Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Harbottle & Lewis LLP is home to a prominent theatre practice that advises a mix of producers, theatre owners, subsidised companies, individual writers, directors and composers on a host of sector-related matters, including award-winning West End productions. Led by international theatre expert Neil Adleman, the team is also well versed in advising rights holders, an area in which Harry Bresslaw stands out. The firm fields an equally strong publishing practice - overseen by publishing specialist Shireen Peermohamed - which works with a number of blue-chip clients, living authors, literary estates and brands on commercial issues. Zoey Forbes is an up-and-coming specialist in this segment, and advises on publishing agreements and cross-media rights acquisitions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘One of the leading legal teams working in the theatre industry. Their expertise and knowledge is second to none. They are quick to respond, with great insight and clear thought and procedure put into their guidance, which is trustworthy and based on diligent research.'
'They have a passion for the industry and are highly sought after. The team is collaborative, and seeks not only to help their clients achieve their aims, but take time to fully understand what the client hopes to achieve.’
‘I'd recommend Harry Bresslaw to anyone working in the industry, whether from a producing perspective or otherwise. I value and appreciate his responsiveness, honesty, and understanding of what a producer aims to achieve. He is personable, and very easy to collaborate with. He makes suggestions from a position of knowledge, research and authority on the subject matter, but always seeks to understand what the producer wants and allows that to be the driver of the conversation with others. ’
‘Shireen Peermohamed is an excellent client partner and Zoey Forbes' technical ability on film and TV contracts is also excellent.’

Key clients

National Theatre
Sonia Friedman Productions
The Old Vic
Donmar Warehouse
Punchdrunk
Sadler’s Wells
Playful Productions
Michael Cassel Group
Fictionhouse
Wessex Grove
Hachette UK
#Merky Books Limited
Rebellion Publishing
The Publishers Association
The Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers
The British Journal of Anaesthesia
The Association of Authors Agents
The Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett
Lewinsohn Literary Agency
The Dinosaur Roar Company

Work highlights

Acted as production counsel for the Olivier award-winning play Stranger Things: The First Shadow, co-produced in the West End by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions.
Advised Michael Cassel Group on its multi-Olivier award-winning transfer of the Sydney Theatre Company production of The Picture of Dorian Gray, starring Sarah Snook.
Advises Hachette on a range of commercial and IP matters, disputes, and commercial arrangements.

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