very professional way. Katey Dixon is very clued in when it comes to investment. She is very astute and provides great clarity when looking at heads of terms and potential pitfalls.’
‘We have found them to be excellent. I do not believe there is a firm in Belfast or NI that knows or executes on this area of law as well as they do. We have been delighted with their expertise and insight.’
‘We worked extensively with Mary Traynor. Mary is brilliant. She knows what she is doing, is a pleasure to work with and always has our back. She (and by extension, the wider firm) is extremely detailed and thorough.’
‘We chose this practice because it seemed like a good fit for us, not one of the big guys, but full of people who’d worked for the big guys, and that mirrored our story as a fast growing software scale up. We like their culture and tone and willingness to get the job done in a timeline that works for both organisations.’
‘Our key contact is Mary Traynor and what we like most about Mary is that she 100% gets us, we don’t have to explain everything, she practically knows the question as its still forming in our mind. She provides practical advice and guidance and gets the job done with zero drama and good humour.’
Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 3
Lewis Silkin LLP’s dedicated commercial team fields practitioners with expertise across the firm’s core focus sectors; including retail, hotel and leisure;branding; media; advertising; technology and sports. Notable clients include Snap, Facebook and M&S. Alongside its focus on complex, strategic mandates, the firm also offers clients its LS Assist tool, which aims to support them with more routine, day-to-day commercial issues. ‘Client-friendly adviser’ James Gill and ‘rock star lawyer’ Jo Farmer jointly lead the department.Practice head(s):
James Gill; Jo Farmer
Other key lawyers:
Simon Entwistle; Jeremy Summers; Geraint Lloyd-Taylor; Alan Hunt
Testimonials
‘All private practice firms want to shout about how well they understand your business but very few understand the creative world as well as Lewis Silkin. No need to waste time talking them through the intricacies of your industry, they know it and will probably teach you a few things you didn’t know to boot. The adage ‘you get what you pay for’ isn’t always true – it’s ridiculous how competitive their rates are given their exceptional industry knowledge.’
‘Jo Farmer is simply a rock star lawyer when it comes to advising on commercial contracts, particularly ones with an advertising focus – responsive, practical, takes time to understand the business. The first lawyer anyone should call when they have a media buying agreement to tackle. Love working with her. Geraint Lloyd-Taylor – Loves the creative sector, especially advertising, and his passion for it shines through. James Gill – An incredibly trustworthy and safe pair of hands for the most complex of contracts.’
‘Not only excellent lawyers but very business minded. Great team work between the lawyers and they seem to truly enjoy working together.’
‘Alan Hunt – Very passionate and extremely committed in finding the best tailor-made solution for the client. Not only an excellent lawyer, but also a great trusted business partner. Provides excellent legal service in an efficient and timely manner. It is a true pleasure working with Alan.’
Key clients
Snap
Mercedes-Benz
Howdens
Bacardi
ASOS
KKR
M&S
Suzuki
Britvic
Work highlights
- Advised Howdens on drafting and negotiating a diverse range of high-value and business-critical contracts including complex warehousing and logistics arrangements, purchase of raw materials from overseas, advertising, sales promotion and marketing advice, electricity and water purchase arrangements, fleet vehicle leasing arrangements and a wide range of eCommerce solutions.
- Working with Suzuki since 2016 on its high-profile sponsorship and advertising work.
- Advised Driift using LS Assist to deliver a responsive and cost-effective service for the production contracts.
Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 3
Hospitality and leisure is a core sector focus for Lewis Silkin LLP. Work for luxury lifestyle and retail brands is a significant growth area for the team, with its clients including hotel chains, restaurants and travel and leisure operators. In addition to providing real estate and development advice, the firm is highly regarded for the strength of its employment and immigration practice across the hospitality industry. Julia Poulter concentrates her practice on commercial real estate, in particular the high-value central London market; she jointly heads the group with employment specialist Anna Sella.
Practice head(s):
Julia Poulter; Anna Sella
Key clients
Ascot Racecourse
Vue Cinemas
Cineworld
Nobu Restaurants
Hawksmoor Restaurants
Zizzi
ASK Italian
Deliveroo
Four Seasons Hotels
Work highlights
- Advised Bow Street Hotel Ltd on the redevelopment of the Grade II Listed former Bow Street Magistrates Court and Police Station into a boutique hotel and police museum.
- Acted for Trailfinders Limited in a claim for breach of confidence and misuse of confidential information.
- Advised MJS Investment Company on a corporate joint venture (with Azumi/Dream International) and over 10 separate franchise deals.
Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 3
Jointly led by Julia Poulter and Anna Sella, Lewis Silkin LLP’s group is primarily instructed on IP and brand management mandates, commercial and technology contracts, franchising issues, employment and immigration work, and real estate transactions. Besides its work for high street retailers and independent retailers, the group is continuing to carve out a reputation in the luxury and lifestyle arena, where it leverages The Collective, a sector-focused initiative that encourages collaboration between luxury retail companies. Alan Hunt, who was promoted to partner in April 2021, is a founder and leader of the initiative.Practice head(s):
Julia Poulter; Anna Sella
Other key lawyers:
James Walters; Alan Hunt
Testimonials
‘Experience in lease negotiations with large shopping centres, and client side experience as well as practice.’
‘Julia Poulter has shown a deep understanding of our business and the challenges we face as a start-up. She has provided interesting ideas that have saved us time and money while protecting us.’
Key clients
ASOS
Chanel
Lush
Marks & Spencer
Pizza Express
Selfridges
Vue Cinemas
Harvey Nichols
Canada Goose
Lyst
Work highlights
- Negotiating several complex and business critical arrangements for M&S with key logistics providers including XPO, DHL, Clipper and Gist.
- Advising Superdry on its endorsement deal with the Brazilian footballer, Neymar Jr.
- Advising Lush on numerous complex and/or high value matters and various SaaS, licensing and integration deals.
Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 3
With offices in London, Oxford, Cardiff, Dublin and Hong Kong, as well as a new base in Belfast, Lewis Silkin LLP is hailed for its ‘friendly, sociable and attentive service’. Brian Kilcoyne fronts the overall real estate department with Anthony van Hoffen, a lawyer with a distinguished level of knowledge in sports-related assets, fronting the regeneration and development offering. The practice represents private and public sector clients alike on major projects throughout the country, particularly the mixed-use, leisure and residential sectors and is also engaged by family offices and high-net-worth individuals on a wealth of investment transactions. Elsewhere, Rachel Francis-Lang ‘combines fastidious care and attention with a pragmatic commercial acumen’ and is the key contact for corporate occupier matters, catering to a client roster of media, technology, hotel, leisure, telecoms and technology entities.Practice head(s):
Brian Kilcoyne; Anthony van Hoffen
Testimonials
‘We have worked with Lewis Silkin for over 10 years and have never been let down on service or good advice.’
‘Rachel Francis-Lang and her team are always there when you need them and they take time to explain everything.’
‘Rachel Francis-Lang combines fastidious care and attention with a pragmatic commercial acumen; she instills confidence and is a joy to work with.’
‘The team are friendly and sociable, professional and attentive. They also offer good value for money.’
‘Rachel Francis-Lang is a standout real estate professional. She is thorough, responsive and easy to work with.’
‘Great service. Could reach the team at odd hours. The advice provided is clear and the firm has a wide range of services which we could pull in on a case by case basis very handy specially for our organisation.’
‘For me diversity is fundamental in principle and practice in professional as well as business life: Lewis Silkin exemplifies this in certainly all the dealings I have had with them over the years.’
‘Anthony van Hoffen is not just a highly professional and extremely competent lawyer, but is a person who appreciates and conveys a deep understanding of the social and political contexts that shape legal problems as well as the advice he gives. In particular, he understands more than most senior lawyers I know and have worked with over the decades the need to promote as well as align his multicultural view of the world with the values that give expression and meaning to justice and equality.’
Key clients
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
London Legacy Development Corporation
Dulwich Football Club
Meadows Residential
Fairview Homes
Sager Group Limited
London Luton Airport Operations Limited
Work highlights
- Advising London Legacy Development Corporation on the Lease of the Energy Centre and the rights required for the district heating network operated by Engie at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Advising longstanding private developer client, Sager Group, on their joint venture with a private landowner in the land assembly and planning phase for a proposed retirement village, including mixed tenure private residential homes, a care facility and community amenities, at Silsoe in Bedford.
- Advising new client Shinfield Studios Limited on their development of the £200m+ state-of-the-art film studio campus at University of Reading’s Thames Valley Science Park.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 3
Lewis Silkin LLP recently appointed Tom Gaunt as its new head of intellectual property, succeeding Dominic Farnsworth, who is now at Locke Lord LLP. Joint managing partner Giles Crown and Simon Chapman impress in the brand management field, while Mandarin-speaking managing associate Nicholas Buckland recently established a China desk to assist clients with ties to the country. Adam Glass and legal director Nick Bowie take on claimant-side copyright litigation, including digital enforcement actions with criminal elements. The team also benefits from the knowledge of brand consultant Alex Rushent.Practice head(s):
Tom Gaunt
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Giles Crown always has a good grasp of the commercial implications of the legal issues. He works hard and goes the extra mile to turn things around in the tight timetable that the legal aspects of advertising law requires.‘
‘They are extremely detail oriented and have a superb dispute resolution team that engaged with our company very well throughout or legal dispute with a competitor.‘
‘They understand the law very well naturally and they are synchronised with our predicament perfectly. They walk you through everything, simply explaining options and offering the best advice.‘
‘Lewis Silkin are a strong team on the trade mark side. Simon Chapman is really good and Adam Glass is aggressive.‘
Key clients
Airwair International Limited (trading as Dr. Martens)
Trailfinders Limited
Cosmetic Warriors Limited / Lush
Vivienne Westwood
Britvic
Enterprise Holdings Inc
Dyson
Three
Skyscanner
Work highlights
- Instructed on a number of IP matters for LUSH, spanning brand protection and enforcement as well as copyright infringement.
- Serving as Enterprise’s advisor for the UK and Europe, working closely with Enterprise’s US counsel to manage its trade mark portfolio for all UK and EU marks.
- Advising Britvic on a range of contentious IP matters, as well as its trade mark portfolio and other non-contentious IP issues.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 3
Lewis Silkin LLP has a broad technology law practice, advising investors, fintech companies, tech vendors and digital media clients, among others, in relation to transactional and regulatory matters. James Gill focuses predominantly on assisting clients with the commercial aspects of projects involving AI, data and software development. David Willbe leads the firm’s corporate finance practice, which focuses primarily on the technology sector.Practice head(s):
James Gill; David Willbe
Testimonials
‘Great team, appropriate staffing at different times, well led, good associates. Good team strengths include strong knowledge of law and thoughtful interplay with the other party.’
‘The IT team at Lewis Silkin were responsive, happy to jump on a call to talk through points and came back with solutions adapted to our business needs. Their work was thorough and they were accessible when further clarification on a challenging subject matter was required.’
‘James Gill was attentive to the needs of the organisation, on hand to discuss queries and followed up to ensure an excellent service was provided.’
Key clients
ASOS
Haysmacintyre
Babylon Health
TikTok
BT
TipJar
Howdens
Mercedes Benz
Work highlights
- Advising Smartr365 on various key technology partner arrangements.
- Advising Yoti on a joint venture with the Post Office to enable in-branch and online identification, authentication and verification.
- Advising Mercedes Benz on agile software development, licensing, support and maintenance contracts, and privacy related work
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Patent attorneys Tier 3
Lewis Silkin LLP‘s patent prosecution practice stands out through the team’s focus on commercially integrated advice, assisting with traditional prosecution as well as with licensing and related corporate IP issues. In 2020, the firm launched a China desk under the lead of managing associate and solicitor Nicholas Buckland to better assist technology clients with their IP needs. The group shoulders a varied caseload, including matters from the energy, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and automotive sectors, and acts for patent originators and non-practicing entities. The London-based Tom Gaunt heads the practice. On the solicitor side, the renowned Antony Craggs joined the firm from D Young & Co LLP. The firm also added a partner in its Hong Kong office and a consultant for IP tech solutions in the UK.Practice head(s):
Tom Gaunt
Other key lawyers:
Graham Ablett; Antony Craggs; Paul Williams
Testimonials
‘Lewis Silkin have provided us with some really valuable advice and guidance on a number of tricky patent applications.‘
‘I work with a number of law firms in Europe and around the world on intellectual property matters, and among all of these, the team at Lewis Silkin has provided the best experience. They are always on top of things with timely communication and meticulous attention to deadlines and details.‘
‘A small-ish but growing and ambitious patent practice within a larger established law firm brand.‘
‘Tom Gaunt is practical, flexible to his client’s needs and always helpful and a pleasure to work with.‘
‘I have worked closely with Tom Gaunt for the last few years. Our patent applications are quite technical in nature, but Tom is excellent at distilling our briefs into an essential set of claims.‘
‘I would not hesitate to recommend Tom Gaunt to anyone needing help with intellectual property matters. He is responsive and engaged and on several occasions has gone the extra mile to assist me with complex matters. He has extensive knowledge of European and UK patent practice and has regularly provided me with excellent advice.‘
‘Tom Gaunt is a person who is friendly and easy to communicate with. He always gives me clear and concise explanations to my questions regarding European patent practice.‘
‘Tom Gaunt: Very well networked, enthusiastic, experienced.‘
Key clients
Aptiv
Orsted
TDK Lamda
Britvic
Intellectual Ventures
QL Thermostatic
Rony Shirion
Invention Investment Ireland
Nippon Steel Corp
SGW Global
Organics Group plc
Janssen Pharmaceutical NV
Work highlights
- Advised Aptiv on patent prosecution, securing a significant volume of new drafting work, as well as prosecution and advisory instructions.
- Acted for Orsted on patent prosecution matters, accompanying the client’s increase of patent activities driven by increasing deal making in the wind power industry.
- Assisting Britvic with establishing a new innovation hub and the protection of its IP generated by this.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 3
Lewis Silkin LLP expanded its trade mark portfolio work for existing clients, for example in the food and beverage sector, and invested in its domain name and online investigations offering with the recruitment of legal director Nick Bowie, who joined from Keltie in February 2021. With attorneys and litigators in the team, the practice is well rounded and includes the full range of prosecution work in addition to commercial matters, such as licencing, franchising and merchandising agreements, and disputes. Global trade mark clearance and brand disputes are areas of particular strength. Through the firm’s company AdSlogans, the practice also provides specialised search services for straplines and slogans. The firm’s litigation practice received a boost in 2021 with the arrival of Antony Craggs, formerly at D Young & Co LLP, and the arrival of Neil Parkes, formerly at Foot Anstey. The Dublin office is the first point of contact for Irish trade mark work and serves as the firm’s EU hub.Practice head(s):
Tom Gaunt
Other key lawyers:
Giles Crown; Simon Chapman; Steven Jennings; Sinéad Mahon; Helene Whelbourn; Jackie Mullen; Paul Hegedus; Nick Bowie; Antony Craggs; Neil Parkes; Oliver Fairhurst
Testimonials
‘I find the lawyers at Lewis Silkin very knowledgeable, strategic, and practical and readily available by email or phone. They provide quality advice that is practical and at a reasonable price.‘
‘From our perspective, what makes this practice unique is their knowledge of our sector, maturity, and extensive experience.‘
‘The people I work the most with are Steven Jennings, Paul Hegedus, and Oliver Fairhurst. I value the most their accessibility, practical advice presented in a clear and concise manner, and the value they provide.’
‘They were extremely dedicated in terms of helping navigate the several challenges we faced and providing pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
Arsenal
Britvic
Harvey Nichols
Saga
Beam Suntory
Bacardi
Johnson & Johnson
Enterprise
Skyscanner
Lush
Work highlights
- Advising Britvic on IP and commercial matters across its business, including managing its global trade mark and design portfolio, assisting with new product development, brand clearances, online monitoring, IP infringements and licensing.
- Assisting Harvey Nichols with managing the global trade mark portfolio and related trade mark, domain and design disputes for franchising and commercial licensing issues; advising on promotional campaigns.
- Assisting SkyScanner with managing its global trade mark portfolio, trade mark and copyright disputes, and with managing its online brand enforcement globally.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 3
In early 2022 Lewis Silkin (N.I.) LLP completed the acquisition of Belfast's Forde Campbell LLC, a firm which was uniquely positioned as the only TMT boutique in Northern Ireland. Key lawyers include Matthew Forde, who is an expert in trade mark protection and litigation work, and Rory Campbell, who has expertise in IP-adjacent areas including technology and media law. The team has advised on multijurisdictional matters spanning the UK and Ireland, wider European jurisdictions and the US.Practice head(s):
Mathew Forde; Rory Campbell
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4
Lewis Silkin LLP has recently been particularly active in disputes arising from landlord and tenant relationships - including those in the social housing arena - and the management of commercial portfolios. Rent, lease and business rates disputes alongside nuisance claims and CVAs are among typical instructions in this space. Elsewhere, high-net-worth individuals and their family offices instruct the team on enfranchisement, neighbourly and party wall disputes, while handling trespass and protester actions and development-related matters are other areas of expertise. Team head Brian Kilcoyne has a specialism in dilapidations and other development-related work.
Practice head(s):
Brian Kilcoyne
Other key lawyers:
Paul Hayes
Testimonials
‘Fantastic, strategic, client-focused firm. Very professional.‘
‘Paul Hayes is an outstanding, dedicated and strategic lawyer.‘
‘Brian Kilcoyne is so good that he tends to eclipse all lawyers around him. His quick but deep mind penetrates the essence of a problem and spots solutions that lesser mortals cannot.‘
‘Sheer brightness, together with a calmness that is quite exceptional. Nothing escapes these guys!‘
‘Very knowledgeable individuals who not only know the law but have a very practical and commercial approach.‘
‘The team at Lewis Silkin is really focused on commercial realities and achieving positive outcomes for clients. They have a striking ability to think outside the box, to work around problems and to find innovative ways to get a satisfactory result.‘
‘Great legal knowledge and experience. I would go to Lewis Silkin for my property litigation and I always recommend them to others.‘
‘Brian Kilcoyne is technically extremely strong and a savvy litigator.‘
Key clients
PizzaExpress (Restaurants) Limited
Rio Tinto Plc
Howden Joinery Group Plc
Interpublic Group of Companies Inc.
McCann-Erickson EMEA Ltd
Canada Goose
Walker Books
Ladbrokes Betting & Gaming Limited
Mercedes-Benz
Work highlights
- Acting for PizzaExpress (Restaurants) Limited (PERL) in relation to a preliminary issue under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 that was heard at a two-day trial at Exeter County Court in December 2020.
- Advising Howdens Joinery Plc as to its liability to pay business rates across its portfolio of properties and specifically whether its specific use/occupation meant that it qualified for rates relief in light of the guidance issued to rating authorities by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 25 March 2020 in response to the effects of Covid-19 on retail businesses.
- Advising the IPG Group in disputes with landlords relating to whether the Covid-19 pandemic enables them to trigger rent suspension clauses in their leases and terms of the building insurance policies.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 4
The reputation management practice at Lewis Silkin LLP advises on all areas of media law, from defamation claims to employment investigations. Adam Glass leads the team and has a wide-ranging practice including high net-worth individuals, celebrities and public personalities. Managing partner Giles Crown is a key practitioner, assisting corporate clients with their reputation management issues.Practice head(s):
Adam Glass
Other key lawyers:
Giles Crown
Testimonials
‘An excellent, broad practice.’
‘Adam Glass is very knowledgeable and skilled in the field of media law.’
Key clients
Middle East Online
Tortoise Media
Haymarket Media
Resident Advisor Limited
Work highlights
- Providing regular pre-publication advice to Tortoise Media including on three complex and sensitive investigation pieces, all of which received significant coverage across the press.
- Providing a wide range of advice to Twitter across a broad spectrum of matters including defamation, data protection and user identification complaints.
- Defending UK publisher in defamation proceedings brought by Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament in Rached Ghannouchi v Middle East Online.
Real estate > Commercial property Tier 4
Led by Emily Meredith Hardy, Lewis Silkin LLP‘s team is appreciated for the ‘solid, timely and diligent service‘ it is able to provide, either on its own or in conjunction with lawyers based out of the firm’s more well established London headquarters. Meredith Hardy is particularly active in relation to landlord and tenant work, including advising corporate occupiers on head office moves. ‘Outstanding‘ managing associate Tom Merrick is also a key member of the team and is noted for his ‘exceptionally helpful and considerate‘ service on behalf of corporate occupiers.Practice head(s):
Emily Meredith Hardy
Other key lawyers:
Tom Merrick; Sarah Mogford; Aimee Dring
Testimonials
‘Very personable and helpful – willing to work to short timeframes.’
‘Very capable and adept at handling the challenges of dealing with other parties who are far less organised than they are.’
‘The real estate department has a strong culture with very experienced and capable individuals across the team. ’
‘The team provides a solid, timely and diligent service. They have a very commercial approach and their advice is clear and sensible.’
‘Tom Merrick has always been exceptionally helpful, considerate, and has gone above and beyond countless times to help deliver the outcomes needed for us as a client. His patience with other firms acting for landlords has shown through and he is able to handle the complexity of transactions with ease.’
‘Aimee Dring has been outstanding in dealing with a complex property matter. She is sensible, approachable and her expertise is excellent.’
Key clients
Vevo UK Limited
Navana Asset Management Limited
Gainsbury and Whiting Limited / Samantha Gainsbury
Sager Group
The Storytellers Limited
Bravura Solutions (UK) Limited
Compurants Limited
Wirewax Limited
Publicis Group
DAT Property Limited
Howden Joinery Group Plc
Arrival Limited
Wildstone Limited
Four Communications Group Limited
Harbour Group
WFS Investments Limited
Regalpress Limited
Wheely London Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Arrival Limited on the acquisition of a number of separate leasehold interests, to enable Arrival to occupy an entire building, with a rental value of circa £60m over 15 years.
- Advising Wildstone on the acquisition of a number of “paper and paste” advertising portfolios for conversion to digital and a services deal agreement with Clear Channel.
- Advising Four Communications Group on the surrender of its existing leases and its head office move to The Hickman, London on various ten year leases, with an annual rent of circa £1m per annum.
Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 5
Lewis Silkin LLP offers advice on procurement strategy and a variety of construction-related drafting matters. The team frequently acts on behalf of overseas investors in UK construction and corporate occupiers, as well as luxury and film sector clients. Clare Reddy heads the construction team, advising on mixed-use, regeneration and other high-value projects in London.
Practice head(s):
Clare Reddy
Testimonials
‘Approachability and a grasp of commercial reality when looking at issues.’
‘Clare Reddy is our go-to for any of our own work and we recommend her to others.’
Key clients
Electronic Arts
Mercedes-Benz Retail Group UK Limited
Euler Hermes Services UK Limited
Four Communications Limited
Bow Street Hotel Limited
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Buro Four Project Services Limited
Interpublic Group of Companies
Osborne Property Services Limited
Shinfield Studios Limited
London Borough of Ealing
Unispace Global Limited
Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands Limited
CZWG Limited
Studio Lost Limited
Verisk Analytics Limited
VVB Engineering
Work highlights
- Advising the developer of the £200m state-of-the-art film studio campus at the University of Reading’s Thames Valley Science Park.
- Advised Bow Street Hotel, now branded as NoMad London, to achieve practical completion.
- Advised the UK subsidiary of Poly Real Estate Group on its project at Millbrook Park, Mill Hill, for a residential-led development.
Real estate > Planning Tier 5
The 'excellent' planning practice at Lewis Silkin LLP works in conjunction with its real estate department to handle the full spectrum of planning matters. Led by Sara Hanrahan, the team works with developers, corporate occupiers, luxury retail and leisure clients, investors and high net-worth individuals. Hanrahan is primarily supported by Leonard Goodrich, who is now a consultant.
Practice head(s):
Sara Hanrahan
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are very friendly and supportive – always quick to react and helpful.’
‘With Lewis Silkin, the billing is quick and easy and very well explained. The people are friendly.’
‘I deal with the planning team on various matters. Their depth of knowledge and commercial understanding of matters is impressive.’
‘Having worked with a number of firms, Lewis Silkin provide a wide diversity of skills at the highest level. It is important to clients to have reassurance that the issues they face can be successfully delivered by the same firm.’
‘Excellent practice, now led by Sara Hanrahan. She has much experience of commercial development and is a sought-after solicitor.’
‘I would recommend Sara for any planning problem. She is very bright, committed and tenacious, as well as having the ability to get on well with clients. I think she has a very good understanding of what developers need in today’s planning world.’
Key clients
A6 Management Ltd
Cain International
Christies Auction House
Fairview New Homes Ltd
Gainsbury and Whiting Production
Langbourn Properties Ltd
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
London Legacy Development Corporation
London Luton Airport Operations Ltd
Meadows Residential
Mercedes-Benz
London Borough of Ealing
Oakley Square Developments Ltd
Payne Hicks Beach
Shinfield Studios
Sager Group
The Dusty Knuckle Ltd
Thornspan Ltd
Walker Books
Withers LLP
Work highlights
- Advising Cain International on the redevelopment of the former Royal Mail North London Post Sorting Office site into a mixed-use scheme.
- Advising London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham in connection with the ongoing regeneration of Earl’s Court.
- Advised London Legacy Development Corporation on the s106 agreement for the Eastwick and Sweetwater development at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and other planning matters.
Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 5
Lewis Silkin LLP fields ‘a mix of highly skilled individuals able to work as one to meet the client’s requirements’. It focuses on data protection compliance work and also handles data breaches, and has recently seen an uptick in instructions relating to adtech. The firm is active in the advertising and marketing, technology, financial services, and retail and hospitality sectors. Alexander Milner-Smith and Bryony Long head up the team.Practice head(s):
Alexander Milner-Smith; Bryony Long
Testimonials
‘Very strong team priding themselves on their pragmatism and commercial approach to data protection and privacy issues’.
‘Alexander Milner-Smith cuts through the complexity of the law to give you practical solutions’.
‘The team is incredibly responsive, alert to what matters to the business and provides expert knowledge across multiple areas and jurisdictions’.
‘They have long standing experience and deep seated knowledge in media and advertising, including adtech’.
‘A dedicated, highly experienced team that draws upon their depth of experience in their specialist field and is able to respond quickly and provide focused advice and representation’.
‘They are able to provide excellent value for money, which is an essential point for clients these days’.
‘They are friendly and I have always appreciated how keen they are to understand the commercials behind our request to ensure they get us the business outcome we’re after’.
‘Bryony Long’s background coupled with her sharp mind allows her to focus on clients’ issues and provide solutions that are both sensible and cost effective’.
Key clients
Omnicom Group
Viacom
Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT)
Britvic
Verizon
Harvey Nichols
Lyst
World Travellers Limited
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
Work highlights
- Advised OMG on the renegotiation of adtech vendor agreements and assisted with Omnicom’s response to Schrems II and the revised regulatory guidance.
- Advising a global fashion search platform on various data protection, e-privacy and competition issues, including in relation to the use of cookies and other tracking technologies.
- Acting for World Travellers Limited t/a Magic Breaks as Disneyland Paris leading specialist agent in relation to requests under the Freedom of Information Act to obtain information from the Civil Aviation Authority related to the Thomas Cook collapse.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 5
Lewis Silkin LLP increased its footprint in the patents space off the back of recent hires to its practice. IP litigation expert Antony Craggs joined from D Young & Co LLP, bringing High Court and IPEC trial experience. In addition, David Swain, who joined from top-flight Hong Kong outfit Deacons, enhanced the commercial and licensing offering. The practice is headed up by Tom Gaunt, who handles opposition proceedings before the EUIPO.Practice head(s):
Tom Gaunt
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Intellectual Ventures
Aptiv Technologies
TDK Lambda
Insights Group
Clear Channel
Orsted
Bacardi
Organics Group plc
Britvic Soft Drinks Limited
Janssen Pharmaceutica NV
Work highlights
- Instructed by Janssen Pharmaceutica to defend the validity of EP 1951232, a patent which relates to reduction of side effects in the delivery of opioids and EP 2269577, a patent which relates to injectable drug-containing suspensions.
- Instructed by Biosensors International to defend the validity of three patents, EP 2578186, EP 2417943, EP 2316377, which relate to drug-eluting stents.
- Assisting Britvic Soft Drinks with establishing a new innovation hub, and the protection of IP generated by this, including competitive intelligence and due diligence searching and analysis.
Wales > Corporate and commercial
Northern Ireland > Employment
The ‘technically excellent and commercially aware‘ team at Lewis Silkin (N.I.) LLP, which merged with specialist Belfast employment firm Jones Cassidy Brett Solicitors in August 2021, covers the full spectrum of employment matters, with particular expertise in discrimination and equality issues. Adam Brett , who previously jointly led the litigation department at Jones Cassidy, focuses on discrimination claims, with a particular interest in issues surrounding disability. The office is managed by Ciara Fulton, who is dual-qualified in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and is experienced in advising on cross-border employment issues. Consultant Fiona Cassidy is particularly strong in employment matters in the public sector, and is highlighted for her ‘deep knowledge and practical considerations‘.Practice head(s):
Adam Brett; Ciara Fulton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Experts in relation to employment law, particularly discrimination and equality issues. Regardless of which colleague you speak to, the advice is practical, trusted and delivered professionally and in a timely manner.’
‘Fiona Cassidy is one of the most intelligent, professional and pleasant experts I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Her deep knowledge, practical considerations and approachable manner make her stand out from others in her field.’
‘Technically excellent and commercially aware.’
‘Ciara Fulton provided an excellent level of service, explained our options clearly and helped guide us in difficult negotiations.’
‘They care! This trait is what makes them stand out from the other law firms – they truly care about their clients and about concerns we might have.’
‘Winning a case is a team effort. They collaborate with colleagues and partners in their firm, as well as liaising with other external partners. They foster close professional relationships with us as a client and will often have high-profile cases alongside those of a smaller business like ours, but they have the agility to make the smaller business feel as valued as the larger. They harness a strong value of trust, which is important for us, and all their legal representatives are personable, persuasive and polite.’
Key clients
Invest NI
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks
Allianz Insurance
Bank or Ireland
KN Group
CCEA
Northstone (NI) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised an employer in a case where it was admitted that a criterion regarding experience was indirectly discriminatory on grounds of sex.
- Defended Northstone/Farrans in relation to complex whistleblowing/unfair dismissal claims brought by a former employee.
- Advising a law firm in relation to its appeal against a tribunal decision in relation to equal pay for a senior solicitor.
Northern Ireland > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
In early 2022 Lewis Silkin (N.I.) LLP completed the acquisition of Belfast firm Forde Campbell LLC, a niche firm in the market which specialises in IT, media and IP mandates. The team includes founding partner Rory Campbell, who advises public bodies, IT and tech start-ups, Katey Dixon, who focuses on privacy and data protection law, and legal director Mary Traynor , who focuses on ICT transactional and advisory work.
Practice head(s):
Rory Campbell; Katey Dixon
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fantastic team, very knowledgeable and easy to help navigate through amends of contracts in a timely manner – the team understand and react to our commercial needs quickly.’
‘Rory Campbell – on the ball and manages to articulate legal jargon in a way that makes complete sense. A joy to work with.’
‘The team is small but this is what makes it special. They know our business and industry sector very well which means they have a deep understanding of the legal challenges we face or could face. They recognise that start-ups often need advice particularly around investment and heads of terms.’
‘Rory Campbell (one of the partners) is exceptional. Although he is very busy he makes time for his clients. He will have a coffee and give off the clock advice – he will then do what he says he will do in a very professional way. Katey Dixon is very clued in when it comes to investment. She is very astute and provides great clarity when looking at heads of terms and potential pitfalls.’
‘We have found them to be excellent. I do not believe there is a firm in Belfast or NI that knows or executes on this area of law as well as they do. We have been delighted with their expertise and insight.’
‘We worked extensively with Mary Traynor. Mary is brilliant. She knows what she is doing, is a pleasure to work with and always has our back. She (and by extension, the wider firm) is extremely detailed and thorough.’
‘We chose this practice because it seemed like a good fit for us, not one of the big guys, but full of people who’d worked for the big guys, and that mirrored our story as a fast growing software scale up. We like their culture and tone and willingness to get the job done in a timeline that works for both organisations.’
‘Our key contact is Mary Traynor and what we like most about Mary is that she 100% gets us, we don’t have to explain everything, she practically knows the question as its still forming in our mind. She provides practical advice and guidance and gets the job done with zero drama and good humour.’
Northern Ireland > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
In early 2022 Lewis Silkin (N.I.) LLP completed the acquisition of Belfast's Forde Campbell LLC, a firm which was uniquely positioned as the only TMT boutique in Northern Ireland. Key lawyers include Matthew Forde, who is an expert in trade mark protection and litigation work, and Rory Campbell, who has expertise in IP-adjacent areas including technology and media law. The team has advised on multijurisdictional matters spanning the UK and Ireland, wider European jurisdictions and the US.Practice head(s):
Mathew Forde; Rory Campbell
Lewis Silkin > Firm Profile
THE FIRM
Lewis Silkin works with leading businesses to protect and enhance their most important assets — their ideas, their people, and their future. They call it: Ideas. People. Possibilities.
A leading UK firm with offices in London, Oxford, Cardiff, Dublin, Belfast and Hong Kong, they are recognised by clients and industry alike as being distinct: for their strong, unique culture, market-leading practice areas, sector focused approach and for providing solutions to complex, multijurisdictional business challenges, with a pragmatic and human touch. They have two things at their core: people — both theirs and their clients’— and a focus on creativity, technology and innovation – ideas.
The firm’s focus on creative, tech and innovative businesses runs through everything they do. From entrepreneurial start-ups to global household names, they leverage market leading expertise across disciplines including commercial, corporate, data and privacy, dispute resolution, employment, immigration, intellectual property and real estate to help bring their clients’ ideas to life — protecting, defending and optimising their ideas and building their businesses. They provide specialist expertise to help clients build their ideas into corporate strategies to support and drive key business goals, creating tangible value from intangible assets.
Their other passion is people — both their people and their clients’ people. Their award-winning employment team is one of the largest in the UK, with dedicated experts in areas such as complex litigation, international projects, workplace data and trade unions and works councils, and a track record of leading precedent setting cases on issues of the day. Their broader offering helps clients with all their people related needs: the team includes HR consultants as well as specialists across disciplines including investigations, immigration, data, tax and reward, health and safety, reputation management, dispute resolution, corporate and real estate. Together, they provide an unrivalled breadth of integrated expertise to help some of the largest multinational businesses realise the potential in their people and navigate their strategic HR and legal issues, nationally and internationally.
Renowned in the market for their strong culture, their own people sit at the heart of the business, united by a passion for creativity, technology and innovation. The culture is encapsulated by an ethos of bravery and kindness. It provides a supportive environment for its people, its clients and its community and embraces diversity, ensuring people are able to bring their full selves to work.
PRINCIPAL AREAS OF WORK
The firm’s major practice areas include brands and intellectual property; commercial; corporate; data and privacy; dispute resolution; employment; immigration; investigations and regulatory; partnership; real estate; tax, reward and incentives; and trade mark and portfolio management.
It provides services through key sectors including advertising and marketing; financial services; media and entertainment; professional services; retail, hospitality and leisure; fashion and luxury; sports business; and technology.
INTERNATIONAL CAPABILITIES
Whether it is providing global employment law advice, managing a global IP portfolio or piecing together a multijurisdictional corporate transaction the firm has the right people, in the right place, at the right time through a combination of its own offices, strategic alliances and expert desks.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Joint Managing Partner | Giles Crown | ||
Joint Managing Partner | Richard Miskella | ||
Advertising & Marketing | Brinsley Dresden | ||
Advertising & Marketing | Geraint Lloyd-Taylor | ||
Commercial | Jo Farmer | ||
Commercial | James Gill | ||
Construction | Clare Reddy | ||
Corporate | Paul Rajput | ||
Data Protection & Privacy | Alexander Milner-Smith | ||
Data Protection & Privacy | Bryony Long | ||
Employee reward | Sara Cohen | ||
Employee reward | Victoria Goode | ||
Employment | James Davies | ||
Employment | Michael Burd | ||
Employment | Russell Brimelow | ||
Financial Services | Wendy Saunders | ||
IT & Outsourcing | James Gill | ||
Immigration | Andrew Osborne | ||
Insolvency & Restructuring | Mark Lim | ||
Insolvency & Restructuring | Tim Leeson | ||
Intellectual property | Giles Crown | ||
Intellectual property | Tom Gaunt | ||
Investigations & Regulatory | Karen Baxter | ||
Litigation and Dispute Resolution | Mark Lim | ||
Media and Entertainment | Alan Hunt | ||
Media and Entertainment | Cliff Fluet | ||
Partnership | Clive Greenwood | ||
Partnership | Fergus Payne | ||
Planning | Sara Hanrahan | ||
Property Litigation | Brian Kilcoyne | ||
Publishing | Simon Entwistle | ||
Real Estate - Cardiff | Emily Meredith-Hardy | ||
Real Estate | Rachel Francis-Lang | ||
Reputation Management | Adam Glass | ||
Retail | Julia Poulter | ||
Sports | Alex Kelham | ||
Tax | Matthew Rowbotham | ||
Technology | David Willbe | ||
Trade Marks | Dominic Farnsworth | ||
Trade Marks | Steven Jennings |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Graham Ablett | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Anderson | Partner: Michael advises companies, LLPs, and senior executives on all aspects of… | View Profile |
![]() | Karish Andrews | Partner, covering the full range of corporate advice, working with companies, shareholders, investors,… | View Profile |
![]() | Karen Baxter | Partner and Head of the firm’s Investigations and Regulatory group and sits on… | View Profile |
![]() | Mario Betts | Managing Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Nick Bowie | Legal Director: Nick is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, specialising in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Burd | Chair of the Partnership and Partner. Advises on all aspects of employment… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon J Chapman | Partner. Specialises in contentious and non-contentious IP and IT disputes encompassing patents,… | View Profile |
![]() | Sara Cohen | Partner advising on the full range of equity incentive arrangements for both… | View Profile |
![]() | Laetitia Cooke | Senior Associate: Laetitia advises senior individuals across all sectors, with particular experience acting… | View Profile |
![]() | Antony Craggs | Partner: Antony specialises in contentious and transactional intellectual property matters, with a… | View Profile |
![]() | Shalina Crossley | Partner: Advises many areas of employment and partnership law. Has a particular… | View Profile |
![]() | Giles Crown | Joint Managing Partner, heading up the part of the firm focussed on… | View Profile |
![]() | James Davies | Founding partner of our employment team specialising in all aspects of employment… | View Profile |
![]() | David Deakin | Consultant. David is a commercial digital media and technology lawyer. He specialises… | View Profile |
![]() | Sean Dempsey | Sean is an Employment Partner with clients predominantly from the technology sector and… | View Profile |
![]() | Nigel Dewar Gibb | Consultant and experienced commercial IP lawyer, advising on all intellectual property rights.… | View Profile |
![]() | Neil Dite | Senior Associate: Neil provides pragmatic and commercial advice on both contentious and… | View Profile |
![]() | Brinsley Dresden | Partner, specialising in advertising and marketing law and regulation, representing both brand owners… | View Profile |
![]() | Nigel Enticknap | Managing Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Entwistle | Partner: Having spent the early years of his career as a corporate… | View Profile |
![]() | Jo Evans | Partner, Corporate. Work includes mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance with a… | View Profile |
![]() | Jo Farmer | Partner: Jo jointly leads the firm’s Commercial group and advises clients on their… | View Profile |
![]() | Laura Farnsworth | Partner dealing with all aspects of employment law with a special interest… | View Profile |
![]() | Cliff Fluet | Partner. Specialises in digital media, branded entertainment, audio and audio/visual content exploitation… | View Profile |
![]() | Rachel Francis-Lang | Partner: Rachel has a focus upon providing real estate services to corporate… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Gaunt | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | James Gill | Partner. James provides specialist advice on commercial contracts, technology projects, outsourcing, e-commerce,… | View Profile |
![]() | Adam Glass | Partner: Part of the firm’s Disputes Resolution team and has previously been… | View Profile |
![]() | Virginia Goode | Practice Development Lawyer in commercial property. Ginny has extensive experience handling a broad range… | View Profile |
![]() | Leonard Goodrich | Consultant: Mixed use development with experience in commercial acquisitions and disposals, commercial… | View Profile |
![]() | Clive Greenwood | Partner in the Professional Services and Dispute Resolution Groups. Specialises in commercial… | View Profile |
![]() | Nicholas Hadaway | Partner, Employment. Advises on all areas of employment law with particular focus… | View Profile |
![]() | Sara Hanrahan | Sara is a planning partner within the Real Estate Department and has… | View Profile |
![]() | Naomi Hanrahan-Soar | Managing Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Hayes | Head of Housing and Residential Litigation, specialising in residential property litigation, including… | View Profile |
![]() | David Hopper | Partner: David specialises in advising on industrial relations and collective employment law.… | View Profile |
![]() | Alan Hunt | Partner: Alan is a partner in the Commercial team specialising in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Ian Jeffery | Consultant specialising in intellectual property and information technology, with particular emphasis on… | View Profile |
![]() | Alex Kelham | Alex is a Partner, and the Head of Lewis Silkin’s Sports Business… | View Profile |
![]() | Brian Kilcoyne | Partner specialising in all areas of real estate litigation: landlord and tenant… | View Profile |
![]() | Colin Leckey | Partner in employment. Particular focus on the technology, financial services and professional… | View Profile |
![]() | Timothy Leeson | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Lim | Mark is a partner specialising in the resolution of complex commercial disputes,… | View Profile |
![]() | Geraint Lloyd-Taylor | Partner. Deputy head of Lewis Silkin’s advertising & marketing team. | View Profile |
![]() | Bryony Long | Partner: Bryony us Co-Head of Lewis Silkin’s Data and Privacy Group. She… | View Profile |
![]() | Steven Lorber | Consultant partner specialising in employment and data privacy. | View Profile |
![]() | Toni Lorenzo | Partner and Head of the Employment Litigation Team. Specialising in employment law,… | View Profile |
![]() | Fraser McKeating | Managing Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Gavin McNaughton | Partner: Gavin specialises in both domestic and international mergers and acquisitions. He acts… | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah McWhinney | Managing Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Alexander Milner-Smith | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Miskella | Joint managing partner in employment, reward and immigration department. Particular focus on… | View Profile |
![]() | Lee Nair | Managing Associate Lee specialises in global acquisitions, TUPE and the contingent workforce. Her work… | View Profile |
![]() | Stephen O'Flaherty | Managing Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Osborne | Partner. A key member of the Sports Group and Head of Immigration.… | View Profile |
![]() | Neil Parkes | Partner: Neil is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution Department specialising in… | View Profile |
![]() | Fergus Payne | Partner. Specialises in advising on limited liability partnership and partnership matters, mergers… | View Profile |
![]() | Sam Pennington | Corporate lawyer specialising in a full range of corporate law advice from… | View Profile |
![]() | Emma Perera | Legal Director: Emma has a broad practice advising on all aspects of… | View Profile |
![]() | Julia Poulter | Partner (Real Estate) | View Profile |
![]() | Hannah Price | Legal Director advising on all aspects of employment law. Has particular expertise in… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Rajput | Partner specialising in wide range of corporate and commercial issues, principally in… | View Profile |
![]() | Clare Reddy | Partner in the real estate team and heads up our construction practice.… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Reuben | Partner specialising in all areas of commercial property law, particularly property investment… | View Profile |
![]() | Matthew Rowbotham | Partner specialising in corporate and business taxes, with an emphasis on M&A… | View Profile |
![]() | Alex Rushent | Consultant: Alex joined Lewis Silkin in October 2020, having spent nearly 10 years… | View Profile |
![]() | Phil Rymer | Consultant: All forms of audio visual finance, production and distribution for conventional media… | View Profile |
![]() | David Samuels | Partner: David is a Partner in Lewis Silkin’s market-leading employment litigation practice.… | View Profile |
![]() | Wendy Saunders | Legal Director: Wendy specialises in financial services and markets law and regulation,… | View Profile |
![]() | John Shea | Senior Associate John is an experienced dispute resolution lawyer with a particular… | View Profile |
![]() | Frances Simm | Managing Associate Frances advises national and international businesses on a broad range… | View Profile |
![]() | Supinder Singh Sian | Partner: Supinder deals with all areas of UK business, sport, high-net worth… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Barnaby Stokes | Managing Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Jeremy Summers | Jeremy is a partner within Lewis Silkin’s Media & Entertainment team. He… | View Profile |
![]() | Tarun Tawakley | Partner: Tarun advises a broad range of clients, with a particular insight into… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Wanambwa | Andrew is a partner in the Dispute Resolution team. His practice focuses… | View Profile |
![]() | David Willbe | Partner and Heads of the Technology sector group. David gives regular presentations… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Williams | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Anthony van Hoffen | Partner (Real Estate) | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of partners : 72Diversity
At Lewis Silkin we recognise that a more inclusive workplace allows for a plethora of ideas and thoughts, a variety of points of view that can trigger discussions or deliver innovative results, as well as a wide scope of versatile skills and expertise. We are proud of the diverse range of people within Lewis Silkin and culture of bravery and kindness that allows individuals to be themselves at work, ensuring we provide the best possible service to our clients.
Our D&I Board champions the firm’s culture and is responsible for the development and execution of the firm’s overall diversity strategy. We are a proud signatory to The Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter, the leading diversity initiative of the legal profession, and Gold Standard award recipient. We are also a legal partner to The Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion.
We know change doesn’t happen overnight and have set ambitious firmwide targets to help us achieve our diversity and inclusion goals:
- our Women in Law Pledge target is no less than 45% female partners by 2027;
- reducing our gender pay gap by at least 40% from its 2019 levels by 2027; and
- no single-sex panels for events or pitch teams.
We have set BAME recruitment targets for 2022 and 2025. We plan to have separate targets for each group and particularly for black employees, which is currently where we have underrepresentation. We have recently joined the Black Solicitors Network as part of our commitment to achieving equality of access and progression for black solicitors, and in September 2020 launched our Solicitor Apprenticeship scheme to introduce an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor at Lewis Silkin and to attract a more diverse range of candidates to the firm.
We have made changes to partner appraisals which include assessment against how each partner has promoted the firm’s culture and values, steps they have taken to advance D&I, and the setting of a diversity-related objective for the coming year. We also have a reverse mentoring scheme focusing on race and ethnicity issues for senior members of staff.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment policies and practices allow us to attract and recruit the best and most diverse talent to the firm and use RARE Contextual Recruitment for our graduate roles and Vantage, which allows us to enter precise search criteria and to pinpoint specific candidates or candidate groups using filters such as ethnicity, gender, disadvantaged postcode or time spent in care. We have recently created a Head of Talent Acquisitions and Diversity role with responsibility for ensuring a diverse pipeline of top talent at all levels.
We have reviewed staff training and launched firmwide Anti-Racism and Allyship training, Unconscious Bias training course for senior leaders, sessions on Appropriate Language for all staff, and online Equality and Diversity training for all new staff.
We also appointed a Disability Champion for staff to speak to about any issues relating to work.
We have an internal Wellbeing group to lead our #ThisPlaceMinds initiative internally relating to mental health. We have a series of blogs on our intranet, some authored and some anonymous, where people share their thoughts and experiences. During Covid-19 pandemic, the Wellbeing team have issued weekly updates to provide training and suggestions for mental health during this challenging time. We also introduced a “Kindness Code” under which colleagues can record time spent looking after themselves and others. You can read more about more of our recent diversity and inclusion initiatives on our website.
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Tony Hill, Group CEO and Founder
COMPANY/FIRM: Sideshow
TESTIMONIAL: “It was great to work with Jo and the team at Lewis Silkin on our exciting transaction. TRGT’s remote working model and international trading presented some additional considerations to previous deals, so the advice and support we received from Jo, Fran, Matthew, Joe and the wider team at Lewis Silkin was invaluable. We are pleased and fortunate to have them as our trusted advisers.”
CLIENT: Dan Mines, Managing Partner
COMPANY/FIRM: Headland
TESTIMONIAL: “Ours was a complex transaction and I feel so fortunate that Jo (Evans) led us all the way. Along with her fantastic wider team, Lewis Silkin was every inch up to its reputation as a specialist in our sector, and they pulled off the tricky job of simplifying the dense and complicated stuff. They were also great fun and wonderfully normal to work with, which is so important when you consider how much time you need to spend together.”
CLIENT: Paul Stonebridge, CEO
COMPANY/FIRM: Splash Worldwide
TESTIMONIAL: “Jo Evans and the team at Lewis Silkin brought clarity, calm and expertise to the process. Their clear legal and tax advice, highlighting the most important issues and the commercial consequences, helped facilitate rapid decision taking which is essential in these processes. There were also great with the detail, the drafting and holding our hands through the legal due diligence process. The Lewis Silkin team also dovetailed seamlessly with our other advisors and it is genuinely difficult to see how the process could have run more smoothly. I would highly recommend them.”
CLIENT: Murray Clark, Managing Director
COMPANY/FIRM: TCMM Shutter Group
TESTIMONIAL: “The Lewis Silkin team were excellent to deal with. It´s a pretty arduous process working through a transaction of this nature, but we were in great hands with the LS Team and successfully got the deal over the line”.
CLIENT: Nick Lee Morrison, General Counsel
COMPANY/FIRM: Next Fifteen Communications Group
TESTIMONIAL: “Paul (Rajput) and Lewis Silkin’s M&A team have supported us on three acquisitions since the beginning of 2020. Their professionalism and industry knowledge were instrumental in completing these transactions seamlessly.”
CLIENT: Peter Dann, CEO
COMPANY/FIRM: The Nursery
TESTIMONIAL: “Matthew Rowbotham and the team at Lewis Silkin made the whole process extremely smooth and guided us through some important decisions with very clear advice on the legal, taxation and commercial consequences. Like everyone we work with at Lewis Silkin, Matthew combines deep knowledge of his subject matter with genuine understanding of the real-world practicalities of running a business like ours.”
CLIENT: Ben Terrett, CEO
COMPANY/FIRM: Public Digital
TESTIMONIAL: “Covid 19 has accelerated digital trends that were already unstoppable and as Public Digital enters the next phase of its growth it has been great to have Lewis Silkin supporting us. It was strange conducting this whole process during lockdown but it never felt like this impaired our working relationship. This is a better deal because of Lewis Silkin.”
CLIENT: Nan Williams, CEO
COMPANY/FIRM: Four Communications Group
TESTIMONIAL: “The team at Lewis Silkin have now navigated us successfully through eight acquisitions in recent years. They are perfect partners – commercial and supportive throughout – but never afraid to challenge us. We would not be so successful without their support.”
CLIENT: Stephane Estryn – Global M&A Director
COMPANY/FIRM: Publicis Groupe SA
TESTIMONIAL: “Paul Rajput and his team are of the highest calibre and an absolute joy to work with. Going through a M&A transaction with them is like being on the back seat of a Rolls Royce”.
Student (The Lex 100 )
The Lex 100 Verdict
A Lex 100 Winner for quality of work, it’s no surprise that Lewis Silkin trainees highly rate their training. As one highlights: ‘the people seemed approachable, excited to meet you and that they didn't take themselves too seriously’. The firm takes a small cohort and is known for having ‘really exciting clients and more informal/less-hierarchical attitude than other law firms’. A trainee adds, ‘I really wanted to be part of a smaller cohort and the areas of specialism really appealed to me’. The firm also provides a ‘better work/life balance’ and ‘more client and partner contact’. A common theme among trainee comments is ‘how supportive all of the members are; there are so many people I would happily ask for help’. Negatives include ‘not having a clear qualification process’ and that ‘the remuneration is definitely lower than comparable firms’. But trainees are highly complementary overall. Lewis Silkin offers an impressive number of client secondments; one trainee has 'undertaken three secondments. They were all very challenging in the sense that I was thrown in to the middle of large-scale projects, but they were all interesting and helped me to develop additional soft skills alongside technical skills’. If you are looking for a broad range of practice areas, a City of London location with a small intake and supportive culture, Lewis Silkin could be a great fit.- Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m
- Employment > Employers
- Employment > Senior executives
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance)
- Employment
- Employment > Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40
- Employment > Employment: Recommended Firms
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Partnership
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market
- Employment > Immigration
- Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts
- Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure
- Industry focus > Retail and consumer
- Real estate > Commercial property: development
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Patent attorneys
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Trade mark attorneys
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
- Real estate > Property litigation
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management
- Real estate > Commercial property