Ranking tables

Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious | UK

UK-wide

The section caters to clients in the media industry in respect of contentious and non-contentious matters. We rank firms by specialist expertise in tables for Film & Television; Advertising & Marketing; Music, Theatre & Live Events; Publishing; and Games, Interactive Entertainment and Social Media. Individuals are ranked relative to one another by specialism.   Non-contentious work as covered by this section may include production, financing and distribution arrangements, as well as IP, licensing and supplementary rights planning.   Types of disputes in this area are many and may include copyright and contractual litigation (eg on behalf of studios, producers, publishing houses or talent), matters arising from film finance, comparative advertising and ASA disputes.   Please note that defamation actions are not considered in our publishing rankings; please submit such matters to the Defamation/Reputation Management section. The Publishing rankings do however consider matters concerning pre-publication clearance, reporting restrictions and press regulation.   Related sections: Defamation/Reputation Management

Rankings overview for Lawyers

E

Eminent Practitioners

  1. Howard JonesSheridans

All Lawyers profiles

S

Senior Statespeople

  1. Andrew Thompson
    S
    Andrew Thompson
    Lee & Thompson LLP
    Lee & Thompson LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Senior Statespeople | 27 Years Ranked
    Andrew Thompson has a fantastic roster of talent clients built over a long career advising on the music industry. He is one of the firm's founding partners and continues to assist with commercial and contractual agreements for composers, producers, managers and artists.
  2. Chris Organ
    S
    Chris Organ
    Russells
    Russells | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Senior Statespeople | 24 Years Ranked
    Chris Organ has worked with many world-conquering musicians and performers over the years and continues to advise key clients on all manner of commercial transactions.
  3. S
    Peter Button
    Clintons
    Clintons | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Senior Statespeople | 21 Years Ranked
    Peter Button is a consummate music industry lawyer, and advises legendary artists as well as publishers and record labels. His advice extends to all conceivable commercial and contractual arrangements.
  4. Robert Lee
    S
    Robert Lee
    Lee & Thompson LLP
    Lee & Thompson LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Senior Statespeople | 27 Years Ranked
    Robert Lee has a long and successful track record as an adviser to both artists and record labels. He has worked with independent, up-and-coming and internationally popular acts, advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters.
E

Eminent Practitioners

  1. Howard Jones
    Sheridans | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Eminent Practitioners
1

Band 1

  1. 1
    Andrew Myers
    Clintons
    Clintons | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 1 | 22 Years Ranked
    Andrew Myers acts for world-conquering artists, ranging from much-loved legacy acts to recent breakthrough stars. He advises on all commercial and corporate issues they may face, including negotiating recording agreements and reviewing management responsibilities.
  2. Euan Lawson
    1
    Euan Lawson
    Simkins LLP
    Simkins LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 1 | 16 Years Ranked
    Euan Lawson serves as managing partner at Simkins. He advises talent, rights holders and industry-side clients in music and across the media on the full spread of commercial agreements, company formation and high net worth tax management.
  3. Gavin Maude
    1
    Gavin Maude
    Russells
    Russells | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 1 | 12 Years Ranked
    Gavin Maude leads the music department at Russells. He is relied upon for commercial legal advice by an impressive roster of British recording artists and leading industry executives.
  4. Kieran Jay
    1
    Kieran Jay
    Harbottle & Lewis LLP
    Harbottle & Lewis LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 1 | 8 Years Ranked
    Kieran Jay is head of the music group at Harbottle & Lewis. He advises artists, producers and songwriters as well as independent management, publishing and record labels on all manner of commercial arrangements.
  5. Lawrence Engel
    1
    Lawrence Engel
    Lee & Thompson LLP
    Lee & Thompson LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 1 | 16 Years Ranked
    Lawrence Engel leads the firm's music practice. He is the relationship partner to many of the best-loved UK artists to have emerged in recent years.
  6. Mark Krais
    1
    Mark Krais
    Bray & Krais
    Bray & Krais | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 1 | 22 Years Ranked
    Mark Krais is a leading specialist in tours and live events, and acts for artists, promoters, festival owners and music publishers. He also advises talent and record labels on recording, publishing and sponsorship agreements as well as copyright infringement issues.
  7. Richard Bray
    1
    Richard Bray
    Bray & Krais
    Bray & Krais | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 1 | 25 Years Ranked
    Richard Bray has extensive experience working with clients in the music industry. He acts for artists, managers, record labels and music publishers on all manner of commercial agreements, including touring, sponsorship and merchandising arrangements.
  8. Paul Spraggon
    SSB Solicitors | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 1
2

Band 2

  1. 2
    Berkeley Edwards
    Clintons
    Clintons | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    Berkeley Edwards represents an impressive roster of emerging and established artists, songwriters, producers and managers. He has experience helping clients with documentary agreements.
  2. Gregor Pryor
    2
    Gregor Pryor
    Reed Smith LLP
    Reed Smith LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 2 | 16 Years Ranked
    Gregor Pryor is the managing partner of Reed Smith for Europe and the Middle East. He works at the convergence of music rights, digital media and interactive content. He acts on behalf of talent as well as industry-side clients.
  3. 2
    Nicky Stein
    Clintons
    Clintons | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 2 | 14 Years Ranked
    Nicky Stein is relied on by many of the world's most popular music artists, as well as leading producers and songwriters, to broker and renegotiate their contractual arrangements with major labels and music publishers.
  4. Simon Esplen
    2
    Simon Esplen
    Russells
    Russells | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 2 | 14 Years Ranked
    Simon Esplen serves as executive chair of Russells. He represents recording artists, estates, touring companies, labels and media companies in all manner of commercial arrangements and song catalogue deals.
  5. Sonia Diwan
    2
    Sonia Diwan
    Sound Advice (Legal) LLP
    Sound Advice (Legal) LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 2 | 14 Years Ranked
    Sonia Diwan continues to impress market commentators with her representation of artists, producers, songwriters and management companies in all manner of commercial and contractual matters. A large part of her client base comes from the dance, grime and urban scenes.
3

Band 3

  1. Christopher Gossage
    3
    Christopher Gossage
    Russells
    Russells | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 3 | 12 Years Ranked
    Christopher Gossage is co-managing partner of Russells. He is known for his work advising talent and industry-side clients on the full range of commercial contracts, catalogue deals and also big-ticket corporate transactions.
  2. Ed Baden-Powell
    3
    Ed Baden-Powell
    Simkins LLP
    Simkins LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 3 | 12 Years Ranked
    Ed Baden-Powell advises music industry and wider media clients on IP, franchise and catalogue licensing, and contracts of all kinds. He is also recommended for advice on corporate acquisitions and joint ventures.
  3. James Harman
    3
    James Harman
    Simkins LLP
    Simkins LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 3 | 27 Years Ranked
    James Harman advises talent-side clients on recording, songwriting and publishing contracts, as well as book deals, licensing and merchandising. He also acts for literary agencies.
  4. Jo Brittain
    3
    Jo Brittain
    Russells
    Russells | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 3 | 8 Years Ranked
    Jo Brittain is co-managing partner of Russells. He advises music artists on record and publishing deals, as well as commercial contracts and international sponsorship agreements. His practice particularly focuses on representing emerging and breakthrough talent.
  5. John Statham
    3
    John Statham
    Statham Gill Davies
    Statham Gill Davies | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 3 | 17 Years Ranked
    John Statham has a wealth of experience acting for artists and songwriters on commercial and transactional matters. His broad client base also includes music publishers and merchandisers.
  6. Kaz Gill
    3
    Kaz Gill
    Statham Gill Davies
    Statham Gill Davies | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 3 | 17 Years Ranked
    Kaz Gill acts for a broad range of artists, record companies, producers and songwriters on commercial matters. He is also noted for his work on business expansions and acquisitions.
  7. 3
    Lizzie Payne-James
    Lee & Thompson LLP
    Lee & Thompson LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 3 | 6 Years Ranked
    Lizzie Payne-James is lauded for her work as a talent-side legal and commercial adviser to both emerging and established music acts. She also frequently acts for companies such as independent record labels and boutique agencies.
  8. Richard Baskind
    3
    Richard Baskind
    Simons Muirhead Burton
    Simons Muirhead Burton | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 3 | 9 Years Ranked
    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.
  9. Simon Dixon
    3
    Simon Dixon
    Bray & Krais
    Bray & Krais | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 3 | 12 Years Ranked
    Simon Dixon advises talent and industry-side clients on all manner of talent, recording and publishing agreements. He is also recommended for endorsements, IP protection and live events.
  10. Russell Roberts
    Sheridans | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 3
4

Band 4

  1. Alexander Ross
    4
    Alexander Ross
    Wiggin LLP
    Wiggin LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4 | 16 Years Ranked
    Alexander Ross co-leads Wiggin's music department. He is recognised for his expertise in the licensing of music and content across all manner of media formats, with a particular focus on digital platforms.
  2. 4
    Ann Harrison
    Level
    Level | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4 | 7 Years Ranked
    Ann Harrison has deep experience representing the talent side of the music industry. She advises on commercial contracts and IP rights, and is a published author on the topic.
  3. Chloe Forsyth
    4
    Chloe Forsyth
    Russells
    Russells | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4 | 12 Years Ranked
    Chloe Forsyth advises clients on a range of agreements, including recording, publishing and producing. She is well thought of for her advice on the treatment of music rights across all conceivable media formats, from film and television to video games and advertising. She acts for talent, emerging media companies and major labels.
  4. Cliff Fluet
    4
    Cliff Fluet
    Lewis Silkin
    Lewis Silkin | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4 | 16 Years Ranked
    Cliff Fluet works at the intersection of music and digital media. He offers comprehensive advice on the treatment of music copyright and brand content by streaming services and multimedia platforms.
  5. John Enser
    4
    John Enser
    CMS
    CMS | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4 | 25 Years Ranked
    John Enser is well known for his wide-ranging media and technology practice. He advises broadcasters and media companies on the full span of commercial, corporate, online regulatory and copyright law matters concerned with music and audiovisual content and its distribution.
  6. Jonny Petch
    4
    Jonny Petch
    Bray & Krais
    Bray & Krais | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked
    Jonny Petch is highlighted for commercial work on behalf of high-profile musicians and artists, such as brand agreements and licensing arrangements. He also acts for producers, promoters, managers, independent labels and publishers.
  7. Liv Lyons
    4
    Liv Lyons
    Lee & Thompson LLP
    Lee & Thompson LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked
    Liv Lyons is sought after for her expertise in branding deals on behalf of high-profile music talent, and in media rights licensing more widely. She also acts for talent agencies and management companies.
  8. Robert Horsfall
    4
    Robert Horsfall
    Sound Advice (Legal) LLP
    Sound Advice (Legal) LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4 | 20 Years Ranked
    Robert Horsfall acts for emerging and celebrated legacy artists as well as management companies on commercial agreements of all stripes. He is also recommended for contract, copyright and partnership disputes.
  9. Ryan Vince
    4
    Ryan Vince
    Russells
    Russells | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4 | 9 Years Ranked
    Ryan Vince advises many of the firm's leading artist and executive clients on commercial and corporate matters. These include catalogue sales, investment arrangements and M&A transactions.
  10. Simon Jordan
    4
    Simon Jordan
    Russells
    Russells | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Simon Jordan has particular expertise in providing emerging artists the legal assistance they require, including publishing agreements and joint venture label deals.
  11. James Collins
    Cadence Solicitors LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4
  12. Julian Bentley
    Hamlins LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4
  13. Simon Long
    Cadence Solicitors LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4
  14. Stephen Luckman
    Sheridans | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Band 4
U

Up and Coming

  1. Halina Wielogorska
    U
    Halina Wielogorska
    Level
    Level | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Up and Coming | 2 Years Ranked
    Halina Wielogorska is an up-and-coming partner with a broad practice in the music industry, advising on establishing labels, NFTs and festival planning.
  2. Nick Eziefula
    U
    Nick Eziefula
    Simkins LLP
    Simkins LLP | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Up and Coming | 1 Years Ranked
    Nick Eziefula acts for a variety of digital media clients drawn from the music, publishing and social media industries. He advises on commercial and intellectual property matters as well as compliance and regulatory issues.
  3. Nick Weaser
    U
    Nick Weaser
    Keystone Law
    Keystone Law | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Up and Coming | 1 Years Ranked
    Nick Weaser is a partner at Keystone Law. He is called upon by artists, producers and managers alike to advise on all manner of issues including commercial contracts, recording and publishing agreements, and live performance.
  4. U
    Victoria Wood
    Clintons
    Clintons | Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious
    2025 | Up and Coming | 1 Years Ranked
    Victoria Wood has an impressive talent-side music practice which sees her regularly advising recording artists, DJs, songwriters and independent record labels.