Strong Performance Demonstrate Strength And Breadth Of Irwin Mitchell’s Legal Services

Irwin Mitchell has highlighted its credential in the media, entertainment and sports sectors after it was named as a leading law firm in those areas by independent legal directory, Legal 500.

In the Media and Entertainment section of the report in the South East, the team received a tier one ranking.

Representatives from the firm's Southampton and Gatwick offices were applauded for their prompt responses, clear advice and great support’ and for being ‘very accommodating for clients in this sector’.

Head of the team, Stuart Padgham and Senior Associate Aurelia Butler-Ball, were named for their work advising YouTube personality Em Ford on agreements with a major agency and a global cosmetic brand. Commercial Litigation Partner, Sarah Birkbeck, was commended for handling contentious matters in the media, technology and retail sectors and for advising clients on a range of claims, including for copyright infringement and for alleged breaches of post-termination restrictions. Senior Associate Tom Barnard was praised for his work advising individuals, agents, clubs and commercial entities with interests in the entertainment sector.

The firm maintained its number one ranking in the region as a leading adviser in the Sport sector. Legal 500 highlighted that Irwin Mitchell acts for international and national governing bodies, sports clubs, funders, agents, operators of leisure facilities and individual sports personalities on the full spectrum of sports law matters, with an emphasis on regulatory and governance advice.

In 2017, practice head Hannah Clipston acted for the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science on a review of the appeals policy through the Sport and Recreation Alliance Legal Panel, which then evolved into conducting a full review of all the association's policies. Other key figures include Michael Taylor, who provides tax advice to sports personalities.

Also in the South East region, Irwin Mitchell received tier one rankings in the areas of:

• Real Estate: Planning
• Private Client: Contentious trusts & probate
• Private Client: Agriculture & estates
• Corporate & commercial
• Insurance: Clinical negligence (claimant)
• Insurance: Personal injury (claimant)

Nationally, Irwin Mitchell has been named as a top tier law firm in 31 separate practice areas and recommended in 71 others. The number one rankings are across all areas of the firm from Business Legal Services, Complex Personal Injury, Public Law and Private Wealth.