The Legal 500 2008

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The latest edition of The Legal 500 was published in September 2008. Below is a review of our editorial coverage in the areas in which we were recommended. You can view the The Legal 500 website for further information.

UK Overview - Commercial Firms

Harbottle & Lewis LLP is a leading adviser to media and entertainment clients, and features across the board in the TMT section for its expertise in areas including music, film and television (including film finance), advertising and sponsorship, computer games, publishing and franchising. It is experienced on the transactional side, advising clients such as Channel 4 and Virgin and rising in the ranking for venture capital this year, and also features for its private client work, including a new ranking in family.

Asset finance and leasing (Finance)

Now headed by the 'knowledgeable and commercial' Alison Wilds following Douglas Lochhead's departure to Australian firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Harbottle & Lewis LLP continues to pick up a considerable flow of work as one of the Virgin Atlantic panel firms. Clients appreciate the firm's 'in-depth understanding of the airline industry'.

Brand management (TMT)

Harbottle & Lewis LLP has a strong music practice, and its brand-protection group is active in advising on music in relation to advertising, and on advising brand-owning clients on tie-ups with music and music sponsorship. The internationally focused franchising practice, led by the 'very good' Caroline Turner, also advises music industry clients such as the Ministry of Sound, and has strength in fashion franchising. New partner Andy Millmore, who is experienced in ASA disputes, is recommended for advertising, where the firm is 'an absolute pleasure to work with', and Bob Mitchell has a great industry reputation for his 'excellent' sponsorship practice.

Charities and not-for-profit (Private Client)

Harbottle & Lewis LLP advises some big names in the entertainment industry on charities issues, with practice head Robert Porter in 2007 advising Comic Relief on a possible merger with a smaller charity. He also continues to advise the Royal Household, recently advising on a number of charitable projects involving the Royal Family including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Defamation and privacy (Dispute Resolution)

'True media experts', Harbottle & Lewis LLP represents some high-profile clients, notably the Royal Household. It acts for Kate Middleton in claims of privacy infringement and harassment, and also acts for the Beckhams, Sophie Dahl, and Kate Moss. Gerrard Tyrrell's highly rated team includes the well-regarded Louise Prince and Jo Sanders.

Employment (Human Resources)

Reflecting the firm's focus on sectors such as media and entertainment, fashion, telecoms and charities, Harbottle & Lewis LLP's team acts for household name clients including Penguin Books, Channel 4 and Virgin Atlantic. Marian Derham is 'attentive and prompt', and recently advised Visit London on partnership issues, commercial restructuring and subsequent redundancies.

Family (Private Client)

Tom Amlot heads the young family group at Harbottle & Lewis LLP.

Intellectual property (TMT)

Best known as a media firm, Harbottle & Lewis LLP handles a substantial amount of design-related IP work, particularly in the fashion sector. Mark Owen heads the team, which recently represented Lucasfilm in several important cases, and is the 'first port of call on anything of a difficult or contentious nature'.

IT and telecoms (TMT)

Also recommended are: 'exceptionally well-informed' communications expert Tony Ballard at Harbottle & Lewis LLP;

M&A: smaller deals up to £50m (Corporate and Commercial)

Leading media firm Harbottle & Lewis LLP's four-partner M&A practice excels on sub-£50m deals with a media or entertainment element. Channel 4 instructed the firm on a £28m joint venture with Emap to acquire 50% of Box Televison, and Virgin is also a client. Colin Howes and Mark Phillips are recommended.

Media and entertainment (TMT)

Clients appreciate Harbottle & Lewis LLP's 'uncompromisingly transparent, above-board dealings'. Computer games 'guru' Mark Phillips and rising star Paul Groves advise SCi/Eidos, Geomerics and Jagex, while 'star player' Sebastian Belcher works closely with Take Two Interactive and Rockstar Games, publisher and developer of the Grand Theft Auto series. Broadcasting and telecoms expert Tony Ballard advised BARB on the tender process for TV audience measurement, Phorm on its Web 3.0 software, and 2waytraffic on call TV. The 'outstanding' Medwyn Jones heads the film and TV practice, focusing on drama production, while clients commend Abigail Payne's film financing expertise. 'Competent and meticulous' music lawyer Paul Jones represents Omnifone and Ministry of Sound. The 'brilliant' Caroline Turner provides corporate and digital-rights advice to publishers including Penguin Books. Theatre specialist Neil Adleman advises on West End productions such as Hairspray, and TV series Any Dream Will Do.

Personal tax, trusts and probate (Private Client)

Glen Atchison and Sarah Bridge co-head the personal tax practice at Harbottle & Lewis LLP, which receives a good flow of work from the firm's strong media practice. 'They are quick to respond and offer well-thought-out advice, as well as being easy to get on with'.

Sport (TMT)

Harbottle & Lewis LLP advised the PGA European Tour on the grant of rights to Leisurecorp to stage the Dubai World Championship, Locog on its licensing programme, and a number of high-profile individuals - including Jose Mourinho, David Beckham, and Kevin Pietersen - on defamation and privacy issues. Bob Mitchell leads the team, and Gerrard Tyrrell is also recommended.

Venture capital (Corporate and Commercial)

Harbottle & Lewis LLP maintains an excellent reputation for advising TMT companies, and Colin Howes and Tim Parker both come highly recommended. The firm is acting for more investors, notably London Seed Capital and Atomico Investment Holdings.