Russells Solicitors > London, England > Firm Profile

Russells Solicitors
YALDING HOUSE
152-156 GREAT PORTLAND STREET
LONDON
W1W 5QA
England

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Music Tier 1

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 and Jo Brittain concentrate 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.

Practice head(s):

Simon Esplen; Gavin Maude; Steven Tregear

Other key lawyers:

Chris Organ; Chris Gossage; Ryan Vince; Jo Brittain; Chloe Forsyth; Henry Priestley; Ally Horn; Simon Jordan; Alice Rudge; Dan Hoyle; Elizabeth Scandrett; Mark Walker; Sam Willmott; Sharon-Rose Mensah; Lewis Lawrence; Eliot Leggo

Testimonials

‘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.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV Tier 2

Music specialist firm Russells Solicitors is home to a growing film and TV practice which acts for notable talent, presenters, broadcasters, producers and directors. The team has considerable experience in commercial transactions, an area in which co-head Gavin Maude stands out, while Simon Esplen focuses on music-related biopics and documentaries. The team is also a strong performer in litigation proceedings in this space, with litigation specialist Steven Tregear taking the lead on this type of work. Alex Cole handles development, production, financing and distribution arrangements, and Anna Ling assists directors, production companies and financiers with commercial matters.

Practice head(s):

Gavin Maude

Other key lawyers:

Simon Esplen; Steven Tregear; Alex Cole; Sebastian Davey; Alice Rudge; Anna Ling

Testimonials

‘Real specialists in the music and entertainment industry.’

‘Steven Tragear – exceptional knowledge of the industry, very commercial, excellent legal knowledge, a brilliant negotiator and very strategic thinker.’

Key clients

The Estate of George Michael

Coldplay

Marisha Wallace

Work highlights

  • Advised the estate of George Michael on the critically acclaimed documentary “Wham!”.
  • Advised Coldplay on the live streaming of its show its “Music of the Spheres: Live from River Plat”.
  • Advised actress and singer Marisha Wallace on her participation in Celebrity Big Brother.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Theatre, publishing and other media Tier 2

The publishing team at Russells Solicitors centres its practice on advising individuals - such as authors - on the negotiation of deals with publishers and literary agencies. The team draws on the firm’s wider expertise in IP and the music industry to assist with copyright infringement issues, and is also prepared to handle book public agreements for music and TV celebrities. On the theatre front, the firm is skilled in commercial issues and disputes related to screen- and music-to-stage adaptations. Leading the department, Gavin Maude assists independent music publishers, producers and digital start-ups with a range of legal issues. Litigation specialist Steven Tregear is a strong performer in copyright infringement cases.

Practice head(s):

Gavin Maude

Other key lawyers:

Steven Tregear; Sebastian Davey; Alice Rudge; Anna Ling

Testimonials

‘Excellent law firm with superb knowledge and experience within this field.’

‘Steven Tragear – exceptional knowledge of the industry, very commercial, excellent legal knowledge, a brilliant negotiator and a very strategic thinker. Alice Rudge – good attention to detail. A safe pair of hands.’

‘The pre-eminent firm in this field. Russells has been all over this space for years and is still at the top of its game.’

‘The team at Russells offers best in class service to writer and musician clients across all areas of their career, that in my opinion is second to none.’

‘Russells offer a diverse range of solicitors such that we are able to find the right personality and style for my clients whoever they are and whatever their needs.’

Key clients

Fit for Every Game Limited

Helen Ogden

The Estate of Wilbur Smith

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber

Coldplay

Oliver Lansley and James Seager

Paul Roberts Productions

Work highlights

  • Advised Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber on dismissing a copyright infringement claim brought against Lloyd Webber.
  • Advised Oliver Lansley and James Seager in connection with formation of a production company.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Digital content & social Tier 3

Best known for its expertise in the music industry, Russells Solicitors is home to a digital and technology practice that attracts frequent instructions from rights holders, emerging digital platforms and individual talent. The team is led by Alex Cole, who advises start-ups and individuals on AI, digital rights licensing, web3 and other key digital issues. Henry Priestley is active in disputes involving digital issues. This is also a key area of expertise for Alice Rudge, whose performance in AI and digital royalties-related claims is noteworthy.

Practice head(s):

Alex Cole

Other key lawyers:

Henry Prisetley; Alice Rudge

Testimonials

‘What makes Russells unique beyond its never ending abilities as a media law firm is the care and consideration.’

‘Alex Cole is astute, attentive and vastly knowledgeable –  for Alex being given a problem is almost a joy. His intellectual and analytical brain thrives on any challenge put before him.’

‘Excellent knowledge of specific/ niche areas of digital media law and how they interact within the music business.’

‘Alex Cole is always quick to respond, pleasant to deal with and explains things well.’

Key clients

Twiggy

Amir Soleymani

UMG Recordings, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Advised Twiggy on an agreement with Condé Nast regarding her involvement in a digital campaign for Vogue (in conjunction with eBay).
  • Representing art collector Amir Soleymani in a claim against an NFT trading platform in relation to the terms governing an auction for digital art by the artist “Beeple”.
  • Representing UMG Recordings Inc. in a High Court case concerning the calculation of digital royalties payable to Declan Colgan Music Ltd by UMG.

Private client > Family Tier 4

Louise Barretto heads up the family team at Russells Solicitors, regularly acting for high-profile clients in the media industry and the arts more broadly. Barretto’s particular expertise lies in cases involving narcissistic behaviour and coercive control, and connected parental alienation. Carol Ellinas is ‘a star to have in your corner‘, and David Hodgson‘s ‘legal knowledge is second to none‘. The team is also noted for its work advising on nuptial agreements for same-sex couples.

Practice head(s):

Louise Barretto

Other key lawyers:

Carol Ellinas; David Hodgson; Melissa Hutter

Testimonials

‘Carol Ellinas has a wealth of experience, great instincts and no-nonsense approach – a star to have in your corner.’

‘The team has extensive experience in the field and are particularly good at client management – managing expectations in particular and with difficult clients.’

‘David Hodgson is good humoured, down to earth and always searching for a practical solution. David’s legal knowledge is second to none. It is a pleasure to have David on a case.’

‘Louise Barretto is an excellent solicitor who is very professional, compassionate and clear in her approach.’

‘Carol Ellinas and her team were very empathetic, always on top of things that were relevant and important and were totally on point when instructing the correct barrister to deal with matters at court.’

‘Louise Barretto is amazing, caring, honest and fully versed in narcissistic behaviours. She is brave when you cannot be. She is very dedicated, knowledgeable and innovative. An amazing human being.’

‘Melissa Hutter is a caring and smart new solicitor but works as if she has a lot of experience. She is calm and confident and a great support in court.’

‘David Hodgson is very experienced and knowledgeable and I always have the utmost confidence in his advice. Just as importantly, he is very empathetic and always understands my point of view and experience. I would not hesitate to recommend him.’

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 4

Well known and respected in the fields of reputation and privacy management’, the practice at Russells Solicitors is renowned for representing high-profile and high-net-worth clients - particularly from the music industry - in libel, privacy, harassment, and data protection matters with the aim of avoiding publicity. Practice head Steven Tregear, who ‘brings fantastic judgement from his years of experience in resolving disputes’, is noted for his work in phone-hacking litigation. Recently promoted partner Dan Hoyle leverages his extensive experience in commercial litigation to advise on libel claims, pre and post-publication disputes, harassment and data protection issues.

Practice head(s):

Steven Tregear

Other key lawyers:

Dan Hoyle; Eliot Leggo

Testimonials

‘Well known and respected in the fields of reputation and privacy management.’

‘Steven Tregear is a leading and highly respected lawyer in reputation management. He is instructed for his knowledge and tenacity.’

‘Eliot Leggo is an experienced, knowledgeable and hardworking associate.’

‘Dan Hoyle is a polished and clever lawyer.’

‘Specialist, focused, agile, understand their clients’ immediate needs and wider interests.’

‘Steven Tregear earns the complete trust of his clients and deservedly so. He brings fantastic judgement from his years of experience in resolving disputes.’

‘Quick response and makes time to listen to client requirements before presenting solutions. Patient and understanding.’

‘Dan Hoyle is excellent. He gets straight to the point and is able to cut to the key issues in a case.’

Key clients

Coldplay

the Estate of Amy Winehouse

the parents of Madeleine McCann

the Estate of George Michael

Cheryl Tweedy

Nicola Roberts

Kimberley Walsh

Ian Wright

Alan McGee

Mitchell Winehouse

Primal Scream

Roisin Murphy

Natalie Imbruglia

Tulisa Contostavlos

the Estate of Charles Kennedy

Alistair Carmichael MP

Guy Chambers

The Last Dinner Party

Work highlights

  • Acting for numerous well-known actors, singers, models, and music professionals in phone hacking litigation against NGN and MGN.
  • Representing Mitch Winehouse, father of Amy Winehouse, in defamation litigation against Macmillan Publishers, Tyler James and ghost writer Sylvia Patterson over what he believes are defamatory statements made in My Amy: The Life We Shared.
  • Successfully acting for Alan McGee (the legendary music industry executive best known for co-founding Creation Records and discovering the band Oasis) in bringing two sets of High Court proceedings for harassment, defamation and misuse of private information.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 4

With the ‘leading and highly respected’ Steven Tregear leading the outfit, Russells Solicitors covers the whole spectrum of private client advice, media work and contentious proceedings, showing a special focus on NDAs and broadcast agreements. Tregear is an expert on contractual disputes and reputation management issues, Sam Willmott has experience in commercial agreements and non-contentious affairs, while Lucy McCutcheon is also highlighted as a key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Steven Tregear

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Well known and respected in the fields of sport and reputation/privacy management.’

‘Steven Tregear – a leading and highly-respected lawyer in boxing and reputation management. Instructed by those at the top of the boxing game for his knowledge and tenacity. Eliot Leggo – an experienced, knowledgeable and hardworking associate.’

‘An in-depth knowledge across the sports and entertainment sector. Many firms claim to have this experience but in reality do not.’

‘I have worked mainly with Steven Tregear but I know my colleagues have also worked with many others in the firm. What makes them different is their sector knowledge.’

Key clients

Oleksandr Usyk & K2 Promotions LLC

Chantelle Cameron

TaP Sports & Entertainment Limited

Modest! Golf Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Representing Oleksandr Usyk – the world heavyweight boxing champion – on contractual matters.
  • Representing a Formula 1 driver in relation to multiple contractual matters/negotiations.
  • Representing Chantelle Cameron – England’s first female unified boxing world champion.

Russells is widely regarded as a market leader in the music industry. The firm is also now recognised as an all round entertainment and media practice.

The firm: Established in 1974, Russells is based in the West End of London and is known historically as a niche firm specialising in all areas of media, entertainment and leisure including music, sport, e-commerce, digital media and technology, catalogue acquisition and sale, theatre, television and film. Russells is consistently rated amongst the top firms (as well as having leading individuals in its fields) in both professional guides and publications. The firm has grown steadily and today has 19 partners, 6 senior associates and 13 solicitors. In addition, there is 1 senior consultant (Chris Organ), 5 consultants (James Wyllie, Mark Sinnott, Peter Smith, Sebastian Davey and Carol Ellinas), 11 trainee solicitors, 3 paralegals and a professional and disciplined support staff.

Practice areas: Russells offers most of the advice and services that its clients require from a general practice. In addition to its core business of negotiating agreements in the entertainment industry, buying, structuring and selling companies, the sale or acquisition of music publishing or master rights catalogues, litigation, digital media and technology and employment; it also undertakes private client work (such as wills, estate planning and probate), conveyancing and matrimonial advice. Its litigation department enjoys a reputation that is second to none, successfully representing its clients in numerous high profile cases and, more recently, achieving notable successes in privacy and reputation management. The commercial department is highly respected with individuals who have been involved in some of the most significant deals within its industry, representing artists, authors, sport and TV personalities and actors, as well as companies and industry organisations. Well regarded for its negotiating rigor and ability to conclude agreements, the firm’s outlook is always coupled with a sound, pragmatic approach.

The firm has a low profile and is known for the longevity of the relationships it enjoys with its clients, many of whom have been with the firm from the start of their careers, and who now enjoy worldwide fame and success.

Russells has grown organically to accommodate the increase in its client numbers and the breadth of its clientele. The reputation of the firm and word of mouth recommendation are the primary sources of business for Russells as opposed to aggressive advertising and promotion trading on the back of the fame and notoriety of its clients.

Department Name Email Telephone
Co-Managing Partner Jo Brittain
Co-Managing partner Chris Gossage
Executive Chair Simon Esplen
Music Gavin Maude
Litigation Steven Tregear
Litigation Henry Priestley
Corporate Ryan Vince
Commercial/Corporate Ally Horn
New Artist Simon Jordan
Commercial Chloe Forsyth
Digital and technology Alex Cole
Conveyancing/Real Estate Angela Fong
Employment Nicola Tager
Private Wealth Karl Dembicki
Family & Divorce Louise Barretto
Litigation Dan Hoyle
Corporate Edward Williams
Corporate Mark Sanders
Corporate Sam Willmott
Senior Consultant Chris Organ
Consultant Carol Ellinas
Number of Partners : 19
Number of Senior Consultants : 1
Number of Consultants : 5
Number of Senior Associates : 6
Number of Solicitors : 13
Number of Trainee Solicitors : 11
Number of Paralegals : 3