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.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • '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.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Gavin Maude

Other key lawyers

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