Simkins retains its leading firm status in The Legal 500 UK 2023

Technology, Media and Telecoms: Media and Entertainment (Tier 1)

Retaining its top tier status, "Simkins LLP represents players across a substantial part of the media and entertainment industry. Practice head Euan Lawson is a go-to adviser for issues arising around live events, social media, and taxation of talent. On the contentious side, Paddy Gardiner is a heavy-hitting litigator, particularly in music matters. For their commercially-oriented practice, Ed Baden-Powell and Caroline Copeland come recommended. Jonathan Blair is an expert on film & TV production and has recently advised clients such as Dayout Productions and Stonehouse Productions on the financing, development, and production of several projects. Within the firm's music division, Partner Tom Iverson is a strong litigator and Partner Ed Weidman an expert on the non-contentious aspects of the industry."

Paddy Gardiner, Euan Lawson, and Ed Baden-Powell have been recognised as 'Leading Individuals', and Ed Weidman and Tom Iverson have been recognised as 'Next Generation Partners'. Giao Pacey, Dionne Clark, Nick Eziefula, Caroline Copeland and Jonathan Blair have also been recognised in 'Media and Entertainment' as 'Recommended Lawyers'.

The firm has been praised for its "high standards, good, transparent communication between team members, excellent understanding of the issues, plus a can-do attitude." The lawyers have been described as "experts in their field" and "provide very focused and commercial advice and are responsive to tight deadlines."

Giao Pacey and Tom Iverson have been described as "highly competent, high integrity people", and Dionne Clark "has a bright future ahead of her." Another testimonial commended Paddy Gardiner for being "measured, thoughtful, very clear in his analysis and advice and very pragmatic in his advice. He gets to the heart of the issue quickly."

Nick Eziefula has been described as "knowledgeable and advises to the highest of standards. His advice is always catered for its business recipients and he makes my life as an in-house lawyer that much easier."

Technology, Media and Telecoms: Reputation Management (Tier 2)

"The 'fantastic' reputation management practice at Simkins LLP specialises in pre-broadcast and pre-publication work, as well as takedowns, corrections, and apologies post-publication. Team lead and 'doyen of the media law world' Gideon Benaim represents leading businesses and individuals across the tech, food, and entertainment sectors, advising on a wide range of reputation matters. Jon Oakley specialises in crisis management and reputation protection, regularly acting for high-profile clients in emergency situations, while Tom Iverson takes on data protection, harassment, and breach of confidence matters across multiple jurisdictions. 'High-quality associates' Jessica Welch and Thomas Moore are also recommended."

Gideon Benaim has been recognised as a 'Hall of Fame' lawyer, Tom Iverson has been recognised as a 'Leading Individual', and Jessica Welch has been recognised as a 'Rising Star'. Jon Oakley and Thomas Moore have also been recognised as 'Recommended Lawyers'.

Gideon Benaim has been described as "a doyen of the media law world: hugely experienced, shrewd and an excellent communicator, always attuned to clients’ needs", and Jon Oakley has been called an "extremely talented lawyer and has phenomenal judgment." They have both been called "leaders in their field" and "outstanding". They are supported by "high-quality associates, in particular Jessica Welch and Thomas Moore."

"The Simkins media team are particularly good at high pressure, high profile battles where expertise must be accompanied with a sharp focus on reputational damage."

Technology, Media and Telecoms: Intellectual Property: Trade Marks, Copyright and Design (Tier 6)

"Media and entertainment trade mark and copyright infringement claims are within the purview of Simkins LLP‘s dispute resolution practice, which is led by Paddy Gardiner. Within the team, Jim Dennis is a highly experienced soft IP litigator, having represented clients in infringement and passing off claims before all levels of the court system. The team is well-regarded as ‘knowledgable, easy to deal with and client friendly’, with Caroline Copeland and Stuart Smith also recommended."

Paddy Gardiner, Jim Dennis, Caroline Copeland and Stuart Smith have been recognised as 'Recommended Lawyers'.

Simkins has been described as "first rate, knowledgeable, easy to deal with and client friendly." Another testimonial praised the firm's "great team, clever, personable and commercially astute, thanks to Jim Dennis, Caroline Copeland, and Stuart Smith."

Divorce and Family (Firms to watch)

The firm's divorce and family department has been described as "new and exciting" and is led by Deborah Jeff, "who is a class act and knows her onions."

A link to Simkins' Legal 500 profile can be found here.