Lee & Thompson LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Lee & Thompson LLP Offices
80 Charlotte Street
LONDON
W1T 4DF
England
Lee & Thompson LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV Tier 1
Richard Lever heads up the television side of Lee & Thompson LLP’s practice, while fellow co-head Christos Michaels is more focused on the film sector. Lever’s broad expertise spans the creation of talent-based television production companies, the set-up and financing of high-end television projects, and related commercial arrangements. Michaels specialises in the financing and production of independent films in addition to implementing exploitation models of emerging and established media. Other recommended individuals include managing partner Reno Antoniades, internal film and television head Nicki Parfitt, head of media finance Sam Tatton-Brown and Antony Swiatek.Practice head(s):
Richard Lever; Christos Michaels
Other key lawyers:
Reno Antoniades; Nicki Parfitt; Sam Tatton-Brown; Anwen Griffiths; Stephen Spence; Antony Swiatek; Luke Carey; Lee Stone
Testimonials
‘They have expertise across the piste and often draw on specialists within the firm to handle unusual matters that occur. Our experience with the team has been exemplary and we believe they are the market leaders in our field.’
‘Richard Lever is the top television lawyer in the UK. He is a strategist and is woven into many corporate transactions but when necessary he is also happy to roll up his sleeves and work on a gnarly production or financing deal.’
‘The team are uniquely strong in the independent film business. Their knowledge of the challenges facing independent UK film producers is second-to-none.’
‘Nicki Parfitt is hard-working, knowledgeable and gives great advice. The more I work with her, the more impressed I am.’
‘Luke Carey is exceptional as a film lawyer in that he used to work for a production company and so knows the business from our side.’
‘Lee Stone has made himself an indispensable human resource to us, as he was quickly able to understand our business on an intimate level. This, along with the broad pool of experience he draws from, has allowed him to let his legal work be governed by a sharp intuition which enables him to often find practical solutions which help to ameliorate technical or commercial impasses that will invariably arise in our industry.’
Key clients
Head Gear
Lorton Entertainment
Amy Jackson
National Bank of Canada
Lookout Point
Studio 99
Zephyr Films
Firebird Pictures
Cornerstone Pictures
Media Finance Capital
Work highlights
- Acted for acclaimed producer, Amy Jackson, on her Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning film, Aftersun.
- Advising Studio 99 on its production of a high-end episodic documentary series on the life of iconic footballer David Beckham.
- Advised Lorton Entertainment on the finance, distribution and production elements of two Apple TV-based feature length documentaries, including “Boom! Boom: The World vs Boris Becker”.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Music Tier 1
Lee & Thompson LLP‘s client roster spans the generations, from heritage acts such as Depeche Mode and Roxy Music, in addition to the biggest artists of today such as Harry Styles, Little Mix and Dave, through to emerging talents including Wet Leg and Yungblud; the latter being an area in which Liv Lyons excels. The team also acts for music organisations, publishers and record labels, and collection societies. Lawrence Engel is a regular fixture on non-contentious matters; he co-heads the practice with dispute resolution head Dominic Bray. Lizzie Payne-James has a track record of work for well-known artists, while Tim Fowler‘s expertise can be seen in contractual matters, including recording, publishing, management, production and live performance agreements. On the contentious side, experienced litigators Gordon Williams and Martyn Bailey come recommended.Practice head(s):
Lawrence Engel; Dominic Bray
Other key lawyers:
Gordon Williams; Martyn Bailey; Lizzie Payne James; Liv Lyons; Tim Fowler; Mike Brookes; Will Everett
Testimonials
‘This firm has excellent music coverage.’
‘Dominic Bray has the necessary technical knowledge and expertise to deal with cases extremely effectively.’
‘Mark Stafford has experience working with the PPL and PRS on the enforcement of sound recording and composition copyrights, so he knows the industry well.’
Dominic Bray’s management of expert witnesses on technical matters is exceptional.’
‘Fantastic team of experienced and knowledgeable litigators.’
‘Mike Brookes is an astute tactician.’
‘Martyn Bailey is clever and assured.’
‘The firm has an extremely strong profile within the entertainment space in general, and the music sector in particular. The firm is one of the top players in this field.’
Key clients
Steve Jones and Paul Cook (Sex Pistols)
Kathy Sledge (Sister Sledge)
Harry Styles
Lana Del Rey
BMG
Chrysalis
Yungblud
Depeche Mode
Wet Leg
Years & Years
Contestants of The Voice
Work highlights
- Advising Harry Styles across all legal matters including touring, recording, music publishing and his commercial partnerships.
- Advising Wet Leg across all legal matters including recording, music publishing, band arrangements and merchandise.
- Ongoing advice to Kathy Sledge in connection with the long-running dispute with her sister, Debbie Sledge, regarding rights in the SISTER SLEDGE brand.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Advertising & marketing Tier 2
Lee & Thompson LLP advises a diverse client roster, notably including McDonald’s and Social Chain, on advertising campaigns and sponsorship agreements, in addition to negotiations with social media brands. Huw Morris and Dominic Bray jointly lead the team. Morris dispenses advice on a variety of commercial issues, including international distribution, media buying and planning, and content acquisition; whilst Bray heads the dispute resolution practice, frequently acting for advertisers and agencies in matters concerning regulatory compliance and clearance. Sam Goodman primarily represents talent in sponsorship deals and arrangements with agencies.Practice head(s):
Huw Morris; Dominic Bray
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Dominic Bray stands out as being a partner who truly engages with the finer details of complex legal analysis without losing sight of the bigger strategic or commercial picture.’
Key clients
McDonald’s Restaurants
Social Chain
Publicis
Dentsu
W Communications
Outernet Global
VCCP
Next 15 Communications Group PLC
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures
The Alliance of Independent Agencies
Hub Productions
Livity Limited
Work highlights
- Advising McDonald’s Restaurants on its activities and contracts with talent and influencers, including its 2022 Christmas advertising campaign with Becky Hill.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Media finance Tier 2
Steered by television head Richard Lever and film head Christos Michaels, Lee & Thompson LLP regularly handles financing arrangements for a range of high-profile productions, as well as inbound studio investments. Key media finance specialists within the team include Sam Tatton-Brown – noted for his representation of major banks – and Stephen Spence, who routinely acts for both financiers and production companies.Practice head(s):
Richard Lever; Christos Michaels
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Head Gear
Lorton Entertainment
Amy Jackson
National Bank of Canada
Lookout Point
Studio 99
Zephyr Films
Firebird Pictures
Cornerstone Pictures
Media Finance Capital
Work highlights
- Acted for producer, Amy Jackson on her Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winning film, Aftersun.
- Advising Studio 99 in connection with its production of a documentary series on the life of David Beckham.
- Acted for Lorton Entertainment on the Apple TV backed two-feature length documentaries, “Boom! Boom: The World vs Boris Becker” about the tennis player and his life, handling the finance, distribution and key elements of the production.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Video games Tier 2
Lee & Thompson LLP has an extensive client roster comprising of UK and international game developers, publishers, platforms and creative individuals. With digital, IP and tech expert Julian Ward at the helm, the team is well-placed to advise on music licensing arrangements in the Metaverse, video game development and publishing transactions, M&A deals and IP rights. The group often draws on the firm’s broader media finance expertise, as well as from members within its corporate, commercial, employment, data protection, IP and dispute resolution teams.Practice head(s):
Julian Ward
Other key lawyers:
Andy Florence
Testimonials
‘Julian Ward is always accessible and understands our business – nothing is too much trouble with him.’
‘Andy Florence is technically a very good lawyer – when engaging with our stakeholders, he can cut through issues and speak in a language our internal clients understand.’
Key clients
Lockwood Publishing
Jagex
Team 17
FunPlus
Bonsai Games
Pixel Toys
GameBake
Reality Gaming
Nitro Circus
Hutch Games
Work highlights
- Advised Lockwood Publishing Limited on the licensing requirements for featuring music within a Metaverse games world.
- Advised Jagex on a multi-million-dollar videogame development and publishing transaction concerning the critically acclaimed game SpacePunks.
- Advised Bonsai Games on a major investment and publishing deal with Superfund Inc.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 3
With considerable expertise in the entertainment industry, Lee & Thompson LLP acts for a diverse range of globally recognised individuals across the full spectrum of reputation management issues on both the claimant and defendant side. The team is jointly led by Mike Brookes, who works for leading broadcasters and media insurers, offering advice on defamation, privacy and pre-publication issues, and Leo Dawkins, an expert in defamation and data privacy work.Practice head(s):
Mike Brookes; Leo Dawkins
Testimonials
‘Unique in that they have significant experience acting for both defendants and claimants. This means they can approach reputation management issues with a clear understanding of what both sides are seeking to achieve and a refreshing lack of dogma. They know everyone within the media law world and are widely respected. They can be forceful when needed but are always sensible and pragmatic.’
‘Mike Brookes and Leo Dawkins are a fantastic and formidable team with very significant experience between them. They are always calm under pressure and, due to their extensive pre-broadcast clearance work with TV and film production companies, they have a deep understanding of the industry as well as the litigation process.’
‘Niche point is that the two leading partners – Mike Brookes and Leo Dawkins – are highly experienced claimant litigators who now act primarily for defendants – poachers turned gamekeepers!’
‘Mike Brookes and Leo Dawkins are both very experienced and clear and focused.’
Key clients
Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited
Ant McPartland
Paul Hollywood
Harry Styles
Little Mix
Louis Tomlinson
Niall Horan
Jude Law
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 5
Lee & Thompson LLP is noted for its expertise in the creative industries, including film, music and digital media sectors. The team has a wealth of experience advising on prosecution, licensing and general advisory mandates. Dominic Bray spearheads the practice, specialising in disputes, notably within the film, TV, music and advertising sectors, while Gordon Williams’s expertise involves handling trade mark portfolios and Martyn Bailey is well-versed in copyright issues.Practice head(s):
Dominic Bray
Other key lawyers:
Gordon Williams; Martyn Bailey; Mark Stafford
Testimonials
‘Proactive, professionalism and speed.’
‘The ability to bounce ideas off and discuss solutions.’
Key clients
Kathy Sledge
David Beckham
Little Mix
5 Seconds of Summer
Sid Gentle
Harry Styles
UB40 ft Ali Campbell
Kudos Film & TV
FTSE International
Revolution
Victoria Beckham
Viacom
Consolidated Developments Limited
Work highlights
- Act for Kathy Sledge in her long-running dispute with her sister, Debbie Sledge, regarding rights in the SISTER SLEDGE brand, including on trade mark infringement and passing off issues related to the unauthorised use of the band name on various live events throughout the UK and Europe and liaising with US counsel on related issues.
- Advise David Beckham’s worldwide trade mark portfolio from filing his first trade mark application in 2000 through to being responsible for all aspects of an internationally reputed portfolio.
- Advised Revolution Films on the use of various copyright material, via fair dealing means, in the highly successful Sky series “This England” starring Sir Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson.
Employment > Senior executives
Lee & Thompson LLP > Firm Profile
Lee & Thompson is one of the UK’s leading law firms for the media, technology and creative industries.
The firm: Lee & Thompson provides clients with the legal services they need to succeed in their creative and commercial ambitions. The firm counts multinational media organisations, brand and rights owners, production companies, record labels and entrepreneurs as clients as well as acting for many of the world’s most successful creative talent throughout their careers.
Since its inception in 1983, the firm has been at the top of its game and it has achieved this by prioritising two things: building a firm that understands the interdependence of the creative industries and by being relentless when it comes to meeting the needs of all its clients, whether these are professional or personal, creative or commercial.
It’s not just the high quality or breadth of the firm’s legal advice that sets it apart. It is the lawyers’ ability to merge this expertise with both a rigorous understanding of the industries in which the firm’s clients operate.
Types of work undertaken: All aspects of commercial, corporate and IP law together with a strong and complementary litigation and employment offering. We work across the media, entertainment and creative industries with particular strength and experience in advertising and marketing; art; digital and interactive entertainment; fashion; film and tv; live events; music; publishing; sport; theatre; video games.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Partner, Film & TV and Managing Partner | Reno Antoniades | renoantoniades@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Consultant & Co-Founder | Andrew Thompson | andrewthompson@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Consultant & Co-Founder | Robert Lee | robertlee@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Dispute Resolution and Head of Brand Protection | Gordon Williams | gordonwilliams@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Head of Corporate | Malcolm Murray | malcolmmurray@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner and Head of Film | Christos Michaels | christosmichaels@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Head of Dispute Resolution and Partner, Advertising & Marketing | Dominic Bray | dominicbray@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Film & TV and Head of Media finance | Sam Tatton-Brown | samtatton-brown@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner and Head of Music | Lawrence Engel | lawrenceengel@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Dispute Resolution and Head of Reputation protection | Mike Brookes | mikebrookes@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner and Head of Television | Richard Lever | richardlever@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Music | Will Everitt | willeveritt@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Advertising & Marketing | Huw Morris | huwmorris@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner and Head of Digital & Technology | Julian Ward | julianward@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Film & Television | Lee Stone | leestone@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Consultant, Film & Television | Jeremy Gawade | jeremygawade@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Dispute Resolution | Mark Stafford | markstafford@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Film & Television | Nicki Parfitt | nickiparfitt@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Dispute Resolution | Martyn Bailey | martynbailey@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Film & TV | Anwen Griffiths | anwengriffiths@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Film & TV | Antony Swiatek | antonyswiatek@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Partner, Music | Lizzie Payne-James | lizziepayne-james@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Head of Marketing & Business Development | Jo Rosenblatt | jorosenblatt@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
CFOO | Simon Boyden | simonboyden@leeandthompson.com | 020 3073 7600 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Reno Antoniades | Reno is managing partner of Lee & Thompson. He trained at the… | View Profile | |
Martyn Bailey | Partner, Dispute Resolution | View Profile | |
James Baker | Partner and Head of Employment | View Profile | |
Dominic Bray | Head of Dispute Resolution; Head of Advertising & Marketing Group | View Profile | |
Mike Brookes | Mike is a partner in the Dispute Resolution department and head of… | View Profile | |
Leo Dawkins | Leo is a partner at Lee & Thompson and head of the… | View Profile | |
Lawrence Engel | Lawrence is a partner at Lee & Thompson and heads the firm’s… | View Profile | |
Will Everiit | Will Everitt – Partner, Music Will is a partner in the firm’s… | View Profile | |
Will Everitt | Will is a partner in the firm’s Music Group having specialised in… | View Profile | |
Tim Fowler | Tim is a Partner in the firm’s Music Group. Tim is highly… | View Profile | |
Jeremy Gawade | Jeremy is a partner at Lee & Thompson with over 25 years’… | View Profile | |
Sam Goodman | Sam is a partner in Lee & Thompson’s Corporate & Commercial Group.… | View Profile | |
Anwen Griffiths | Anwen is a Partner in Lee & Thompson’s Film & TV Group.… | View Profile | |
Robert Lee | Robert Lee co-founded Lee & Thompson in 1983 and is now a… | View Profile | |
Richard Lever | Richard is a partner and heads Lee & Thompson’s Television Group, advising… | View Profile | |
Liv Lyons | Liv is a Partner in Lee & Thompson’s Music team. She represents a… | View Profile | |
Christos Michaels | Christos is a partner and heads up Lee & Thompson’s renowned Film… | View Profile | |
Mr Huw Morris | Partner, Advertising & Marketing | View Profile | |
Malcolm Murray | Malcolm is a partner and heads up Lee & Thompson’s Corporate &… | View Profile | |
Nicki Parfitt | Nicki trained at the city firm Denton Hall and, after qualifying in… | View Profile | |
Lizzie Payne-James | Lizzie is a Partner in Lee & Thompson’s Music Group. Lizzie joined… | View Profile | |
Stephen Spence | Stephen is a Partner in our Film & TV Group. A media… | View Profile | |
Mark Stafford | Mark is a partner in the firm’s Dispute Resolution, Brand Protection and… | View Profile | |
Lee Stone | Lee is a partner in Lee & Thompson’s Film and Television Groups.… | View Profile | |
Antony Swiatek | As a Partner in the firm’s Film, Television & Games Group, Antony… | View Profile | |
Sam Tatton-Brown | Sam is a partner in Lee & Thompson’s film and TV group.… | View Profile | |
Andrew Thompson | Andrew is one of the Lee & Thompson’s founding partners and is… | View Profile | |
Mr Julian Ward | Julian is Head of Lee & Thompson’s Digital & Technology Group –… | View Profile | |
Mr Gordon Williams | Partner, Dispute Resolution and Head of Brand Protection | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 28 Number of UK fee-earners (non-Partner) : 50Diversity/Community
Lee & Thompson is a truly special place to work and at the very heart of the business are some exceptional people. There is a unique culture that fosters real passion for delivering good results for clients, expression of personality, respect and genuine support for all who work at and with the firm.
We want to ensure that our people are able to become the very best that they can be and we offer the support and encouragement required to fulfil these ambitions. Above all, we want everyone to take pleasure and pride in all that they do. A significant part of our culture is fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion and we work hard to ensure that our people, and all those who we work with, are able to bring their whole selves to the office.
Our Inclusion Network celebrates diversity and belonging at our firm and beyond. We are committed to ensuring that we are inclusive of and accessible to anyone and everyone who wants to work at or with the firm. The Network’s activity is varied and multi-faceted – from raising awareness of inequality and supporting various creative industry led D&! organisations to regularly reviewing and improving the firm’s own recruitment and wellbeing programmes.
In 2019 we launched our inaugural Vacation Scheme, opening the doors to students from diverse backgrounds and giving them first hand experience of working in a specialist media firm. We are hopeful that the firm will be able to offer positions to Vac Scheme alumni when the time is right.
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Music