Firm Profile > Russells Solicitors > London, England
Russells Solicitors Offices
YALDING HOUSE
152-156 GREAT PORTLAND STREET
LONDON
W1W 5QA
England
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Russells Solicitors > The Legal 500 Rankings
Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 1
As 'a boutique music and entertainment firm which has city-level quality of technical skills', Russells Solicitors is a top choice for clients in the music sector. From record companies, publishers and producers to established and up-and-coming musicians, the group has the ability to assist clients with the full range of commercial and contentious matters. Managing partner Simon Esplen (who leads the practice) and senior partner Chris Organ both have an impressive breadth of expertise in this space; Gavin Maude acts for a range of artists and Jo Brittain regularly assists emerging talent with contractual matters. For corporate and transactional matters, Chris Gossage and Ryan Vince are noted. The group has also continued to bolster its litigation practice (within which Steven Tregear and John Reid are key contacts) with the addition of senior associate Jay Joshi from Judge Sykes Frixou.
Practice head(s):
Simon Esplen
Other key lawyers:
Chris Organ; Chris Gossage; Gavin Maude; John Reid; Steven Tregear; Ryan Vince; Jo Brittain; Chloe Forsyth; Jay Joshi
Testimonials
‘Jo Brittain is exceptional at his job, super efficient and always on hand if I have any queries.‘
‘A boutique music and entertainment firm which has city level quality of technical skills.‘
Key clients
George Michael’s Estate
Coldplay
Arctic Monkeys
Florence and the Machine
Universal Music Group
Mabel
Clean Bandit
Roger Waters
Foals
Amy Winehouse’s Estate
Reputation management Tier 4
With extensive experience acting for players within the entertainment, media and music industry, Russells Solicitors shines in the claimant side of work. Regular mandates include advising on privacy, libel, harassment and data protection claims brought against websites, newspapers and magazines. The team counts among its past successes a number of settled claims relating to the phone-hacking scandal, on which John Reid advised several celebrities. Practice head Steven Tregear is a seasoned practitioner in reputation management issues for a stellar cast of musicians and TV personalities.
Practice head(s):
Steven Tregear
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Steven Tregear is both thoughtful and hands-on, with superb knowledge of the music and sports industry.’
Key clients
Cheryl Tweedy
Modest! Management (managers of One Direction, Little Mix amongst others)
Curve Media
Patsy Kensit
Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan
Kilimanjaro Live Limited
Kirsty Gallacher
The Estate of George Michael
Bobby Gillespie (frontman of Primal Scream)
Ian Wright
Family Tier 5
Russells Solicitors' family team has built up a reputation for its discreet advice, acting for a large number of celebrities, primarily in the music business but also in sports, film, TV and the media. It also acts for a client base of wealthy individuals in the financial services sector. The team under the leadership of Carol Ellinas is skilled at settling family matters through collaborative law and at using the quasi-collaborative law process when advising on pre and post-nuptial agreements.
Practice head(s):
Carol Ellinas
Sport Tier 5
Russells Solicitors stands out for its strength in the sport of boxing, primarily focusing on dispute resolution, employment and reputation management issues. Steven Tregear is a renowned litigator with a strong track record in contractual and copyright disputes. Non-contentious work is primarily handled by Ryan Vince, who is an expert in commercial agreements and corporate transactions.
Russells Solicitors > Firm Profile
Russells is widely regarded as a market leader in the music industry. The firm is, however, also now recognised as an all round entertainment and media practice.
THE FIRM Established in 1974, Russells is based in the West End of London and is known historically as a niche firm specialising in all areas of media, entertainment and leisure including music, sport, e-commerce, digital media and technology, theatre, television and film. Russells is consistently rated amongst the top firms (as well as having leading individuals in its fields) in both professional guides and publications. The firm has grown steadily and today has 14 partners, 5 senior associates and 15 solicitors. In addition, there is 1 senior consultant (Chris Organ), 2 consultants (James Wyllie and Mark Sinnott), 4 trainee solicitors, 2 paralegals and a professional and disciplined support staff.
PRINCIPAL AREAS OF WORK Russells offers most of the advice and services that its clients require from a general practice. In addition to its core business of negotiating agreements in the entertainment industry, buying, structuring and selling companies, litigation, digital media and technology, employment and immigration advice; it also undertakes private client work (such as wills, estate planning and probate), conveyancing and matrimonial advice. Its litigation department enjoys a reputation that is second to none, successfully representing its clients in numerous high profile cases and, more recently, achieving notable successes in privacy and reputation management. The commercial department is highly respected with individuals who have been involved in some of the most significant deals within its industry over the years, representing artists, authors, sport and TV personalities and actors, as well as companies and industry or¬ganisations. Well regarded for its negotiating rigor and ability to conclude agreements, the firm’s outlook is always coupled with a sound, pragmatic approach to ever-changing industry landscapes.
The firm has a low profile and is known for the longevity of the relationships it enjoys with its clients, many of whom have been with the firm from the start of their careers, and who now enjoy worldwide fame and success.
Russells has grown organically over the years to accommodate the increase in its client numbers and the breadth of its clientele. The reputation of the firm and word of mouth recommendation are the primary sources of business for Russells as opposed to aggressive advertising and promotion trading on the back of the fame and notoriety of its clients.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior consultant | Chris Organ | ||
| Managing partner | Simon Esplen | ||
| Music | Gavin Maude | ||
| Corporate | Chris Gossage | ||
| Litigation | Steven Tregear | ||
| Employment | John Reid | ||
| Family | Carol Ellinas | ||
| Private client | Peter Smith | ||
| Digital media and technology | Mark Ashelford | ||
| New Artist | Jo Brittain | ||
| Conveyancing/Real Estate | Angela Fong |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Mark Ashelford | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Jo Brittain | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Karl Dembicki | Partner | View Profile |
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Ms Carol Ellinas | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Simon Esplen | Managing Partner | View Profile |
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Ms Angela Fong | Partner | View Profile |
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Chloe Forsyth | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Chris Gossage | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Simon Jordan | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Gavin Maude | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Chris Organ | Senior Consultant | View Profile |
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Mr John Reid | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Mark Sinnott | Consultant | View Profile |
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Mr Peter Smith | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Steven Tregear | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Ryan Vince | Partner | View Profile |