The publishing team at Russells Solicitors centres its practice on advising individuals - such as authors - on the negotiation of deals with publishers and literary agencies. The team draws on the firm’s wider expertise in IP and the music industry to assist with copyright infringement issues, and is also prepared to handle book public agreements for music and TV celebrities. On the theatre front, the firm is skilled in commercial issues and disputes related to screen- and music-to-stage adaptations. Leading the department, Gavin Maude assists independent music publishers, producers and digital start-ups with a range of legal issues. Litigation specialist Steven Tregear is a strong performer in copyright infringement cases.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Excellent law firm with superb knowledge and experience within this field.’

  • ‘Steven Tragear - exceptional knowledge of the industry, very commercial, excellent legal knowledge, a brilliant negotiator and a very strategic thinker. Alice Rudge - good attention to detail. A safe pair of hands.'

  • ‘The pre-eminent firm in this field. Russells has been all over this space for years and is still at the top of its game.’

  • ‘The team at Russells offers best in class service to writer and musician clients across all areas of their career, that in my opinion is second to none.’

  • ‘Russells offer a diverse range of solicitors such that we are able to find the right personality and style for my clients whoever they are and whatever their needs.'

Key clients

  • Fit for Every Game Limited
  • Helen Ogden
  • The Estate of Wilbur Smith
  • Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber
  • Coldplay
  • Oliver Lansley and James Seager
  • Paul Roberts Productions

Work highlights

  • Advised Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber on dismissing a copyright infringement claim brought against Lloyd Webber.
  • Advised Oliver Lansley and James Seager in connection with formation of a production company.

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

Steven Tregear, Sebastian Davey, Alice Rudge, Anna Ling