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
Profile
Work Department
Litigation, Reputation Management
Position
Partner
Career
Steven heads up Russells’ litigation department.
He specialises in litigation in the worlds of entertainment, media and sport covering a varied case-load representing major record and music publishing companies, artists, managers, promoters, sportsmen and women as well as many related businesses. He has been particularly involved in bringing and defending copyright infringement, contractual and audit claims for Russells’ clients, a number of which have been reported.
Currently he is representing the Prince Estate in High Court litigation and recently he has also acted in streaming related issues both in a contractual and audit context – disputes over whether streaming rights have been granted and the terms of that grant and the audit of a major telecommunications company for a record label.
Aside from his music industry related litigation practice, Steven handles international arbitration claims acting for both Claimants and Respondents governed by different arbitration rules and procedures and especially in the sports related disputes forum where he represents sports personalities, teams and agents. Steven regularly advises the firm’s clients on defamation, privacy and breach of confidence matters where he has been at the forefront of Russells’ work protecting their clients’ reputations and businesses and particularly in the area of celebrity harassment by the media.
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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.