The multidisciplinary music practice at Clintons is split into three subgroups: non-contentious work is overseen by Berkeley Edwards, who specialises in dealmaking; the contentious arm is led by Karim Bouzidi, an expert in music litigation; and the media and entertainment rights acquisition group, chaired by corporate specialist Charles Gerada. On the non-contentious front, the practice is regularly instructed by notable artists from across the UK and globally, as well as independent record labels and publishers, and has been highly active in advising on emerging issues, such as generative AI. CEO Andrew Myers is a leading artist lawyer who advises on all aspects of music artists’ careers, including the structuring and negotiation of high-profile deals. Peter Button and Nicky Stein are other names to note for music artists. On the contentious side, the group handles a broad range of disputes, including proceedings arising from contractual breaches, copyright infringement, performers’ rights infringement and partnerships. Nicky Stein shines in complex music litigation at the national and international level, while Blake Wilner utilises his experience as a professional musician to advise on the technical aspects of music making and recording within litigation. Lastly, the rights acquisition group handles a large volume of transactions relating to music catalogue acquisitions, acting for both aggregators and artists. Chris Coates has assisted with a number of music-related transactions, including rights sales.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Clintons has provided me with a top-rate service across entertainment, litigation and estate planning.’

  • ‘Nicky Stein is not only a great lawyer but has also become a great friend. He has been instrumental in helping me build both my management and label businesses. I value his tenacity, quick mind, pragmatism and most importantly his selfless commitment to always giving me balanced and considered advice. He has been a great ally to me.’

  • ‘The Clintons team has a wealth of knowledge about music and IP. They are a trusted partner when we work on music financing transactions.’

  • ‘Charles Gerada, Andrew Sharland and James Jones are great to collaborate with on music financing transactions. We have worked on a number of challenging transactions together with tight timelines and I have found their team extremely knowledgeable about music and IP rights. They are also pragmatic and commercial in their advice and respond quickly to requests.’

  • ‘Clintons has a good range of lawyers across every aspect of the music business. They are an intelligent, progressive team.’

  • ‘Andrew Myers is, in my opinion, the brightest lawyer in the UK music business.’

  • ‘Good knowledge of the law and practice in the industry.’

Key clients

  • Fred again..
  • Lewis Capaldi
  • Hipgnosis
  • Muse
  • Daft Punk
  • The 1975
  • Max Richter
  • Anne Marie
  • Maisie Peters
  • Declan Colgan Music Limited
  • Andy Summers
  • Ministry of Sound
  • Chrissie Hynde
  • James Bay
  • Bastille / Dan Smith
  • Lewis Capaldi
  • Hipgnosis Songs Fund
  • Mel Maxwell, Christiaan Munro and Jonathan
  • Newill
  • Simon Dunmore
  • BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for Declan Colgan Music Limited in relation to a dispute with Def Jam Recordings, arising out of a licence to use a sample of a well-known recording by King Crimson in the 2010 release by Kanye West, “Power”.
  • Acting for Andy Summers in relation to a dispute regarding the contractual arrangements between him and Firstars Limited, the service company of former manager of The Police, Miles Copeland.
  • Acted for Hipgnosis Songs Fund in the sale of a catalogue of approximately 20,000 songs for a gross consideration of $23.1m.

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 associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Berkeley Edwards, Karim Bouzidi, Charles Gerada

Other key lawyers

Andrew Myers, Peter Button, Nicky Stein, Victoria Wood, Alastair Kenwood, Sam Sparrow, Blake Wilner, Andrew Sharland, Chris Coates, Tim Turner, James Jones