Bray & Krais is a specialist music firm which works with a plethora of top-tier artists from around the globe. Singled out for its deep bench and strength in depth, the group handles a mix of contentious matters, contractual negotiations and agreements, and IP rights. Other than its work with artists, the team is also active in investments in the music sector, including joint ventures and purchase agreements. Mark Krais has a longstanding reputation in the music industry, and is skilled in commercial contracts, arrangements and endorsements, as well as IP matters and disputes. With over three decades' experience in this sector, Richard Bray advises on music contracts, brand deals and licensing agreements. Simon Dixon is well versed in acquisition deals and contractual arrangements, while Simon Goodbody leads on contentious matters. Jonny Petch is a key contact for corporate and commercial deals. Kelvin Nana is a reference for artists, producers, songwriters and managers.

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.

A 'go-to firm for music work', Lee & Thompson LLP acts for renowned national and international music artists, collection societies, major and independent publishers, and record labels in the full array of industry-specific matters. Music litigation is a particular strength for the practice, which has represented artists and music publishers in high-profile music rights disputes and copyright infringement cases. Martyn Bailey is a key contact for contentious matters in this space. Alongside its litigation practice, the team continues to assist clients with contractual issues, publishing deals, reputation management issue and IP portfolio management. Lawrence Engel, a reference for top-tier music talent seeking advice on commercial and creative enterprises, jointly leads the practice with Dominic Bray, who oversees the dispute resolution group with a focus on the media and entertainment sectors. Lizzie Payne-James is trusted by artists, agencies and rights holders, and Gordon Williams specialises in music disputes.

Considered ‘one of the absolute go-to firms‘ in the music industry, Russells Solicitors is a highly knowledgeable and experienced music boutique that excels in both non-contentious and contentious matters, assisting a host of clients - from leading British and international artists, to major record labels and music-related individuals. The team is jointly led by Simon Esplen, Gavin Maude and Steven Tregear. Esplen acts for new and established artists, managers, songwriters and other industry players, while Maude, who specialises in commercial matters, advises major artists and industry executives on an array of non-contentious issues. ‘An industry legend‘, Tregear leads the litigation team and has a wealth of experience in representing record and publishing companies, as well as artists, managers and promoters in a multitude of cases, from copyright infringement disputes to litigation involving royalty payments and defamation cases. Key support is offered by Alice Rudge and Elizabeth Scandrett, both of whom focus on high-profile music disputes. Chris Organ and Jo Brittain concentrate on advising talent, and Chris Gossage and Ryan Vince handle corporate and commercial matters in the music industry. These are also core areas of activity for Ally Horn, noted for representing award-winning bands. Recently promoted partner Dan Hoyle is the go-to for reputation and crisis management issues.

'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.

Baker McKenzie is well positioned to advise social media and technology giants with music-related matters, covering both IP and contractual issues. The team also handles M&A, employment and litigation matters for music adjacent clients, and has recently assisted with music catalogue deals and AI-related issues. Department head Ben Allgrove – noted for his expertise across digital media – advises on a range of IP and technology issues, including digital music distribution and copyright disputes. William Holder focuses on corporate matters within the TMT sector, including acquisitions and sales in the music industry. John Groom is another name to note for non-contentious music mandates.

Specialist music firm Hamlins LLP is a popular choice for music collecting societies, and has ample expertise in handling a variety of contentious claims brought forward by these societies. Music merchandising work is another key pillar of the practice and a core area of focus for practice head Martin Ochs, who leads on all High Court litigation involving music collecting societies. Another individual to note for contentious matters is Callum Galbraith, who handles royalty audit claims and disputes involving band names and management issues. The team also handles licensing rights for artists and assists with IP rights protection. Christopher Hutchings is a key contact for brand protection and reputation management mandates.

Kieran Jay leads Harbottle & Lewis LLP‘s music practice, representing high-profile artists, songwriters, producers, record and publishing companies in commercial matters. With a wide-ranging expertise in the music industry, practice head Jay advises on merchandising and endorsement agreements, live performances and employment issues. The team currently assists award-winning artists from the UK and abroad with corporate and commercial issues such as catalogue sales, and is also well versed in joint ventures and collaborations between major labels and talent. Neil Adleman manages IP rights for artists, while Will Priestley assists music clients with a range of day-to-day matters.

Bringing together the experience of independent music lawyers under one team, Level Law is well placed to advise major artists and new emerging talent on a host of matters, including issues relating to live events and festivals. Halina Wielogorska acts for a diverse client base, which features notable artists and songwriters, and showcases strength in live events mandates. A name to note for matters concerning classical and contemporary dance, Irving David advises on commercial and IP matters in the music industry, while John Reid often assists senior executives within the music industry, and handles a mix of reputation management, commercial issues and privacy disputes for artists. Digital music matters are handled by Raffaella De Santis, who advises on digital rights and licensing, as well as recording, publishing, management and touring agreements. Rupert Sprawson centres his practice on music publishing, recorded music and digital distribution, while Suzi Sendama is the go-to for contentious and non-contentious matters related to IP, reputation management and commercial contracts.

The music department at Lewis Silkin continues to evolve with the industry itself, focusing on new technologies and digital. AI plays an important role in the firm’s practice, which excels in advising advising AI music companies and Web3 players on the use of AI, digital goods, tokens, AR and VR. The practice is retained by a diverse client roster comprised of labels, publishers, performing rights organisations, digital platforms, agents, streaming services and multi-channel networks, who turn to the team for assistance with copyright ownership and infringement disputes, catalogue acquisitions, live performance issues and joint ventures. Practice leader Cliff Fluet is the go-to lawyer for advice on AI, blockchain, NFTs, immersive entertainment and the metaverse. Jeremy Summers is a key contact for IP-related issues, while David Deakin assists with interactive entertainment and digital content matters. Lauren Stone is proficient in rights clearances for live events, the negotiation of talent contracts for awards shows, and also assists labels and publishers with securing rights for marketing campaigns. Michael Szlesinger focuses on music disputes, including infringements concerning copyright ownership, chain of title, and recording rights.

Reed Smith LLP’s music team handles a number of cross-border deals for labels, artists and music companies. Catalogue acquisitions have been a particularly area of focus for the team, which is also skilled in licensing agreements, music rights acquisitions, and other transactional and commercial matters. Elle Todd and Steve Sessa lead the wider TMT group. Noted for his specialism in dance and electronic music, Gregor Pryor advises a slew of notable international artists. Michael Skrein is a key contact for music-related litigation matters, while Sophie Goossens is the go-to for copyright issues. Nick Breen is knowledgeable of cross-border licensing and sponsorship deals.

The music group at Sheridans advises global acts, upcoming artists, songwriters and producers on IP, corporate and commercial issues. The team is jointly led by Stephen Luckman and Claire Lewis; Luckman, a key contact for both national and international talent, focuses on IP and commercial issues, including catalogue sales, while Lewis splits her time between theatre and music matters, assisting with live touring issues as well as music-related transactions. Other key individuals include Russell Roberts, who advises music clients on employment and corporate matters, Chris Brown, who assists artists with day-to-day matters, and Lance Phillips, who focuses on artist-based agreements. Wale Kalejaiye, a name to note for domestic and Nigerian clients, has a ‘proven track record of successfully negotiating deals for high-profile artists’.

Wiggin LLP‘s music team is routinely engaged in complex contentious and non-contentious matters, where it acts for a predominantly corporate client base made up of record labels, digital rights companies, streaming services and online platforms. The team boasts strong knowledge of corporate, commercial and regulatory issues, and often assists with catalogue acquisitions and disposals, and mandates concerning generative AI issues and IP law. Rachel Alexander, who excels in copyright and trade mark disputes as well as AI-related issues, leads on contentious work. Georgina Hart offers key support in music-related IP litigation. Alexander Ross oversees non-contentious matters, providing assistance to record labels, publishers, digital platforms and collecting societies in relation to collective rights licensing and music catalogue deals. Peter Mason works alongside Ross in music licensing matters, and also advises on copyright and AI-related issues.

Bird & Bird LLP‘s music practice is led by Phil Sherrell, a well-regarded litigator who has handled high-profile copyright infringement cases in the music industry. In addition to its strong IP litigation capabilities, the group is also skilled in music catalogue acquisitions and licensing issues. IP specialist Rebecca O’Kelly-Gillard also plays a prominent role in contentious matters in the music segment.

CMS is known for its strong work in the technology and music spheres, where it assists major record labels and social media companies on commercial and corporate mandates. The wider media practice is led by Victoria Gaskell and Paul Guite who handle regulatory and corporate work, respectively, for media and tech clients. The go-to name for music-related matters, John Enser is routinely engaged by platform operators and clients offering audio and audiovisual content via digital platforms in relation to regulatory, commercial and copyright mandates.

Led by Neil Miller, Greenberg Traurig, LLP‘s music practice assists social media companies, gaming and interactive entertainment companies with music licensing agreements. The team, which has recently advised on a new type of licensing agreement involving music mashup tools, is also well positioned to handle commercial agreements concerning AI. Miller draws on his extensive in-house experience in the music industry to assist with complex music licensing deals.

Simons Muirhead Burton is a popular choice for clients engaged in the sale and acquisition of music assets, including catalogue deals. Corporate matters are a core focus for the practice, which advises artists, independent music publishers, music managers and executives. Practice head Richard Baskind advises a mix of artists, songwriters, music executives and independent record labels on sales and acquisitions. Alasdair George has a solid track record in the music sector, and focuses on M&A and corporate transactions. Zack Gold is also active in assisting with a mix of corporate matters in the music industry, including partnerships, joint ventures and shareholder relations.

With a popular following of creatives from the music industry, including recording artists, producers and songwriters, Sound Advice (Legal) LLP is well versed in handling a variety of transactional work. Robert Horsfall leads the practice and assists a number of legacy artists as well as emerging talent, providing both transactional advice and support in their growing careers. Sonia Diwan is a key member of the team, who often assists pop and urban artists, songwriters and producers. Jules O’Riordan - also widely known as the electronic DJ Judge Jules - is a notable electronic dance music lawyer. Alex Meiklejohn focuses on live music, and advises booking agencies and promoters.

The IP and media group at GSC Solicitors LLP focuses on assisting copyright collecting societies with contentious and non-contentious mandates. Copyright infringement cases, issues concerning copyright law reform and international collections, as well as licensing matters are key areas of activity for the team, which is also noted for its public performance enforcement work. The practice is jointly led by Justin Goldspink and Clive Halperin; Goldspink acts as a key adviser to Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), assisting it with a number of copyright cases, while Halperin is knowledgeable of technology and AI matters, and is often seen handling cross-border transactions. Ross Waldram handles day-to-day matters for PPL PRS.

Statham Gill Davies is a boutique music firm that focuses on advising local and international artists, producers and influencers. The team has varied expertise across catalogue sales, branding, management, and publishing, commercial and talent agreements. Practice head and founding partner John Statham is the key port of call for artists, publishers and merchandisers seeking assistance with a range of agreements and employment matters. Co-head Paul Lennon advises UK and European artists as well as corporate clients on transactional matters. Talya Shalson handles commercial matters for notable artists, and is known for working with TV personalities - including contestants - on music talent shows.