A 'go-to firm for music work', Lee & Thompson LLP acts for renowned national and international music artists, collection societies, major and independent publishers, and record labels in the full array of industry-specific matters. Music litigation is a particular strength for the practice, which has represented artists and music publishers in high-profile music rights disputes and copyright infringement cases. Martyn Bailey is a key contact for contentious matters in this space. Alongside its litigation practice, the team continues to assist clients with contractual issues, publishing deals, reputation management issue and IP portfolio management. Lawrence Engel, a reference for top-tier music talent seeking advice on commercial and creative enterprises, jointly leads the practice with Dominic Bray, who oversees the dispute resolution group with a focus on the media and entertainment sectors. Lizzie Payne-James is trusted by artists, agencies and rights holders, and Gordon Williams specialises in music disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Great team, engaged, phenomenal market knowledge and understanding. ’
‘Will Everitt is a fantastic lawyer, engaged, adaptable and insightful. Phenomenal understanding of the industry. ’
‘Friendly but fearsome when needed. This is a go-to firm for music work with in-depth knowledge and experience.’
‘Mark Stafford has a deep knowledge of the music industry. He gets straight to the point and is astonishingly efficient. Great to deal with. Dominic Bray is a great litigator well able for the technical issues that arise in online infringement. Super realistic and commercially savvy.’
‘Superb depth of experience.’
‘Mike Brookes excellent judgment. Martyn Bailey is a wonderful tactician.’
‘The Lee & Thompson team has real strength in the field of media and entertainment, and particularly in music disputes. They are one of the go-to firms in this practice area with a strong reputation and excellent industry knowledge.’
‘Martyn Bailey has a keen eye for his clients' commercial position and the need to devise a legal strategy to meet their commercial goals. Dominic Bray has great industry knowledge and attention to detail.’
Key clients
- Harry Styles
- Dave
- Wet Leg
- Lana Del Ray
- Rita Ora
- BMG
- Yungblud
- Yoko Ono
- Years & Years
- Depeche Mode
- Sam Ryder
- Universal Music Group
- Kathy Sledge
Work highlights
- Acting as Harry Styles's sole legal counsel.
- Acting as Wet Leg's sole legal counsel.
- Been acting for Depeche Mode since the firm's establishment in 1983.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Gordon Williams
Lee & Thompson LLPNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Tim Fowler
Lee & Thompson LLP
Lizzie Payne-James
Lee & Thompson LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Lawrence Engel, Dominic Bray