Media & Entertainment: Publishing
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 3206 2700About
Provided by Simons Muirhead Burton
Simons Muirhead Burton's lawyers provide up-to-date and practical advice, to individuals and companies, on a growing range and complexity of media agreements.
The music team advises artists, song-writers and producers on all aspects of their careers – from an artist’s first recording agreement to publishing arrangements and major endorsement agreements. They have extensive experience in advising industry executives on their executive package and are well known for their work on behalf of record labels, music publishers, agents, managers and international music companies on their commercial and corporate activities.
The film and television team deal with all aspects of production, finance, broadcasting and distribution, and also provide all related corporate advice. They have significant experience liaising with Ofcom in applying for licences for broadcast, ongoing regulatory governance, and advising clients on their regulatory obligations generally. They have acted for clients ranging from some of the UK's leading production companies to broadcasters, financiers, distributors and talent, as well as a number of major international corporations.
The publishing practice focuses on meeting clients’ commercial needs whether in litigation or for their contractual and commercial needs. They provide clear and accurate business-focused advice to publishers in all media, from online platforms to national newspapers and leading independent and major book publishing groups.
Chambers Review
Simons Muirhead Burton is a classic media boutique firm with strong departments catering to the publishing, film and TV, and music industries. It provides commercial, corporate and dispute resolution services to a range of media clients, including talent, major and independent production companies and a range of print, music and online publishers. The firm also advises major corporates and financial services institutions on their investments in media companies.
Work Highlights
- Simons Muirhead Burton represented UMO Project in all production, finance and distribution matters for its film, My Fault London.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Simons Muirhead Burton take a very pragmatic, hands-on approach. They always meet a challenge head on."
"Simons Muirhead Burton has so many talented lawyers there."
"They provide solution-minded thinking and interaction with both clients and counterparties."
"I have absolute faith in their advice and their understanding of legal and commercial nuance. Everyone I have encountered at SMB has been thoroughly impressive."
"The team feels very much a part of our company. They have helped to build, shape and grow the company. They are prepared to push the boundaries and support and fight for writers and artists."
"Simons Muirhead Burton take a very pragmatic, hands-on approach. They always meet a challenge head on."
"Simons Muirhead Burton has so many talented lawyers there."
"They provide solution-minded thinking and interaction with both clients and counterparties."
"I have absolute faith in their advice and their understanding of legal and commercial nuance. Everyone I have encountered at SMB has been thoroughly impressive."
"The team feels very much a part of our company. They have helped to build, shape and grow the company. They are prepared to push the boundaries and support and fight for writers and artists."
Notable Practitioners
Martin Soames is a litigator and troubleshooter with an editor's eye who acts for venerable independent and online publishers. Alongside disputes, he is regularly called upon to give content clearance, pre-publication and data protection advice.
"Martin is incredibly experienced and knowledgeable, bringing a calm assurance to all matters."
Richard Baskind leads the music team at Simons Muirhead Burton. He is recognised for his work acting on the sale and acquisition of music assets, at the commercial licensing and also catalogue deal and corporate levels. He acts for a broad range of clients including artists, songwriters, publishers and management companies.
"Richard is a titan of the entertainment industry. His knowledge of contacts, the music industry and various underlying mechanics is immense."
"Richard is an extremely accountable lawyer who is very impressive and has a strong team behind him."
"He is very client-focused."
Simon Goldberg is joint head of Simon Muirhead Burton's media and corporate, commercial and finance teams. He is best known for his work in film and TV, acting largely for production companies on commercial, rights and finance agreements of all kinds. He has additional expertise in publishing deals.
"Simon goes above and beyond what you would expect from any lawyer."
Razwana Akram is co-head of the film and television practice group at Simons Muirhead Burton. She assists with the production and financing of projects for clients in film and television as well as for SVOD platforms.
Ranked Lawyers at
Simons Muirhead Burton
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Simons Muirhead Burton
Alasdair George
Anthony Orum
Blaise Gaymer
James Greenslade
Jonny Petch
Marc Sobol
Head of Department
Peter Weiss
Razwana Akram
Head of Department
Head of Department
Stephen Shotnes
Zack Gold