Rated by clients as 'true leaders in the field', the team of 'smart experts' at Lewis Silkin advises on the full gamut of matters, including adtech vendor agreements, compliance with social media policies, and obtaining pre-clearance for television advertising. The group represents a diverse client base of brand and media owners, trade bodies, and social media platforms. 'Terrific lawyer' Brinsley Dresden heads the practice alongside the 'amazing' Geraint Lloyd-Taylor. Dresden is 'very knowledgeable' and has vast expertise in the negotiation of celebrity talent contracts and sales promotion campaigns; while Lloyd-Taylor assists numerous advertising agencies and brands with defence against ASA investigations and claims. 'Superstar' Jo Farmer is a 'terrific negotiator' who maintains an IP focused practice, frequently handling content creation issues for voiceover artists and talent.

Osborne Clarke LLP houses a ‘highly skilled‘ team, which exhibits ‘deep knowledge‘ of the full gamut of advertising and marketing issues. The group assists a varied client base consisting of ad agencies, advertisers, and media owners on a range of issues, including adtech, the use of AI within content, and brand endorsement. In addition to handling M&A and investment matters for ad agencies, the team frequently assists clients with the negotiation of sponsorship arrangements, and NFT related problems. Ashley Hurst jointly heads the practice alongside John Davidson-Kelly, who has vast experience in the establishment of digital platforms; while associate director Chloe Deng continues to maintain a digital regulation focused practice, often advising on compliance projects, in addition to marketing campaigns. Advertising and marketing specialist Nick Johnson acts for a variety of high profile clients in matters concerning advertising policies. Anna Williams, who leads the commercial team in the firm's Reading office, is an advertising, marketing and sponsorship specialist.

With marketing and advertising co-head Craig Giles, senior associate Shona O’Connell‘s expertise in advertising and marketing law and regulations, and Simon Fielder‘s specialism in M&A transactions in the media sector, Bird & Bird LLP advises clients on all issues within the highly regulated world of marketing, offering a comprehensive service in advising on cross-border advertising campaigns in multiple territories, ranging from pre-clearance advice, content liability and defamation, to advertising-related disputes such as ASA complaints, sales promotions and loyalty programmes. Alex Dixie‘s focus is on international adtech, a practice that now spans some 20 countries assisting advertisers through to tech platforms and publishers.

Praised by clients for their 'breadth of experience', the team at Bristows LLP assists a varied client roster consisting of advertising agency networks and brands. The group is particularly adept at handling brand protection matters, in addition to digital rights management and media buying related issues. Paul Jordan  heads the practice alongside Richard Dickinson. Jordan has broad knowledge spanning digital and influencer marketing, campaign clearance, and regularly represents clients in defences against CMA and ASA investigations. Senior associate Tim Heaps regularly advises publishers and brands on compliance related matters, having had in-house experience in global companies.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has a strong track record of work on advertising, marketing, sponsorship and other commercial matters, with a notable focus on the sports sector, advising clients such as Nike, Ascot Racecourse and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford. The firm's most prominent names in this line of work include commercial contracts specialists Jason Saiban and Richard Davies, and Nick White, who offers IP expertise.

With the 2022 hires of Oliver Kichenside and John Cloke from DLA Piper, CMS bolstered its practice in the advertising and marketing field – both have significant experience of media sector transactions, media rights, broadcasting and sponsorship. Ranging from clearance advice and ASA proceedings, to advertising agency deals and other highly specialist areas of advertising, the practice, which is headed up by Stuart Helmer, has wide-ranging capabilities, and has advised clients such as ITV AdVentures and M&C Saatchi. Led by Clive Gringras, the firm also acted for Microsoft in the Competition and Markets Authority’s high-profile investigation into Xbox subscription practices, and continues to be at the forefront of the UK television sector’s key strategic deals and market shifts.

DLA Piper's impressive credentials in the advertising and marketing space are underlined by its work for household name clients from the worlds of media, sport, banking and retail; the firm's bench of experts are also well-versed in the issues around influencer marketing. Recent work of note has included advising on the regulatory considerations surrounding cryptocurrency advertising, ESG-related advertising and prize promotions. The firm's work is generally international in scope; key names in the London office include John Wilks and Claire Sng.

Gowling WLG houses a broad practice which assists clients with a diverse range of issues, including digital marketing relating to online choice architecture, fake reviews, and marketing to children. Advertising expert Dan Smith leads the team, regularly advising on a broad range of matters relating to greenwashing, affiliate marketing, and social media. Associate Kate Hawkins advises a number of global corporates in the automotive, retail, and food and drink sectors on influencer marketing, and is particularly adept at defending against complaints made to the ASA; while senior associate Zoe Pearman maintains an IP focused practice, and primarily handles copy clearance and promotional marketing issues.

Sacha Wilson and Michael Lister jointly co-head the 'excellent' practice at Harbottle & Lewis LLP, which is known for its 'very strong eye for detail'.  The team is 'incredibly knowledgeable' when it comes to advertisement production issues and ASA investigations, and regularly dispenses advice on adtech issues and sponsorship deals. Wilson is 'second to none', and often gives 'perfectly-pitched' advice to global brands and agency groups on ASA investigations and data privacy issues relating to adtech and digital media; and Lister assists a number of brand ambassadors and influencers with the negotiation of agreements. Andrew Terry utilises his longstanding expertise in IP to handle advertising and branding disputes, and often advises clients on ASA and Clearcast related issues. Rupam Davé joined the team from Deloitte Legal in April 2023, contributing his knowledge of technology contracting.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's team provies 'deep experience' and 'great' advice on a broad array of matters, including joint ventures between advertising companies, media buying agreements, and festival and events related marketing issues. Hayley Brady heads the media and digital practice, advising major corporates and advertising agencies on marketing arrangements; while senior associate James Balfour primarily focuses on advertising campaigns and the advertisement sales of third party bodies. Senior associate Rachel Kane has a great deal of regulatory expertise, often handling advertising sales agreements, partnership deals, and influencer marketing campaigns.

Lee & Thompson LLP advises a diverse client roster, notably including McDonald’s and Social Chain, on advertising campaigns and sponsorship agreements, in addition to negotiations with social media brands. Huw Morris and Dominic Bray jointly lead the team. Morris dispenses advice on a variety of commercial issues, including international distribution, media buying and planning, and content acquisition; whilst Bray heads the dispute resolution practice, frequently acting for advertisers and agencies in matters concerning regulatory compliance and clearance. Sam Goodman primarily represents talent in sponsorship deals and arrangements with agencies.

Led by Elle Todd, the team at Reed Smith LLP advises a broad range of clients, including production companies, musicians, and talent payroll companies on the rights of advertisers, endorsement agreements, and consumer protection issues. The group also handles a range of promotional mandates involving sweepstakes and contests. Broadcasting specialist Nick Swimer primarily focuses on planning and buying agreements within advertising sales and production; while Nick Breen advises numerous advertising agencies, advertisers, and brands on clearance and commercial issues. Managing partner for Europe and Middle East Gregor Pryor maintains a digital media focused practice, often advising online retailers and content owners on the exploitation of IP rights.

RPC houses a 'brilliant, yet friendly and personable' team, which assists a number of notable clients, namely Shiseido, New Look,and Dreams. The 'impeccably pragmatic' group frequently acts in campaigns, handling endorsement and giveaway related issues, and green claims. Practice head Oliver Bray is a recognised advertising specialist who has 'always goes above and beyond' when assisting clients with copy approval matters, and regulatory investigations. Senior associate Hettie Homewood has a great deal of expertise, having spent time in-house within the e-commerce and luxury retail sectors. Homewood primarily focuses on advising retailers, tech businesses, and media agencies.

Bates Wells handles a broad range of mandates including promotions, direct marketing and prize draws, with a particular focus on work for the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The practice is jointly led by Rupert Earle  and Erica Crump; with Earle having deep knowledge of regulatory issues concerning ASA, and Crump handling all matters faced by cultural and performance organisations.

Declan Cushley leads the national IP practice at Browne Jacobson LLP, which is known for its focus on brand protection, and both contentious and non contentious IP matters. Associate Hayley Smith is adept at handling disputes concerning advertising software and copyright infringements; while senior associate Faye McConnell primarily advises clients within the luxury fashion and beauty sectors on marketing strategy delivery. Giles Parsons focuses on portfolio management, injunctions, and breach of confidence disputes.

Praised by clients as a team you can ‘rely upon with any issue’ the advertising and consumer group at Fieldfisher assists with a diverse range of issues, including Advertising Standards Authority complaints, adtech matters and regulatory compliance, with a particular focus on the social media/internet-based advertising sector. With almost three decades of experience at the firm, David Bond heads the team – he has a longstanding track record of work for the ISBA, the UK advertisers’ trade association. Sonal Patel Oliva also brings a great deal of expertise, having advised numerous brands on UK matters and coordinating European-wide advice.

 

The 'very straightforward' Mark Smith heads the practice at Purdy Smith, advising a number of marketing agencies and brands within the cosmetics, food, and retail sectors. The group is well known for handling a broad range of issues, including prize draws and competitions, direct marketing, and product placement related issues; additionally, the team assists with consumer law compliance and passing off.

Taylor Wessing LLP 's team handles a broad range of matters for clients in the technology sector, including investigations, copy clearance, and green claims. Practice head Adam Rendle has a great deal of experience in issues relating to media assets, content licensing, and advertising regulations. Senior associates Simon Jupp and Oz Watson are known for representing a number of brands in matters concerning sponsorship and influencer agreements; in addition to assisting technology businesses and start ups with the appointment of advertising agencies and IP rights.

The team at Wiggin LLP handles a broad range of matters, with particular emphasis given to rights matters for buyers and sports rights holders; and sponsorship agreements. Sarah MacDonald heads the practice, often advising brands on distribution or promotional issues, and the use of audio-visual content. Senior associate Bethan Lloyd has vast expertise in handling commercial matters for betting and gaming clients, and regularly assists them with licensing matters. Mark Deem joined the group from Mishcon de Reya LLP in September 2022, contributing his knowledge of technology and media disputes.

Burges Salmon LLP advises on advertising campaigns, sponsorships and marketing initiatives, with recent work encompassing intellectual property, disputes and content production agreements. Key names in the firm's Bristol base include Helen Scott-Lawler .

The key name for advertising and marketing at Howard Kennedy LLP is intellectual property partner Alex Watt - his recent work has included advising retailers and influencer marketing agencies on campaigns, contracts and disputes.

Northridge Law LLP houses a team of ‘real specialists‘ who exhibit ‘deep industry knowledge‘ when acting for well known clients, including Spotify, Puma, and AEG Worldwide. Practice head Jon Walters has broad knowledge spanning sponsorship deals and commercial issues, and is ‘friendly and commercially astute‘ when assisting clients with expansion of sponsorship programmes and naming rights deals. Paul Shapiro  predominantly advising brands and athletes on licensing and merchandising matters, ensuring regulatory compliance is observed; and associate George Willis has a great deal of expertise in data protection, often negotiating endorsement deals between sporting clubs and media platforms.

Simkins LLP advises a variety of clients, including influencers, brand owners, and talent on the full gamut of issues, including agency appointments and brand management. Practice head Caroline Copeland handles a broad range of matters, including relationship agreements, in addition to media buying and production issues. Nick Eziefula has a great deal of experience in the music and technology industries, and assists a number of media investment companies, supported by associate Helena Franklin, who is adept at the negotiation of commercial contracts.

Squire Patton Boggs advises a diverse client roster consisting of media owners and content producers on both contentious and non-contentious matters relating to ad tracking and payments to influencers. Carlton Daniel leads the team with his expertise in the protection of IP rights and the drafting of product placement contracts.