Mr Steven Tregear > Russells Solicitors > London, England > Lawyer Profile

The publishing team at Russells Solicitors centres its practice on advising individuals – such as authors – on the negotiation of deals with publishers and literary agencies. The team draws on the firm’s wider expertise in IP and the music industry to assist with copyright infringement issues, and is also prepared to handle book public agreements for music and TV celebrities. On the theatre front, the firm is skilled in commercial issues and disputes related to screen- and music-to-stage adaptations. Leading the department, Gavin Maude assists independent music publishers, producers and digital start-ups with a range of legal issues. Litigation specialist Steven Tregear is a strong performer in copyright infringement cases.

Music specialist firm Russells Solicitors is home to a growing film and TV practice which acts for notable talent, presenters, broadcasters, producers and directors. The team has considerable experience in commercial transactions, an area in which co-head Gavin Maude stands out, while Simon Esplen focuses on music-related biopics and documentaries. The team is also a strong performer in litigation proceedings in this space, with litigation specialist Steven Tregear taking the lead on this type of work. Alex Cole handles development, production, financing and distribution arrangements, and Anna Ling assists directors, production companies and financiers with commercial matters.

Considered ‘one of the absolute go-to firms‘ in the music industry, Russells Solicitors is a highly knowledgeable and experienced music boutique that excels in both non-contentious and contentious matters, assisting a host of clients – from leading British and international artists, to major record labels and music-related individuals. The team is jointly led by Simon Esplen, Gavin Maude and Steven Tregear. Esplen acts for new and established artists, managers, songwriters and other industry players, while Maude, who specialises in commercial matters, advises major artists and industry executives on an array of non-contentious issues. ‘An industry legend‘, Tregear leads the litigation team and has a wealth of experience in representing record and publishing companies, as well as artists, managers and promoters in a multitude of cases, from copyright infringement disputes to litigation involving royalty payments and defamation cases. Key support is offered by Alice Rudge and Elizabeth Scandrett, both of whom focus on high-profile music disputes. Chris Organ and Jo Brittain concentrate on advising talent, and Chris Gossage and Ryan Vince handle corporate and commercial matters in the music industry. These are also core areas of activity for Ally Horn, noted for representing award-winning bands. Recently promoted partner Dan Hoyle is the go-to for reputation and crisis management issues.

With the ‘leading and highly respected’ Steven Tregear leading the outfit, Russells Solicitors covers the whole spectrum of private client advice, media work and contentious proceedings, showing a special focus on NDAs and broadcast agreements. Tregear is an expert on contractual disputes and reputation management issues, Sam Willmott has experience in commercial agreements and non-contentious affairs, while Lucy McCutcheon is also highlighted as a key member of the team.

‘Well known and respected in the fields of reputation and privacy management’, the practice at Russells Solicitors is renowned for representing high-profile and high-net-worth clients – particularly from the music industry – in libel, privacy, harassment, and data protection matters with the aim of avoiding publicity. Practice head Steven Tregear, who ‘brings fantastic judgement from his years of experience in resolving disputes’, is noted for his work in phone-hacking litigation. Recently promoted partner Dan Hoyle leverages his extensive experience in commercial litigation to advise on libel claims, pre and post-publication disputes, harassment and data protection issues.