'Unquestionably one of the leading specialist teams in this sector', the commercial music practice at Simkins LLP stands out for its impressive track record in catalogue sales and acquisitions work. The firm also acts for various notable artists, producers and emerging talent in recording and publishing deals, as well as touring and rights agreements. The group has recently expanded its live music offering by additionality advising on tech-driven live events. Practice head Euan Lawson acts for major labels and several acclaimed artists in contractual and commercial matters. Ed Baden-Powell focuses on commercial contracts and IP work, while copyright and contract disputes are key areas of expertise for Paddy Gardiner and Tom Iverson. Nick Eziefula advises artists, labels and publishers on commercial and IP matters. Ed Weidman is well versed in the drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts, while Ben Gisbey and Stuart Smith specialise in corporate and transactional issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Simkins is unquestionably one of the leading specialist teams in this sector. They have extensive experience and a detailed understanding of this field and the music industry generally. There are few firms who can match them.’

  • ‘I have worked in particular, on a number of matters over the years, with Paddy Gardiner and Tom Iverson. They are both outstanding practitioners in this area. They are highly experienced and knowledgeable, with excellent strategic and tactical judgment.’

  • ‘A diverse team with a wealth of experience including some lawyers that have been artists and previous record company managers. Delivering a personal service and guidance through contract negotiations. They are able to provide a full service to cover all aspects of contract negotiations covering commercial and corporate matters. ’

  • ‘Ed Weidman is highly knowledgeable and understands the complexities of recording agreements and any other media-related commercial contracts. Having had practical experience working with record labels and artists previously he is able to provide advice across all elements of a contract including corporate issues. If there's anyone you would want in your corner during contract negotiations - Ed is your man!’

  • ‘Simkins provides a personal service, with lawyers at all levels being approachable and available. Euan Lawson and Rachael Heeley have been very helpful with commercial music matters, Paddy Gardiner and Jessica Welch have provided us with great support in litigation matters.’

  • ‘Simkins is a centre of excellence for copyright and music. They represent talent and industry players at the highest level. They have a deep understanding of the working of this business together with preeminence in the law underpinning it. This combination is unusual and compelling. Simkins covers all the ground one would normally expect from a full-service law firm but can also answer the really hard questions that that few in industry can grasp with such certainty.'

  • ‘I have worked with Euan Lawson, Ed Baden-Powell and Stuart Smith. These guys really know their stuff and they get deals done. They take an open minded view of transactions and contribute tactically helping clients make decisions and adding value. They are not just about identifying the risks - they really understand the opportunities too. They can offer wide ranging advice across a host of specialisms.’

  • ‘The Simkins music team has almost unrivalled sector expertise - there is nothing they don't know about music law! They have a stellar client list, ranging from emerging talent to global icons, and from self-releasing artists and composers to the major record labels and publishers and the UK music collective management organisations. They are able to provide high-quality, pragmatic, commercial advice on the knottiest of issues.’

Key clients

  • Universal Music Group
  • Virgin Music Group
  • Faber Music
  • Bella Figura Music
  • BMG Rights Management
  • Iron Maiden
  • P!NK
  • Becky Hill
  • One House Management
  • Jess Gillam
  • Da Beatfreakz
  • Big Church Festival
  • Experience Hendrix
  • Sony Music
  • PRS for Music
  • Def Leppard
  • Grace Jones
  • The Estate of Freddie Mercury
  • The International Olympic Committee
  • Rod Temperton
  • Wilkinson
  • PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited)
  • Experience Hendrix LLC
  • MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society)
  • MPA (Music Publisher Association)
  • Psychedelic Furs Partnership

Work highlights

  • Acted for Universal Music Group International (including Virgin Music Group) in several acquisitions, including the acquisition of the Oriental Star Agencies’ eminent South Asian music catalogue.
  • Advising on all aspects of P!NK’s European Tours in 2023 and 2024, including the client’s deals with the European promoters, all supply agreements, taxation, social security and visa issues across Europe.
  • Acting for the estate of Jimi Hendrix and Sony Music in a multi-million-pound claim for ownership of copyrights, related rights and royalties asserted by heirs of Jimi’s former bandmates in The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Euan Lawson

Other key lawyers

James Harman, Ed Baden-Powell, Paddy Gardiner, Tom Iverson, Nick Eziefula, Ed Weidman, Ben Gisbey, Stuart Smith, Giao Pacey, Rachael Heeley, Naoise Tan, Andrew Wilson-Bushell, Jessica Welch, Dionne Clark, Hugo Mason