Euan Lawson > Simkins LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Simkins LLP has a particular focus on catalogue sales and acquisitions pertaining to music publishing rights and sound recordings. Managing partner Euan Lawson – known for his music expertise in both a commercial and corporate context – heads up the division, which also has a thriving talent practice including established and up-and-coming acts, in addition to acting for the estates of well-known musicians. Disputes head Paddy Gardiner is noted for his involvement in complex IP issues – an area in which Ed Baden-Powell is further instructed alongside his commercial contract work. Also within the team is the experienced litigator Tom Iverson and Ed Weidman, an expert in non-contentious matters.

With managing partner and commercial expert Euan Lawson at the helm, Simkins LLP is regularly called on for advice on theatrical matters. Elsewhere, the team – which includes transactional specialist Ben Gisbey – is well-versed in publishing mandates, including the acquisition and sale of literary rights.

Simkins LLP‘s wide-ranging media finance expertise covers the financing of film and television productions, the structuring and documentation of equity investments, and finance agreements including loan, security and inter-party arrangements. Practice head Jonathan Blair is a regular advisor to leading UK producers and production companies as well as international distributors and financiers. Managing partner Euan Lawson is also recommended; his recent work includes strategic investments and the financing of catalogue acquisitions.

Jonathan Blair heads up Simkins LLP’s film & TV division, which is a go-to firm for financiers and producers in matters involving audio-visual content; he has particular expertise in structuring international co-productions and financing packages. On the contentious side, the team is well-versed in copyright infringement claims, distribution disputes and contractual litigation. Other recommended individuals include managing partner Euan Lawson and associate Astrid Bulmer, who can advise film and television clients on all stages of the production lifecycle.