The firm
Harbottle & Lewis is well-known for its deep roots in the media and entertainment industry, advising clients across a range of matters including sponsorship, private client and defamation. It also advises on TV, film and theatre funding and production issues. Media deals in the sub-£50m bracket remain a theme for the corporate practice. Clients say the firm provides a 'first-class service' and is an 'invaluable asset'.
The star performers
Asset finance and leasing; Brand management; Commercial property; Defamation and privacy; Family; IT and telecoms; Intellectual property; M&A: smaller deals up to £50m; Media and entertainment; Sport; Venture capital.
The deals
Advised EA Sports on its appointment as official sports technology partner of the Barclays Premier League and exclusive video game licence; representing LucasFilm in the first IP case to be referred to the Supreme Court; advised FIFA on brand protection for itself and its partners concerning the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The clients
Chelsea FC; Andy Murray, Cadbury; DreamWorks Studios; Film London; Jamie Cullen; Lowe & Partners; Matthew Pinsent; Mortimer Whittaker O'Sullivan; NBC Universal; Omnifone; Sony Pictures Entertainment; Tom Daley; Universal Music Group; Working Title.
The Verdict
If you are looking for a career in media law then top-tier firm Harbottle & Lewis should already be a familiar name. Known for its 'leading' reputation not only in media law but also sports law, trainees are dazzled by its 'sexy' client list and 'friendly' atmosphere as well as its West End location. The 'high-quality' training at the firm allows for 'more hands-on experience and less miscellaneous bundling' although some trainees would prefer more supervision ('it can feel quite haphazard'). Trainees are also exposed to more client contact and responsibility than peers at other similarly sized firms. As well as the more starry practice areas such as TV, film and theatre, if you bag a training contract here you will get a thorough grounding in core areas of corporate, litigation and property. You may get to go to some 'glitzy' events including 'the British Comedy Awards ceremony and after-party' and 'dinner at Maze followed by drinks at the Ivy after a successful hearing'. Which should help to make up for the decidedly less glitzy offices ('crummy heating and nasty toilets') and the coffee ('horrible'). Other complaints arise from the lack of benefits for trainees and one current trainee would like to see more of a 'firm-wide social ethos'. However, if you are looking to work in a firm with an outstanding reputation and 'very friendly and approachable' people make a beeline for Harbottle & Lewis.