Simon Goldberg > Simons Muirhead Burton > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Simons Muirhead Burton fields an experienced and specialist publishing team led by Martin Soames, who is well-known in the industry for his work with editors, journalists, publishers and content providers. Covering both contentious and non-contentious matters, the practice has placed a recent emphasis on growing its IP, non-contentious technology and data capabilities to advise industry players on emerging issues such as AI. Regulatory matters involving IPSO, Ofcom and ICO also feature on the team’s workload. Key names to note in the practice include: publishing specialist Simon Goldberg; Maninder Gill, who draws on his former experience as a legal director of a newspaper to assist publishers with commercial and IP issues; media disputes specialist Jeffrey Smele, who also advises on pre-publication clearance; Raoul Lumb, who focuses on digital content and distribution matters; and Stephen Shortnes, who concentrates on pre-publication issues.

The practice at Simons Muirhead Burton handles both contentious and non-contentious matters in the film and television sectors, often working in collaboration with its defamation team. The group is jointly led by Razwana Akram, who is knowledgeable of SVODs, financing and production matters, and Nick Miller, who joined from ACK Media Law LLP in June 2023, and is experienced in matters concerning feature films, documentaries and TV shows. Disputes work is overseen by Stephen Shotnes, while Simon Goldberg assists with the development and production of film and television projects. These are also key areas of focus for Blaise Gaymer, who also advises on the acquisition, licensing and distribution of feature films and TV programmes across networks, media and streaming services.

Spearheaded by the ‘pragmatic’ Marc Sobol, Simons Muirhead Burton provides a multi-disciplinary service on sports media matters, corporate transactions and crisis management issues. Sobol frequently advises international sports agencies on media rights and broadcasting issues, Stephen Shotnes has extensive expertise in disputes and regulatory matters, while Simon Goldberg advises sports clients on corporate and commercial matters.