Top 10 UK-Wide Influential Media & Entertainment Lawyers of 2023 Revealed

In an increasingly digital world, the entertainment industry is taking on new dimensions. From traditional film and television production to the evolving landscape of streaming services, the role of legal advice in the industry has become even more monumental. The UK is home to an array of top-tier law firms and talented lawyers who have made significant contributions to this sector. This article showcases a selection of distinguished lawyers in the UK’s Media & Entertainment: Film & Television industry, presenting their expertise, professional background and the firms they represent.

These industry-leading lawyers are not just legal practitioners, but strategic advisors who play an integral part in legal transactions within the entertainment world. They offer necessary guidance to media entities, production companies and key industry players, ensuring the smooth execution of deals concerning production, distribution, and financing. From advising on the entire production cycle to being engaged on matters related to content acquisition and legal compliance, these lawyers cover a broad spectrum of media and entertainment law.

These lawyers’ remarkable grasp of the industry and the legal complexities involved places them at the forefront of the industry. Their hands-on approach, personalised legal advice and impressive track records in resolving complex legal matters make them authoritative voices and trusted allies to their clients. Let’s discover more about these standout lawyers:

James Kay – Sheridans

Specialising in media finance, James Kay leads Sheridans’ media finance team. His impressive service portfolio includes advising investors, studios, producers and a number of high-profile comedians on all manner of production, exploitation and carriage agreements. His expertise extends across the breadth of the UK, making him a sought-after name in the media and entertainment sector.

Medwyn Jones – Wiggin LLP

Medwyn Jones is known for his deep knowledge of the full cycle of television finance, development and distribution. Often engaged in issues regarding the exploitation of secondary and ancillary rights, corporate transactions involving production companies, and sponsorship and broadcasting matters, Medwyn Jones remains an important figure in the industry.

Sean James – Wiggin LLP

Sean James’ legal expertise encompasses a range of areas such as sales representation agreements, advising broadcasters on advertising, sponsorship and compliance with ASA, BCAP and Ofcom standards. He is also proficient in advising on the launch of SVOD services, marking him as a leading figure within Wiggin LLP’s legal service delivery.

Nicki Parfitt – Lee & Thompson LLP

With a focus on representing corporate clients from all facets of the film and television industries, including financiers, sales agents, and production companies, Nicki Parfitt has made her mark in the industry. She is considered a leading expert in sales and distribution due to her previous in-house experience in the sector.

Lisbeth Savill – Latham & Watkins

Lisbeth Savill has a remarkable reputation for her work in film and TV financing, production and distribution. Her client-base includes companies involved in joint ventures, corporate finance, and content-acquisition.

Michael Maxtone-Smith – Reed Smith LLP

Michael Maxtone-Smith is a seasoned lawyer advising banks and investors on the financing of feature films and television series. He is a highly sought-after expert in gap lending, multi-party financings, and deals involving revolving lines of credit.

Daniel Whybrew – Wiggin LLP

Daniel Whybrew serves a wide range of clientele, advising financiers, studios, SVODs, and distributors on all aspects of the film and TV production and delivery cycle. His particular experience lies in structuring finance transactions and security arrangements.

Anwen Griffiths – Lee & Thompson LLP

Anwen Griffiths caters to a broad range of client needs, handling various finance and production issues in the film sector. Her deep understanding of the industry dynamics and seasoned insight make her an invaluable resource to her clients.

Jonathan Berger – Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Jonathan Berger is known for his extensive film and television practice. He regularly advises financiers, broadcasters, distributors, Hollywood and independent producers, and SVOD platforms on all aspects of feature production and finance.

Lee Stone – Lee & Thompson LLP

Lee Stone offers unique expertise, advising producers, financiers, post-production houses, and distributors on all facets of film production and finance. Especially adept at dealing with international aspects of producing and financing projects based in the USA, Lee Stone brings a comprehensive understanding to the field.