TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
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 concentrates 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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Litigation, Digital & Technology, Film, TV & Theatre
Position
Senior Associate
Career
Alice qualified as a solicitor in 2017, and joined Russells in 2018 from international law firm Ashurst LLP. Prior to training as a solicitor, Alice interned at the Media Legal Defence Initiative assisting with cross-jurisdictional cases on privacy and media freedom.
Alice acts for a variety of clients across the creative industries and is equally at home acting for an individual as she is for a large company. She advises on a wide variety of matters reflecting the diversity of her clients’ businesses, needs and interests. Her practice includes intellectual property, contractual disputes, company and partnership disputes, and reputation management/privacy.
Alice increasingly advises on the interplay between the digital world and the creative industries, including in relation to NFTs, the metaverse and generative AI.
Her case highlights since joining Russells include:
- A copyright infringement claim brought against Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber in relation to the song “Memory” from the musical production “Cats” (the claim was struck out in its entirety).
- A dispute between a theatre production company and a US film studio in relation to the right to produce the stage show production of a well-known film.
- A claim by the estate of an internationally-renowned artist and several record and music publishing companies against the attempted enforcement of an Italian copyright injunction in the UK.
- A copyright infringement claim against a well-known heavy metal band alleged to have copied lyrics written by a former lead singer.
- A digital royalty dispute between an independent record label and its artist in relation to the applicable royalty under a pre-digital contract.
- A claim by an art collector against an NFT trading platform in relation to the terms governing an auction for works by the digital artist Beeple.
Alice volunteers as a supervisor at the Law for the Arts pro bono clinic at Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre and has acted as a member of our Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Russells are without question one of the most experienced and knowledgeable specialist teams in this sector. The firm has been a leading player in this field for decades, and justifiably so. Their understanding and knowledge of the music industry generally, and the main players in this sector, is outstanding.’
‘There are very few people with the deep knowledge, experience and understanding of this area of the law than Steven Tregear. He is incisive, pragmatic, very tenacious on behalf of his client, and with excellent strategic and tactical judgment. A true leader in his field. Alice Rudge also stands out: she is very able, and very bright indeed. She is an original thinker, analyses the issues in a case with great care and ability, and often spots points that others might have missed. ’
‘One of the very few music and media specialists in the market, Russells is one of the absolute go-to firms in this space. The team know their stuff inside out, in what is a surprisingly complex and niche area. Absolutely first rate client care, and a truly specialist knowledge is the standout feature of this firm.’
‘Steven Tregear is an industry legend, and someone with incomparable legal experience in the music and entertainment legal industry. Steven fights tirelessly for his clients, and is a creative thinker - coming up with clever and creative solutions, and never taking the default position for granted.’
‘One of a small number of firms with extremely experienced and well-connected music litigation departments. A choice for major record companies, independent labels, artists, agents, managers and so on. Delightful team to work with; flexible, pragmatic and highly commercial.’
‘Russells have a specialised and skillful team, many of which we deal with on a regular basis in the music and entertainment space. They are incredibly knowledgeable and are on up-to-date with the new laws and issues evolving in the industry. As well as being on the opposing side, we are also clients and can attest that their reputation is well earned and deserved. ’
‘Jo Brittain is a very tough and meticulous negotiator and certainly goes the extra mile for his clients, but is he also reasonable and fair. He is an excellent lawyer who engages with the party he is with negotiating with to attain the best position possible for his client but also knowledgeable about what is realistic in achieving that position in the market.’
‘Alice Rudge is just brilliant. She is an excellent strategic thinker and is wise beyond her years. Definitely one to watch for the future in music litigation. Steven Tregear is a titan in music litigation. He has extensive industry knowledge and is very commercially minded.’
Key clients
- Coldplay
- The Last Dinner Party
- Ezra Collective
- PULP
- Forever Living Originals / Inflo
- Andrew Lloyd Webber
- The Estate of George Michael
- The Estate of Amy Winehouse
- Florence and the Machine
- Mabel
- Arctic Monkeys
- Sam Fender
- Universal Music Group
- Warner Music Group
- Roger Waters
Work highlights
Advised Forever Living Originals / “Inflo” on the ambitious and critically acclaimed live project “Acts of Faith” which featured the performances of R&B music collective project SAULT.
Advising The Last Dinner Party on a variety of commercial matters throughout their breakout year.
Acting for UMG Recordings, Inc in a claim brought by Declan Colgan Music Limited relating to the payment of royalties on streaming under a pre-digital contract.