Media, technology and IP law firm Wiggin LLP today announced it is promoting Sarah MacDonald (digital entertainment) and Matthew Dando (litigation) to the partnership with effect from 1 April 2019. This reflects the firm’s impressive growth and investment and an overall 30% increase in the firm’s partner numbers over the last two years.
John Banister, CEO of Wiggin said: “Both Sarah and Matthew have received fantastic client feedback for their technical skills and commercial approach, and are great assets to the firm. Sarah joined us as a trainee and has established a successful advertising, marketing and sponsorship practice, in addition to her highly-regarded digital distribution expertise. Matthew is a first class media and commercial litigator who has led a number of high profile cases. It is a privilege to welcome them both to the partnership.”
MacDonald joined the firm as a trainee in 2006 and provides commercial and regulatory advice to clients in Wiggin’s core sectors, with a focus on advertising and sponsorship, digital distribution and sport. She has spent over three years of her time at Wiggin on secondment – at BPI/Brit Awards, Mercury Records (Universal Music), Disney, Virgin Media and Manchester United, giving her a genuine insight into the challenges faced by clients in Wiggin’s focus industries.
Dando joined Wiggin in 2014 with an initial brief in commercial disputes before going on to develop a reputation as a media litigation lawyer as well. He has recently advised Associated Newspapers on libel claims, including in relation to doping allegations against World Cup footballer Roberto Carlos and in proceedings brought by the Chairman of Redrow Homes, Steve Morgan CBE. He is a key member of Wiggin’s content protection practice and recognised by Legal 500 as a leading next generation reputation management lawyer. He maintains a strong reputation as a commercial litigator with much of his work international in nature. He holds qualifications in English law, French law and European law and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Wiggin acts for the highest profile media and technology companies and individuals, from international broadcasters and publishing groups to financiers, Hollywood film studios and online, digital businesses. The firm works with clients as a trusted partner, offering commercial and strategic input in conjunction with first class legal expertise.
In 2018, Wiggin brought Ceri Stoner, a lateral partner hire, into its tax team and promoted three to the partnership: Chris Hammond (Film & TV), Alexander Lea (Film & TV), and Jason Fisher (Corporate). In November 2017 the firm saw four new IP partners join its ranks when Redd, a specialist IP boutique firm, joined Wiggin.