Stephen Shotnes > Simons Muirhead Burton > London, England > Lawyer Profile

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.

Chiefly advising on defendant-side work, the media and communications disputes practice at Simons Muirhead Burton represents some of the UK’s most prominent publishers and broadcasters. The firm also has a strong track record in defending major European publishing houses, NGOs, and trade unions. Team head Jeffrey Smele – a key contact for major publishers – has significant experience in pre-publication clearance, newsgathering issues and regulatory complaints. Louis Charalambous is recognised for his deep knowledge  of libel and privacy claims. Razi Mireskandari, who also leads the firm’s dispute resolution practice, brings extensive experience in media litigation. Stephen Shotnes specialises in pre-publication and dispute resolution matters concerning publishers, while Martin Soames focuses on publishing disputes. Dinah Shiloh is a seasoned litigator who acts for both claimants and defendants in libel, privacy, confidentiality and harassment cases. Emma Linch is another standout in the team, who concentrates on defamation and misuse of private information matters.

Simons Muirhead Burton fields specialists in property, music, film, IP and data protection-related litigation, along with media and professional negligence claims. Civil litigation head Razi Mireskandari is a highly-regarded commercial litigator, and Stephen Shotnes is praised as ‘a highly-skilled and experienced lead solicitor’. Antony Perlmutter acts in commercial litigation, as well as insolvency and real estate-related cases. The practice further includes civil and commercial litigation practitioner Peter Gould and Dina Shiloh, who represents high-profile and ultra HNW individuals, entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses.