Harbottle & Lewis LLP
Harbottle & Lewis LLP has a notable niche for employment work in the music, media and performing arts sectors. Acting on disputes and HR issues arising in West End productions is a standout example. The firm is also recommended more broadly for both defence of tribunal claims and non-contentious matters including recruitment and contract preparation. Howard Hymanson and Yvonne Gallagher jointly lead the team. Managing associate Sarah Verrecchia is also key.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘My main relationship is with Howard Hymanson - efficient, approachable and knowledgeable.’
‘Howard Hymanson understands our business and culture. He is an excellent listener and works to help us achieve our goals but also challenges where appropriate and gives robust advice, based on legal knowledge and experience as well as understanding of our business.'
‘Everyone from the Employment Team are extremely knowledgeable, pragmatic and collaborative ensuring that no unnecessary time is billed for. Team members are happy to discuss possible solutions and ideas.’
‘Sarah Verrecchia is an exceptional and efficient lawyer - again she knows her clients extremely well and knows the right questions to ask to get to the heart of a situation quickly.’
‘The practice brings a unique blend of vast experience in the arts and creative industries as well as an extraordinary level of expertise in law. I was unable to find a comparable practice.’
‘High quality of work to address the complex problems we were facing.'
Key clients
- Sonia Friedman Productions
- Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
- TPX Impact Limited
- Amazon Studios
- ISAM
- Zeno Agency Limited
- Citywire
- LAMDA
- Nimax Theatres Ltd
- Stardanced hospitality ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Harrods Limited on claims brought against them including allegations of race discrimination, disability discrimination and unfair dismissal.
- Advised the Platinum Jubilee Pageant Limited (PJPL) on the recruitment of all individuals hired to provide services to PJPL (in relation to the Queen’s platinum Jubilee celebrations), including employees and contractors, and prepared the various relevant employment documentation.
- Advised Sonia Friedman Productions on issues arising in relation to a number of West End productions. These include grievances about behaviour of members of cast crew and others involved in productions.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Yvonne Gallagher, Howard Hymanson