Lewis Silkin — England

Abigail Wise

I am a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and advise a wide variety of clients on all aspects of UK and international trade mark law and practice. With over 18 years experience both in private practice and in-house, I regularly provide strategic IP advice to clients for the protection and enforcement of trade mark portfolios worldwide. I have substantial experience with portfolio management, oppositions, invalidation and revocation actions, infringement and passing off, taking into account appropriate commercial considerations. I also have advocacy experience in inter partes and ex parte Hearings before the UKIPO. I have acted for clients across a wide range of sectors such as automotive, life sciences, financial and technology industries, retail & consumer goods and have a particular focus on advertising & marketing and sports, media & entertainment. I sit on CITMA's Education, Qualification and Standards committee which assists with the development and requirements for individuals to become qualified Trade Mark Attorneys. I am the editor of our Trade Marks Round-Up publication which looks at recent cases in the UK and EU and the impact the decisions may have on our clients. I have been recognised as a key lawyer in the Legal 500 and WTR 1000 rankings. · Intellectual Property

Adam Glass

I am a disputes lawyer and for over 30 years I have been helping businesses and individuals solve their civil and criminal legal problems. I draw on a broad range of experience which includes previous roles as a criminal barrister and in-house lawyer. I advise on a wide range of commercial civil litigation with particular expertise in media and intellectual property disputes, and in matters where clients may find themselves being prosecuted by enforcement agencies or regulators in the criminal courts, such as business crime, health & safety prosecutions, and competition cases. · Litigation

Ailsa Morris

I have over twenty years of experience advising clients on employment law – all of it at Lewis Silkin! I spent many years in our award-winning employment team advising on all aspects of employment law. In recent years, I have devoted my time to our Rockhopper service, focusing on employment tribunal litigation. As a Partner, I now split my time between supporting in the management of Rockhopper and continuing at the coalface of tribunal work. I continue to enjoy building long-standing relationships with clients and working together to get great results. · Employment

Alan Hunt

I have worked for brands and businesses at the forefront of creativity and innovation for over a decade. Having grown up in Australia, I bring a healthy dose of Aussie spirit to my work and a passion for all that London and the UK bring to the global stage. I specialise in the drafting and negotiation of commercial, route to market, e-commerce and technology deals, and the development, protection and exploitation of intellectual property assets. In 2019, I founded The Collective by Lewis Silkin, our network for creative, innovative, tech and brand-centric businesses – a community of thought-leaders sharing valuable insights on tomorrow's future. I advise clients across a broad range of sectors, but in particular, those in fashion, mobility, technology, retail, media, entertainment and advertising. · Commercial Contracts

Alex Kelham

Sport is at the heart of my work (and my life!). I'm known as a leading sports lawyer, focusing on the exploitation of commercial and IP rights but I also work across media, technology and advertising, My 'sweet spot' is where these intersect with sport, for example negotiating sponsorship deals in highly regulated sectors, drafting complex sports tech contracts, and advising on ambush marketing. I'm principally a commercial contracts lawyer, but also provide specialist advertising / media / broadcast regulatory advice. I was once an elite athlete and bring that energy and focus to my legal work – I'm commercially minded and see winning as getting the 'right' outcome based on my client's business objectives. Having spent 7 years in-house at London 2012, I also appreciate the pressures clients are under to get things done! · Sports

Alex Meloy

Legal Director · Consumer Protection

Alexander Milner-Smith

I am Co-Head of Lewis Silkin's Data, Privacy & Cyber Group. I work in three main areas: data, privacy & cyber, general employment law, and sports law. I advise some of the world's leading companies on the adoption of global privacy strategies and on the full range of data protection / privacy issues including: data protection & privacy audits; data subject rights requests management; dealing with data breaches and cyber security incidents; extra-EEA / UK data transfers; advising generally on data privacy policies & notices; handling Information Commissioner's Office, and other regulatory queries or investigations; marketing & cookie issues; and, advising both deployers and providers/developers on all things artificial intelligence related. I hold the CIPP/E data protection & privacy accreditation from the IAPP and have spoken all over the world on data protection & privacy issues. I am also the Expert Chair for the Ius Laboris Data Privacy group. I deal with all general day-to-day employment queries and have significant expertise in advising on the practical implications of TUPE and on large scale redundancy/dismissal procedures. I am regularly instructed to act for clients in relation to Employment Tribunal and High Court claims. I am also regularly engaged on investigations (both open and legally privileged) for clients about a variety of different issues. I am part of the Lewis Silkin Sports Group and have a varied practice encompassing many different areas of sports law (with a specialism in data & privacy and employment sports law). · Data Protection & Privacy

Amy Earnshaw

I am an Associate in the Dispute Resolution team, specialising in intellectual property and media disputes. I advise clients on contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters, in particular in relation to copyright, trade marks, design rights, and passing off. In addition, I assist clients with a variety of media matters, including defamation and harassment. I typically advise clients across a various sectors, in particulars media & entertainment, fashion, retail & hospitality. I am also a member of our Education and Social Mobility group, and co-led the firm's World Book Day book donation scheme. · Dispute Resolution

Andrew Osborne

I am the Head of our Immigration practice and joined the firm fifteen years ago. I have practiced exclusively in the field of immigration law since 1997 and advise across the full range of business and personal immigration categories. I have been heavily involved in lobbying Government on behalf of clients for changes to the immigration system over recent years and have significant senior level contacts at the Home Office. I am named by both the Legal 500 and Chambers as a noted practitioner in my field. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and American Studies awarded by Keele University in 1988 and later studied for an LLB degree. I qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1997 after completing the Legal Practice Course. I am a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association and IBA and am a lecturer on the De Monfort Law School's Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Law. · Immigration

Andrew Wanambwa

I am a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team. My practice focuses on domestic and cross-border litigation and dispute resolution and I have advised on several large-scale disputes. In addition to my London-based work I have acted in litigation and arbitral matters involving emerging markets such as Zimbabwe and Pakistan. I have also worked in Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands. While in Hong Kong I defended a $1.5 billion professional indemnity claim against one of the Big 4 accountancy firms. In the British Virgin Islands I advised on, among other matters, a $600 million economic tort claim involving Russian parties and off-shore corporate entities. I am personally ranked by leading independent legal directories in the UK, Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, in the field of Commercial and Corporate dispute resolution. · Dispute Resolution

Andy Cloughley

I have worked with innovative businesses worldwide for over 25 years, helping them to protect and use their intellectual property. Having run my own business with an international client base before joining Lewis Silkin, I have a drive to provide a first class service to all our clients and love the international element to our work. As well as handling day-to-day prosecution before the EPO and the UKIPO, I enjoy contentious work, including oppositions & appeals at the EPO and litigation in the national courts. I also undertake due diligence and provide strategy advice to clients. My technical areas of work cover a wide variety of electrical and mechanical subject matter including: pumps and compressors; engines and motors; medical devices; consumer electronics and devices; mobile device technology; display devices and touch screens; sensing devices; music synthesisers; electrical circuit design; software; signal, data and image processing and encoding; semiconductors; solid state memories and disk drives; and printers and consumables. I have lectured extensively in the UK, Europe and Japan, covering various aspects of UK and European IP law. · Intellectual Property

Anna Bond

I am a Partner in the Employment team, and advise on the full range of employment law issues. I work with companies across a range of sectors, including professional services, finance, entertainment, construction and travel. I provide pragmatic and commercial advice on day-to-day employment queries. My practice includes advising on matters such as grievances and disciplinaries, dismissals, restructures and collective consultations, TUPE transfers and contract and policy reviews. I particularly enjoy working closely with clients to help them find the right commercial approach for their business. I also advise employees, and my recent work includes representing clients in discrimination and whistleblowing matters as well as advising on terms of employment and negotiated exits. I have extensive experience in litigation and day-to-day advisory matters, and advise clients in English, Spanish and Italian. · Employment

Anna Sella

I have advised (and negotiated on behalf of) clients on a wide range of employment law issues for over 10 years. I also frequently undertake investigations. I work with large multinationals as well as smaller companies and individuals in a variety of sectors including retail, law, manufacturing, media and technology. I have a particular interest in and knowledge of disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments, TUPE transfers, pensions automatic enrolment and holiday pay matters. Alongside regular handling of Employment Tribunal claims, I provide strategic advice with a focus on practical solutions that achieve my clients' goals. I am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) and, separately, volunteer my time pro bono or as a reading mentor when I can. · Employment

Ashi Amershi

Partner · Corporate / M&A

Barnaby Stokes

I trained at Lewis Silkin and have been working for creative and innovative businesses for more than a decade. I am a corporate lawyer and deal with most stages in the lifecycle of a private limited company including equity and debt investment, joint ventures, asset acquisitions and disposals, share acquisitions and disposals, day-to-day corporate governance, and director and shareholder disputes. I advise clients across a broad range of sectors but have particular experience in advertising and media & entertainment. · Corporate / M&A

Benjamin Favaro

Partner · Data Protection & Privacy

Benjamin Smith

I am an experienced disputes practitioner advising on all aspects of commercial and civil dispute resolution. My practice spans litigation and arbitration on complex national, cross-border, and multijurisdictional disputes. I support a wide range of clients across a broad spectrum of sectors, consistently guiding industry leading stakeholders and organisations to the resolution of their most sensitive issues. My work has been described as "tireless" and "fantastic." My experience is complemented by two in-house secondments at Sky UK (Litigation and Anti-Piracy) and Tesco (Product Legal), giving me a true understanding of the client's perspective which I use to tailor advice and strategy. It also means I empathise with how tough my client's role is, especially when it comes to contentious matters. I am also the founder of the Rising Lawyers' Society (a network for junior in-house lawyers) and a committee member of the Junior Division of the London Solicitors Litigation Association (the professional association for litigators in the UK and abroad) - do reach out if you are interested in either. I was shortlisted for the 2023 "Rising Star of the Year" by the Access Legal Modern Law Awards. · Dispute Resolution

Brian Kilcoyne

I have been advising on property disputes for 35 years, have been a partner at LS for 20 years and Head of Property for the last 5 years. As a trusted adviser, I use my experience to steer clients through and around the complexities of property law and, if a dispute is unavoidable, to deliver the best result possible. I advise all types of client (from corporates to HNWIs) on all areas of property ligation (from L&T to development disputes to professional negligence) and on disputes in all forums: courts, tribunals, arbitration/expert determination and ADR (inc. mediation). As practice Head, I aim to ensure that we deliver a timely, results-oriented and cost-sensitive service to our valued clients on all jobs (from bet-the-farm projects to vanilla transactions to advisory work). · Real Estate

Brinsley Dresden

I am a specialist in advertising and marketing law and regulation, supporting both brand owners and marketing services agencies across a broad spectrum of legal and regulatory issues. I am fortunate that my practice has introduced me to many big personalities in the advertising industry, including some of the leading "Mad Men" (and Mad Women) of today. I've helped brand owner clients to find creative solutions across many sectors, including health and beauty, cosmetics, automotive, alcohol, aviation, electronics, financial services and FMCG. As well as being Co-Head of our Advertising & Marketing Sector group, I am also on the Executive Committee of the Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance ("GALA"), with Lewis Silkin as the sole UK member. Through GALA, I help clients by accessing the best advertising lawyers worldwide. · Advertising & Marketing

Bryn Doyle

Partner · Labour & Employment

Bryony Long

I am Co-Head of our Data, Privacy & Cyber group. I work in three main areas: data, privacy & cyber; technology & AI; and consumer & commercial. Although my main area of focus is data, privacy & cyber, I have a commercial & consumer and technology background so regularly advise clients across all three practice areas. From a data, privacy & cyber perspective, I have advised a number of high profile clients on a range of complex data protection issues particularly around data collection and commercial exploitation and corporate governance. I also have also been involved in a number of high profile data regulatory investigations for large multi-national clients as well as advised on various data breaches. I hold the IAPP CIPP/E data protection / privacy accreditation and have spoken at a number of events on data, privacy & cyber issues. From a commercial, technology and consumer perspective, I have a wealth of experience advising clients on both demand and supply side on a range of commercial agreements including supply of goods / services, software licensing & distribution, cloud services, agency and distribution, franchising, warehousing and logistics, sponsorship and ticketing, client / agency, media buying and confidentiality. I have also advised on e-commerce compliance and general consumer law issues and have been involved in a number of consumer regulatory investigations acting on behalf of well-known retailers. My particular areas of specialism are retail and adtech and I am part of our retail and advertising & marketing groups. · Data, Privacy & Cyber

Carla Watling

I specialise in litigation involving employee competition and advising businesses on the supply of labour and recruitment regulation. My recruitment background gives me a commercial edge when advising clients and litigating on their behalf. My work in commercial employment litigation involves issues relating to restrictive covenant disputes, managing the departure of executives or LLP members (individually or in a team), recruiting from competitors, and protecting confidential information and trade secrets during and post-employment. I also advise a range of clients throughout the staffing industry on employment and HR matters as well as compliance with statutory regulation including the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003. · Employment

Carly Mather

I am a Partner in the Employment team, based in our Manchester office. I advise on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law, but I have a particular focus on business restructures, change programmes and collective employment issues. I act for a number of unionised clients and advise on industrial relations issues such as trade union recognition, collective bargaining, access rights and actual and threatened industrial action. I work with clients across a range of sectors including, retail, media, manufacturing, and transport. I use the experience gained during several client secondments to provide straight forward, pragmatic and commercially focused advice. I understand the demands and complexities of being 'client side' and the need for concise, solutions focused advice. · Employment

Carolyn Soakell

I have more than 20 years' experience as a specialist employment practitioner advising employers on the full spectrum of employment law matters. I work with clients ranging from City law firms to charities, via the manufacturing and engineering sectors. I have a particular specialism in discrimination and equal opportunities issues and regularly advise employers on matters such as discrimination grievances, harassment complaints, and complex and high value Employment Tribunal claims. For many years, a significant part of my practice has been advising law firms on their own internal HR and partnership issues and related SRA regulatory matters. I lead the firm's Law Firms group in the delivery of targeted and strategically focussed advice to the legal sector. · Employment

Charlotte Morgan

I work in a dual role as a Managing Knowledge Lawyer and a Senior Lawyer in our rockhopper team. Prior to this I was a Managing Associate in the employment team, having qualified into the team over a decade ago. As Managing Knowledge Lawyer, I work in a team of specialist lawyers, keeping colleagues and clients up to date on the latest and upcoming developments to employment law and policy. My role includes providing internal training, supporting with technical legal queries, writing and editing articles and supporting with podcast content and production I have a particular interest in TUPE and have experience advising employers throughout corporate transactions and outsourcings. This focus has continued in my knowledge role, where I regularly provide TUPE updates to the employment team, maintain know-how documents and have supported in responding to government consultations Recent areas of focus in my work have been on neurodiversity, zero hours contracts, holiday pay and the right to disconnect. I have previously been on secondment to both a US bank, working in the EMEA employment legal team, and to an international law firm, working in the HR team. · Employment

Chris Hallinan

I am joint Head of the LLPs & Partnerships Group and a Partner in the firm's Corporate practice group. I have specialised in advising professional services firms (notably legal, accountancy and IP practices) and other businesses structured as LLPs or partnerships (including hedge funds, private equity houses and investment managers) for over ten years. My expertise extends across non-contentious, contentious and regulatory (particularly SRA) issues. My core practice is focused on working closely with senior management at UK and international professional services firms, finance firms and other owner-led / people businesses, on a broad range of issues, including strategic transactions and projects, governance and constitutional arrangements, UK and international structuring and regulatory issues, commercial agreements, funding arrangements and partner matters (including profit sharing, performance management, negotiated and contentious partner exits, restrictive covenants and other business protection issues). I am ranked in Chambers and Legal 500 for partnership work. I am described in Chambers as 'a master of the detail', being 'excellent' and 'greatly valued by clients for indispensable work' and having 'brilliant legal gravitas', and described in Legal 500 as 'particularly valued' for my 'skills in drafting and structuring partnership and LLP arrangements' and 'making complex matters straightforward'. · Corporate / M&A

Cliff Fluet

I have over 25 years' experience in advising clients on digital media, brand entertainment, technology, and innovation, leading the firm's Media & Entertainment group. Prior to joining Lewis Silkin in 2006, I spent several years at Warner Music and then Capital (now Global) Radio. I sit on our Management Board responsible for innovation. I am passionate about supporting the creative community and the next generation of talent, and am Vice Chair of the Help Musicians and Chair of Music Minds Matter. In addition to my legal practice, I am the founder and Managing Director of Eleven Advisory, a strategic and commercial advisory firm for media companies in music, sport, film, and entertainment. I help clients navigate the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and immersive entertainment. · Media & Entertainment

Clive Greenwood

I have worked in commercial litigation and dispute resolution for a range of national and international businesses for over 35 years and specialised in contentious LLP and partnership matters for 20 years. I advise senior management teams, CEOs and business owners on the investigation and resolution of governance, conduct and regulatory issues, and on high value and complex disputes with third parties arising from commercial business relationships. While the majority of my clients are organisations providing financial and professional services, I have a broad client base including high net worth individuals and business operating in advertising, marketing, retail, hospitality, technology and sport sectors. I have many years' experience resolving disputes though negotiation, mediation, High Court litigation in England and international and domestic arbitrations under the rules of various arbitral institutions. · Litigation

Colin Leckey

If it involves your people, I can help. I specialise in employment law and have been a Partner at Lewis Silkin since April 2012, before that spending more than a decade at another major law firm. I work with clients across all industry sectors, with a particular focus on technology, professional services and financial services. I also work occasionally for senior executives and partners. My client base contains many large UK and international employers. I act for them on UK employment litigation, the full range of HR and employment advisory matters, and domestic and cross-border projects such as restructurings, compliance issues, acquisitions and outsourcings. I speak and write regularly on a wide range of employment law issues, from the national media to our own insight pieces. I co-organise and speak at our annual Managing an International Workforce conference, and our regular in-house Employment Lawyers Community events. I am also a host of our coffee break podcast. · Employment

David Deakin

I provide a hybrid ad hoc business as usual legal / outsourced GC model, mainly to early and growth phase companies. Blending the best of my in-house and industry experience, with flexible partner level legal advice, I help businesses get their model going and deals negotiated - delivering sophisticated, integrated, commercial solutions and support. With 20+ years experience as a legal and commercial affairs adviser, I have a specialist focus on digital and social media, technology, interactive, content, publishing and marketing businesses. As a commercial and IP lawyer I cover the spectrum of commercial, contractual, IP, rights, marketing, consumer, data privacy and regulatory issues. My legal expertise in digital and tech is enhanced by excellent commercial and operational experience gained through over 12 years as an in-house lawyer, including as Head of Legal for Digital and Technology at BBC Worldwide Limited. · Intellectual Property

David Hopper

I advise on industrial relations and collective employment law as a Solicitor admitted in England & Wales, Hong Kong (non-practising) and Ireland. My practice involves a mix of advisory and contentious work, with my contentious experience including me acting in cases at all levels up to the UK Supreme Court. · Employment

David Lorimer

Partner · Employment

David Regan

I am a Partner in the Employment team, based in the London office, with a proven track record advising on both UK and international employment matters. I joined Lewis Silkin from a global firm and bring extensive contentious and non-contentious experience across all types of litigation (including on matters before the Employment Tribunals and High Court); strategic advice on issues ranging from global restructurings and industrial relations concerns to outsourcing and shared services implementation; together with broad experience of providing employment law support on both UK and cross-border corporate and commercial matters (both buy- and sell-side). I have long-standing expertise advising on the employment-related aspects of cross-border and global mobility issues, being a trusted advisor on global matters for a variety of clients ranging from publicly listed global entities, leading tech and fintech brands and advertising and marketing communications groups. I also provide strategic advice to startups and senior individuals across a range of sectors. I bring experience in relation to workplace mental health and neurodiversity matters, and frequently deliver training on the legal and non-legal aspects and benefits of managing employees' mental health and supporting neurodiverse employees, as well advising clients on the employment implications of AI. · Employment

David Ritchie

I have 13 years' experience in immigration law, with a diverse practice covering personal and business immigration matters and specialising in complex legal issues arising in both areas. In the business immigration law context, my practice focuses on compliance issues, including the immigration implications of corporate transactions and M&A activity, and challenging Home Office decisions to suspend or revoke sponsor licences and issue civil penalties for illegal working. In the personal immigration context, I specialise in applications that rely on the exercise of discretion due to a failure to meet all the requirements or historic breaches of the immigration rules. I have successfully challenged adverse decisions by way of administrative review, tribunal appeals and judicial review, often securing withdrawal and reconsideration from the Home Office before reaching the full hearing stage. I work with clients across a broad range of sectors, with a particular focus on professional services, technology and health & care. I am a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association. · Immigration

David Samuels

I am a Partner in our market-leading Employment litigation practice. I help businesses and senior executives to navigate complex issues of employment and partnership law. I have a particular interest in advising on disputes involving team moves, breaches of contract, misuse of confidential information and restrictive covenants, and I frequently act in the High Court and through Arbitration. I have significant experience in advising clients in the financial services, technology and built-environment sectors. I also work with multinational companies to meet their day-to-day employment law needs and have considerable experience in managing and delivering strategic and commercial advice to organisations dealing with multi-jurisdictional issues. I speak regularly at seminars and training events for clients and other lawyers. I am also frequently asked to comment on employment law issues by news media and have have done so on the Today Programme, BBC News, ITV News, talkRadio, CNN and in the Financial Times. · Employment

David Willbe

I work with startups and investors at every stage of the corporate finance cycle, from early rounds through to exit. I'm a tech early adopter and tinkerer outside of work so getting fully stuck into the UK's startup scene as part of my day job is a perfect match for me. My clients cover a wide spread of the UK tech sector, from hardware and life sciences to fintech, martech, and game development. I'm a regular speaker at startup events, breaking down legal pitfalls for startups on everything from investment rounds to co-founder relationships and exit sales. I am co-head our Technology sector group, and am one of the leaders of our Startup initiative, providing user-friendly advice to startups across the full scope of services that Lewis Silkin has to offer. · Corporate / M&A

Duran Ross

I am an experienced commercial disputes practitioner specialising in resolving complex multinational and domestic disputes across a range of forums including litigation principally in the High Court as well as arbitration before various bodies including the LCIA and the ICC. I am also experienced in pursuing actions under the Arbitration Act 1996 including challenges relating to alleged irregularity in the conduct of arbitral proceedings. I act for a wide range of clients including multinational companies, HNW individuals and family offices, senior company directors and other office holders, insolvency practitioners, sports clubs and brands, and technology companies. I have acted in disputes across a range of sectors including technology, sports, media, healthcare, finance and property. Whilst my experience is wide-ranging, I retain a particular specialism and interest in technology, sports and insolvency disputes. As a Solicitor-Advocate, I am able to take on the advocacy role in appropriate cases. I have been ranked in the Legal Directories since 2021 including current rankings as a "Future Leader" in WhosWhoLegal (Commercial Litigation), a "Rising Star" in the Legal 500 (Commercial Litigation, Premium) and as "Up and Coming" for Commercial and Corporate Litigation in Chambers UK. I am the Chair of the London Legal Jewish Network in addition to being a member of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA). I am also an active member of the London Solicitor Litigation Association (LSLA) and Insolvency Practitioners Association. · Commercial Litigation

Ed Gregory

Senior Lawyer (rockhopper) · Employment

Eleanor Diamond

Senior Associate · Employment

Elizabeth Burton

I advise clients on advertising matters, consumer law and a variety of commercial contracts. Having had various in-house roles prior to joining Lewis Silkin and having been recently seconded to a luxury fashion house, I aim to provide practical advice that can be easily relayed or implemented. I advise clients across a broad range of sectors, but with a focus on retail, advertising, technology and online platforms. Outside of work, I have two young daughters who keep me busy (and hooked on caffeine). · Advertising

Erika Coccia

I advise clients on trade mark, design and copyright protection globally. I represent clients in trade mark oppositions, invalidity and revocation actions before the UK IPO, the EU IPO and routinely handle multi-jurisdictional trade mark registry proceedings. My areas of specialism include gathering industry-specific evidence, carrying out IP investigations, drafting pleadings and witness statements, as well as negotiating global co-existence and settlement agreements. I have gained extensive experience in trade mark clearance search projects, worldwide trade mark watching services, trade mark portfolio management and enforcement. · Intellectual Property

Frances Simm

I advise national and international businesses on a broad range of commercial disputes with a particular focus on those in the professional services sector. I work closely with clients to develop strategies to resolve disputes quickly and effectively. I support businesses, directors and shareholders on a range of complex contract disputes including claims arising out of corporate transactions and relating to conduct issues such as breach of fiduciary duties. I also frequently advise clients in relation to claims concerning allegations of professional negligence and misrepresentation. I advise a variety of businesses and individuals in different sectors on contentious matters arising in relation to limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and limited partnerships (LPs). · Dispute Resolution

Francesca Ainsworth

I have been working with businesses, and their founders and shareholders, in the creative and digital sectors for more than a decade. London is my home but a piece of my heart is still in the Peak District, and so I'm passionate about the creative and entrepreneurial talent that drives the UK economy across the country. I advise clients through corporate milestones (early stages, shareholder exits, fundraising, incentives, restructuring and private M&A). I have more than a decade of experience across transactional and advisory work. I work with businesses across a broad range of sectors, but have particular expertise in interactive entertainment, advertising and marketing, publishing and retail. I am also a core team member behind The Collective by Lewis Silkin – our thought leadership offering for creative, innovative, tech and brand-centric businesses to prepare and adapt to the ever-changing business environment. We are at the forefront of thought leadership for our clients. Promoting gender equality and diversity more broadly is another focus of mine. I am a member of our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion group and was formerly the ExCo member for our Gender Group. I have also previously been a member of Bloom, a network for women in communications, and a mentor through the network. · Corporate / M&A

Fraser McKeating

I am a Managing Associate in our Dispute Resolution practice and specialise in corporate and commercial disputes, with a focus on disputes in the technology, media and retail sectors. I regularly act on high value and complex commercial litigation, often with an international dimension. I provide clients with strategic advice to resolve disputes and to get cost-effective results. I have extensive experience of litigation and arbitration from the pre-action stage through to trial, including urgent injunctions, appeals, mediation and settlement negotiations. I am a member of the Society for Computers and Law, the Tech Disputes Network, the London Solicitor Litigation Association and the Commercial Litigation Association. I am also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. · Dispute Resolution

Fraser Mitchell

I am a Partner in the Dispute Resolution Team. I have experience acting in a range of complex cross-border disputes for a variety of clients. I act in all matters before the English Court but also have extensive experience in matters before arbitration. I am an expert in commercial disputes with particular experience acting in significant, high-value international fraud investigations and disputes. My cases are typically high-stakes and often involve obtaining or resisting interim relief and I regularly advise on freezing orders and non party disclosures. I also act in insolvency litigation and shareholder disputes. I act for a wide range of clients including companies, family offices, funds, directors, office holders, individuals and states. I have particular sector expertise acting in disputes concerning natural resources including commodities, metals & mining, oil and gas. I am regularly ranked in the legal directories including the Legal 500 and Who's Who Legal. Prior to joining Lewis Silkin, I worked in the London office of an AM Law 200 firm. I am also qualified in the British Virgin Islands having spent three years as a solicitor advocate in the jurisdiction appearing in some of the largest cases in the Commercial Court at the time. · Dispute Resolution

Gavin McNaughton

I act for companies, shareholders and management teams on a wide range of corporate transactions, specialising in UK and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, joint ventures and debt finance transactions. I also act for startups and founders on all aspects of starting and growing a business in the UK including advising on shareholders' agreements, equity investments and raising debt finance. While I advise clients across a broad range of industries, I have particular expertise in acting for businesses in the tech, media & entertainment and sports sectors. Clients value my pragmatic, creative and solution-focussed advice on complex legal and commercial issues. · Corporate / M&A

Gemma Finlayson

I am a Legal Director in our employment team. I joined Lewis Silkin in 2024, as part of the firm's Leeds office where my cockapoo, Bailey, frequently visits. I have extensive experience in providing strategic commercial advice across all areas of contentious and non-contentious employment law. I work with household brand name clients in retail, hospitality, financial services and healthcare, alongside SMEs in the automotive, technology and insurance sectors. My expertise includes managing large-scale transformation and redundancy programmes; navigating multifaceted disciplinary, grievance and absence issues; defending complex and potentially reputation-damaging tribunal claims; and helping businesses negotiate sensitive senior executive terminations and appointments. · Employment

Gemma Jones

I am a commercial lawyer with a passion for working with brand centric businesses, creatives and IP rich businesses. I help my clients to bring their projects to life in an ever-evolving and complex legal landscape. I specialise in drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts, with a particular focus on the development, protection and exploitation of intellectual property and the associated rights. I work for a variety of clients in a range of sectors with a focus across advertising & marketing, media & entertainment, AI and technology, franchising, supply and distribution. · Commercial

Gemma Woodhead

Partner · Employment

Gemma Woodhead

I am a Partner in the Employment team. I joined Lewis Silkin after having spent 12 years working in-house for Warner Bros. and, since being at Lewis Silkin, have undertaken a secondment with Epic Games. I pride myself on forming strong relationships with my clients and working with them as a business partner. Having worked extensively in-house, I understand the importance of being able to balance legal risk with a business' goals, and I work closely with my clients to provide clear and practical commercial and strategic advice. I'm a believer in dealing with issues at an early stage before they escalate and I'm always happy to talk through an issue with a client however small it may seem. I advise on the full range of employment law issues and have considerable international experience. I have worked across various sectors but, particularly, have extensive experience in Games and Media. My expertise includes advising on large-scale, cross-border international projects such as restructures, navigating complex disciplinary and grievances issues, managing dismissals, including sensitive senior exits, and conducting and managing workplace investigations. · Employment

Geraint Lloyd-Taylor

I'm Co-Head of our Advertising & Marketing group, and Head of our Regulatory group. I advise on a range of legal and regulatory issues, with a focus on consumer regulations such as the DMCC Act. I also advise clients on all kinds of brand-led content, including advertising & marketing campaigns, social media and PR. I am named as a 'stand out' lawyer by Thomson Reuters, and ranked as a Leading Partner for Advertising & Marketing by Legal 500. · Advertising & Marketing

Hannah Price

I advise multinational and UK employers on all aspects of UK and Irish employment law. My clients are mainly from the technology, healthcare and financial and professional services sectors. I helped establish our Dublin office in 2018 and I work closely with colleagues in Dublin and Belfast to provide clients with employment law support across the whole of the UK and the island of Ireland. My practice is often international in its scope, and I regularly advise on the employment law aspects of global acquisitions and multi-jurisdictional restructures. My international retainers enable clients to access expert employment law advice in all of the countries in which they operate. I have also been recognised for many years as a leader in the field of employment law by the main legal directories. · Employment

Helen Adams

I have nearly 15 years' experience advising clients on all matters related to employment - from the hiring of senior individuals and the management of performance, capability and disciplinary issues to negotiated exits and the defence of litigation. I carry out investigations into sensitive and high-stake workplace issues and oversee large-scale 'change projects'. I act for clients operating in a variety of industries, including professional services, retail and luxury brands, transport and infrastructure and facilities management. I have particular interest and experience in advising clients operating in the financial services sector. I am a 'people person'. For me, the best bit of my job is working with a varied and impressive bunch of people - both colleagues and clients. I am a geek at heart and love tackling a knotty legal issue. However, I appreciate the importance of providing advice that is easy to follow and sensitive to wider business needs - including relationships with regulators and other stakeholders. I try to ensure that the law, so far as possible, helps rather than hinders my client's objectives. Sustainability is an issue about which I care very much. I am proud to work for a firm that shares my aim to tread lightly on our Earth. I sit on the Management Committee of the Employment Lawyers Association and I chair independent review panels for school exclusions for my local council. · Employment

JJ Shaw

I specialise in matters across the sport, media & entertainment and technology sectors. Whether it's navigating high-profile sports sponsorships, advising on cutting-edge media rights deals, or diving into the complexities of emerging technologies like Generative AI and Web 3.0, I work with clients to negotiate complex commercial contracts and commercialise rights in these dynamic sectors. I'm particularly passionate about the convergence of sport, media and technology and enjoy working at the intersect of these areas. My expertise involves advising on 'IP-rich' issues and delivering specialist regulatory advice to protect my clients and maximise the value of their commercial deals. I was selected as a Sport Industry Next Gen Leader 2022 (30 under 30). I hold the BIIAB Level 2 Award For Licensing Practitioners (Gambling). · Sport

Jade MacIntyre

I am a Partner in the firm's IP team and a specialist in brand protection and strategy with nearly 20 years' experience working with major brands and international organisations. I regularly advise on matters including trade mark selection, clearance searches, enforcement (including anti-counterfeiting, oppositions and revocations, passing off and domain name disputes) and various associated agreements (including licenses, assignments and co-existence). I've represented clients before the UKIPO, High Court, General Court and the EUIPO, and have coordinated matters before various intellectual property offices around the world. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry, I have a particular interest in the life sciences sector, while my broader client experience spans a wide variety of sectors and industries, including advertising and media, entertainment, technology consumer goods, financial services, hospitality, manufacturing and telecommunications. · Intellectual Property

James Davies

Co-founding the Employment practice at Lewis Silkin in 1992, I have seen it grow from two lawyers (Michael Burd and myself) to nearly two hundred workplace lawyers today. I enjoy a global practice whether working with colleagues at other Lewis Silkin offices or colleagues at Ius Laboris, the international alliance we joined in 2001. I have a particular interest in the future of work and the use of AI in the workplace. Benefitting from having run the employment division of the firm for many years, my work today includes advising other professional services firms on people strategy and issues. · Employment

James Gill

I have the privilege of Co-Heading our brilliant Digital, Commerce and Creative team! Our team focus is on those businesses who are at the intersection of technology, science and the creative world. I work with brands and large corporates on their technology, commercial, consumer, regulatory, IP and data needs, providing transactional support, strategic advice, and thought leadership. My clients span a range of sectors, including those in technology, retail, luxury brands, financial services, advanced manufacturing and supply chain. I specialise in high value and strategic projects, with a focus on three core areas: technology, digital and innovation; consumer goods / services and platforms; and complex commercial contracts. · Technology

James Keogh

In addition to my role as Head of Lewis Silkin's Leeds office, I am a trusted employment law adviser for the HR and in-house legal teams of many well-known businesses with a presence in the UK. Having lived in and around Leeds for most of my life, I pride myself on bringing the friendly Yorkshire spirit and straight-talking nature to my advice style. I specialise in supporting UK and multinational corporate clients on all of their workforce issues, with a particular focus on industrial relations and trade union matters, complex change projects, including large-scale collective consultations, and sensitive investigations. My clients include household name brands across the retail, luxury goods, hospitality, sport and manufacturing sectors. · Employment

James King

I am an Associate in our Digital, Commerce & Creative team. I started my legal career advising on M&A and venture capital transactions predominantly in the technology sector, before moving to become in-house legal counsel at an insurance and technology company. I now provide commercial and strategic legal advice to clients in the creative and innovation industry – in particular media & entertainment, sport and technology companies. · Corporate / M&A

James Storke

I work with employers to provide strategic support with all aspects of employment law. My practice therefore ranges from employment relations matters, redundancies and Employment Tribunal litigation to more specialist areas such as TUPE, discrimination, post-termination restrictions and senior terminations. In addition, I often work with our colleagues in our global alliance, Ius Laboris, obtaining and coordinating advice from other jurisdictions as part of international projects and to advise on Global Mobility issues. I act for employers in a broad range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, financial services, publishing, real estate, retail, professional services, advertising, marketing and PR. · Employment