We are top-ranked in Chambers and Partners 2011 which provides the following review:

Media & Entertainment

Lee & Thompson “is our trusted adviser in all matters legal and more!” The large team of media specialists at this firm is lauded by clients for its in-depth knowledge of film and music. It advised Queen on the launch of its ‘Absolute Greatest’ album.

Commercial Awareness “They have extensive experience and offer practical, commercial advice.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Reno Antoniades heads up the firm’s film practice and “is very, very good in film; very sharp and knowledgeable.” He draws plaudits for his extensive experience of managing complex contracts. Jeremy Gawade wins high praise from commentators for his work in the TV industry, and has represented many production companies. He also advised the producers of ‘London Dreams’, the highest budgeted Bollywood film ever produced. Richard Lever is “one of the top television lawyers,” and sits on the board for PACT. He acted for Television Ruby on the production of ‘Small Island’. Clients praise his business sense: “He is a great commercial lawyer.” Natalie Usher is “an incredibly skilled lawyer.” Clients praise her technical skills and commercial nous, which she demonstrates in her work for post-production houses and regional screen agencies. Christos Michaels is “extremely capable,” and has drawn praise for his dynamic and helpful approach. He has advised Optimum Releasing on the acquisition and financing of multiple film titles. Robert Lee is “up there with the best.” He has expertise in a broad range of non-contentious music matters, and clients “trust his advice implicitly.” He handled legal matters for the Nelson Mandela charity concert held in New York in June 2009, dealing with all performer, venue and sponsorship arrangements. Andrew Thompson is “quick witted and commercial,” and a key figure in the music industry. Clients say that he “understands what you are trying to do – he’s an all-round music lawyer.” He acted for Karl Jenkins on the sale of his publishing company to Boosey & Hawkes. Lawrence Engel “gives effective practical advice without any nonsense.” He represented BMG Rights in relation to its investment in IE Music. Mike Brookes tackles contentious music matters. He is regularly instructed by Ministry of Sound, and is hailed as “commercially astute and very hard-working.” Gordon Williams is praised for his extensive experience of the litigation scene. He successfully represented Tom Jones in an international copyright dispute relating to unauthorised exploitation of recordings, securing a USD9.3 million judgment from the Californian Supreme Court.

Defamation & Privacy

This niche media and entertainment law firm frequently acts for celebrities and television production companies, such as Kudos Film & Television and Blast Films. It has expertise in defamation claims and pre-publication libel advice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mike Brookes heads the firm’s dispute resolution group. Over the past year, he successfully brought several high-profile defamation claims on behalf of Peter Andre. Gordon Williams has a well-regarded celebrity defamation practice. He acted for Bryan Ferry in successful defamation claims against a number of national newspapers.

Family/Matrimonial

This media law firm’s recently established family department is going from strength to strength. It excels at representing high-profile individuals and is comfortable handling privacy issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Catherine Bedford “lives and breathes family law.” She frequently handles highly contentious ancillary relief and, according to sources, “she has boundless energy and remains unfazed by even the most difficult client.”