Simons Muirhead Burton > London, England > Firm Profile

‘Simons Muirhead & Burton has a good atmosphere as soon as you walk through the door. The customer service is brilliant, nothing is too much for them. They are incredibly responsive.’

‘Thoroughness and attention to detail are their watchwords. Also, the team are excellent communicators with all stakeholders. You really feel you have someone fighting your corner and invested in you as a person.’

‘Phil Smith is a brilliant advocate, approachable, straightforward, completely on point. He also has hand-picked a great team of individuals who take their cue from him. I would absolutely recommend this firm.’

‘The practice employs lawyers of deep experience and domain expertise in order to provide a very high standard of service. Communication throughout the firm is highly responsive and clear, both with regard to technical legal matters and administrative issues.’

‘Phil Smith displayed very strong technical ability in complex circumstances. He exudes competence and experience, which contributed to a sense of calm and control to the work, and a robust balance amongst the team.’

‘Phil Smith and Henrietta Ronson are a first-rate team. Phil is a hugely experienced criminal practitioner who is unfazed by anything. Henrietta is a new and highly talented partner. I would not hesitate to recommend them.’

‘This is one of the best media defence firms in the country. It has great experience and expertise in defending journalists, writers and publishers.’

‘Simon Muirhead Burton is our go-to firm for libel reads and legal advice. We have been working with them for well over a decade. They are thorough and speedy in their responses, always giving, for example, a context and overview of UK libel law to be shared with author and literary agent. They are sensitive in their comments, have never let us down, and are incredibly supportive throughout even the most complex of legal reads.’

‘Martin Soames has worked with us for many years. I cannot praise his experience, his wisdom in all things legal and book-related, and his excellent manner of communication highly enough. His background is in publishing which means that he understands our needs, confidentiality, how fast we must move to turn around a legal read when a book is crashed into the schedule. He is calm and thorough in his approach, shows a real interest in the projects that he is working on and we know that we can trust him at every level.’

‘Jeffrey Smele and Emma Lynch are clever media lawyers who give careful and clear advice.’

‘Strength in-depth when it comes to supporting media clients. It is not just the experience of working with clients at the highest level and on cases which can be very complex. It is the understanding of what the client is trying to achieve and the particular market and pressures they are under.’

‘Martin Soames and Andrew Wheelhouse are responsive, positive and crystal clear in their advice. They all get what we are trying to do and will do their utmost to help us achieve that.’

‘So responsive and excellent summaries of the law, with commercial reality embedded into the advice. Really great to work with, especially for an in-house lawyer who is usually short on time.’

‘Jeffrey Smele stands out; he has a pragmatic approach to legal advice that’s straight to the point and simplifies complicated law. He always delivers exactly what we need in terms of manageable advice to understand risk. The team is a breeze to work with!’

‘Their Death Penalty Project collaborates successfully with lawyers and civil society around the world where the death penalty has been retained, to good effect. The team has been fundamental to successful efforts to abolish the death penalty in Sierra Leone and Ghana and is making good progress towards this goal in Zimbabwe at present.’

‘The team at The Death Penalty Project at SMB is committed to providing pro bono legal support for the world’s most vulnerable prisoners or those facing trial or at appeal, particularly those facing the death penalty or execution. Their dedication, compassion, and skills are second to none.’

‘They have a very wide range of expertise ranging from media law and commercial matters to criminal trials and appeals, and international work. They have a particular expertise in cases involving the Privy Council and appeals from the Caribbean.’

‘Parvais Jabbar is a brilliant organiser and initiator of criminal appeals, judicial review cases, and indeed extradition cases from the Caribbean and other parts of the Commonwealth. He has unrivalled experience in Privy Council appeals, is very well-connected with lawyers throughout the Commonwealth, and is indefatigable in pursuit of his clients’ interests.’

‘Saul Lehrfreund is an enormously experienced and respected lawyer in the field of death penalty cases.’

‘The international work conducted by the Death Penalty Project is outstanding, life changing, and life saving.’

‘Excellent in Privy Council matters undertaking landmark cases in human rights from across the Caribbean. Hugely knowledgeable. They are always my first recommendation as Privy Council agents.’

‘Killian Moran is a very accomplished solicitor with a background in domestic human rights, criminal justice, and prison law. He brings intellectual curiosity and ability, and a sound understanding and analysis of the case, to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients.’

‘Simons Muirhead Burton has a deep knowledge of the media landscape, partnered with their strengths in other key areas of any business. We have found their advice on the restructuring of our business to make it more attractive for industry investment to be exemplary.’

‘Simon Goldberg has been a standout partner for us, particularly in giving us the information and context that allowed us to make some challenging decisions for the business. As a female-run business we find Simon to be a great ally and advocate, who is always keen to make introductions and facilitate relationships of real value to our business.’

‘Excellent knowledge of the industry. Friendly and helpful staff. Lawyers who understand the tight timeframes and need to respond quickly in the media industry.’

‘Nick Miller has very in-depth knowledge of the industry. Extremely hard-working and dedicated.’

‘Jane McDonagh, the head of the team is excellent. She is a brilliant family lawyer who is a delight to have on the other side. She takes the heat out of even the most difficult cases, has no ego and is prepared to have sensible discussions in order to find a way forward.’

‘The team is very well resourced for all financial remedy work, from minimal assets to ultra high net worth cases.’

‘Tom Farley-Hills is an outstanding lawyer with an incredible caseload of UHNW clients – surprising for a relatively junior partner but he is more than equal to the job. On top of every detail and incredibly responsive.’

‘Simons Muirhead Burton are top class! They have quality at all levels and provide a personal yet professional approach to all their cases.’

‘Sarah Harding is a standout performer. She works tirelessly for her clients offering the very best of legal advice. Her empathy towards clients is remarkable and she is a tactical genius!’

‘Tessa Bray is superb. Loved by clients, and tough but fair – a complete star.’

‘Jane McDonagh is savvy and commercial, yet warm and caring – an excellent all round lawyer.’

‘Sarah Harding is one to watch for the future – a real force.’

‘We have been working with Maninder Gill and his team for quite a while. Their flexibility and attention to client needs is unparalleled! Rather than up-selling any ‘boxed solutions’, they go out of their way to understand our specific requirements and develop a bespoke approach to each situation.’

‘Maninder Gill is one of the leading experts on franchising in the country. As a client, we have had diverse legal challenges in the international markets ranging from UAE to Korea and the USA, and Maninder has always been able to offer a solution.’

‘Maninder Gill is highly reliable and truly relationship driven.’

‘Maninder Gill is excellent with customer support. He is friendly, responsive, and a true class act.’

‘SMB is a small, tight-knit team of music and entertainment attorneys. The two partners have been there for years, while the associates have a wealth of experience from different companies and specialties within the business. SMB provides top-level advice and is always commercially conscious on behalf of its clients. As a small team, each client knows exactly what they are getting on each transaction.’

‘The best attorneys in the music business provide the following: excellent deal/contract negotiation skills, commercial knowledge and consciousness, and lastly great advice. It is the third point, the great advice, that makes SMB stand out. Richard Baskind and Alasdair George are second to none in terms of the quality of the advice they provide. The two complement each other perfectly. This is what keeps me coming back to SMB.’

‘The team understands the business and the characters that make up the business. They have a wealth of experience.’

‘I’ve worked with various entertainment law firms in the UK and feel Simons Muirhead Burton is a step above the rest. The team is always available and responsive, and covers all areas of the music business – which is what I deal with them on in particular. I have worked with them on everything, from executive contracts to commercial terms on artist contracts and litigation. They have always delivered exceptional service.’

‘Richard Baskind is a very experienced lawyer in the music space with an exceptional ability to think outside of the box and find solutions to any roadblocks. Thorough in his work and very easy to speak to – he has the ability to break down key points and issues in order to explain to the client and receive advice. Responses are quick and work is of top quality.’

‘I think Zack Gold is one of the best young lawyers in the UK music business. Incredibly creative in his approach. Thorough in his work and provides great advice. I have worked with him for past 5 years and he not only excels on commercial terms but also has a very good eye for picking up any tricky and idiosyncratic issues buried in the agreements. ’

‘Heather de Allende is a genius and a wizard lawyer who is very particular and has a lot of attention to detail. I love working with her and most importantly she is very fast to turn things around.’

‘Very friendly, committed, and driven to support their clients in their endeavours.’

‘Intelligent and competent. Very pleased to work with Peter Weiss.’

‘Peter Weiss is very strong at seeing the big picture and the details at once.’

‘Peter Weiss does an outstanding job of giving fast, simple guidance on the basis of what is important and what will work. ’

‘We appreciate the personal touch with SM&B. They have a very balanced approach, and we always know that they have the best outcome for us at heart.’

‘The standout partner is Neal Hodges. We can rely on him for sound advice, and we are happy to have him in our corner. He is also fun to deal with.’

‘The M&A team at SMB are second to none – they are personable, competent, and commercial.’

‘Natalie Wright is the best M&A lawyer in London in my eyes. I have recommended Natalie many times and will continue to do so without hesitation. Neal Hodges is also fantastic to work with, his calm and professional demeanour cuts through the emotion in M&A deals perfectly.’

‘The crime department at SMAB continues to excel.’

‘Phil Smith is in the upper echelons of criminal solicitors in London. A fearless defender of his client’s rights and a determined and able negotiator.’

‘Phil Smith is a force of nature. Hugely experienced, he is as tenacious as he is flexible in his approach and as smart as he is diligent. He leads the team in his own image and provides an extraordinary level of service unsurpassed by any solicitor in his field.’

‘Simons Muirhead and Burton has a wonderful reputation for hiring the best to increase the performance of their firm.’

‘Since they made Phil Smith a partner some years ago he has continually added to their strength with his unique style of management of all those in his team. He is a fantastic solicitor who always has his client’s interests at heart. He has a real feel for all his cases and leaves no stone unturned.’

‘Terrific advice and support. Unwavering commitment and presence.’

‘Anthony Burton is a fantastic advocate, with a unique depth of experience. His commitment to be present and help has been exemplary and critical throughout the many years that I have known him.’

‘Simons Muirhead Burton has provided occasional support and legal advice to our business. It is a responsive and professional firm in the areas of media and sport and keeps up to date with the ever-changing demands of this sector. As a smaller firm, we have enjoyed the personalised, friendly, and uncomplicated legal services provided. I would continue to use their services as required.’

‘Marc Sobol is a partner and specialist in the area of sport broadcast rights, and he has assisted us from time to time on legal matters. He is professional and knowledgeable in the areas of media, broadcasting and sport and a pleasure to work with. We can highly recommend both Marc and the firm.’

‘Marc Sobol is excellent to work with. He is pragmatic and doesn’t seek to over-complicate.’

‘Nimble, direct and responsive.’

‘Composed of strong individuals who work well with clients.‘

’The team is friendly, client focused, and outcome driven.’

‘Uniquely, junior associates are given much more responsibility than at other firms. This reflects the less hierarchical nature of the firm and the quality of the associates they employ.’

‘Antony Perlmutter – canny, direct and an exceptional litigation lawyer. A super professional.’

‘Antony Perlmutter – a litigator who plays hardball but is not afraid to compromise. His style of litigation reflects his inherent pragmatism.’

‘Stephen Shotnes is a highly skilled and experienced lead solicitor, who demonstrates a strong balance of legal procedure, knowledge and pragmatism in commercial litigation.’

‘Rob Coleridge is a considerate and very competent practitioner. Clients value his input and integrity.’

‘The team at SMB take a pragmatic and commercial view of issues, keeping practical concerns upmost in their advice. They are always very communicative and responsive.’

‘Martin Soames has a background of having been a publisher and therefore understands the unique challenges and tensions arising in the book publishing industry. Maninder Gill is incredibly responsive and both Martin and Maninder are able to get to the crux of an issue quickly and efficiently, and their advice is always presented clearly and in plain English.’

‘Simons Muirhead Burton exactly understand the individual needs of our business. Their advice is tailored to ensure that we can solve issues quickly and seamlessly, keeping in mind our need to balance commercial realities while also ensuring our clients can operate in their creative spheres as freely as possible.’

‘We can rely on them as collaborative partners in all circumstances.’

‘Maninder Gill’s communication skills are exemplary: his advice is always carefully calibrated, perfectly judged, and so well-articulated that all stakeholders engaged in an issue, from the editorial assistant to the company’s MD to the author, understand perfectly not just the issue but the steps that must be taken in order to resolve that issue.’

‘All the lawyers I know of this team are outstanding! Not only their expertise is outstanding but also their way to address legal issues and how to solve them!’

‘Maninder Gill is an absolutely outstanding lawyer and personality. I am really happy to work with him on some IP matters. His advice and solutions for the clients are always perfect and I also appreciate his fast responses!’

‘The team is extraordinary. They bring extreme competence along with high quality customer service, humour and kindness to the table. They are collaborative, business-forward, and thoughtful in their advising.’