Russells Solicitors is lauded as the ‘pre-eminent firm in music disputes’ and ’one of the leading London firms in music law’. The firm stands out for its history in assisting leading artists and music companies with the full gamut of music matters. It has also been notably active in catalogue sales and purchases, which are often handled by corporate specialists Ryan Vince and practice head Chris Gossage. It fields a dedicated new artist department, which is geared towards advising emerging talent; Simon Jordan is the key name to note for new artists. Jo Brittain co-leads the practice alongside Gossage, and he focuses on both emerging and established talent. Gavin Maude heads up the commercial team, and he is well-known as a leading artist lawyer, and he also represents music industry executives and employees in employment issues. The litigation team is spearheaded by Steven Tregear, who excels in bringing and defending copyright infringement, contractual, and audit claims. Simon Esplen advises a wide array of industry clients, from artists and managers, to songwriters and producers, while Henry Priestley is a go-to figure for disputes. Dan Hoyle and Alice Rudge are also noted for their specialism in non-contentious and contentious music work, respectively. Liv Lyons recently joined the practice following her departure from Lee & Thompson LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has a number of individuals who are highly experienced in media law disputes, particularly music work. They have an excellent and in-depth knowledge of the music industry, which coupled with their knowledge of the law makes them the go-to firm for this area.’
‘Steven Tragear has excellent knowledge and understanding of the law, is a brilliant negotiator and very commercially minded. Always makes himself available and gets to the nub of the dispute quickly. Dan Hoyle has excellent knowledge and understanding of the law, pays attention to detail whilst being able to take an overview of the case.’
‘Russells is one of the leading London firms in music law. They have an incredibly experienced team with extensive client relationships covering everyone from the big U.S. record labels to up-and-coming English pop artists. If you want music lawyers, these are your guys - it's that simple!’
‘Steven Tregear is a stand-out individual in terms of his decades of music law experience and leadership of the team. He really has seen it all; he knows how to litigate music; when to fight and when to compromise. Really a fantastic all-rounder. I'm always delighted to see instructions come down from Steven. Alice Rudge is a delight to work with. Alice is experienced, has good instincts, and is pragmatic.’
‘The pre-eminent firm in music disputes. Top partners and excellent associates. The go-to firm - as they have been for ages. Friendly and approachable.’
‘Steven Tregear is the grandee of the music business. He knows it all - he has been there and is all over this space. Henry Priestley is a superb up-and-coming partner who always goes the extra yard for his clients. They are supported by very clever and knowledgeable associates - such as the excellent Eliot Leggo and Alice Rudge.’
Key clients
- George Michael Entertainment
- Coldplay
- Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Amy Winehouse Estate
- Arctic Monkeys
- Lola Young
- Universal Music Group Recordings, Inc
- English Teacher
- X-R Touring LLP
- Sam Fender
- Jamie Cullum
- Florence + The Machine
Work highlights
Advised WHAM! on the 40th anniversary re-release of “Last Christmas”.
Represented Coldplay in High Court proceedings commenced against them by their former manager, David Holmes.
Represented the Amy Winehouse estate in a High Court litigation concerning the unauthorised auction of items previously belonging to Amy.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Jo Brittain; Chris Gossage; Gavin Maude; Steven Tregear
Other key lawyers
Dan Hoyle; Eliot Leggo; Ryan Vince; Simon Jordan; Mark Rowland; Henry Priestley; Alice Rudge; Omar Kirdar; Henry Priestley; Simon Esplen; Chloe Forsyth; Liv Lyons