Corporate and commercial
Lewis Silkin is a premier advertising and marketing firm that primarily works with media owners, digital agencies, industry trade associations, and advertisers. The team has ample experience with industry regulators, such as the Advertising Standards Authority, Ofcom, and the Competitions and Markets Authority. It is often sought after by clients to assist with negotiating client and agency, adtech vendor, and influencer agreements, and it also frequently supports clients with sponsorships and media buying. Brinsley Dresden co-leads the team and is an expert in the advertising and marketing field, advising numerous global brands and advertising agencies on advertising law and regulation. Co-head Geraint Lloyd-Taylor is an advertising heavyweight and advises trade bodies alongside brands, media owners and advertising agencies, on regulatory issues such as environmental claims, AI, and online safety. Alex Meloy is another key team member with experience advising on compliance with advertising regulation and consumer protection laws. Jo Farmer is the go-to for commercial agreements and IP rights issues.
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Work Department
Brands & Intellectual Property
Position
Partner: Jo jointly leads the firm's Commercial group and advises clients on their advertising and marketing campaigns and exploitation of intellectual property rights and content. Her clients include brand owners, content creators, communications agencies and media platforms. Jo is recognised as a leading lawyer in the field of advertising and brand reputation in legal directories.
Career
Trained Edge Ellison (now Squire Patton Boggs) 1997-99; qualified 1999; assistant Hammonds (Squire Patton Boggs) 1999-2002; associate Baker & McKenzie, Sydney (practising Australian law) 2003; associate Lewis Silkin 2004-08; partner Lewis Silkin 2008 to present. Speaks regularly at conferences on advertising, commercial contracts and social media.
Education
Longfield School, Darlington; Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington; Nottingham University (1996 LLB Hons 2:1); Nottingham Law School (1997 LPC – Distinction).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We’ve had a long-standing relationship with Lewis Silkin and we continue to be impressed by its full-service offering. The team is consistently knowledgeable, responsive, and we trust them with our legal matters. Their support and collaboration have been invaluable.’
‘Geraint Lloyd-Taylor is best in-class for advertising clearance. Nick Bowie is client-led and commercially-minded on trade mark clearance and has a pragmatic approach to risks. Oliver Fairhurst is a really good strategist and forward-thinking in terms of industry changes and good collaboration. Brinsley Dresden is our long-standing relationship partner, one of the most respected in his field. Very responsive and personable.’
‘Lewis Silkin is a specialist law firm for advertising standards, GDPR and ICO investigations, reputational damage, employment law and so much more. They have always been responsive when I’ve needed them whilst they are extremely professional. They are also down-to-earth.’
‘Brinsley Dresden has been instrumental in helping me with advertising standards complaints investigations. Ali Vaziri and Mark Hersey have been incredible in dealing with my ICO investigation. Ali really listened to me and made me feel held and supported throughout the process. His expertise his second to none. He genuinely made me feel like he cared and was on my side, which goes a long way.’
‘Knowledge of the market second to none, good contacts.’
‘Very good insight, the team works well together, is quick and knowledgeable.’
‘Quite simply - quick response times, collaborative and solution orientated and alternative lawyers are briefed in case the appointed lawyer is not available. It understands our business and as a result gives business-driven advice.’
‘We don't see them as our external legal counsel but rather as an integral part of our operations. The team prioritise legal precision and client partnership. Key mentions to Brinsley Dresden, Stephanie Kay, Abigail Wise and Duncan Balloch.’
'Good people, know advertising very well.'
'The team have a genuine love and passion for what they do. Their understanding of the subject matter from both a legal and commercial perspective.'
Key clients
- The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- Diageo Great Britain Limited
- Netflix
- Campari Group
- McDonald’s
- Associated British Foods
- Nationwide Building Society
- New Commercial Arts
- Omnicom
- Havas
- Wieden & Kennedy
- Publicis
- Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO
- adam&eveDDB
- BP Oil UK Limited
- B&Q
Work highlights
Advised Netflix on advertising claims and branded content, including advice on advertising policies, specific campaigns, and on a range of funding models.
Advised global fashion brands on a range of advertising and marketing matters, including high-profile campaigns and environmental claims, across a range of media.
Advised Publicis on various acquisitions, including of Mars United.