Michael Clinch joins Harbottle & Lewis as Litigation Partner

Harbottle & Lewis has hired Michael Clinch as a partner in the litigation practice. Michael, who joins from City firm Hextalls, brings with him a wealth of experience which will boost further the firm's expertise in commercial litigation. He took up his new post on Monday 10 March.

Michael specialises in large scale commercial litigation and dispute resolution. He also advises on intellectual property disputes, including copyright, software licensing, patent and trade mark infringement and computer industry disputes. In addition, his practice involves all aspects of corporate and personal insolvency, including administrations, receiverships and liquidations, litigation on behalf of insolvency practitioners and advising insolvency practitioners in respect of appointments.

Lawrence Abramson, Managing Partner at Harbottle & Lewis said: "Michael has an excellent reputation within the litigation community and we're thrilled to welcome him to the firm. Our litigation group is well known for its expertise particularly within the media and entertainment industries and Michael's experience will strengthen our practice further. He is an important addition to the team".

Michael Clinch commented: "Harbottle & Lewis has a strong reputation for cutting edge litigation work and I'm really looking forward to developing my practice with the firm."
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12/03/08
Note for Editors

Harbottle & Lewis LLP
Harbottle & Lewis provides specialist advice to the media and entertainment industries. It is consistently recognised as a leading firm in these areas by independent sources.

Firm overview: The firm's work encompasses all areas of media and entertainment, including film, television, broadcasting, sport, music, publishing, advertising fashion and theatre and remains unique in having expertise right across these sectors.

We provide a complete range of commercial advice to our clients, including: buying and selling businesses and companies, joint ventures, finance, capital markets, commercial disputes, property, employment, immigration and tax. Other specialist legal areas include, sponsorship, intellectual property, legal issues relating to media, including defamation, advertising, brand protection, data protection, privacy, art and gaming and gambling as well as private client and matrimonial work. The firm's expertise in other areas such as aviation and charities is also widely recognised.

Much of our work involves the technology, new media and telecoms industries and we have done ground-breaking work in connection with the digital exploitation of content and e-commerce generally. Specialist knowledge and understanding of the entertainment industry and related IP issues enables the firm to identify and deal with the key issues at an early stage, and then negotiate and provide commercially sound legal advice from a position of strength.

Recent work:
The firm has advised on a number of high-profile litigation cases in the last year, including:

• HRH The Prince of Wales v. Mail on Sunday (Associated Newspapers Limited)
• Kate Middleton in relation to press invasion of privacy
• Advising on the staging, management and commercial arrangements for the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium in July
• We are currently advising Prince William and Prince Harry on the inquest into the death of Diana, Princess of Wales
• Victoria Beckham in relation to her successful libel case against Star Magazine
• Kate Moss on various matters, including her high-profile endorsement and merchandising arrangements with TopShop
• Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard on his win against the publishers of London Sport Magazine
• Matthew Fisher v. Gary Brooker/Onward Music in relation to copyright in the song 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'

Issued by
Caroline Renton
Head of Marketing
Direct line: 020 7667 5231
Email: caroline.renton@harbottle.com