Lewis Silkin > London, England > Firm Profile

Lewis Silkin
Arbor
255 Blackfriars Rd
LONDON
SE1 9AX
England

Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m Tier 1

Lewis Silkin’s M&A team has particular strength in advertising and marketing, having acted for a range of top clients in the sector for many years. The team has also recently seen considerable growth in technology, fintech and start-up opportunities. In addition to acting for two of the world’s largest marketing communications networks, Publicis and Havas, team head Paul Rajput’s robust experience in this sector also extends to acting for  independent agencies in traditional advertising, PR, design, digital, social media and ad-tech.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Uniquely equipped to advise clients in the communications/data space on sophisticated legal matters. Very experienced team, capable of driving a deal efficiently and in a cost-minded fashion, involving its client on key decisions. We’ve been using Lewis Silkin for over 15 years and would recommend using them without any reservations.’

‘The team is very reactive, understands business issues and knows how to adapt to the needs of international transactions’

‘Paul Rajput is an incredibly experienced partner, with strong business acumen and great negotiating skills.’

‘Lewis Silkin lawyers are very business oriented, they know how to work with foreign correspondents, they know how to adapt their advice and assistance to any request of foreign clients. We have particularly worked with Paul Rajput and Sadiq Tajbhai who are very professional and have a great capacity to adapt to the needs of the clients.’

‘Over a very long and protracted deal, the Lewis Silkin team stayed focused and were always available with excellent advice. Quite frankly, on some areas of dispute they ran rings around the other side and when the deal broke down and there was a threat of litigation from the other side, Lewis Silkin had put us in such a strong position that the other side did not proceed.’

‘Paul Rajput was very strong and capable throughout the transaction. He is very calm and thoughtful and always makes himself available. He led his team well in the allocation of work. On this transaction he was streets ahead of the lawyers on the other side in anticipating potential problems and nullifying them from our side, so when a dispute did arise within the transaction, the other side did not actually have a leg to stand on and the threat of litigation went away.’

Key clients

Publicis Groupe SA

Havas SA

Daily Mail & General Trust Plc

Next Fifteen Communications Group Plc

Harbour Group Industries, Inc.

Sideshow Group Limited (backed by Waterland Private Equity)

Mother

Wildstone

John Bean Technologies

Providence Equity Partners (and its subsidiary 365 Retail Markets LLC)

Work highlights

  • Advised French Euronext listed Publicis Groupe SA on the 100% share acquisition of B2B Marketing Agency, Octopus Group, a B2B marketing specialist agency.
  • Acted for the shareholders in Sideshow Group on the significant investment made by Waterland Private Equity.
  • Advised the founder and other sellers of Satalia on the sale of the company to WPP, the world’s largest advertising group.

Employment > Employers Tier 1

Richard Miskella spearheads Lewis Silkin‘s sizeable top-tier team of employment and litigation specialists covering investigations, trade unions, discrimination and international transactional and restructuring support. Clients hail from the financial services, tech, retail and the creative industries. ‘Standout‘ litigator Toni Lorenzo is considered an expert on restrictive covenants and team moves, while Miskella is a partner of note for investigations and culture change programmes. Michael Burd likewise supports many leading employer clients on high-value disputes, senior terminations and strategic projects. Also notable are the experienced employment practitioner James Davies, Colin Leckey for worker status and equal pay, High Court litigator Michael Anderson, and head of workplace investigations Karen Baxter. Shalina Crossley is recommended for socio-economic discrimination and health and safety issues.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Incredibly broad strength in depth with a great team approach – always very switched on and strategic from the outset’.

‘Lewis Silkin have grown from strength to strength in recent years and there is not one area of employment law that they are unable to cover’.

‘Their Employment Litigation team have a formidable reputation. They are all over High Court Employment cases and have a wealth of talent at their disposal. The firm are rapidly becoming the go-to for Employers and are one of the firms that we would wholeheartedly recommend’.

‘Toni Lorenzo is the stand out partner among many excellent ones. At home in both the Tribunal and High Court litigation. He is a top choice for the most high profile cases’.

‘Colin Leckey – Fantastically knowledgeable and insightful. Colin is always fast to respond with practical advice. He is a trusted adviser, able to recognise when I need quick, off the cuff advice, rather than in depth analysis’.

‘One of the most impressive employment teams in the London market for strength and depth. Highly skilled and experienced litigators’.

‘Michael Anderson is one of the most skilled and impressive lawyers specialising in commercial employment litigation both in the High Court and in arbitration. Michael is probably involved in more cases than entire departments at other firms.’

‘Michael Burd – a brilliant strategist. He has seen it all and done it all before. Unflappable. ‘

Key clients

Deliveroo

Airbnb

LinkedIn

Verizon

Bridgepoint

ASOS

Accenture

Google

WSH (Baxter Storey, Benugo, Caterlink, Portico)

McCann Worldgroup

Work highlights

  • Advised a global tech platform in the on-demand economy on strategic changes to their operating model, their contracts and arrangements with drivers and ET proceedings.
  • Advised Bridgepoint on the employment aspects of its IPO.
  • Advised a hedge fund on securing injunctions before the High Court against a former employee and their new employer to prevent the misuse of confidential information.

Employment > Senior executives Tier 1

Acting on both sides of employment matters across sectors, Lewis Silkin handles a range of director and shareholder work related to whistleblowing and discrimination claims, with notable strength in sex, maternity and equal pay cases. The firm’s expertise includes restricted covenant matters, as well as private equity and financial services work, acting for CEOs of FTSE 100 companies. ‘Brilliant strategistNicholas Hadaway leads the team and is ‘exceptionally experienced’ and ‘gets superb results’. His team includes the experienced Richard Miskella, who advises on all aspects of employment law; managing associate Sarah McWhinney, who is recommended by clients as ‘one to watch’; and senior associate Laetitia Cooke, whose forte is advising senior individuals in the financial services sector.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘A top team for senior executives  and dominant in the market. Good availability top to bottom. Particular strengths in covenants but exceptional in other aspects too.’

‘Toni Lorenzo and Michael Burd are particularly good. Calm and reassuring in style but backed up with immense experience and great tactical nous.’

‘Sarah McWhinney was an outstanding associate with great attention to detail and strategic in approach to solving issues.’

‘I engaged Nicholas Hadaway and worked with him and Laetitia Cooke. I found them both to be very knowledgable, empathetic, and a pleasure to deal with, both professionally and on a more human level.’

‘Market leading department handling employment and related issues (eg partnership) with unrivalled strength in depth.’

‘Sarah McWhinney is one to watch. She has great empathy and patience with clients and her drafting skills are excellent.’

‘This practice has a deep knowledge and experience of employment issues in financial services. It is commercial in its outlook and understands the emotional challenges of employees that are going through difficult times with their employers.’

‘Tarun Tawakley is a charismatic and engaging partner at Lewis Silkin. He has tremendous knowledge and experience in employment issues and is well versed in how the other side thinks. He is firm in his advice and ensures that emotions are kept in check in order to deliver the best outcome for his client. He delivers his advice in a very clear and logical manner, he ensures that the client has understood the subtleties and nuances of the negotiations before explaining what particular path is the preferred one.’

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

Lewis Silkin is widely regarded as a leading firm in advertising and marketing, handling matters for both regulatory bodies and key players such as Havas. Additionally, the firm represents clients in the performing arts, publishing, interactive entertainment, and social media spheres. The team is co-headed by Cliff Fluet, Russell Brimelow, and Brinsley Dresden. Geraint Lloyd-Taylor serves as deputy head of the firm’s advertising and marketing practice and in a recent highlight counselled Snap Inc on its advertising policies regarding issues such as gambling. For theatrical productions, Jeremy Summers is a key contact within the team whereas Alan Hunt is a specialist in matters surrounding the protection and exploitation of IP rights. Finally, Jo Farmer comes particularly recommended for her expertise in media buying and financing agreements.

Testimonials

‘They are a good media lawyers. They offer lots of training and updates (online) and have a large number of partners with a wealth of experience.’

‘They are all very good in the fields and very knowledgeable and helpful.’

‘The team members have significant experience at the highest levels of the entertainment industry. This gives great confidence in the accuracy of their advice, which is always clear and reasoned for our understanding.’

‘Lewis Silkin is the leading law firm in the UK for advertising and marketing law.’

‘The individuals we work with are highly experienced, lead the industry, and are always on the cutting edge of the field. Brinsley Dresden, Jo Farmer, and Geraint Lloyd-Taylor are all highly knowledgeable, and we feel confident placing our trust in them to help make decisions for our agency and clients.’

‘I have most frequently worked with Cliff Fluet, Jeremy Summers, and Alan Hunt. Aside from their wealth of experience they are likeable personalities and very much human beings – which has made them a joy to work with. They have taken time to explain principles in their advice and encourage learning in our organization – things they would not be required to do, and this has created great value in their work with us.’

Key clients

Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO

adam&eveDDB

Havas

Wieden + Kennedy

72andSunny

Uncommon

Omnicom

Bacardi

Suzuki

Associated British Foods

Work highlights

  • Advised the British Fashion Council on its partnership with Roblox in awarding the first ever Fashion Award for Metaverse and an experience around the awards themselves.
  • Advising Unilever on their global media buying contracts with their agencies worldwide.
  • Assisted LarMac Productions in relation to its production of the UAE National Day Celebrations in 2020.

Northern Ireland > Employment Tier 1

Lewis Silkin completed a merger with specialist Belfast employment firm Jones Cassidy Brett in August 2021. The practice specialises in advising public sector organisations and multinational employers on areas such as collective labour law, trade union law, complex employee termination and tribunal cases. Adam Brett advises on disciplinary and grievance matters. Practice head Ciara Fulton, who is dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, impresses with her significant experience in the full spectrum of employment issues. Consultant Fiona Cassidy is particularly strong in the public sector. Paul Gillen joined the department in 2022 from Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP, where he was department head.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Paul Gillen is approachable and provides succinct and focused advice.’

‘Paul Gillen is a real champion for equality and diversity issues.

‘I very much value the openness and approachable manner of Paul Gillen. He has a wealth of legal knowledge, great business acumen and a broad commercial knowledge of our industry. Paul has a strong commitment to collaborative working, which I very much value.’

‘Paul Gillen’s expertise, of not only employment legislation, but also human resource practices is exemplary. Being past Chair of the Northern Ireland branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Paul has an excellent network in the HR field.’

Key clients

Kainos PLC

KN Circet

Northstone NI Limited

Mount Charles Group Limited

Invest NI

Northern Ireland Electric Networks Limited

Bryson Charitable Group

Bank of Ireland

Ulster Carpet Mills Ltd

Irwin’s Bakery

Work highlights

  • Defended a leading provider of managed services to the telecommunications and power sectors against a claim for unfair dismissal during probationary period.
  • Advised two local councils and an Ombudsman in relation to a defence of a number of holiday pay claims brought by multiple claimants.
  • Advised our client, a confidential Facilities Management Company in the outsourcing of services in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

Employment > Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1

Lewis Silkin is a market-leading employment practice, with sector expertise in media & entertainment, tech, sports, and financial and professional services, handling sensitive discrimination disputes and corporate projects. Additionally, clients may benefit from the firm’s specialized GDPR employment lawyers. Advising on complex projects and high-level dismissals remain specialist areas of practice head Jonathan Carr. Russell Brimelow is an expert on global employment strategies, whereas James Storke counsels clients on restructuring, TUPE, discrimination, and senior terminations. Carolyn Soakell  is particularly well versed in discrimination and equal opportunities matters. ‘Pragmatic and results-focused‘ associate James Walters has a broad employment practice, but is especially noteworthy for his capabilities in resolving employee relations issues.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Lewis Silkin provides an excellent service to its clients. Their billing is reasonable and their employment law knowledge in multiple areas is exceptional.’

‘James Storke is an excellent ‘go-to’ lawyer for all things employment-related. He has a pragmatic and commercial approach, deep understanding of the law, while also maintaining an excellent eye for detail. James will always make himself available, even at short notice. Abi Fredrick and Georgina Curry are also recommended.’

‘Jonathan Carr is extremely responsive and leads a highly capable team. Jonathan is very commercial and works well with C-Suite clients on what can, at times, be very sensitive matters.’

‘The team is commercially focused and provides very high quality advice. They actively listen to what it is that we’re discussing and are extremely responsive to our needs. They understand the industry that we work with and our company and its values which helps to ensure that we get the quality of advice and service that we require.’

‘James Storke has continued to provide extremely high quality advice and is extremely responsive. He ensures that we receive excellent communication along the way.’

‘The Lewis Silkin team is brilliant. They really understand our business, provide excellent legal advice, and are both pragmatic and commercial in their approach. I trust them completely. They are human in their approach, and are always very responsive/available to our needs.’

‘James Waters is excellent, always available, pragmatic and results-focused. Balanced and able to give a full perspective, but will give a view and clarity of risks.’

‘Russell Brimelow and his team provide commercial advice that is easy for any manager in the business to understand. They are friendly and practical in their approach.’

Key clients

ViacomCBS

Ascential PLC

DS Smith Plc

Invesco

Arsenal Football Club

Coca Cola EuroPacific Partners GB

LinkedIn

Newsweek Publishing

British Standards Institute

Oliver Wyman

Work highlights

  • Advising an investment firm on the acquisition of a restructuring business from a major professional services firm.
  • Advising a large media company on becoming a Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Scheme agency under the new government scheme.
  • Advising a tech company on a complex equal pay and sex discrimination claim brought by a former member of their in-house legal team.

Employment Tier 1

Benefiting from vast employment law understanding, from a contentious and non-contentious perspective, and imbued with an excellent understanding of its clients’ needs/business objectives, Lewis Silkin is well-placed to provide ‘commercially focused’ advice to private sector employers, both on its own as well as in unison with other practitioners spread across the firm’s UK-wide network of offices. Team head Lucy Lewis  leads the firm’s IR35 task force and has also provided invaluable, on the spot advice to clients on novel issues brought about during the Covid-19 pandemic, including ‘very useful’ guidance on furlough. Drawing upon an ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of the law’, Richard Moore provides ‘very practical and pragmatic’ advice to UK-based and multinational companies, as well as a growing number of local businesses, across a wide array of employment matters, including on workforce restructuring, senior executive exits and on the employment law issues pursuant to corporate transactions and commercial outsourcing arrangements. At senior associate level, Charlotte Morgan, who provides ‘commercially-focused‘ advice to clients facing Tribunal litigation, as well as on TUPE matters, is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

Lewis Silkin in Cardiff take client access to new levels with all levels of the team being available to clients. It is clear from working with them that they truly understand the client’s needs, business and outcome desires.’

In terms of innovation, Lewis Silkin are particularly good with updates and know how – their furlough advice, which was updated almost instantly, was very useful.’

The team provides first-class advice that is commercially focused and aligned to our requirements, our industry and company needs.’

Lucy Lewis feels like an extension of our team. Her advice never needs amending or tweaking.’

Richard Moore has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and his clients’ businesses and has cascaded his approach to client care to the entire team.’

Richard Moore brought a very practical and pragmatic approach to the challenges faced on our project. He was highly responsive to email requests and the need to talk through some of the more challenging aspects of the project.’

Charlotte Morgan is commercially focused and provides class advice and support. She has great attention to detail and is able to work to strict deadlines even when they are very tight.’

Neil Dite is proactive and business focussed.’

Key clients

Rockwool

M&S

Omnicom Group

Daily Mail & General Trust Plc

Zara

World Duty Free

Havas

Publicis

Viacom

Electrocomponents

Work highlights

  • Advising a listed manufacturer on the implementation of hybrid/ home working as a new permanent working model across all their UK roles including strategic advice on handling union and collective issues.
  • Advising a high street retailer on a commercially sensitive claim for unfair dismissal, whistleblowing and numerous disability discrimination allegations.
  • Advising a household name media company on all employment aspects of three linked corporate transactions involving the disposal of a number of non-core businesses and subsidiaries.

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 2

At Lewis Silkin, Jo Farmer and ‘valued partnerJames Gill jointly lead the ‘friendly, helpful and always available’ digital, commerce and creative team, which ‘understands how to deliver commercial, pragmatic advice’ and has ‘a huge amount of in-depth expertise’. The team excels in the firm’s core industry sectors spanning the retail, hospitality, brand, media, marketing, technology and sports industries; key clients include Unilever, Twitter and Asos. The group is also highly regarded for its knowledge of agency and distribution agreements, consumer law, logistics outsourcing work and issues arising from social media platforms and apps.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Huge amount of in-depth expertise in the areas that we need. Great to work with, quick to turn things around.’

‘They have been a guiding light and we have been able to quickly build a level of trust as well as learn huge amounts from them. Even though we are likely a small account for them, it never feels that way.’

‘The team understand how to deliver commercial, pragmatic advice, which is invaluable for businesses. Communication is suburb and I know I can trust the team with my internal clients to deliver what is needed. They feel like an extension of the in-house team – friendly, helpful and always available when I need them.’

‘James Gill is a valued partner to the business and provides solution-focused, pragmatic advice that enables contracts to be concluded efficiently, whilst ensuring the business understands any inherent risk. He is able to simplify complex negotiations and understand the root cause of any disputes, to ensure parties do not get side-tracked on minor points. As a result, supplier relationships start off on a positive foot and all parties are happy on signature.’

Key clients

Unilever

Twitter

Harvey Nichols

Recast

Howdens Joinery Group plc

Snap Inc

London Fashion Week

Liberty

British Fashion Council

ASOS

Work highlights

  • Advised the British Fashion Council on its partnership with Roblox to create an experience based around the awards themselves, in addition to awarding the first ever Fashion Award for Metaverse Design.
  • Advising Unilever on its global media buying contracts with agencies worldwide.
  • Advised Smartr on the full range of its commercial, tech and data requirements, including complex arrangements with global information vendors, tech vendors, nationwide mortgage clubs, and numerous UK banks and building societies.

Corporate and commercial > Partnership Tier 2

With the ‘perfect blend of serious partnership law knowledge and immense practicalityLewis Silkin is lauded for its long experience of handling the gamut of employment/workplace issues together with partnership, broader professional services and related corporate work. Its core clients are from the legal and accountancy sectors but other are from the financial services sector. Clive Greenwood (‘one of the very best in the field’) has a track record of dealing with high-value LLP and partnership disputes for businesses and HNWs where expulsions, compulsory retirements and team moves are concerned. Co-team head, Fergus Payne specialises in non-contentious LLP and partnership work including constitutional arrangements, LLP conversions, joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions. This substantial team includes Karen Baxter (head of the investigations and regulatory team); the ‘hugely experiencedMichael Burd and ‘star‘ managing associate Frances Simm who is developing a growing reputation for her partnership/LLP expertise.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Michael Burd – huge experience of dealing with employment law matters involving business leaders and with the gravitas to give focused, commercial advice.’

‘I can always rely on Fergus Payne to understand that issue at hand and steer us towards the best solution.’

‘Clive Greenwood is one of the very best in the field. His knowledge of the law is second to none. He is fantastic with clients and works extremely hard to achieve client goals. An enormous pleasure to work with.’

‘Fergus Payne is a very knowledgeable and capable non-contentious lawyer.’

Frances Simm is one of the very best associates in the market. Already hugely experienced, efficient and brilliant with clients. A star!’

‘Shalina Crossley is great to work with. Excellent with clients. Toni Lorenzo is a ball of energy and fights for his clients brilliantly. Karen Baxter is excellent too.’

‘Lewis Silkin’s partnership team have the perfect blend of serious partnership law knowledge and immense practicality. This means they are able to steer clients through difficult situations towards the best possible outcome.’

‘The partnership team at Lewis Silkin is exceptionally able and experienced. They build on the firm’s expertise in employment matters but bring real specialism to disputes relating to partnerships and LLPs.’

Key clients

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Haysmacintyre LLP

Blick Rothenberg

Gerald Eve

Hickman & Rose

Irwin Mitchell

United Agents LLP

CWM Retail Property Advisors LLP

Work highlights

  • Advising a law firm on sex and disability discrimination allegations made by a partner following criticisms relating to their performance.
  • Advising a US-headquartered firm on a dispute with a partner alleging sex discrimination following maternity leave.
  • Advising a law firm on handling allegations against a partner, including scoping an investigation and responding to the conclusions.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 2

An excellent firm for commercial litigation‘, Lewis Silkin‘s dispute resolution team routinely works alongside its employment and corporate colleagues, particularly in relation shareholder disputes. The practice additionally regularly acts with other law firms on multi-party disputes. Dispute resolution head Mark Lim focuses on complex contractual disputes and corporate issues, including shareholder and joint venture-related claims, along with issues concerning board control and directors’ duties. Other highly regarded partners include Andrew Wanambwa, ‘a first-rate lawyer with terrific judgement‘; Clive Greenwood, who has longstanding experience in commercial and corporate disputes; and media, entertainment and technology disputes specialist, Neil Parkes, a 2021 hire from Foot Anstey. Within the managing associate pool, Nigel Enticknap acts in international, commercial disputes; Fraser McKeating‘s cases often involve high-value commercial and corporate issues; and Frances Simm‘s main areas cover corporate/M&A disputes, professional negligence claims, and breach of fiduciary duty.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘This is an excellent firm for commercial litigation – commercially-focused advice that is efficiently delivered, and with a wide and interesting range of clients and matters. One of the best firms in this market.’

‘Clive Greenwood has a huge market presence – extremely impressive. He is very bright, has great attention to detail, and is a tremendously calm and reassuring presence in a team.

‘Mark Lim is my go-to solicitor. Having worked with the legal profession for more than 25 years, I have not come across a better commercial dispute resolution solicitor. Mark is prepared to go the extra mile for his clients – a joy to work with and an abundance of knowledge. A truly first-class solicitor.’

‘Andrew Wanambwa is a very experienced partner. While he specialises in dispute resolution, he can turn his hand to other areas as appropriate. He always returns calls (unlike many these days) and is generous with his time.

‘Andrew Wanambwa is a first-rate lawyer with terrific judgement and client skills. Both highly commercial and unflappable – a very easy person to deal with.’

‘Neil Parkes is a class act – very good judgement, well liked by clients, and achieves great results.’

‘Managing associate Fraser McKeating is efficient and a very safe pair of hands – a rising star.

Managing associate Nigel Enticknap is excellent. He is very efficient and turns out consistently very good work.

Key clients

Airbnb

Deliveroo

The Arsenal Football Club

ASOS.com

Havas Media Group

Hermes International

Dyson Technology

Ford Motor Company

Cineworld

Ayanda Capital

The Rugby Football Union

Work highlights

  • Acting for four individuals who are part of a 10-defendant group in unlawful means conspiracy proceedings.
  • Acting for Floreat Investment Management in Commercial Court proceedings, which included claims for breach of director’s duties, negligence, proprietary claims, deceit, and knowing receipt.
  • Acting for Ford Motor Company in a complex, cross-border breach of contract claim against Mitsubishi Turbocharger and Engine Europe.

Employment > Immigration Tier 2

The immigration and global mobility team at Lewis Silkin operates under the leadership of Andrew Osborne, advising multinationals, start-ups, and high-net-worth individuals, with especially strong expertise in the fashion, media and entertainment, and sports sectors. Supinder Singh Sian joined from Squire Patton Boggs in August 2021, and brings a wealth of experience supporting corporate clients on UK inbound and global mobility matters, as well as knowledge of the points-based system and the EU Settlement Scheme. Stephen O’Flaherty was promoted to partner in April 2022, and is particularly highly regarded for his work for clients in the sports industry, which he handles with a ‘clear, practical approach‘.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The team at Lewis Silkin are always on hand to support us with a diverse range of queries which are often very time sensitive. They’re able to convey the legal requirements and considerations in a clear way and help us to understand how it applies specifically to our business and the way we operate. They provide a high quality service to both the business and the employees that they support and this is reflected in the feedback that we receive.’

‘The team takes time to understand our business needs and learn about our internal policies and processes before advising on solutions, which is a very refreshing approach. While we are a small (but growing) company in the UK, they are thinking ahead and setting up processes and systems for us at scale for our anticipated future growth.’

‘I have worked closely with Lewis Silkin for a number of years. They have provided us with industry leading legal advice and support and I would not hesitate in recommending the practice, in particular in dealing with Creative Worker Visas (formerly Tier 5) and related immigration enquiries. They have provided outstanding legal support.’

‘They provide a unique and tailored service and goes above and beyond.’

‘Andrew Osborne heads the practice and is reactive to any queries in an efficient and timely manner.’

‘I’ve worked with Stephen O’Flaherty for a couple of years now and he is a trusted partner to our team. As well as his immigration expertise, he has a clear, practical approach which helps us to understand the full picture of a situation. We value Stephen’s support very highly.’

‘Supinder Sian – the gold standard for legal support in a complex and ever-changing area. Supinder is always able to find a solution to any problem we have. He is responsive, even at unsociable hours. We simply could not function without him!’

‘I appreciate how they’ve taken the time to get to know our company and our values. They connect with us as people first and foremost and want to make sure they are adjusting to our business and needs. Stephen O’Flaherty has been a very strong partner in our UK set-up and has provided catered advice on everything from our RTW checks, Sponsorship licence, ongoing compliance, and day-to-day casework.’

Key clients

Deliveroo

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang

Benevolent AI

Havas Media

Marks & Spencer

ASOS

Babylon Health

Work highlights

  • Advised a retail franchiser with sponsor licence applications for five different stores and helped with more than 40 visa applications.
  • Advised a global financial service company on the immigration aspects of a M&A transaction.
  • Advised a listed IT company on obtaining its Sponsor Licence and with the immigration applications for specific initial hires.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 2

Led by Brian Kilcoyne, the real estate team at Lewis Silkin ‘go the extra mile’ for clients across the media and entertainment, retail, hospitality and leisure sectors when advising on high-value development projects and regeneration mandates. Rachel Francis-Lang is a key contact for corporate occupier matters, including the negotiation of commercial leases and acquisitions of headquarters premises on a pre-let basis. Anthony van Hoffen, whose ‘knowledge and expertise is exceptional’, leads the development and regeneration group, which counts major projects in the private and public sectors in its workload. Other key members of the team include co-head of the firm’s retail, hospitality and leisure team, Julia Poulter, who handles landlord and tenant issues and property management work, and planning expert Sara Hanrahan, who advises on redevelopment projects and regeneration schemes.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The team are super reactive and always available.’

‘Rachel Francis-Lang and Patrick Brown are exceptional.’ 

‘They think outside of the box and are prepared to go the extra mile. They genuinely care about the result.’

‘The team provide quick, pragmatic advice. They fully understand our business needs and the needs of in-house counsel.’

Key clients

McCann-Erickson EMEA Limited

Digital Unlimited

Mediabrands Limited

Verisk Analytics Limited

Matthew Kenny Cuisine

Jack Morton Worldwide

Daniel J Edelman

Skyscanner

Intapp

Havas UK Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc on its global real estate portfolio, dealing with several HQ moves in Central London on a pre-let basis.
  • Advised Verisk Analytics Limited on a disposal of its HQ premises by way of assignment and acquisition of new leasehold HQ premises on a pre-let basis.
  • Advised Daniel J Edelman Limited on the acquisition of new leasehold HQ premises in the course of refurbishment on a pre-let basis.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 2

Lewis Silkin provides a one-stop shop of advice for sporting clients, including clubs, athletes, coaches, federations, agents, investors and sports businesses. Particular areas of focus include football player transfers, recruitment of football managers and coaching staff, sports immigration and IP matters. Practice head Alex Kelham advises on a wide-range of sports sponsorship, events, media and other commercial deals. Co-head Jonathan Carr operates from the Oxford office, handling employment issues for sports-sector clients. Andrew Osborne and newly promoted partner Stephen O’Flaherty are both renowned for dealing with sports immigration matters. Senior associate John Shea is a further key individual within the team.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘John Shea been a great external adviser who has become an extension of our in house team.’

‘Lewis Silkin are one of the leading City solicitors with a stellar offering and reputation in sports law..’

‘Alex Kelham is a former Commonwealth Games gold medallist and now a titan in sports law.’

‘John Shea is very strong in football and rugby disputes, especially those with a commercial or regulatory angle.’

‘John Shea is the driving force of the football practice, having great knowledge of contractual and regulatory matters, remarkable business acumen about the football industry and an extensive network with clubs, agents and peer lawyers.’

Key clients

The Arsenal Football Club

Rugby Football Union

Chelsea Football Club Limited

Raphael Varane

CAA Base Limited

Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club Ltd

Recast Sports Limited

Northampton Rugby Football Club Limited

Queen’s Park Rangers

Steve Cooper

Ange Postecoglou

Ascot Racecourse Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised French international footballer Raphael Varane in connection with his transfer from Real Madrid to Manchester United.
  • Provided Recast Sports Ltd with a wide range of advice over the past 12 months, including trade mark, data protection, tax and corporate advice.
  • Advised Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club in connection with various high-profile incoming and outgoing transfers during the 2021 summer transfer window and also acted for the club in a dispute with Malaga FC before FIFA’s Players Status Committee and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2

Lewis Silkin , which merged with Forde Campbell LLC in early 2022, advises technology, software, and media companies on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Former name partners Mathew Forde and Rory Campbell remain with the department, with Forde now leading the practice. The team also benefits from Katey Dixon, who focuses on the creative and design sector, and has expertise in data protection law.

Practice head(s):

Key clients

Telefonica Tech Limited

Acuris Risk Intelligence

EVP Group Limited

In Your Element Limited

Velocity Worldwide

EventMap Solutions

Onesource Virtual (UK) Limited

Analytics Engines

Fluent Technology Limited

Incisiv

Kinsetsu Limited

Support to Perform

Automated Intelligence

Work highlights

  • Advising Texthelp on intellectual property strategy and on the management and protection of product brands.
  • Advising Finnebrogue on brand, reputation management and IP ownership and licensing issues intergroup.
  • Advising rug design company Luke Irwin on design and brand protection and licensing issues.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 3

The team at Lewis Silkin offers a broad service to its clients; the practice’s expertise includes data and privacy, franchising, licensing, real estate and portfolio management, employment, immigration and brand management. Julia Poulter regularly acts for clients in the high-value central London office and retail market. She also co-founded The Collective, which brings together leading luxury, lifestyle and premium brand commentators ideas together. Managing associate Anna Sella is well regarded for her employment expertise in this space. They lead the practice together.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘They all offer pragmatic high-quality advice in a way that is easy to understand. They balance technical expertise with a good understanding of the commercials.’

Key clients

Matthew Kenney Cuisine

Great Wolf Resorts

Met Club Group

Ascot Racecourse

Vue Cinemas

Cineworld

Hawksmoor Restaurants

Zizzi

ASK Italian

Work highlights

  • Acted for a celebrity chef Matthew Kenney on the launch of his first restaurant in the UK.
  • Advised Met Club Group in relation to a corporate and commercial joint venture with Keysone on the development of the Saltie Girl restaurant brand.
  • Advised a pizza franchise chain with sponsor licence applications for five different stores and more than 40 visa applications.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 3

Lewis Silkin‘s practice is best known for handling brand management work, franchising issues, portfolio management mandates and strategic commercial and technology contracts. Julia Poulter has particular experience in advising retail and leisure clients on real estate matters; she often oversees landlord and tenant work, real estate acquisitions and disposals, and development work. Managing associate Anna Sella specialises in employment law and is well regarded for her advice on atypical work arrangements, pay queries regarding tipping and wage deductions, restructurings and grievances. The pair co-lead the practice.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The team is pragmatic, commercial, responsive and generally great. In addition to that, their client care is great and even their support on a personal level is amazing.’

‘Always listening to our needs as the client with clear non-jargon legal advice. Very agile and fast turnaround, bringing the right experts into the team as and when required.’

Key clients

M&S

ASOS

SuperDry

Liberty Retail

Harvey Nichols &Co Ltd

Airwair International Limited (Dr. Martens)

Bacardi

Swedish Match

Unilever

Britvic

Work highlights

  • Advised Lush on its distribution arrangement with ASOS which launched a partnership with Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics to distribute Lush products across the globe.
  • Advised Swedish Match on its outsourced e-commerce relationship with The Hut Group in 2021.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 3

Led by Brian Kilcoyne, the real estate team at Lewis Silkin ‘go the extra mile’ for clients across the media and entertainment, retail, hospitality and leisure sectors when advising on high-value development projects and regeneration mandates. Rachel Francis-Lang is a key contact for corporate occupier matters, including the negotiation of commercial leases and acquisitions of headquarters premises on a pre-let basis. Anthony van Hoffen, whose ‘knowledge and expertise is exceptional’, leads the development and regeneration group, which counts major projects in the private and public sectors in its workload. Other key members of the team include co-head of the firm’s retail, hospitality and leisure team, Julia Poulter, who handles landlord and tenant issues and property management work, and planning expert Sara Hanrahan, who advises on redevelopment projects and regeneration schemes.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Anthony Van Hoffen’s knowledge and expertise is exceptional. He always responds very promptly and is available and accessible.’

Key clients

London Legacy Development Corporation

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

St. John Fisher Catholic School

Howdens

Sager Group

Southern Water

Fairview Homes

Oakley Square Development (SPV)

Work highlights

  • Advising London Legacy Development Corporation on the ongoing regeneration of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
  • Advising London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham on the multi-billion regeneration of Earl’s Court following the demolition of the Exhibition Centre by the Earls Court Development Company.
  • Advising St. John Fisher Catholic School on the comprehensive redevelopment of the school on a new site.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 3

Lewis Silkin‘s IP offering is described by clients as having a ‘brilliant combination of skills, experience and knowledge across the IP spectrum’. Tom Gaunt heads up the practice which is a go-to for household brands in the retail, technology, media and entertainment, and manufacturing and engineering sectors. The team regularly advises on design and trade mark disputes, and infringement, passing off and anti-counterfeiting disputes, while also offering a transactional IP practice, which advises on R&A collaborations, technology and materials transfers, licensing brand management work, and advertisement clearance. Simon Chapman and Giles Crown specialise in brand protection and enforcement work, as does Mathew Forde, who is praised for his ‘strategic understanding’. Nick Bowie was recently promoted to partner, and Adam Glass is praised as a ‘wonderful IP lawyer’.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘We use them specifically for trade marks and find they provide us with great service.’

‘The team that we work with are always very responsive and available to speak to us. Their advice in case of trade marks is always spot on. Anna Caruso and her team in particular are very helpful.’

‘The Lewis Silkin IP team offer a brilliant combination of skills, experience and knowledge across the IP spectrum. Their work is always of a high standard and reliable.’

‘It has been a pleasure to work with Lucinda Murphy in particular and have her ongoing support.’

‘Mathew Forde worked with me on a highly complex trade mark/food regulatory dispute. Mathew had a very good strategic understanding of the case (it was a David vs Goliath dispute) plus a keen knowledge of the details of the case. He was a  pleasure to work with and I know that the client was very impressed by his handling of the case.’

‘Excellent market knowledge; very able lawyers.’

‘Lewis Silkin LLP are honest, accurate, commercially aware and from my experience swift in action.’

‘Adam Glass is a wonderful IP lawyer. Gently jovial to his clients and honest to a tee. He provides decisive evaluations of complex matters, and I would thoroughly recommend his advice.’

Key clients

ASOS

Airwair International Limited (Dr. Martens)

Britvic

Cosmetic Warriors (LUSH)

Harvey Nichols & Co Ltd

Trailfinders Ltd

Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

Saga

Bacardi

Twitter

Hutchison 3G

Work highlights

  • Acting for adam&eveDDB, the creative agency behind the annual John Lewis Christmas ad, in relation to a high-profile High Court copyright infringement claim over its John Lewis’s 2019 campaign.
  • Acting for Trailfinders in its business-critical confidential information claim against its competitor and ex-employees.
  • 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

In 2021, Lewis Silkin underwent significant expansion, with the firm opening new offices in Hong Kong and Dublin, as well as merging with local specialist law firm Forde Campbell in Belfast. The team handles a wide range of technology transactions, including cloud, digital regulation, and outsourcing matters, and it is also acting for an increasing number of gaming clients. The technology and communications practice is led by James Gill, who supports clients with commercial contracts, as well as advising on e-commerce, consumer, platform and digital projects. David Willbe co-heads the firm’s technology sector group and advises on technology-related transactions with a focus on the fintech, gaming and adtech verticals.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Team is very knowledgable and provide an excellent service for early stage IT companies.’

‘A strong team with complementary skills and abilities. Very efficient and professional interaction with the client. Highly recommended.’

‘Personable service and able and willing to interpret and explain complicated terminology and concepts in understandable ways.’

‘Outstanding service. Efficient, personable, and showing an interest in the client’s business and its development.’

‘They take the time to explain technical concepts and terminology in understandable ways. Excellent communication and prompt response to enquiries.’

‘Their corporate and software contract team are without a doubt some of the best solicitors in this area.’

‘The practice has been very client-needs sensitive , and offers practical, simple guidance; they often feel as though they are in-house rather than external people.’

Key clients

ASOS

Deliveroo

Babylon Health

Facebook

Lush

BT

Yoti

Snap

Three

Twitter

Work highlights

  • Advising the Howdens Group on its wide array of technology and commercial requirements, including logistics requirements, commodities purchases, supply contracts, design contracts, support contracts, SasS contracts and marketing advice.
  • Advising Smartr on the full range of its commercial, tech and data requirements, including complex arrangements with global information vendors, tech vendors, nationwide mortgage clubs, and numerous UK banks and building societies.
  • Advising Telefonica on the negotiation and implementation of its IT managed services supply contracts with major companies, public bodies and registered social landlords in England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Patent attorneys Tier 3

The patent prosecution practice at Lewis Silkin has seen an increase in the number filings at the EPO, in addition to opposition and appeal proceedings, across the technology, manufacturing, consumer goods, life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. The firm’s Hong Kong desk grew its international offering to UK clients filing patent applications and the firm also consolidated its IP offering in Northern Ireland by merging with specialist firm Forde Campbell at the beginning of 2022. Tom Gaunt leads the practice and handles EPO oppositions and infringement opinion work arising out of the mechanical, electrical and software sectors. Other key members of the team include Graham Ablett, Paul Williams and, on the solicitor side, Antony Craggs.

Practice head(s):

Key clients

Aptiv

Orsted

Janssen Pharmaceutica NV

TDK Lamda

Britvic

QL Thermostatic

Organics PLC

Invention Investment Ireland

Nippon Steel Corp

SGW Global

Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD)

Work highlights

  • Defended Britvic after Soluble Technologies issued proceedings alleging that its patent was infringed by Britvic’s Squash’d range.
  • Handling Orsted’s international patent filings which have significantly grown due to an expansion of its international interests as its business expands to new markets and operating sites.
  • Handling the prosecution of TDK Lamda’s international patent applications.

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

Lewis Silkin‘s reputation management practice was recently strengthened by the firm’s merger with Northern Ireland’s Forde Campbell in 2021, broadening the team’s established expertise. The practice provides a cross departmental service to a range of media companies, film studios, and HNW individuals. Specialist Adam Glass heads up the practice, drawing on a wealth of knowledge to lead on numerous landmark cases. Joint managing partner Giles Crown specialises in defamation, and Mathew Forde handles complex reputational issues stemming from regulatory and data breaches. The team is supported by highly experienced associates Lucinda Murphy and Oliver Fairhurst.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Lucinda Murphy has an excellent knowledge of the law within reputation management issues and combines this with fast, responsive communication and diligent attention to the wider commercial and personal issues. She is always calm, friendly and enthusiastic even under pressure. She is tuned in to our business and a pleasure to work with, along with the rest of the reliable and dedicated Lewis Silkin team.’

‘Lucinda Murphy is incredibly experienced and a leading associate in the reputational management team at Lewis Silkin. She provided calm and commercial advice on complex matters. Lucinda is a ray of sunshine.’

‘I dealt with Mathew Forde and his team. Our case was complex in terms of the convoluted structure of our association and affiliated branches internationally, however Mathew sifted through this and got to grips with it very early. I had 100% confidence in him at all times. He is very self-assured and that comes with the experience of having many successes over the years. During the covid restrictions, the team set up zoom meetings so we could continue communicating and their correspondence was always timely and accurate.’

‘Mathew Forde is extremely competent in the area of IP. He remains very calm in all situations but targets specifically the key points of a case and deals with them swiftly and effectively. I really appreciated the sensitivity and empathy with which we were treated.’

Key clients

Marc Bola

Resident Advisor Limited

Ayanda Capital Limited

Match.com / Tinder

Middle East Online

Mandy McNeil International

Twitter

Tortoise

Work highlights

  • Advise Tortoise Media (one of the fastest growing news media platforms in the UK) on a number of high-profile podcast and investigatory media production publications, including providing extensive pre and post publication advice on libel, privacy, data and confidential information matters.
  • Provide advice to Twitter in relation to a broad range of litigation matters including Norwich Pharmacal Orders, defamation claims, harassment claims and breach of privacy claims, both where Twitter is the named Defendant/Respondent and where Twitter is a third party.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 3

Lewis Silkin, which merged with local firm Forde Campbell LLC in early 2022, fields a multi-disciplinary team with significant experience in IP matters. Team lead Mathew Forde has a strong history of commercial litigation, and acts on trade secret, copyright, trade marks and other IP infringement cases. Forde is supported by Rory Campbell, who advises a diverse range of clients on non-contentious matters, and Katey Dixon, who specialises in the creative and design sector.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Texthelp Limited

Lynn’s Country Foods t/a Finnebrogue

Luke Irwin Rugs Limited

Glens of Antrim Potatoes Limited

Trimedika Limited

Scriptbloxian Studios

Sensoteq Limited

Paper Owl Ltd

Triclimb Limited

Work highlights

  • Advises leading assistive learning software developer Texthelp on intellectual property strategy and on the management and protection of product brands.
  • Advise Northern Irish food producer Finnebrogue on brand, reputation management, IP ownership and licensing issues intergroup.
  • Provide advice to rug design company Luke Irwin on design and brand protection and licensing issues.

Wales > Corporate and commercial Tier 3

While it is still in its formative stages and as yet lacks any commercial contracts expertise, Lewis Silkin has hit the ground-running on the corporate transactional front, in large part due to contacts and experience team head Geraint Tilsley has in the market. Tilsley had during his tenure at his previous firm Geldards LLP developed a particularly strong reputation for handling sponsor-backed M&A and many of those funds, including Tenex Capital Partners and BGF, have followed him to his new home and already begun to instruct him.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

John Bean Technologies Corporation (US)

BGF Investments

Xcellence Inc (US) and its subsidiary Anexsys Limited

Providence Equity Partners (US)

365 Retail Markets LLC (US)

Breed Reply Investments Limited (UK and Italy)

Tenex Capital Partners (US)

Paul Ragan

JLL Capital Partners (US)

Paul Huntingdon

Work highlights

  • Advised John Bean Technologies Corporation on its acquisition of Autocoding Systems Limited and its US and Australian subsidiaries.
  • Advised 365 Retail Markets LLC and its private equity sponsor Providence Equity Partners onthe acquisition of Glasgow-based Aptus Systems (trading as Spoonfed) and its US subsidiary.
  • Advised BGF on its £14m investment in Victorian House Windows Group.

Real estate > Planning Tier 4

The planning practice at Lewis Silkin works together with the firm’s real estate group to provide ‘excellent support’ to its clients, which include developers, corporate occupiers, luxury retailers and investors. ‘Excellent strategic planning adviser’ Sara Hanrahan co-heads the practice with Brian Kilcoyne, who is the head of real estate and development. Hanrahan is ‘very good with clients and knowledgeable in her field’, particularly regarding major redevelopment and urban regeneration projects.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Organised, responsive, high-quality advice, good to work with.’

‘Impressive relationship with clients, engendering trust. Good subject matter knowledge.’

‘Sara Hanrahan, planning specialist. Very good with clients and knowledgeable in her field.’

‘I have worked with a few of the solicitors in this firm, all of whom are knowledgeable, approachable and professional. They are able to provide concise, thoughtful advice that I have found helpful. They are able to tackle a multitude of different problems and keep it within the team, which has made it really easy to communicate. I think there is a good dynamic between all team members and this is reflected in their collaborative approach.’

‘Sara Hanrahan – have known her for nearly 6 years now working on various issues. She is responsive, timely, thoughtful and efficient.’

‘Experience and listens. Advice, even if against one’s instincts, is sound.’

‘I am very satisfied with the way they follow up and forewarn of expenses and ask if it is a choice expenditure, whether the client wants to take it up.’

‘Sara Hanrahan is an excellent strategic planning adviser.’

Key clients

Howdens

Pizza Express

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

London Legacy Development Corporation

Sager Group

Southern Water

Fairview Homes

Payne Hicks Beach

Sarah Raven Kitchen and Garden Ltd

Wildstone Capital Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advising Howdens Plc on the acquisition of two large sites in Yorkshire for the construction of new factories and warehousing.
  • Advises the Council of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham on the multi-billion regeneration of Earl’s Court following the demolition of the Exhibition Centre by the Earls Court Development Company.
  • Advising the London Legacy Development Corporation on various aspects of the ongoing regeneration of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

The team at Lewis Silkin advises clients on a wide range of matters; their expertise includes insolvency, telecommunications, dilapidations, rights of light, housing management litigation, trespass and development. Brian Kilcoyne has over 30 years’ worth of experience. He is well versed before courts and has conducted cases before the Court of Appeal, High Court, County Court, Criminal Courts and the Lands Tribunal. Mario Betts is also noted for his expertise in commercial landlord and tenant disputes and property insolvency.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A small but excellent team of property litigators, with especial expertise in dealing with the cross-over between insolvency and property.’

‘Brian Kilcoyne – one of the leading property litigation solicitors in the country with a huge amount of experience. Very clever and commercially astute.’

‘Mario Betts – a really first-rate property litigation solicitor who is a complete delight to work with.’

‘A small but perfectly formed Property Litigation team.’

‘Brian Kilcoyne – his technical legal knowledge is unrivalled and then when its combined with his beguiling manner and tactical instincts you want him with you not against you.’

‘Mario Betts – leaves no stone unturned and seems to thrive on chasing down the difficult and creating order.’

‘The firm is people focused, building relationships with individuals and in turn involving them in the decision making process. Those making up the team have years of experience and practical “know-how”.’

‘Brian Kilcoyne has an encyclopaedic knowledge of law and in particular property law. His analysis of tricky legal issues is more akin to that of a top property silk than a busy solicitor.’

Key clients

PizzaExpress (Restaurants) Limited

John Lewis Partnership

Mercedes-Benz

Interpublic Group of Companies Inc.

Walker Books Limited

Havas Media Limited / Havas UK Limited

Vevo (UK) Limited

Sir George Meyrick/The Meyrick Estate

Howden Joinery Group PLC

Habinteg Housing Association

Work highlights

  • Advised Pizza Express (Restaurants) Limited in relation to the landlord’s appeal in the High Court in respect of a contested claim under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
  • Advised Pizza Express (Restaurants) Limited in relation the property litigation aspects of its £500m Company Voluntary Arrangement.
  • Advised a serviced office developer in relation to possible rights of light claims by neighbouring properties and establishing a robust legal defence to claim, saving the client potentially £5m-£6m.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 4

Housing a team of trade mark attorneys and litigators, Lewis Silkin manages international trade mark portfolios and handles a broad range of prosecution matters, while also representing clients in cross-border trade mark disputes. The team’s client roster, which includes start-ups and SMEs, UK and Ireland-based companies, as well as overseas investors, has expanded since its merger with specialist IP firm Forde Campbell in Belfast. Following the departure of Dominic Farnsworth to Locke Lord LLP in January 2022, Tom Gaunt leads the team and Nick Bowie, who handles online enforcement mandates and domain name disputes, was promoted to partner in April 2022.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Nick Bowie; Helene Whelbourn; Sinéad Mahon; Graham Ablett; Giles Crown; Simon Chapman

Key clients

ASOS

Airwair International Limited (Dr. Martens)

Markus Lupfer/ Marlu Design Ltd

Harvey Nichols & Co Ltd

Danone

Skyscanner

Trustpilot

Britvic

Cosmetic Warriors (IP holding company for LUSH)

Equity

Bacardi

Saga

Work highlights

  • Advising Britvic on a range of IP matters, including managing its global trade mark and design portfolio, assisting with new product development, brand clearances, online monitoring, IP infringements and licensing.
  • Assisting Skyscanner with managing its global trade mark portfolio, trade mark and copyright disputes, and with managing its online brand enforcement globally.
  • Assisting Harvey Nichols with managing its global trade mark portfolio, domain and design disputes for franchising and commercial licensing issues.

Real estate > Commercial property Tier 4

Although it is less well-established than many other firms in the region, Lewis Silkin‘s four-strong Cardiff-based team has developed a particularly strong reputation in the corporate real estate market, acting on its own, as well as often alongside colleagues based in London. Team head Emily Meredith Hardy has been pivotal to the team’s growth and as well as regularly providing real estate advice on corporate and finance mandates handled by the firm, is also noted for her landlord and tenant work in the advertising and marketing, technology and retail sectors. Managing associate Tom Merrick is also a key member of the team and ‘provides sound commercially aware advice’ to corporate occupiers.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

The advice is always clear and commercially sound with good transparency in relation to fees estimates and billing.’

The team has strength-in-depth over the commercial property sector and offers a professional, diligent, proactive and pragmatic service.’ 

‘Tom Merrick is responsive and thorough and provides sound commercially aware advice that steers us as clients in a good direction.’ 

‘Tom Merrick’s communication skills are very strong and he has found innovative solutions to a number of complex matters. He is very diligent and professional in his approach.’

Key clients

Wildstone Estates Limited

A Collected Man

Four Communications Group Limited

Navana Real Estate Limited

Modern Milkman

Natural Baby Shower Ltd

Sideshow Group Limited

Westow Limited

Havas UK Limited

Next 15 Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Four Communications Group Limited on its head office relocation.
  • Advising Navana on the acquisition of the long leasehold interest of Unit 7, Brookfields Way Rotherham.
  • Advising high-end watch retailer A Collected Man on lease negotiations.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 5

Lewis Silkin advises on the full lifecycle of projects, including procurement strategy. It is active in a range of industries, with a notable focus on work for TV and film, luxury lifestyle, technology, and professional services clients. It also frequently acts for overseas investors and corporate occupiers. Clare Reddy leads the team, focusing on high-profile commercial and residential development projects in the UK.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The construction legal team have been excellent and very supportive attentive and rigorous in the delivery.’

‘Knowledgeable, thorough in the analysis of risk and reward against the back drop of the commercial and legal constraints.’

‘Clare Reddy has been outstanding team player and has helped the project team arrive at a fully considered result. Her knowledge and ability to apply the knowledge in to the very detailed implication of our project has been outstanding.’

Key clients

Great Wolf Resorts

Shinfield Studios Limited

Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands Limited

Unispace Global Limited

Sager Group Limited

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

Daniel J Edelman

Four Communications Group Limited

Spirited Projects Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Shinfield Studios Limited in connection with the construction contracts for its Reading film and TV studio complex, including 18 stages, workshops, offices and a post-production and screening facility.
  • Advised Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands in connection with its appointments for numerous high profile central London developments.
  • Advising a developer operator on its design and construction of a major new south-east resort involving a circa 500 room hotel and various attractions.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 5

Rated for its ‘ability to provide clear and concise advice driven by business needs’, Lewis Silkin ‘has deep knowledge of data protection laws’ and is often retained to advise on compliance matters, subject access requests and data breaches. Under the leadership Alexander Milner-Smith and Bryony Long, who together have extensive experience in data processing and multi-jurisdictional compliance projects, the team acts for clients across a wide range of sectors, most notably financial services, tech, media and entertainment and marketing. Managing associate Tom Ford has niche expertise advising on workplace privacy and data protection.

Other key lawyers:

Ali Vaziri; Sean Illing; Tom Ford

Testimonials

‘Alexander Milner-Smith is an expert when it comes to complex data protection and privacy issues. He is very focused, fast-thinking and pragmatic. He always handles matters efficiently. He is business oriented and never loses sight of the client’s best interests.’

‘Bryony Long provides excellent practical advice, enabling clients to make informed choices within a risk-based privacy framework. Bryony’s friendly and responsive approach makes her a pleasure to work with.’

‘All of the individuals I have liaised with have been very knowledgeable about the specifics and requirements of data protection law. They are able to explain the various options in clear and sufficient detail, and provide practical advice on what to do.’

‘Bryony Long has built an excellent practice with top quality associates who deliver very practical and efficient advice.’

‘Bryony Long is an exceptional partner with a real talent to cutting to the core of the issue and delivering practical advice in a timely manner. Ali Vaziri is also technically diligent and leaves no stone unturned to provide commercially balanced and clear advice.’

‘Ali Vaziri is exceptional and has tackled some very difficult and unique data situations for us and given us the advice we needed and would probably not have got anywhere else. He is absolutely the person I would go to for any data protection matters.’

‘I would  recommend Sean Illing if you have any subject access requests to deal with, especially difficult and detailed ones with multiple litigation matters in the background and a wealth of documentation to go through. There is more law involved in this than most people know and he will guide you exceptionally through what can be a very difficult and stressful process.’

‘Working with Sean Illing has allowed us to manage general privacy compliance in an efficient manner and most importantly in a manner which aligns to our business needs. Being given legal advice with a business driven focus is difficult to find, but we found that with Sean.’

Key clients

Omnicom Group (including Omnicom Media Group, TWBA, BBDO, DAS Group, DDB)

Viacom CBS

Daily Mail & General Trust

Britvic

Yahoo

Harvey Nichols

Lyst

Work highlights

  • Acted for an international events organiser on a review of GDPR compliance and a remediation plan.
  • Advised a financial services firm on the data protection aspects of an acquisition.
  • Assisted a global technology manufacturing organisation with data protection assessments in relation the AI aspects of its products.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 5

Lewis Silkin‘s patent practice is headed up by litigation expert Tom Gaunt, who has extensive expertise in the mechanical, electrical, and software patent spaces, and also handles EPO oppositions and infringement matters. Antony Craggs also has a focus on patent litigation, handing large cross-border disputes. Hong Kong-based David Swain is a close collaborator with the UK offering.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A quality firm in the IP field.’

‘Antony Craggs has a great grip on the legal detail and is determined to get the best result for the client.’

Key clients

Intellectual Ventures

Aptiv Technologies

TDK Lambda

Insights Group

Clear Channel

Orsted

Bacardi

Organics Group plc

Britvic Soft Drinks Limited

Janssen Pharmaceutica NV

VidaXL

NRG

Concrete Floor Products

Work highlights

  • Advised Britvic on its defence after Soluble Technologies issued proceedings alleging that its patent was infringed by Britvic’s Squash’d range.
  • Advised NRG on its defence after Exertis issued proceedings alleging that its rights were infringed by NRG’s MOUNTSTOM range.
  • Advised Vida XL on its defence after Core Products issued proceedings alleging that its rights were infringed by one of VidaXL’s ranges.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Franchising

Lewis Silkin strengthened its franchising offering through a merger with specialist commercial, technology, intellectual property and media law firm Forde Campbell in Belfast in early 2022.

Employment

Lewis Silkin LLP launched its first office in the North West in September 2022 with the hire of a four-strong employment team from Knights plc, led by ex-Addleshaw Goddard partner Sally Hulston.

South East > Employment > Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40

Lewis Silkin is a market-leading employment practice, with sector expertise in media & entertainment, tech, sports, and financial and professional services, handling sensitive discrimination disputes and corporate projects. Additionally, clients may benefit from the firm’s specialized GDPR employment lawyers. Advising on complex projects and high-level dismissals remain specialist areas of practice head Jonathan Carr. Russell Brimelow is an expert on global employment strategies, whereas James Storke counsels clients on restructuring, TUPE, discrimination, and senior terminations. Carolyn Soakell  is particularly well versed in discrimination and equal opportunities matters. ‘Pragmatic and results-focused‘ associate James Walters has a broad employment practice, but is especially noteworthy for his capabilities in resolving employee relations issues.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Lewis Silkin provides an excellent service to its clients. Their billing is reasonable and their employment law knowledge in multiple areas is exceptional.’

‘James Storke is an excellent ‘go-to’ lawyer for all things employment-related. He has a pragmatic and commercial approach, deep understanding of the law, while also maintaining an excellent eye for detail. James will always make himself available, even at short notice. Abi Fredrick and Georgina Curry are also recommended.’

‘Jonathan Carr is extremely responsive and leads a highly capable team. Jonathan is very commercial and works well with C-Suite clients on what can, at times, be very sensitive matters.’

‘The team is commercially focused and provides very high quality advice. They actively listen to what it is that we’re discussing and are extremely responsive to our needs. They understand the industry that we work with and our company and its values which helps to ensure that we get the quality of advice and service that we require.’

‘James Storke has continued to provide extremely high quality advice and is extremely responsive. He ensures that we receive excellent communication along the way.’

‘The Lewis Silkin team is brilliant. They really understand our business, provide excellent legal advice, and are both pragmatic and commercial in their approach. I trust them completely. They are human in their approach, and are always very responsive/available to our needs.’

‘James Waters is excellent, always available, pragmatic and results-focused. Balanced and able to give a full perspective, but will give a view and clarity of risks.’

‘Russell Brimelow and his team provide commercial advice that is easy for any manager in the business to understand. They are friendly and practical in their approach.’

Key clients

ViacomCBS

Ascential PLC

DS Smith Plc

Invesco

Arsenal Football Club

Coca Cola EuroPacific Partners GB

LinkedIn

Newsweek Publishing

British Standards Institute

Oliver Wyman

Work highlights

  • Advising an investment firm on the acquisition of a restructuring business from a major professional services firm.
  • Advising a large media company on becoming a Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Scheme agency under the new government scheme.
  • Advising a tech company on a complex equal pay and sex discrimination claim brought by a former member of their in-house legal team.

Wales > Employment > Employment

Northern Ireland > Employment

Lewis Silkin completed a merger with specialist Belfast employment firm Jones Cassidy Brett in August 2021. The practice specialises in advising public sector organisations and multinational employers on areas such as collective labour law, trade union law, complex employee termination and tribunal cases. Adam Brett advises on disciplinary and grievance matters. Practice head Ciara Fulton, who is dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, impresses with her significant experience in the full spectrum of employment issues. Consultant Fiona Cassidy is particularly strong in the public sector. Paul Gillen joined the department in 2022 from Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP, where he was department head.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Paul Gillen is approachable and provides succinct and focused advice.’

‘Paul Gillen is a real champion for equality and diversity issues.

‘I very much value the openness and approachable manner of Paul Gillen. He has a wealth of legal knowledge, great business acumen and a broad commercial knowledge of our industry. Paul has a strong commitment to collaborative working, which I very much value.’

‘Paul Gillen’s expertise, of not only employment legislation, but also human resource practices is exemplary. Being past Chair of the Northern Ireland branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Paul has an excellent network in the HR field.’

Key clients

Kainos PLC

KN Circet

Northstone NI Limited

Mount Charles Group Limited

Invest NI

Northern Ireland Electric Networks Limited

Bryson Charitable Group

Bank of Ireland

Ulster Carpet Mills Ltd

Irwin’s Bakery

Work highlights

  • Defended a leading provider of managed services to the telecommunications and power sectors against a claim for unfair dismissal during probationary period.
  • Advised two local councils and an Ombudsman in relation to a defence of a number of holiday pay claims brought by multiple claimants.
  • Advised our client, a confidential Facilities Management Company in the outsourcing of services in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms

Lewis Silkin , which merged with Forde Campbell LLC in early 2022, advises technology, software, and media companies on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Former name partners Mathew Forde and Rory Campbell remain with the department, with Forde now leading the practice. The team also benefits from Katey Dixon, who focuses on the creative and design sector, and has expertise in data protection law.

Practice head(s):

Key clients

Telefonica Tech Limited

Acuris Risk Intelligence

EVP Group Limited

In Your Element Limited

Velocity Worldwide

EventMap Solutions

Onesource Virtual (UK) Limited

Analytics Engines

Fluent Technology Limited

Incisiv

Kinsetsu Limited

Support to Perform

Automated Intelligence

Work highlights

  • Advising Texthelp on intellectual property strategy and on the management and protection of product brands.
  • Advising Finnebrogue on brand, reputation management and IP ownership and licensing issues intergroup.
  • Advising rug design company Luke Irwin on design and brand protection and licensing issues.

North West > Employment > Employment

Lewis Silkin LLP launched its first office in the North West in September 2022 with the hire of a four-strong employment team from Knights plc, led by ex-Addleshaw Goddard partner Sally Hulston.

Joint Managing Partners: Giles Crown, Richard Miskella
International Offices: Dublin, Hong Kong

Contacts:
Advertising & Marketing: Brinsley Dresden, Geraint Lloyd-Taylor
Commercial: James Gill, Jo Farmer
Construction: Clare Reddy
Corporate: Paul Rajput
Data & Privacy: Alexander Milner Smith, Bryony Long
Dispute Resolution: Mark Lim
Employee Reward: Victoria Goode
Employment: Richard Miskella, Sally Hulston (North West)
Financial Services: Wendy Saunders, Michael Anderson
Immigration: Andrew Osborne
Intellectual Property: Tom Gaunt
Investigations: Karen Baxter
Media & Entertainment: Cliff Fluet, Alan Hunt
Outsourcing: James Gill
Partnerships: Clive Greenwood
Planning: Sara Hanrahan
Publishing: Simon Entwistle
Real Estate: Brian Kilcoyne
Reputation Management: Adam Glass
Restructuring & Insolvency: Mark Lim, Timothy Leeson, Toni Lorenzo
Retail: Julia Poulter, Anna Sella
Sports: Alex Kelham
Tax: Matthew Rowbotham
Technology: James Gill, David Willbe, Tarun Tawakley

THE FIRM
Lewis Silkin works with leading businesses to protect and enhance their most important assets — their ideas, their people, their brand and their future. They call it: Ideas. People. Possibilities.

The firm has two things at its core: people, and a focus on creative, tech and innovation.

Lewis Silkin is passionate about people. Whether you are a fast growth start up or a large multinational business, the firm helps you realise the potential in your people and navigate your strategic HR and legal issues, both nationally and internationally. Lewis Silkin’s award-winning employment team is one of the largest in the UK, with dedicated specialists in all areas of employment law and a track record of leading precedent setting cases on issues of the day. The team’s breadth of expertise is unrivalled and includes HR consultants as well as experts across specialisms including employment, immigration, data, tax and reward, health and safety, reputation management, dispute resolution, corporate and workplace environment.

Creativity, technology and innovation are at the heart of everything the firm does. This is reflected in the way it works, as well as in the types of businesses it works with. Lewis Silkin helps bring your ideas to life by working alongside you as a trusted partner and bringing together leading commercial, corporate, data and privacy, dispute resolution, employment, immigration, intellectual property and real estate lawyers to help create, optimise, manage and protect your ideas and your business.

With offices across the UK, Ireland and Hong Kong, and with strategic alliances across the globe, the firm is recognised by clients and industry alike as being distinct for our unique culture and for providing solutions to complex, multi-jurisdictional business challenges with a pragmatic and human touch. So whether it is providing international employment law advice, managing a global IP portfolio or leading on a cross-border corporate transaction, Lewis Silkin can support you with the right people, in the right place, at the right time.

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Joint Managing Partner Giles Crown
Joint Managing Partner Richard Miskella
Chair Jo Evans
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 Victoria Goode
Employment Richard Miskella
Employment (North West) Sally Hulston
Employment (Thames Valley) Jonathan Carr
Employment (Wales) Lucy Lewis
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
Patents Tom Gaunt
Partnership Clive Greenwood
Partnership Fergus Payne
Planning Sara Hanrahan
Property Litigation Brian Kilcoyne
Publishing Simon Entwistle
Real Estate (London) Rachel Francis-Lang
Real Estate (Wales) Emily Meredith-Hardy
Reputation Management Adam Glass
Retail Julia Poulter
Sports Alex Kelham
Tax Matthew Rowbotham
Technology David Willbe
Trade Marks Tom Gaunt
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Graham Ablett photo Graham AblettPartner
Michael Anderson photo Michael AndersonPartner: Michael advises companies, LLPs, and senior executives on all aspects of…
Karish Andrews photo Karish AndrewsPartner, covering the full range of corporate advice, working with companies, shareholders, investors,…
Karen Baxter photo Karen BaxterPartner and Head of the firm’s Investigations and Regulatory group and sits on…
Mario Betts photo Mario BettsManaging Associate
Nick Bowie photo Nick BowieLegal Director: Nick is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, specialising in the…
Michael Burd photo Michael BurdChair of the Partnership and Partner. Advises on all aspects of employment…
Simon  Chapman photo Simon ChapmanPartner. Specialises in contentious and non-contentious IP and IT disputes encompassing patents,…
Laetitia Cooke photo Laetitia CookeSenior Associate: Laetitia advises senior individuals across all sectors, with particular experience acting…
Antony Craggs photo Antony CraggsPartner: Antony specialises in contentious and transactional intellectual property matters, with a…
Shalina Crossley photo Shalina CrossleyPartner: Advises many areas of employment and partnership law. Has a particular…
Giles Crown photo Giles CrownJoint Managing Partner, heading up the part of the firm focussed on…
James Davies photo James DaviesFounding partner of our employment team specialising in all aspects of employment…
David Deakin photo David DeakinConsultant. David is a commercial digital media and technology lawyer. He specialises…
Sean Dempsey photo Sean DempseySean is an Employment Partner with clients predominantly from the technology sector and…
Neil Dite photo Neil DiteManaging Associate: Neil provides pragmatic and commercial advice on both contentious and…
Brinsley Dresden photo Brinsley DresdenPartner, specialising in advertising and marketing law and regulation, representing both brand owners…
Nigel Enticknap photo Nigel EnticknapManaging Associate
Simon Entwistle photo Simon EntwistlePartner: Having spent the early years of his career as a corporate…
Jo Evans photo Jo EvansPartner, Corporate. Work includes mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance with a…
Jo Farmer photo Jo FarmerPartner: Jo jointly leads the firm’s Commercial group and advises clients on their…
Laura Farnsworth photo Laura FarnsworthPartner dealing with all aspects of employment law with a special interest…
Cliff Fluet photo Cliff FluetPartner. Specialises in digital media, branded entertainment, audio and audio/visual content exploitation…
Tom Ford photo Tom FordManaging Associate: Tom is a member of Lewis Silkin’s Employment, Immigration and…
Rachel Francis-Lang photo Rachel Francis-LangPartner: Rachel has a focus upon providing real estate services to corporate…
Thomas Gaunt photo Thomas GauntPartner
Thomas Gaunt photo Thomas GauntPartner
James Gill photo James GillPartner. James provides specialist advice on commercial contracts, technology projects, outsourcing, e-commerce,…
Adam Glass photo Adam GlassPartner: Part of the firm’s Disputes Resolution team and has previously been…
Leonard Goodrich photo Leonard GoodrichConsultant: Mixed use development with experience in commercial acquisitions and disposals, commercial…
Clive Greenwood photo Clive GreenwoodPartner in the Professional Services and Dispute Resolution Groups. Specialises in commercial…
Nicholas Hadaway photo Nicholas HadawayPartner, Employment. Advises on all areas of employment law with particular focus…
Sara Hanrahan photo Sara HanrahanSara is a planning partner within the Real Estate Department and has…
Naomi Hanrahan-Soar photo Naomi Hanrahan-SoarManaging Associate
Paul Hayes photo Paul HayesHead of Housing and Residential Litigation, specialising in residential property litigation, including…
David Hopper photo David HopperPartner: David specialises in advising on industrial relations and collective employment law.…
Alan Hunt photo Alan HuntPartner: Alan is a partner in the Commercial team specialising in the…
Ian Jeffery photo Ian JefferyConsultant specialising in intellectual property and information technology, with particular emphasis on…
Alex Kelham photo Alex KelhamAlex is a Partner, and the Head of Lewis Silkin’s Sports Business…
Brian Kilcoyne photo Brian KilcoynePartner specialising in all areas of real estate litigation: landlord and tenant…
Colin Leckey photo Colin LeckeyPartner in employment. Particular focus on the technology, financial services and professional…
Timothy Leeson photo Timothy LeesonPartner
Mark Lim photo Mark LimMark is a partner specialising in the resolution of complex commercial disputes,…
Geraint Lloyd-Taylor photo Geraint Lloyd-TaylorPartner. Deputy head of Lewis Silkin’s advertising & marketing team.
Bryony Long photo Bryony LongPartner: Bryony us Co-Head of Lewis Silkin’s Data and Privacy Group. She…
Toni Lorenzo photo Toni LorenzoPartner and Head of the Employment Litigation Team. Specialising in employment law,…
Fraser McKeating photo Fraser McKeatingManaging Associate
Gavin McNaughton photo Gavin McNaughtonPartner: Gavin specialises in both domestic and international mergers and acquisitions. He acts…
Sarah McWhinney photo Sarah McWhinneyManaging Associate
Alexander Milner-Smith photo Alexander Milner-SmithPartner
Richard Miskella photo Richard MiskellaJoint managing partner in employment, reward and immigration department. Particular focus on…
Charlotte Morgan photo Charlotte MorganSenior Associate
Lee Nair photo Lee NairPartner Lee specialises in global acquisitions, TUPE and the contingent workforce. Her work is…
Stephen O'Flaherty photo Stephen O'FlahertyPartner
Andrew Osborne photo Andrew OsbornePartner. A key member of the Sports Group and Head of Immigration.…
Neil Parkes photo Neil ParkesPartner: Neil is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution Department specialising in…
Fergus Payne photo Fergus PayneConsultant. Specialises in advising on limited liability partnership and partnership matters, mergers…
Sam Pennington photo Sam PenningtonCorporate lawyer specialising in a full range of corporate law advice from…
Julia Poulter photo Julia PoulterPartner (Real Estate)
Hannah Price photo Hannah PriceLegal Director advising on all aspects of employment law. Has particular expertise in…
Paul Rajput photo Paul RajputPartner specialising in wide range of corporate and commercial issues, principally in…
Clare Reddy photo Clare ReddyPartner in the real estate team and heads up our construction practice.…
Jonathan Reuben photo Jonathan ReubenPartner specialising in all areas of commercial property law, particularly property investment…
Matthew Rowbotham photo Matthew RowbothamPartner specialising in corporate and business taxes, with an emphasis on M&A…
Phil Rymer photo Phil RymerConsultant: All forms of audio visual finance, production and distribution for conventional media…
David Samuels photo David SamuelsPartner: David is  a Partner in Lewis Silkin’s market-leading employment litigation practice.…
Wendy Saunders photo Wendy SaundersLegal Director: Wendy specialises in financial services and markets law and regulation,…
John Shea photo John SheaSenior Associate John is an experienced dispute resolution lawyer with a particular…
Frances Simm photo Frances SimmManaging Associate Frances advises national and international businesses on a broad range…
Supinder Singh Sian photo Supinder Singh SianPartner: Supinder deals with all areas of UK business, sport, high-net worth…
Barnaby Stokes photo Barnaby StokesManaging Associate
Jeremy Summers photo Jeremy SummersJeremy is a consultant within Lewis Silkin’s Media & Entertainment team. He…
Tarun Tawakley photo Tarun TawakleyPartner: Tarun advises a broad range of clients, with a particular insight into…
Andrew Wanambwa photo Andrew WanambwaAndrew is a partner in the Dispute Resolution team. His practice focuses…
David Willbe photo David WillbePartner and Heads of the Technology sector group. David gives regular presentations…
Paul Williams photo Paul WilliamsPartner
Anthony van Hoffen photo Anthony van HoffenConsultant (Real Estate)
Number of partners : 72

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: 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”.