Department profile
Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Our strong reputation is built on delivering commercial and practical legal advice to those working in the media and entertainment industries. With over 60 years’ experience in media and entertainment law, we remain dedicated to being the best in this field. Being at the forefront of the latest industry developments and trends, we understand the challenges and opportunities that clients face. Our clients benefit from strong legal expertise delivered with industry insight and a commercial approach. Even when advising on the most innovative ideas, we find the clear way forward and provide practical legal solutions.

Industries (7)

  • Theatre
  • Film & Television
  • Music
  • Technology
  • Interactive Entertainment
  • Advertising & Sponsorship
  • Publishing

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media - UK-wide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Harbottle & Lewis provides outstanding strength in media and entertainment, with impressive expertise within the video games, film, TV, music and theatre sectors. The firm is widely regarded as a destination firm for publishing clients, offering expertise in commercial and IP matters. The team is experienced in representing major multinational studios and production companies from the gaming and film spaces throughout development. The firm also demonstrates additional strength in growth areas such as virtual and augmented reality, e-sports and online platforms.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Harbottle & Lewis advised Incorporated Society of British Advertisers on Project Origin, a cross-industry digital advertising project.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Their team doesn't just interpret the law; they understand the commercial realities of content creation. This results in pragmatic, solution-oriented advice that supports decision-making.

    Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • They are fast to respond, and have a wealth of experience in the fields where we require expert advice.

    Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • Their strengths are expert knowledge, attention to detail and communication. The team have a brilliant combination of creative passion and industry knowledge. They are a joy to work with.

    Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Kieran Jay
    Band 1Kieran Jay

    Kieran Jay

    Kieran Jay is head of the music group at Harbottle & Lewis. He advises artists, producers and songwriters as well as independent management, publishing and record labels on all manner of commercial arrangements.
    • Kieran is a trusted friend and adviser as well as someone whom we look to for specific legal advice.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Kieran has never let me down. He always makes himself available and gives me knowledgeable advice to make a calculated decision to impacts the clients' value.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Kieran has great people skills and is very personable and easy-going with his clients, while also able to be tough on behalf of his clients.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Kieran knew how to get the deal done and was very easy to work with.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Kieran is best in class.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • Band 1Mark Phillips
    Band 1Mark Phillips

    Mark Phillips

    Mark Phillips is dedicated to video games, and acts for many leading studios and publishers on all manner of commercial matters. He also has expertise advising on corporate transactions, including the acquisition and sale of businesses and investment agreements.
    • Mark’s ability to understand and stay across the minutiae of a deal is a thing of legend.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Mark is a great person to work with, very knowledgeable and knows the industry very well.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • Band 1Neil Adleman
    Band 1Neil Adleman

    Neil Adleman

    Neil Adleman is a doyen of the theatre business, having worked on the finance, production and transfer of many of the best-loved productions to hit the West End. His practice also has an international element to it as he is often involved with Broadway shows in the USA.
    • Neil is very well connected, knows the industry inside and out and understands the commercial drivers. He has end-to-end experience of putting on a performance.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Neil has deep knowledge and experience in the field, which means that a little of Neil goes a long way. He is very highly regarded and respected and well known in the theatre world.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • We have had nothing but brilliant experiences with Neil. He is incredibly knowledgeable, approachable and a valuable counsel.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • Band 1Shireen Peermohamed
    Band 1Shireen Peermohamed

    Shireen Peermohamed

    Shireen Peermohamed advises leading publishing houses on all manner of commercial agreements, IP matters and online brand protection. She focuses her practice on dispute resolution, including trade mark infringement cases and contractual disputes.
    • Shireen is an excellent communicator. Her advice was clear, direct and reassuringly honest. She had a good understanding of our commercial needs, and adapted her approach to help us achieve them.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • I've always been impressed with her knowledge, commercial nous and responsiveness.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Shireen is an excellent client partner with a very good understanding of the quirks of the publishing industry.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Shireen has made a big difference to our business.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • Band 2Kostyantyn Lobov
    Band 2Kostyantyn Lobov

    Kostyantyn Lobov

    Kostyantyn Lobov is recognised for his expertise in the regulatory and intellectual property aspects of media content creation, with particular regard to games and interactive media, as well as traditional and online advertising.
    • Kostyantyn Lobov helps us on disputes and clearances. He is very commercial and very quick.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • He is my sounding board and always gives excellent advice. I value his insights and opinion very highly.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • He understands gaming, really gets what we do as a business and what impacts on way we work in an organic way.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • Band 2Sarah Lazarides
    Band 2Sarah Lazarides

    Sarah Lazarides

    Sarah Lazarides acts as production counsel to creatives, rights holders, Hollywood studios, SVOD platforms and UK indies. She is well versed in advising clients on production contracts, financing arrangements and IP clearance issues.
    • Sarah has a brilliant understanding of the media industry and has always given excellent advice and support to us.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • She is well versed all aspects of production, and can offer a solution almost immediately, based on her experience in the industry. Her drafting and negotiating skills are of the highest calibre.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Sarah is a fantastic legal contact to have and has thorough knowledge of production.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Sarah combines the personal touch with expert advice and incredible insight, experience and deal-making skills.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Sarah is accessible, well informed, very commercially aware and super-smart.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • Band 3Abigail Payne
    Band 3Abigail Payne

    Abigail Payne

    Abigail Payne acts for clients on all sides of the film and television industry on production, finance and also rights arrangements. She has recently helped multiple publishers and literary estates with respect to book adaptations.
    • Abby has fantastic knowledge of all issues we faced when initially getting finance in place. She also has has a fantastic approachability and goes above and beyond for all questions.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • Band 3Sacha Wilson
    Band 3Sacha Wilson

    Sacha Wilson

    Sacha Wilson is head of the firm's advertising team. He is well regarded for his experience advising on all commercial aspects of online advertising and adtech, and associated regulatory compliance and data privacy considerations.

    • I come away very impressed after every interaction.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Sacha is our absolute go-to with any query that we have.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Sacha provides highly specialist advice in context of our ad agency business.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • Band 4Jonathan Berger
    Band 4Jonathan Berger

    Jonathan Berger

    Jonathan Berger is acknowledged for his wide-ranging film and television practice. He regularly advises financiers, broadcasters, distributors, Hollywood and independent producers, and SVOD platforms on all aspects of feature production and finance.
    • Jonathan is extremely experienced and smart, and always a delight to work with.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • Up and ComingHarry Bresslaw
    Up and ComingHarry Bresslaw

    Harry Bresslaw

    Harry Bresslaw represents leading producers and rights holders, as well as a number of emerging independent producers.
    • Harry is an excellent colleague and supporter, as well as a terrific lawyer. He really understands the landscape we are working in, the personalities at play and what’s important to the offer parties.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Harry is efficient, a pleasure to work with and a great counsel.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • He has been superb and very helpful, offering guidance that best supports the client and the project.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Harry Bresslaw is a terrific lawyer who offers very clear advice on all matters.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
  • Star AssociatesZoey Forbes
    Star AssociatesZoey Forbes

    Zoey Forbes

    Zoey Forbes advises clients on an array of matters, including publishing agreements and cross-media rights acquisitions. She has particular expertise in copyright law.
    • She knows her industry well and has a natural talent for communicating any potential legal issues in a clear way. She is considerate, clear, concise and compassionate.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK
    • Zoe has an excellent understanding of our business and has really helped us protect our IP when negotiating contracts.

      Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Harbottle & Lewis LLP (11)

UK-wide

  • Profile image of Sacha Wilson

    Sacha Wilson

    Media & Entertainment: Advertising & Marketing

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  • Profile image of Sarah Lazarides

    Sarah Lazarides

    Media & Entertainment: Film & Television

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  • Profile image of Abigail Payne

    Abigail Payne

    Media & Entertainment: Film & Television

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  • Profile image of Jonathan Berger

    Jonathan Berger

    Media & Entertainment: Film & Television

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  • Profile image of Mark Phillips

    Mark Phillips

    Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media

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  • Profile image of Kostyantyn Lobov

    Kostyantyn Lobov

    Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media

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  • Profile image of Kieran Jay

    Kieran Jay

    Media & Entertainment: Music: Non-contentious

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  • Profile image of Neil Adleman

    Neil Adleman

    Media & Entertainment: Theatre & Live Events

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  • Profile image of Harry Bresslaw

    Harry Bresslaw

    Media & Entertainment: Theatre & Live Events

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Members

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