Lewis Silkin

lewissilkin.com

European Patent Attorney

Francesca Ainsworth

I have been working with businesses, and their founders and shareholders, in the creative and digital sectors for more than a decade. London is my home but a piece of my heart is still in the Peak District, and so I'm passionate about the creative and entrepreneurial talent that drives the UK economy across the country. I advise clients through corporate milestones (early stages, shareholder exits, fundraising, incentives, restructuring and private M&A). I have more than a decade of experience across transactional and advisory work. I work with businesses across a broad range of sectors, but have particular expertise in interactive entertainment, advertising and marketing, publishing and retail. I am also a core team member behind The Collective by Lewis Silkin – our thought leadership offering for creative, innovative, tech and brand-centric businesses to prepare and adapt to the ever-changing business environment. We are at the forefront of thought leadership for our clients. Promoting gender equality and diversity more broadly is another focus of mine. I am a member of our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion group and was formerly the ExCo member for our Gender Group. I have also previously been a member of Bloom, a network for women in communications, and a mentor through the network.

Michael Anderson

I advise companies, LLPs and senior executives on all aspects of employment and partnership law, with a focus on the financial and professional services sectors. My work ranges from negotiating complex contracts to defending high-value claims in the Employment Tribunal. I am particularly interested in High Court litigation and arbitrations. I frequently advise clients on restrictive covenants, confidential information, bonus claims and team moves, often across several jurisdictions. My work covers the full range of contentious and non-contentious employment and partnership advice. My financial services clients include hedge funds, banks, brokers, insurance intermediaries and HFT firms. I am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association, sitting on its Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution Working Group.

I have worked with businesses in the creative sectors for two decades. As a born and bred Londoner, I believe the city is not just our capital, but the capital of the creative economy (but I acknowledge my bias!). I provide the full range of corporate advice to our clients but specialise in M&A. I act for owner managers on the sale of their businesses, as well as UK and international groups on their UK acquisitions. I work with clients across a wide range of sectors but have particular experience of those in advertising, PR, media, entertainment, sport and gaming. I head up the firm's Race & Ethnicity Group and sit on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board.

I am an experienced employment and partnership lawyer, with particular expertise in conducting sensitive and high profile investigations. I pride myself in providing commercial, strategic and timely advice and enjoy working in close collaboration with my clients. I specialise in advising, and conducting investigations, for organisations which place their reputations at the heart of what they do; whether that be law firms, creative businesses or other household name businesses.

I am a Legal Director in the Employment team, and advise on the full range of employment law issues. I work with companies across a range of sectors, including professional services, finance, entertainment, construction and travel. I provide pragmatic and commercial advice on day-to-day employment queries. My practice includes advising on matters such as grievances and disciplinaries, dismissals, restructures and collective consultations, TUPE transfers and contract and policy reviews. I particularly enjoy working closely with clients to help them find the right commercial approach for their business. I also advise employees, and my recent work includes representing clients in discrimination and whistleblowing matters as well as advising on terms of employment and negotiated exits. I have extensive experience in litigation and day-to-day advisory matters, and advise clients in English, Spanish and Italian.

I am a Partner in the Intellectual Property team and a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney. I specialise in the protection and enforcement of clients' trade mark and design portfolios worldwide. I am regularly involved in global searching filing and assignment projects. In addition to my core expertise, I have particular experience in digital enforcement, handling the global monitoring and enforcement of my clients' trade marks and copyright online. I regularly represent clients in domain name disputes before the World Intellectual Property Organisation, Nominet, the ADR Forum, and the National Internet Exchange of India.

Russell Brimelow

I have been recognised as a leading employment practitioner in the UK now for about 25 years - according to the legal directories, as well as being in Legal 500's Hall of Fame in recent years. I am particularly well known for advising on senior level issues, restructurings, litigation and TUPE issues. I joined Lewis Silkin's employment practice in 2004 and founded our Oxford office with a small team. My practice is diverse, including a number of household name clients in a variety of sectors. My client-base is particularly strong in the media, entertainment, IT, telecommunications and technology sectors. I often speak and write on employment issues at conferences and in the media. Many of my clients have worked with me for over 20 years. Internationally, our employment practice (with Ius Laboris) is very powerful and I have put together joined-up solutions for quite a few multinational companies as well as run many international projects. I visit APAC regularly to help to build the profile of our growing Hong Kong office, which I also helped to found that advises both on local law and co-ordinates projects across APAC.

Senior Associate

Nicholas Buckland

I specialise in intellectual property disputes as well as advising on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. Having lived and worked in China, I am proficient in Mandarin and I am Lewis Silkin's China Desk Lead for IP & Technology. My focus is on protecting, exploiting and enforcing a range of intellectual property rights, including trade marks, copyright, patents, designs and confidential information. I have particular expertise in protecting and enforcing brands and I act for clients in many different sectors including retail, manufacturing, engineering, media, financial and technology. As an experienced dispute resolution lawyer, I advise on cases in the High Court (including the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court), the Court of Appeal, UKIPO, EUIPO (including the Board of Appeal) and the EU General Court, as well as international arbitration.

Having finished my stint as Chair of the firm, I have returned to what I love: serving clients. In my practice I advise on many aspects of employment and partnership law, with a particular focus on the resolution of high level disputes (including through mediation and arbitration), senior level departures, boardroom issues, business transfers and restructuring. Much of my work has an international element to it, and I often work closely with colleagues in other jurisdictions to navigate cross-border matters. I sit on the Executive Committee of Ius Laboris, the global alliance of human resources law firms of which we are UK member. I was born and raised in New York State, but came to the UK in 1978 to study for a year and, basically, stayed on. Outside of work you may find me enjoying good food and wine, hiking or making music (possibly all at the same time). I am a member of Employment Lawyers Association; Association of Partnership Practitioners; European Employment Lawyers Association; Board & Executive Committee of Ius Laboris; International Bar Association; and XBHR.

I have specialised in employment law now for over 25 years, accumulating a wealth of experience along the way acting for businesses of all types and sizes as well as many high net worth individuals and executives in interesting roles. I enjoy having an eclectic practice and the variety employment law brings - no two days are ever the same. I am privileged to represent an increasing number of sports clients reflecting a personal interest in sport and a growing professional profile in that area. I also proudly act for many other clients drawn from a range of different sectors including law firms, financial services, IT, pharma and real estate. My role is often to act as a 'troubleshooter' helping clients to put out fires and navigate employment challenges but I also seek to add value as a trusted advisor in more proactive ways, for instance helping to shape policy direction and guiding businesses on adopting more environmentally responsible employment practices - something about which I have written extensively in the media. Employment law is about applying common sense within a broad regulatory framework, being fair but robust, and having well thought-out, concise and understandable documentation. My aim is to support clients to achieve all of this in a friendly, accessible and responsive way.

My work concerns the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including trade marks, copyright, patents, designs and confidential information and technology disputes including pre-termination strategies and arbitration. I also have extensive experience of cross-jurisdictional issues. I have dealt with disputes in the County Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and the European Court of Justice and have extensive experience of both applying for and defending interim injunction applications. I am recognised as a leading expert in the field of trade marks by all leading legal directories including Managing Intellectual Property 'IP Stars', Super Lawyers and World IP Review Leaders Chambers and Partners ranks me as a leading individual in Intellectual Property and says "Simon Chapman is, according to sources, 'one of the leading trade mark lawyers in London', and specialises in complex, high-stakes litigation. He is praised for his 'deep intelligence', his 'very good tactical judgement' and his rapport with clients". I have extensive experience of developing and implementing internet enforcement initiatives to protect clients' brands on the internet. I have also been appointed to the Nominet expert panel for the determination of domain name disputes. I act for clients in many different sectors including the retail, manufacturing, engineering, media, financial and technology sectors.

I have worked with innovative businesses worldwide for over 25 years, helping them to protect and use their intellectual property. Having run my own business with an international client base before joining Lewis Silkin, I have a drive to provide a first class service to all our clients and love the international element to our work. As well as handling day-to-day prosecution before the EPO and the UKIPO, I enjoy contentious work, including oppositions & appeals at the EPO and litigation in the national courts. I also undertake due diligence and provide strategy advice to clients. My technical areas of work cover a wide variety of electrical and mechanical subject matter including: pumps and compressors; engines and motors; medical devices; consumer electronics and devices; mobile device technology; display devices and touch screens; sensing devices; music synthesisers; electrical circuit design; software; signal, data and image processing and encoding; semiconductors; solid state memories and disk drives; and printers and consumables. I have lectured extensively in the UK, Europe and Japan, covering various aspects of UK and European IP law.

I advise clients on trade mark, design and copyright protection globally. I represent clients in trade mark oppositions, invalidity and revocation actions before the UK IPO, the EU IPO and routinely handle multi-jurisdictional trade mark registry proceedings. My areas of specialism include gathering industry-specific evidence, carrying out IP investigations, drafting pleadings and witness statements, as well as negotiating global co-existence and settlement agreements. I have gained extensive experience in trade mark clearance search projects, worldwide trade mark watching services, trade mark portfolio management and enforcement.

Managing Associate: Laetitia advises senior individuals across all sectors, with particular experience acting for those in financial services. Laetitia also assists employer clients on a wide range of issues, from day-to-day advice, to providing guidance on grievance and disciplinary investigations, to managing all the delicate issues arising out of senior exits. Laetitia has experience of fighting complex, high value and sensitive cases. Clients value the results she obtains for them – whether that is an early, confidential, settlement, on the best possible terms, or some other form of desirable outcome. Examples of his recent work include acting for: an asset manager in relation to a case of whistleblowing; a senior individual in a case involving claims of equal pay, race discrimination, sex discrimination, victimisation and unfair dismissal; and a global technology company in relation to claims of equal pay, sex and race discrimination. Laetitia's work also has an international element – over and above the multi-jurisdictional nature of advice to globally mobile senior executives. She speaks French and has a significant number of French clients. She acts for companies with an established presence in the UK as well as those who are setting up an office in the UK for the first time. She also acts for and advises French-speaking senior executives.

Shalina Crossley

I have worked as an employment lawyer for over 20 years. Having completed my training contract at the firm, I am a Lewis Silkinite through and through. I am the Co-Head of our London Employment team and the firm's Training Principal. I advise on all aspects of employment law from hiring, firing and everything in between. I have particular expertise in complex and high-value discrimination and whistleblowing claims, partnership disputes and sensitive investigations. I am recognised in the Legal 500 and Chambers for my work. My clients are in a broad range of sectors, but particularly those in financial and professional services, sport and advertising.

Co-founding the Employment practice at Lewis Silkin in 1992, I have seen it grow from two lawyers (Michael Burd and myself) to nearly two hundred workplace lawyers today. I enjoy a global practice whether working with colleagues at other Lewis Silkin offices or colleagues at Ius Laboris, the international alliance we joined in 2001. I have a particular interest in the future of work and the use of AI in the workplace. Benefitting from having run the employment division of the firm for many years, my work today includes advising other professional services firms on people strategy and issues.

Joanna De Fonseka

I am a Legal Director in Lewis Silkin's Data, Privacy & Cyber team, where I advise leading multinational organisations across a range of industries on data, privacy and cyber issues. I assist clients with a wide variety of data and privacy compliance matters including general compliance strategy, audits and assessments; online advertising, direct marketing and cookies; data sharing and data processing arrangements; privacy policy/privacy notice reviews; international data transfers; and privacy-related aspects of new technologies, products and services. In addition, I regularly assist clients with contentious data and privacy work, including data breaches, data subject requests and complaints, and regulatory investigations. I also advise clients on AI governance and strategy and the data privacy aspects of implementing AI solutions. I hold the IAPP CIPP/E data protection certification, and regularly speak at events and conferences on data and privacy issues.

I provide a hybrid ad hoc business as usual legal / outsourced GC model, mainly to early and growth phase companies. Blending the best of my in-house and industry experience, with flexible partner level legal advice, I help businesses get their model going and deals negotiated - delivering sophisticated, integrated, commercial solutions and support. With 20+ years experience as a legal and commercial affairs adviser, I have a specialist focus on digital and social media, technology, interactive, content, publishing and marketing businesses. As a commercial and IP lawyer I cover the spectrum of commercial, contractual, IP, rights, marketing, consumer, data privacy and regulatory issues. My legal expertise in digital and tech is enhanced by excellent commercial and operational experience gained through over 12 years as an in-house lawyer, including as Head of Legal for Digital and Technology at BBC Worldwide Limited.

I advise multinational and UK employers on all aspects of UK and Irish employment law. My clients are mainly from the technology, healthcare and financial and professional services sectors. I helped establish our Dublin office in 2018 and I work closely with colleagues in Dublin and Belfast to provide clients with employment law support across the whole of the UK and the island of Ireland. My practice is often international in its scope, and I regularly advise on the employment law aspects of global acquisitions and multi-jurisdictional restructures. My international retainers enable clients to access expert employment law advice in all of the countries in which they operate. I have also been recognised for many years as a leader in the field of employment law by the main legal directories.

Eleanor Diamond

Senior Associate

Managing Associate: Neil provides pragmatic and commercial advice on both contentious and non-contentious issues, including: - senior level recruitment and exits, implementing changes to terms and conditions, business restructures and collective redundancies. He also has significant experience of defending Employment Tribunal litigation, including claims for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, discrimination and whistleblowing. He advises clients on employment law issues impacting their business. He works across a range of sectors including technology, logistics and transport. His work often has an international scope and has regularly co-ordinated cross-border projects.

Brinsley Dresden

I am a specialist in advertising and marketing law and regulation, supporting both brand owners and marketing services agencies across a broad spectrum of legal and regulatory issues. I am fortunate that my practice has introduced me to many big personalities in the advertising industry, including some of the leading "Mad Men" (and Mad Women) of today. I've helped brand owner clients to find creative solutions across many sectors, including health and beauty, cosmetics, automotive, alcohol, aviation, electronics, financial services and FMCG. As well as being Co-Head of our Advertising & Marketing Sector group, I am also on the Executive Committee of the Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance ("GALA"), with Lewis Silkin as the sole UK member. Through GALA, I help clients by accessing the best advertising lawyers worldwide.

Nigel Enticknap

I work on all types and all aspects of commercial disputes, including claims for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and professional negligence claims, as well as advising on conflict of laws and jurisdiction issues. I help clients resolve a wide range of commercial disputes whether through negotiated settlement, court or arbitration proceedings. I also advise on how to avoid disputes arising in the first place by giving advice on potential liabilities and risks. I have experience of dealing with claims before various forums, including not only the courts, but also arbitral tribunals, the Pensions Ombudsman and the Competition and Markets Authority. Much of my work has an international element and I am familiar with liaising with lawyers in different jurisdictions.

Simon Entwistle

I am proud to lead our firm with Jo Farmer, and to manage our award-winning and market leading team of over 200 employment, immigration and reward professionals. I enjoy advising clients on the full range of employment issues, including disputes of all kinds (from Tribunal claims to High Court injunctions and everything in between). I carry out sensitive investigations for a wide range of clients, and advise on workplace culture. I am a CEDR-accredited mediator, and mediate a wide range of workplace disputes, as well as acting for clients in significant mediations. I advise Boards on senior executive hiring, performance issues and exits. I have particular experience in professional services, financial services and media, and also advise senior executives.

I am proud to lead our firm with Richard Miskella. Alongside my leadership role, I advise my clients on the drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements, and the exploitation of IP rights and content. My clients include brand owners, content creators, communications agencies and media platforms. I am included as a leading lawyer in the field of advertising and brand reputation in Legal 500, and have been listed as a leading lawyer in Chambers for 20 years (and am now recognised as an Eminent Practitioner). Social mobility is a topic close to my heart; if you're considering a career in law but think your background might make that difficult, do get in touch.

Laura Farnsworth

I am a Partner in the Employment team. I joined Lewis Silkin on qualification well over 20 years ago. I advise organisations on a wide range of employment issues, such as negotiated exits, absence management, redundancies, discrimination and family rights. I manage our low cost, fixed fee HR / employment law support service, called rockhopper and our in-house secondment service, called LS In-house. Through these services we provide businesses with high quality and exceptional value employment law support.

Benjamin Favaro

I have over 25 years' experience in advising clients on digital media, brand entertainment, technology, and innovation, leading the firm's Media & Entertainment group. Prior to joining Lewis Silkin in 2006, I spent several years at Warner Music and then Capital (now Global) Radio. I sit on our Management Board responsible for innovation. I am passionate about supporting the creative community and the next generation of talent, and am Vice Chair of the Help Musicians and Chair of Music Minds Matter. In addition to my legal practice, I am the founder and Managing Director of Eleven Advisory, a strategic and commercial advisory firm for media companies in music, sport, film, and entertainment. I help clients navigate the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and immersive entertainment.

I advise clients on data protection matters from a risk and governance, workplace, and commercial perspective. I take a pragmatic, risk-based approach to compliance, working with clients to address their data privacy issues in a way that is proportionate and practical. Sitting across our data, privacy & cyber group and top-tier employment law team, I advise leading multinational organisations on data privacy issues. I run projects across multiple jurisdictions, both inside and outside the EU, and work with clients in the media & entertainment, tech, finance, legal, and marketing sectors. I have particular expertise in GDPR compliance strategy, data privacy as part of GRC, and the building of effective privacy policies and processes and information security and acceptable use, as well astransparency requirements.

Rachel Francis-Lang

I provide real estate services to corporate occupiers, investors, financiers and developers. I have a particular insight into clients' needs and expectations on service delivery having worked in-house on secondment as legal counsel to a listed projects and construction company. I have particular expertise in advising on headquarter moves and in handling large global real estate portfolios dealing with multiple moves from multiple locations, working in partnership with clients' real estate consultants. I act for a wide variety of corporate occupiers from a range of different sectors and in relation to a wide variety of assets - most notably offices, hotels, retail, leisure, restaurants, telecoms, data centres but also specialist facilities for hospitals, science parks and manufacturing sites. Many of my clients are based outside of the UK and I am used to explaining transactions in a clear and commercial way. I am also able to provide advice in a user friendly way to senior executives so that this can be used for reporting purposes internally I am also a member of CoreNET.

I am a UK and European Patent Attorney who leads our Intellectual Property practice group. Having started my career at a firm of patent attorneys in Japan handling patent applications for the consumer electronics industry, my practice now focusses on mechanical, electrical and software patents, as well as European oppositions and infringement work. I am also a representative before the European Unified Patent Court. I have a Masters degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Birmingham University, and I handle patent portfolios over a broad range of technologies, with an emphasis on automotive, sustainability, and connectivity. I particularly enjoy helping businesses develop IP prosecution, licensing and enforcement strategies to open new markets and collaborate with new partners, and I am secretary of the Licensing Executives Society (Britain & Ireland).

I have the privilege of Co-Heading our brilliant Digital, Commerce and Creative team! Our team focus is on those businesses who are at the intersection of technology, science and the creative world. I work with brands and large corporates on their technology, commercial, consumer, regulatory, IP and data needs, providing transactional support, strategic advice, and thought leadership. My clients span a range of sectors, including those in technology, retail, luxury brands, financial services, advanced manufacturing and supply chain. I specialise in high value and strategic projects, with a focus on three core areas: technology, digital and innovation; consumer goods / services and platforms; and complex commercial contracts.

I am a disputes lawyer and for over 30 years I have been helping businesses and individuals solve their civil and criminal legal problems. I draw on a broad range of experience which includes previous roles as a criminal barrister and in-house lawyer. I advise on a wide range of commercial civil litigation with particular expertise in media and intellectual property disputes, and in matters where clients may find themselves being prosecuted by enforcement agencies or regulators in the criminal courts, such as business crime, health & safety prosecutions, and competition cases.

Leonard Goodrich

I'm a consultant partner with the firm having joined as a green-behind-the-ear "articled clerk" in 1980, qualifying as an "assistant solicitor" in 1982 and having the honour to have been asked to join the partnership in 1986. My path then led to becoming head of the real estate department in 1988 a position I held for some 25 years (far too long!). Having served in senior positions for some forty years (including the firm's partnership remuneration committee) I decided to wind down slightly in 2018 to my current role assisting colleagues wherever I can. Having managed some major real estate and development transactions for some of the firm's largest clients over the years, someone once asked why I was never tempted to move on. My reply - it was either a serious error of judgment on my part or the firm is truly special! My longevity at the firm answers that question.

Clive Greenwood

I have worked in commercial litigation and dispute resolution for a range of national and international businesses for over 35 years and specialised in contentious LLP and partnership matters for 20 years. I advise senior management teams, CEOs and business owners on the investigation and resolution of governance, conduct and regulatory issues, and on high value and complex disputes with third parties arising from commercial business relationships. While the majority of my clients are organisations providing financial and professional services, I have a broad client base including high net worth individuals and business operating in advertising, marketing, retail, hospitality, technology and sport sectors. I have many years' experience resolving disputes though negotiation, mediation, High Court litigation in England and international and domestic arbitrations under the rules of various arbitral institutions.

Senior Associate

Nicholas Hadaway

For over 20 years, I have advised senior executives, partners, founders, and businesses on all aspect of employment and partnership law. I am particularly noted for my work advising senior individuals in the financial services sector. I regularly litigate some of the most complex, sensitive, and high value cases in the City.

I am joint Head of the LLPs & Partnerships Group and a Partner in the firm's Corporate practice group. I have specialised in advising professional services firms (notably legal, accountancy and IP practices) and other businesses structured as LLPs or partnerships (including hedge funds, private equity houses and investment managers) for over ten years. My expertise extends across non-contentious, contentious and regulatory (particularly SRA) issues. My core practice is focused on working closely with senior management at UK and international professional services firms, finance firms and other owner-led / people businesses, on a broad range of issues, including strategic transactions and projects, governance and constitutional arrangements, UK and international structuring and regulatory issues, commercial agreements, funding arrangements and partner matters (including profit sharing, performance management, negotiated and contentious partner exits, restrictive covenants and other business protection issues). I am ranked in Chambers and Legal 500 for partnership work. I am described in Chambers as 'a master of the detail', being 'excellent' and 'greatly valued by clients for indispensable work' and having 'brilliant legal gravitas', and described in Legal 500 as 'particularly valued' for my 'skills in drafting and structuring partnership and LLP arrangements' and 'making complex matters straightforward'.

Naomi Hanrahan-Soar

I have been working in UK immigration since 2007 and have seen a lot since then. I have benefitted from some excellent experience learning from leaders in the field, specialising in both corporate and high net worth immigration. I came to UK immigration law after completing my own Highly Skilled Migrant Program visa application and moving here from Sydney via Sweden. I understand the excitement and anxiety that the journey brings and enjoy helping to enable the opportunity that any international move entails. These days I have built up a specialism in sponsor compliance, having defended many sponsor licence suspensions and illegal working penalties which are a chance to highlight our firm's strength and depth in both employment and immigration. Although it is somewhat litigious in nature, it is resolving the issue as practically and amicably as possible which I relish. I assist with the full range of immigration applications from complex naturalisation, global talent, creative worker, licences and all forms of sponsored visas to family and moves of large numbers of workers for big business projects both onshore and offshore. This spans the gambit of industries but in particular biotech, tech, AI, energy, medical, advertising, music and entertainment. Immigration law is frequently driven by the policies behind it and as such I try to stay in touch with the policy makers, feed into their research and guidance and influence this wherever possible and appropriate. This also helps me to advise companies on where to take their own immigration policies in the future.

I have been immersed in the creative industries and innovation sectors for over 20 years working with and for creative and technology driven businesses. I advise UK and International organisations on complex contractual matters and IP strategy and bring a practical, resolution-driven approach to even the most challenging negotiations having worked both in-house and in private practice. I specialise in advising organisations on commercial contracts and brand protection and have a wealth of experience in negotiating commercial deals across the video games, fashion, communications, TV and cultural sectors.

I am a Managing Associate in Lewis Silkin's Data, Privacy & Cyber group, and I also work alongside our Digital, Commerce & Creative team. I advise on a range of data protection and commercial matters, although I have a particular specialism in helping advertisers, agencies, ad-tech service providers and publishers navigate privacy issues in respect of online advertising (including programmatic and custom audience advertising) and direct marketing activities, advising on complex data sharing arrangements, and data-rich commercial contracts. My work is sector agnostic, but I frequently advise clients in the advertising & marketing, retail, hospitality and leisure, and technology sectors. I am an IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional (Europe) and frequently deliver training and seminars to clients on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) / Data Protection Act 2018 and the ePrivacy Directive / Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR).

Jonathan Hewett

I am a Chartered and European Patent Attorney and Unified Patent Court Representative. I have worked in private practice for over 20 years, assisting clients to develop their IP strategies and portfolios of patents and designs. I specialise in electrical and mechanical engineering, particularly in electronic circuit design, telecommunications, and software, with substantial experience in consumer electronics, automotive and aerospace sectors. I am passionate about continuous development and lead the CIPA's Patent Paralegals Course and contribute to CIPA's Patent Attorney Training Manual. I present at conferences, seminars, and trade shows to a range of audiences, and regularly advise clients on introductory concepts to improve awareness and understanding of how IP can improve their business.

I advise on industrial relations and collective employment law as a Solicitor admitted in England & Wales, Hong Kong (non-practising) and Ireland. My practice involves a mix of advisory and contentious work, with my contentious experience including me acting in cases at all levels up to the UK Supreme Court.

I joined Lewis Silkin as a Partner after over seven years as legal, operational and commercial lead in Europe's leading digital talent management business. I now work as part of our Media & Entertainment group, supporting clients in every aspect of the creator economy, brand and media. Having played a significant role in the digital creator revolution I enjoy working with clients on new business models, monetisation of rights and new deal shapes. I act for some of the world's largest names in talent, social media, brand, agencies, production, publishing and distribution as well as start-ups, investment funds and licensing businesses. I specialise in supporting clients with content-based monetisation, image and trademark exploitation and technology. I am also the CEO and Founder of the Digital Creator Association.

Partner & Head of Manchester office

I have worked for brands and businesses at the forefront of creativity and innovation for over a decade. Having grown up in Australia, I bring a healthy dose of Aussie spirit to my work and a passion for all that London and the UK bring to the global stage. I specialise in the drafting and negotiation of commercial, route to market, e-commerce and technology deals, and the development, protection and exploitation of intellectual property assets. In 2019, I founded The Collective by Lewis Silkin, our network for creative, innovative, tech and brand-centric businesses – a community of thought-leaders sharing valuable insights on tomorrow's future. I advise clients across a broad range of sectors, but in particular, those in fashion, mobility, technology, retail, media, entertainment and advertising.

I have provided advice to clients in the workplace context for over a decade. I have a particular interest in data privacy, and now advise in the employment and privacy contexts, with a focus on all things workplace privacy. I am a member of Ius Laboris' data privacy expert group and regularly contribute to articles and international advice in this field. I advise clients across a broad range of sectors, but in particular, those in advertising & marketing, legal and professional services, media and tech.

Sport is at the heart of my work (and my life!). I'm known as a leading sports lawyer, focusing on the exploitation of commercial and IP rights but I also work across media, technology and advertising, My 'sweet spot' is where these intersect with sport, for example negotiating sponsorship deals in highly regulated sectors, drafting complex sports tech contracts, and advising on ambush marketing. I'm principally a commercial contracts lawyer, but also provide specialist advertising / media / broadcast regulatory advice. I was once an elite athlete and bring that energy and focus to my legal work – I'm commercially minded and see winning as getting the 'right' outcome based on my client's business objectives. Having spent 7 years in-house at London 2012, I also appreciate the pressures clients are under to get things done!

In addition to my role as Head of Lewis Silkin's Leeds office, I am a trusted employment law adviser for the HR and in-house legal teams of many well-known businesses with a presence in the UK. Having lived in and around Leeds for most of my life, I pride myself on bringing the friendly Yorkshire spirit and straight-talking nature to my advice style. I specialise in supporting UK and multinational corporate clients on all of their workforce issues, with a particular focus on industrial relations and trade union matters, complex change projects, including large-scale collective consultations, and sensitive investigations. My clients include household name brands across the retail, luxury goods, hospitality, sport and manufacturing sectors.

I have been advising on property disputes for 35 years, have been a partner at LS for 20 years and Head of Property for the last 5 years. As a trusted adviser, I use my experience to steer clients through and around the complexities of property law and, if a dispute is unavoidable, to deliver the best result possible. I advise all types of client (from corporates to HNWIs) on all areas of property ligation (from L&T to development disputes to professional negligence) and on disputes in all forums: courts, tribunals, arbitration/expert determination and ADR (inc. mediation). As practice Head, I aim to ensure that we deliver a timely, results-oriented and cost-sensitive service to our valued clients on all jobs (from bet-the-farm projects to vanilla transactions to advisory work).

I advise on all areas of UK business immigration law and work with clients across all sectors, with a focus on law firms, financial services, engineering, hospitality and automotive. I have built up a particular specialism in advising the legal sector and act for a large number of law firms, ranging from international, US firms, through to boutique practices. I am a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association.

If it involves your people, I can help. I specialise in employment law and have been a Partner at Lewis Silkin since April 2012, before that spending more than a decade at another major law firm. I work with clients across all industry sectors, with a particular focus on technology, professional services and financial services. I also work occasionally for senior executives and partners. My client base contains many large UK and international employers. I act for them on UK employment litigation, the full range of HR and employment advisory matters, and domestic and cross-border projects such as restructurings, compliance issues, acquisitions and outsourcings. I speak and write regularly on a wide range of employment law issues, from the national media to our own insight pieces. I co-organise and speak at our annual Managing an International Workforce conference, and our regular in-house Employment Lawyers Community events. I am also a host of our coffee break podcast.

I lead our Corporate Finance offering, running a multi-stage practice where my clients are founders, growth companies, the funds that invest in them and financial institutions. This encompasses early stage financing events through to exits, whether via M&A or IPO, and onwards. I have 30 years of experience supporting technology clients and the investors who support them. Being London-based it is unsurprising that funds, banks and other financial institutions instruct me, together with those businesses wishing to challenge and compete with them. I am part of Lewis Silkin's cross-skills approach to financial services work. Having worked for US firms in London for 10 years my practice has a significant international element. My particular focus is on the US, the Middle East and the Asia-Pac region.

I lead the firm's Dispute Resolution practice group and specialise in the resolution of complex commercial disputes. Much of my work has an international focus and I work regularly with lawyers from different jurisdictions. I have extensive experience of international and domestic litigation, including at appellate level. I am among a small number of lawyers ranked in legal directory Chambers for Commercial and Corporate Litigation (2019-2024). I am also ranked as a Leading Individual in Legal 500 for Commercial Litigation (2022-2024). My clients are diverse, ranging from multi-national corporates to startup companies and I often act for high net-worth individuals, fellow professionals, marcoms agencies, tech companies and major brand owners. I have a particular interest in insolvency issues and I regularly act for and against Insolvency Practitioners. I am Vice Chair of The City of London Law Society's Litigation Committee. I'm also a member of International Bar Association's Litigation Committee.

Geraint Lloyd-Taylor

I'm Co-Head of our Advertising & Marketing group, and Head of our Regulatory group. I advise on a range of legal and regulatory issues, with a focus on consumer regulations such as the DMCC Act. I also advise clients on all kinds of brand-led content, including advertising & marketing campaigns, social media and PR. I am named as a 'stand out' lawyer by Thomson Reuters, and ranked as a Leading Partner for Advertising & Marketing by Legal 500.

I am Co-Head of our Data, Privacy & Cyber group. I work in three main areas: data, privacy & cyber; technology & AI; and consumer & commercial. Although my main area of focus is data, privacy & cyber, I have a commercial & consumer and technology background so regularly advise clients across all three practice areas. From a data, privacy & cyber perspective, I have advised a number of high profile clients on a range of complex data protection issues particularly around data collection and commercial exploitation and corporate governance. I also have also been involved in a number of high profile data regulatory investigations for large multi-national clients as well as advised on various data breaches. I hold the IAPP CIPP/E data protection / privacy accreditation and have spoken at a number of events on data, privacy & cyber issues. From a commercial, technology and consumer perspective, I have a wealth of experience advising clients on both demand and supply side on a range of commercial agreements including supply of goods / services, software licensing & distribution, cloud services, agency and distribution, franchising, warehousing and logistics, sponsorship and ticketing, client / agency, media buying and confidentiality. I have also advised on e-commerce compliance and general consumer law issues and have been involved in a number of consumer regulatory investigations acting on behalf of well-known retailers. My particular areas of specialism are retail and adtech and I am part of our retail and advertising & marketing groups.

I specialise in advising clients on restrictive covenants, team moves, confidential information, high value breach of contract claims and arbitrations, as well as all aspects of employment law. Many of my clients are in the financial or professional services sectors. I also advise partnerships and LLPs on the specific duties owed by their partners and members as well as in relation to directors' duties. I have been described as "one of the best High Court litigators" in Legal 500 and "one of the best in the business at injunctive work – very few solicitors have greater experience than him and strategically he is great" in Chambers & Partners. As a fluent Spanish and Italian speaker, I work on multi-jurisdictional projects. I am also a Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) qualified mediator.

Senior Associate

I am a Partner in the Employment team, based in our Manchester office. I advise on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law, but I have a particular focus on business restructures, change programmes and collective employment issues. I work with clients across a range of sectors including, retail, media, manufacturing, and transport. I use the experience gained during several client secondments to provide straight forward, pragmatic and commercially focused advice. I understand the demands and complexities of being 'client side' and the need for concise, solutions focused advice.

Fraser McKeating

I am a Managing Associate in our Dispute Resolution practice and specialise in corporate and commercial disputes, with a focus on disputes in the technology, media and retail sectors. I regularly act on high value and complex commercial litigation, often with an international dimension. I provide clients with strategic advice to resolve disputes and to get cost-effective results. I have extensive experience of litigation and arbitration from the pre-action stage through to trial, including urgent injunctions, appeals, mediation and settlement negotiations. I am a member of the Society for Computers and Law, the Tech Disputes Network, the London Solicitor Litigation Association and the Commercial Litigation Association. I am also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Gavin McNaughton

I act for companies, shareholders and management teams on a wide range of corporate transactions, specialising in UK and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, joint ventures and debt finance transactions. I also act for startups and founders on all aspects of starting and growing a business in the UK including advising on shareholders' agreements, equity investments and raising debt finance. While I advise clients across a broad range of industries, I have particular expertise in acting for businesses in the tech, media & entertainment and sports sectors. Clients value my pragmatic, creative and solution-focussed advice on complex legal and commercial issues.

Sarah McWhinney

Partner & Co-Head of Financial Services

Managing Associate

Alexander Milner-Smith

I am Co-Head of Lewis Silkin's Data, Privacy & Cyber Group. I work in three main areas: data, privacy & cyber, general employment law, and sports law. I advise some of the world's leading companies on the adoption of global privacy strategies and on the full range of data protection / privacy issues including: data protection & privacy audits; data subject rights requests management; dealing with data breaches and cyber security incidents; extra-EEA / UK data transfers; advising generally on data privacy policies & notices; handling Information Commissioner's Office, and other regulatory queries or investigations; marketing & cookie issues; and, advising both deployers and providers/developers on all things artificial intelligence related. I hold the CIPP/E data protection & privacy accreditation from the IAPP and have spoken all over the world on data protection & privacy issues. I am also the Expert Chair for the Ius Laboris Data Privacy group. I deal with all general day-to-day employment queries and have significant expertise in advising on the practical implications of TUPE and on large scale redundancy/dismissal procedures. I am regularly instructed to act for clients in relation to Employment Tribunal and High Court claims. I am also regularly engaged on investigations (both open and legally privileged) for clients about a variety of different issues. I am part of the Lewis Silkin Sports Group and have a varied practice encompassing many different areas of sports law (with a specialism in data & privacy and employment sports law).

Richard Miskella

I am proud to lead our firm with Jo Farmer, and to manage our award-winning and market leading team of over 200 employment, immigration and reward professionals. I enjoy advising clients on the full range of employment issues, including disputes of all kinds (from Tribunal claims to High Court injunctions and everything in between). I carry out sensitive investigations for a wide range of clients, and advise on workplace culture. I am a CEDR-accredited mediator, and mediate a wide range of workplace disputes, as well as acting for clients in significant mediations. I advise Boards on senior executive hiring, performance issues and exits. I have particular experience in professional services, financial services and media, and also advise senior executives.

Fraser Mitchell

I am a Partner in the Dispute Resolution Team. I have experience acting in a range of complex cross-border disputes for a variety of clients. I act in all matters before the English Court but also have extensive experience in matters before arbitration. I am an expert in commercial disputes with particular experience acting in significant, high-value international fraud investigations and disputes. My cases are typically high-stakes and often involve obtaining or resisting interim relief and I regularly advise on freezing orders and non party disclosures. I also act in insolvency litigation and shareholder disputes. I act for a wide range of clients including companies, family offices, funds, directors, office holders, individuals and states. I have particular sector expertise acting in disputes concerning natural resources including commodities, metals & mining, oil and gas. I am regularly ranked in the legal directories including the Legal 500 and Who's Who Legal. Prior to joining Lewis Silkin, I worked in the London office of an AM Law 200 firm. I am also qualified in the British Virgin Islands having spent three years as a solicitor advocate in the jurisdiction appearing in some of the largest cases in the Commercial Court at the time.

Charlotte Morgan

I work in a dual role as a Managing Knowledge Lawyer and a Senior Lawyer in our rockhopper team. Prior to this I was a Managing Associate in the employment team, having qualified into the team over a decade ago. As Managing Knowledge Lawyer, I work in a team of specialist lawyers, keeping colleagues and clients up to date on the latest and upcoming developments to employment law and policy. My role includes providing internal training, supporting with technical legal queries, writing and editing articles and supporting with podcast content and production I have a particular interest in TUPE and have experience advising employers throughout corporate transactions and outsourcings. This focus has continued in my knowledge role, where I regularly provide TUPE updates to the employment team, maintain know-how documents and have supported in responding to government consultations Recent areas of focus in my work have been on neurodiversity, zero hours contracts, holiday pay and the right to disconnect. I have previously been on secondment to both a US bank, working in the EMEA employment legal team, and to an international law firm, working in the HR team.

As a Senior Associate in our Dispute Resolution team, I specialise in supporting clients with intellectual property and media litigation. I act for a wide range of organisations including those in the fashion, retail, technology, publishing and entertainment industries. I have also acted in international human rights cases including before the United Nations. I am a member of IPSoc and the London Young Lawyers Group.

My work is both advisory employment and contentious, covering contracts and policies, employee relations matters, restructures and redundancies, family-friendly rights and Employment Tribunal proceedings. I have particular experience of advising on employment law aspects of complex global acquisitions and outsourcings. I also regularly co-ordinate employment law advice across multiple jurisdictions for international projects. I am fortunate to work with clients across a variety of sectors, such as media & entertainment, technology, pharmaceutical and retail. I am Chair of our specialist TUPE group and Co-Chair of our specialist contingent workforce group.

I am the Head of our Immigration practice and joined the firm fifteen years ago. I have practiced exclusively in the field of immigration law since 1997 and advise across the full range of business and personal immigration categories. I have been heavily involved in lobbying Government on behalf of clients for changes to the immigration system over recent years and have significant senior level contacts at the Home Office. I am named by both the Legal 500 and Chambers as a noted practitioner in my field. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and American Studies awarded by Keele University in 1988 and later studied for an LLB degree. I qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1997 after completing the Legal Practice Course. I am a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association and IBA and am a lecturer on the De Monfort Law School's Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Law.

$Stephen O\'Flaherty$

Stephen O\'Flaherty

I am a Partner in the Immigration team and joint Head of our Sports Group. I have worked at Lewis Silkin since 2008, initially joining as a paralegal. I work across a broad range of clients, primarily in the sports, entertainment and technology sectors.

I am a Partner in our Dispute Resolution and IP groups. I help clients from a diverse range of sectors with commercial and IP litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. In addition to representing clients in litigation and arbitration proceedings, I use my 20+ years of private practice and in-house experience of a broad range of legal issues to guide and assist clients to seek avoid potential disputes arising or escalating, taking a commercial and pragmatic approach. In appropriate cases, I work proactively with business stakeholders to retain or repair valuable commercial relationships through strategic and creative thinking. I am an accomplished negotiator with experience leading complex and sensitive settlement discussions and mediations. Having initially trained as a music and entertainment lawyer, I worked at a leading media & entertainment boutique and in-house at a major broadcasting client, I remain passionate about working with clients where creativity is at the heart of their business. I am recognised as a leader in the field of media & entertainment and online content protection and enforcement.

I am a London-based corporate lawyer with a focus on M&A and fundraising, predominantly in the technology sector, but across many others as well. I work closely with founders, boards, owners and investors in executing growth strategies and supporting clients across all legal aspects of both the day-to-day business and the big impact events. Many of my clients are non-UK businesses expanding their business or their investment portfolios in the UK / Europe and I am experienced in advising clients who are doing their first deals in the jurisdiction. I also advise regularly on significant board and shareholder issues with a focus on avoidance or fast tactical resolution. Away from corporate law I am also the Chair of the firm's Responsible Business group, a role I have proudly held since 2015. This is a real passion, ask me about it only if you have a spare hour.

I advise multinational and UK employers on all aspects of UK and Irish employment law. My clients are mainly from the technology, healthcare and financial and professional services sectors. I helped establish our Dublin office in 2018 and I work closely with colleagues in Dublin and Belfast to provide clients with employment law support across the whole of the UK and the island of Ireland. My practice is often international in its scope, and I regularly advise on the employment law aspects of global acquisitions and multi-jurisdictional restructures. My international retainers enable clients to access expert employment law advice in all of the countries in which they operate. I have also been recognised for many years as a leader in the field of employment law by the main legal directories.

I've been the Head of the firm's Corporate practice group for several years and my work covers a wide range of corporate and company matters, in particular private company mergers and acquisitions. I started at the firm over 20 years ago as a trainee, so the firm's ethos and culture manifest themselves in my work and the interactions I have with my colleague and clients. I specialise in mergers & acquisitions (from both a buyer and seller perspective), corporate advisory, growth, venture & private equity capital (from both an investor and investee perspective) and joint venture shareholder & shareholder arrangements. I have worked with clients across a variety of industry sectors, but have significant expertise in the advertising & marketing, media & entertainment and technology sectors.

I am an experienced commercial disputes practitioner specialising in resolving complex multinational and domestic disputes across a range of forums including litigation principally in the High Court as well as arbitration before various bodies including the LCIA and the ICC. I am also experienced in pursuing actions under the Arbitration Act 1996 including challenges relating to alleged irregularity in the conduct of arbitral proceedings. I act for a wide range of clients including multinational companies, HNW individuals and family offices, senior company directors and other office holders, insolvency practitioners, sports clubs and brands, and technology companies. I have acted in disputes across a range of sectors including technology, sports, media, healthcare, finance and property. Whilst my experience is wide-ranging, I retain a particular specialism and interest in technology, sports and insolvency disputes. As a Solicitor-Advocate, I am able to take on the advocacy role in appropriate cases. I have been ranked in the Legal Directories since 2021 including current rankings as a "Future Leader" in WhosWhoLegal (Commercial Litigation), a "Rising Star" in the Legal 500 (Commercial Litigation, Premium) and as "Up and Coming" for Commercial and Corporate Litigation in Chambers UK. I am the Chair of the London Legal Jewish Network in addition to being a member of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA). I am also an active member of the London Solicitor Litigation Association (LSLA) and Insolvency Practitioners Association.

Matthew Rowbotham

I have been helping businesses and business owners navigate the complexities of tax and incentives for twenty years. Where appropriate, I work closely with my colleagues in other teams to ensure that tax advice is integrated into our advice on corporate transactions, restructurings, incentive planning, property and commercial transactions. Any tax planning has to be right for the client, as well as right for the transaction – and it's crucial for it to be delivered in a way that's clear and easy-to-understand. Outside of work, I try to balance my more sedentary pursuits (baking and hobby coding) with less sedentary activities like running and open-water swimming. I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

I have more than 24 years' experience in the legal and commercial aspects of the film industry including film financing, production and distribution. My previous roles included running my own specialist media law practice. I was the Director of Legal & Business Affairs at Icon Entertainment International and senior lawyer and investment executive at the UK Film Council (now the British Film Institute). Alongside my legal expertise this has given me an in-depth knowledge of the practical aspects of film finance and distribution. I have been involved with films including 'Billy Elliott', 'Paddington Bear', 'The Mummy', and most recently 'Swallows & Amazons'. I specialise in legal and commercial advice to clients engaged in collateralised debt lending and equity investment into feature film projects, television programmes and online content.

I am a Partner in our market-leading Employment litigation practice. I help businesses and senior executives to navigate complex issues of employment and partnership law. I have a particular interest in advising on disputes involving team moves, breaches of contract, misuse of confidential information and restrictive covenants, and I frequently act in the High Court and through Arbitration. I have significant experience in advising clients in the financial services, technology and built-environment sectors. I also work with multinational companies to meet their day-to-day employment law needs and have considerable experience in managing and delivering strategic and commercial advice to organisations dealing with multi-jurisdictional issues. I speak regularly at seminars and training events for clients and other lawyers. I am also frequently asked to comment on employment law issues by news media and have have done so on the Today Programme, BBC News, ITV News, talkRadio, CNN and in the Financial Times.

I specialise in both advisory and contentious financial services regulation and am Co-Head of our Financial Services team. I started my career in the Enforcement division of the Financial Services Authority (now Financial Conduct Authority) before moving into private practice, which has included secondments to Lloyds Banking Group and Macquarie. I am very well connected across the firm to provide clients with a seamless and comprehensive service, ranging from employment matters such as SMCR, fitness and propriety and remuneration, corporate matters concerning change in control for financial services firms, advertising advice for a wide range of businesses concerning financial promotions, to outsourcing, e-money and payment services advice for our digital, commerce and creative clients. Not to mention my particular specialism in crypto-related matters. I advise a very wide range of clients, from banks, financial institutions and investment firms through to advertising agencies, games platforms and cryptoasset firms.

I have advised (and negotiated on behalf of) clients on a wide range of employment law issues for over 10 years. I also frequently undertake investigations. I work with large multinationals as well as smaller companies and individuals in a variety of sectors including retail, law, manufacturing, media and technology. I have a particular interest in and knowledge of disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments, TUPE transfers, pensions automatic enrolment and holiday pay matters. Alongside regular handling of Employment Tribunal claims, I provide strategic advice with a focus on practical solutions that achieve my clients' goals. I am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) and, separately, volunteer my time pro bono or as a reading mentor when I can.

I specialise in matters across the sport, media & entertainment and technology sectors. Whether it's navigating high-profile sports sponsorships, advising on cutting-edge media rights deals, or diving into the complexities of emerging technologies like Generative AI and Web 3.0, I work with clients to negotiate complex commercial contracts and commercialise rights in these dynamic sectors. I'm particularly passionate about the convergence of sport, media and technology and enjoy working at the intersect of these areas. My expertise involves advising on 'IP-rich' issues and delivering specialist regulatory advice to protect my clients and maximise the value of their commercial deals. I was selected as a Sport Industry Next Gen Leader 2022 (30 under 30). I hold the BIIAB Level 2 Award For Licensing Practitioners (Gambling).

I advise national and international businesses on a broad range of commercial disputes with a particular focus on those in the professional services sector. I work closely with clients to develop strategies to resolve disputes quickly and effectively. I support businesses, directors and shareholders on a range of complex contract disputes including claims arising out of corporate transactions and relating to conduct issues such as breach of fiduciary duties. I also frequently advise clients in relation to claims concerning allegations of professional negligence and misrepresentation. I advise a variety of businesses and individuals in different sectors on contentious matters arising in relation to limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and limited partnerships (LPs).

Supinder Singh Sian

As a Partner in the Immigration & Global Mobility teams, I support clients across all areas of UK business, high-net worth immigration and global mobility co-ordination. I focus on the Sport, Technology, Financial Services, Engineering, Charities and Pharma sectors. I advise corporate clients on outbound and UK in-bound immigration and global mobility programs. I advise on immigration following complex company restructures or M&A. I specialise in all aspects of the UK's Points Based (Immigration) System and support sponsor licence holders with Home Office audits and assurance calls. I also specialise in applications under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and I have developed a niche expertise in Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier (previously T5 International Agreement Contractual Service Supplier) sponsorship. I am a member of the Immigration Lawyers Practitioners Association (ILPA).

I am an experienced disputes practitioner advising on all aspects of commercial and civil dispute resolution. My practice spans litigation and arbitration on complex national, cross-border, and multijurisdictional disputes. I support a wide range of clients across a broad spectrum of sectors, consistently guiding industry leading stakeholders and organisations to the resolution of their most sensitive issues. My work has been described as "tireless" and "fantastic." My experience is complemented by two in-house secondments at Sky UK (Litigation and Anti-Piracy) and Tesco (Product Legal), giving me a true understanding of the client's perspective which I use to tailor advice and strategy. It also means I empathise with how tough my client's role is, especially when it comes to contentious matters. I am also the founder of the Rising Lawyers' Society (a network for junior in-house lawyers) and a committee member of the Junior Division of the London Solicitors Litigation Association (the professional association for litigators in the UK and abroad) - do reach out if you are interested in either. I was shortlisted for the 2023 "Rising Star of the Year" by the Access Legal Modern Law Awards.

Carolyn Soakell

I have more than 20 years' experience as a specialist employment practitioner advising employers on the full spectrum of employment law matters. I work with clients ranging from City law firms to charities, via the manufacturing and engineering sectors. I have a particular specialism in discrimination and equal opportunities issues and regularly advise employers on matters such as discrimination grievances, harassment complaints, and complex and high value Employment Tribunal claims. For many years, a significant part of my practice has been advising law firms on their own internal HR and partnership issues and related SRA regulatory matters. I lead the firm's Law Firms group in the delivery of targeted and strategically focussed advice to the legal sector.

I trained at Lewis Silkin and have been working for creative and innovative businesses for more than a decade. I am a corporate lawyer and deal with most stages in the lifecycle of a private limited company including equity and debt investment, joint ventures, asset acquisitions and disposals, share acquisitions and disposals, day-to-day corporate governance, and director and shareholder disputes. I advise clients across a broad range of sectors but have particular experience in advertising and media & entertainment.

I work with employers to provide strategic support with all aspects of employment law. My practice therefore ranges from employment relations matters, redundancies and Employment Tribunal litigation to more specialist areas such as TUPE, discrimination, post-termination restrictions and senior terminations. In addition, I often work with our colleagues in our global alliance, Ius Laboris, obtaining and coordinating advice from other jurisdictions as part of international projects and to advise on Global Mobility issues. I act for employers in a broad range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, financial services, publishing, real estate, retail, professional services, advertising, marketing and PR.

I have been an IP and commercial lawyer for over 30 years. During that time I have worked on projects throughout the media, entertainment and sports industries. This has included working for rightsholder, governing bodies, promoters, agents, artists and creatives, producers, venues, developers and publishers. My work involves advising on all aspects of event and event organisation, from branding to venue agreements, and including negotiating and drafting agreements for ticketing, sponsorship, licensing, hospitality, artist engagement, JVs (including co-production, co-promotion and investor agreements) and catering and supplier terms. I have been, and continue to be, fortunate to work on major events around the world.

I have been working for creative, marketing and technology businesses for over a decade. I am a corporate lawyer and deal with most stages in the lifecycle of a company including equity and debt investment (growth and private equity), joint ventures, mergers & acquisitions (from both a buyer and seller perspective), and day-to-day corporate advisory and governance. I advise clients across a broad range of sectors, but have particular experience in advertising & marketing, media & entertainment, healthcare, and technology.

I advise a broad range of clients, including multinational and UK-based employers and senior executives, on complex, strategically important and high-impact employment law issues. I've been recognised for my work in The Lawyer's Hot 100 and International Employment Lawyer described me as "outstanding". Chambers and Partners describes me as "superb" and "our go-to partner for complex, strategic advice". I have particular expertise in issues relating to the platform and / or gig economy. I've successfully defended gig economy business models in multiple jurisdictions, and across various forums including courts, labour inspectors and other regulators. I've worked with governments and regulators on legislative reform. I have a focus on High Court litigation and advise on disputes involving restrictive covenants, misuse of confidential information and other contractual claims. A member of the Law Society's Employment Law Committee, I review and promote improvements in employment law and practice; support members of the profession working in employment law; and promote the role of solicitors practising in employment law.

I am a European and Chartered UK Patent Attorney responsible for the prosecution of European, British and PCT patent applications. I have over 15 years' experience representing clients in hearings at the European Patent Office, both in examination and opposition proceedings. I regularly work with overseas clients from the US, China and Japan. My practice covers a wide range of technology, but particular areas of expertise include display technology, printer technology, fluid handling systems, and wireless communication devices. My previous experience includes working as an intern at a patent law firm in New York and working to develop control software at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge. I have lectured on European patent law in the UK, Japan, Korea and China, and have been published in the Japanese journal 'Patent'. I completed a secondment with one of our major clients in Japan in 2008 and continue to learn Japanese.

I'm a specialist employment lawyer with over twenty years' experience of solving people issues for UK and International businesses. I've worked in-house and before law I trained to be an actor and worked in the theatre. Now my clients rely on me to deal with the drama in their workplaces. I'm known in particular for providing pragmatic, results focussed employment advice and resolving complex employee relations issues. My clients include household name brand owners and businesses in sport, broadcast media, the performing arts, retail, hospitality, consumer goods, renewable energy and technology.

Andrew Wanambwa

I am a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team. My practice focuses on domestic and cross-border litigation and dispute resolution and I have advised on several large-scale disputes. In addition to my London-based work I have acted in litigation and arbitral matters involving emerging markets such as Zimbabwe and Pakistan. I have also worked in Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands. While in Hong Kong I defended a $1.5 billion professional indemnity claim against one of the Big 4 accountancy firms. In the British Virgin Islands I advised on, among other matters, a $600 million economic tort claim involving Russian parties and off-shore corporate entities. I am personally ranked by leading independent legal directories in the UK, Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, in the field of Commercial and Corporate dispute resolution.

Patent Attorney

I specialise in litigation involving employee competition and advising businesses on the supply of labour and recruitment regulation. My recruitment background gives me a commercial edge when advising clients and litigating on their behalf. My work in commercial employment litigation involves issues relating to restrictive covenant disputes, managing the departure of executives or LLP members (individually or in a team), recruiting from competitors, and protecting confidential information and trade secrets during and post-employment. I also advise a range of clients throughout the staffing industry on employment and HR matters as well as compliance with statutory regulation including the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.

I work with startups and investors at every stage of the corporate finance cycle, from early rounds through to exit. I'm a tech early adopter and tinkerer outside of work so getting fully stuck into the UK's startup scene as part of my day job is a perfect match for me. My clients cover a wide spread of the UK tech sector, from hardware and life sciences to fintech, martech, and game development. I'm a regular speaker at startup events, breaking down legal pitfalls for startups on everything from investment rounds to co-founder relationships and exit sales. I am co-head our Technology sector group, and am one of the leaders of our Startup initiative, providing user-friendly advice to startups across the full scope of services that Lewis Silkin has to offer.

I am a UK and European Patent Attorney and representative before the EU Unified Patent Court, and have been working to protect client's technical innovations since joining the profession in the early 1990s. After obtaining a Masters degree in Chemistry from Oxford University, I immediately trained with a firm of private practice patent attorneys in London before moving to the intellectual property department of a US-based global chemical company. After qualifying as a patent attorney, I rejoined private practice with a boutique patent and trade mark firm, subsequently joining Lewis Silkin in 2019. With a background in chemistry, I specialise in handling patents in the chemical and life sciences sectors. In particular, I advise clients with drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications, in the UK, Europe and globally, as well as with post-grant oppositions, infringement and validity matters, and freedom-to-operate opinions. I also have a wide experience of advising on and filing registered designs.

I am a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and advise a wide variety of clients on all aspects of UK and international trade mark law and practice. With over 18 years experience both in private practice and in-house, I regularly provide strategic IP advice to clients for the protection and enforcement of trade mark portfolios worldwide. I have substantial experience with portfolio management, oppositions, invalidation and revocation actions, infringement and passing off, taking into account appropriate commercial considerations. I also have advocacy experience in inter partes and ex parte Hearings before the UKIPO. I have acted for clients across a wide range of sectors such as automotive, life sciences, financial and technology industries, retail & consumer goods and have a particular focus on advertising & marketing and sports, media & entertainment. I sit on CITMA's Education, Qualification and Standards committee which assists with the development and requirements for individuals to become qualified Trade Mark Attorneys. I am the editor of our Trade Marks Round-Up publication which looks at recent cases in the UK and EU and the impact the decisions may have on our clients. I have been recognised as a key lawyer in the Legal 500 and WTR 1000 rankings.

I have over 14 years experience in employment law working primarily for large multinational and domestic employers who are headquartered in Ireland and put employment matters at the forefront of their operations. I am a passionate employment lawyer and firmly believe that organisations who invest in their processes and their people reap the most reward. I have experience on both sides of the fence, having spent over a year working in-house on a secondment basis early in my career. I advise on all aspects of employment law, in both contentious and non-contentious matters. This work includes advising on all matters arising out of the employer-employee relationship including employee relations issues, restructuring projects and compliance matters to name but a few. I regularly advise employers in terms of future proofing their organisations in respect of upcoming employment laws at a European and Irish level. I advise clients across a broad range of sectors but most regularly in the leading technology, financial services, professional services and retail & hospitality space.