Henry Priestley > Russells Solicitors > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Russells Solicitors is best known for acting on behalf of claimants in matters concerning libel, privacy, harassment and data protection; this work is typically done on behalf of high-profile and high-net-worth individuals in the entertainment industry, with phone hacking matters standing out as a particular area of expertise. Steven Tregear leads the team, specialising in litigation within the entertainment, media and sports sectors. Henry Priestley joined the team from RPC in December 2022, with experience in dispute resolution for labels and publishers.

Russells Solicitors is an expert in catalogue sales and has an enviable client base which includes major record companies, publishers, producers, agencies, established and up-and-coming artists and writers. Music head Gavin Maude works with artists and executives and focuses on emerging talent (an area in which Jo Brittain is further instructed), although is also well-placed to advise film production and digital start-up companies, while litigation head Steven Tregear specialises in copyright infringement, contractual and audit claims. Maude and Tregear co-head the practice with managing partner Simon Esplen, who represents various music clients on commercial and contractual matters. Other recommended individuals include Ryan Vince, who is known for building long-term relationships with entrepreneurial clients, corporate head Chris Gossage and senior consultant Chris Organ. Experienced litigator Henry Priestley joined from RPC in December 2022.

Russells Solicitors has developed considerable expertise in the film and television space, acting for production companies, individual actors, presenters and other artists. Typical work involves negotiating presenter agreements, option agreements, production and production services agreements, and other commercial contracts, as well as high-profile corporate transactions. Managing partner Simon Esplen and music head Gavin Maude lead the team alongside Steven Tregear, who handles copyright infringement, contractual, and audit claims on the contentious side. The contentious-focused Henry Priestley joined from RPC in December 2022.

Russells Solicitors‘ sports team is chaired by the firm’s litigation head Steven Tregear, whose sport-specific expertise includes handling bout agreements for box office fights. Tregear also works on intersecting media and sports-related reputation management matters, as well as contractual and copyright instructions. Arriving from RPC in December 2022, Henry Priestley‘s capabilities encompass IP, breach of contract and reputational management issues. Corporate and commercial lawyer Sam Willmott is also noted.