Contact | Search |

Category: News

Five partners recognised as leading reputation and privacy lawyers by Spear’s

Posted on by Nikhita Sagar

Five of our partners have been recognised by Spear’s as leading reputation and privacy lawyers in the newly-released Spear’s Reputation Indices 2026.

Gerrard Tyrrell has once again been named as Top Flight for media and information law. John Kelly and Michael Yates are Top Recommended for reputation protection, and international reputation and privacy law, respectively. Amy Bradbury and Andrew Terry are both Recommended in the indices, Amy for her work across the reputation spectrum and Andrew for intellectual property.

The Reputation & Privacy Lawyers Index showcases lawyers who are trusted to protect clients when their personal reputation or commercial interests are suddenly exposed to legal risk. They are compiled using nominations, client feedback and interviews with advisers, alongside independent research from the Spear’s editorial team.

The full index can be viewed here.

Chris Moorcroft named in 2026 eprivateclient Most Influential

Posted on by Julia Krol

Chris Moorcroft has been recognised in the 2026 eprivateclient Most Influential.

This list celebrates the leading figures in the UK and global private wealth sector, highlighting those who are shaping the profession and delivering exceptional service to clients.

Those included were chosen by judges based on their achievements, innovation and contributions to the profession over the past year. The list also incorporates nominations submitted by eprivateclient readers.

Chris is a partner who advises individuals, families and trustees on preserving and transferring wealth, planning for death and incapacity, and managing complex cross-border tax and legal issues. Last year, Chris was part of a team that successfully effected new and innovative trust legislation in Bermuda. These landmark reforms modernised Bermuda’s law regarding responsible investment approaches, placing it at the forefront of global trust law evolution.

The full 2026 eprivateclient Most Influential list can be found here.

Harbottle & Lewis shortlisted for the Business Development Award at LexisNexis Legal Awards 2026

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

We have been shortlisted for the Business Development Award at the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2026.

The LexisNexis Legal Awards highlight excellence, innovation and impact across the legal profession, recognising organisations and individuals who are making a positive contribution to the industry. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony which takes place at the Park Plaza London Riverbank on Thursday 16 April.

Our shortlisting is linked to our Client Sight framework, which informs our approach to business development and client engagement. The framework is designed to view the firm from our clients’ perspectives, helping us to better understand their needs, what they value, and how we can provide solutions that meet and exceed their expectations.

In a sector where strategies are often shaped by internal structures, Client Sight takes an ‘outside-in’ approach, enabling us to respond more effectively to the needs of a diverse client base. This includes globally recognised brands, large corporates, entrepreneurs, startups, high net worth individuals, and prominent talent.

We are delighted that our efforts to take a client-first approach have been recognised in this way, and we look forward to attending the awards ceremony alongside other firms and individuals who are driving innovation across the legal profession.

Harbottle & Lewis ranks 12th in RollOnFriday’s Best Law Firms to Work At 2026 

Posted on by Nikhita Sagar

We have been ranked in 12th place in RollOnFriday’s annual law firm satisfaction survey, with a score of 75% that places us firmly in the ‘Very Satisfied’ category. 

Each year, RollOnFriday assesses firms across six areas: pay, work/life balance, career development, management, culture, and the office and amenities. The results are based on feedback received from more than 7,500 people working in private practice.  

The full rankings can be viewed here. 

Working at Harbottle & Lewis offers our people the chance to work with some of the most creative, influential clients on interesting and headline-making matters. We offer challenging work that requires skill, drive and commitment, whilst providing real opportunities for development and a platform from which to build a rewarding career. This recognition is a testament to the supportive, collaborative environment we provide to enable our people to thrive and reach their full potential. 

If you would like to find out more about life at the firm, make your way to our careers page.

Harbottle & Lewis advises ONE Strategy Studio on its sale to Radius Insights

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised ONE Strategy Studio, the world leading AI-first strategic insight agency, on its sale to Radius Insights.

Founded in 2023, ONE Strategy Studio uses Gen AI Automation to reinvent the insight & strategy agency experience, using automated AI solutions to transform brand strategy.

The team was led by co-managing partner Charlie Leveque and managing associate Katerina Capras with support from associates Suzie Hamilton and Julia Routledge, who advised on all corporate matters relating to the deal. Partner David Scott advised on tax and managing associate Zoey Forbes advised on intellectual property.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, ONE Strategy Studio founder Jonathan Williams commented:

“Going through a transaction is one of the hardest challenges in the start-up journey. Charlie, Katerina, Zoey and Julia from Harbottle and Lewis were the perfect partners to help us navigate the strange and complex world of legal negotiations and doing so with amazing pace, patience and resilience. When things get tough (and they will!) this is the team you want by your side and fighting your corner. We have partnered on multiple transactions, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone in the agency space looking to do the same.”

Charlie Leveque added:

“It has been a privilege to work with Jonathan and John. They are visionary founders who are harnessing the transformative power of AI to turbo-charge the growth of a state-of-the-art brand strategy and intelligence business. They have set a new benchmark for innovation in the industry, and we are looking forward to seeing ONE Strategy Studio achieve continued success as part of Radius.”

We advise on a broad range of corporate and corporate finance transactions including investments, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and private equity transactions. Learn more about our corporate practice here.

With special thanks to ONE Strategy Studio for the team’s “manga warrior heroes”, pictured below.

How blended families can avoid an inheritance argument

Posted on by Julia Krol

Charles Lloyd’s insights into the emotional and legal challenges of inheritance disputes in blended families have been featured in the Financial Times.

In the article, Charles discusses how the absence of the deceased in probate disputes can intensify tensions and lead to conflicting narratives, often making litigation “vitriolic.” Charles highlights the value of clear estate planning and communication to aid in avoiding litigation.

The full article is available here to those with a subscription.

Harbottle & Lewis advises on sale of 4fores to Phenna Group

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised on the sale of 4fores, a specialist in electrical optimisation for the renewable energy sector, on its sale to Phenna Group.

Founded in 2010 as a spin-out from the University of Zaragoza, 4fores provides testing, measurement and grid integration solutions for renewable energy systems, operating across 14 countries globally.

The transaction was handled on the sell-side by partner Ed Lane and associate David Jones, with local law support from ECIJA.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, founder and CEO of 4fores Diego López Andía commented:

“Harbottle & Lewis provided outstanding legal support throughout the transaction. Their commercial approach, responsiveness and deep experience in cross-border M&A were key to navigating a complex process efficiently and getting the deal successfully to completion.”

Ed Lane, partner at Harbottle & Lewis, noted:

“It was a pleasure to support Diego on this milestone transaction and we look forward to seeing 4fores’ continued success under the Phenna banner.”

Join the Indie Games Collective

Posted on by Anna Weeden

Today we launch the Harbottle & Lewis Indie Games Collective – a mentorship programme which will offer legal guidance to early-stage games businesses, to help them navigate in their next steps in the industry.

The 12-month programme will include expert-led training sessions on key topics like incorporation, fundraising and access to finance, key commercial contracts, IP and regulation; and access to a free legal helpdesk for all members throughout the programme period.

Members will be invited to attend networking events, where they can connect and share insights with others in the industry.

The programme is completely free, but spaces will be limited and filled from a pool of applicants.

If you are an early-stage games business looking for some guidance and support, and would like to take part, please apply below by Friday 23 January.

Register for the Collective

View a list of FAQs here and read the full programme terms here.

Harbottle & Lewis advises Super Media Group on its acquisition of Bulkhead and investment from Everplay and HIRO Capital

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised Super Media Group on its acquisition of Derby-based video games developer, Bulkhead, and on its investment from Everplay Group plc and HIRO Capital.

Founded in 2014 and best known for Battalion 1944, Bulkhead was acquired from global technology business Tencent by a consortium comprising Super Media Group, Everplay and HIRO Capital. Super Media Group also signed a strategic partnership with Everplay, which will see collaboration on future titles, including new IP WARDOGS and further development of the popular Hell Let Loose franchise.

The team was led by partner Ed Lane, with support from managing associate Katerina Capras, associate Jake Jacobson and trainee solicitor Jacob Eardley, who advised on all corporate matters relating to the deal. The commercial and publishing aspects of the deal were led by partner and co-head of interactive entertainment Kostyantyn Lobov with support from associate Sophie Lewis. Partner David Scott advised on tax.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer commented:

“Harbottle & Lewis were exceptional throughout the process. This was a complex, multi-party transaction and the team worked tirelessly, often outside normal hours, to get the deal done. Ed and the wider team handled our business as if it were their own, combining deep attention to detail with a clear understanding of the commercial realities, which made a genuine difference in delivering the outcome we wanted.”

Ed Lane added:

“It was a real pleasure advising Super Media Group on this huge milestone; a complex and layered transaction that really demonstrated the strength and depth of our market-leading corporate and games practices. I look forward to seeing what they do next!”

We have been fully immersed in the interactive entertainment sector since its inception and are recognised as leaders in the sector. We specialise in corporate financing and transactions within the games industry, advising on investment, fundraising, tax credits, M&A, and rights exploitation. Learn more about our interactive entertainment practice here.

Divorce and financial claims: What foreign Premier League players need to know

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

The Premier League attracts the best footballing talent from across the world, but the family law pitfalls to which footballers are exposed by virtue of living and working in this jurisdiction are often overlooked.

In an article published by LawInSport, associate Matthew Hodgson explains why understanding the legal landscape in England and Wales is essential for players and their advisers upon them making their move. The principles of family law in this jurisdiction give courts wide-ranging powers and can apply to footballers who arrive here in a relatively short amount of time. The article covers:

  • How long does a player have to be here before a claim can arise?
  • What do players and their advisors need to know?
  • The different types of claims
    • Schedule 1 claims
    • The treatment of pre-nuptial agreements
    • Part III claims
  • What can incoming players do to protect themselves?

Those with a subscription can read the full article on the LawInSport website here.

LawInSport is a sports law knowledge hub and global community that provides expert analysis and commentary on the latest legal developments in sport. It collaborates with a community of over 30,000 lawyers, sports executives, sports administrators, athletes, coaches, academics and students, and their organisations, to share knowledge and grow understanding of law in sport.