Media/Entertainment/Sport
The Lawyer
Data Protection Policies — update from Global Data Hub weblink
Taylor Wessing has added a fresh batch of data-protection-focused content to its Global Data Hub site.
Employment: Sir Alex Ferguson's departure shows employers need to plan for succession download
When a key employee leaves, employers can find themselves facing difficult practical and legal issues over who to replace them with.
Linklaters brolly scheme strikes gold as Coleen Rooney spreads firm's name
Linklaters’ policy of handing out branded umbrellas to students on campus to spread the firm’s name appears to have paid off after Coleen Rooney was pictured on the pitch after a Manchester United home match carrying a giant brolly with the magic circle outfit’s logo on it.
Blackburn Rovers, the £2.25m 'admission' and the overriding objective download
Henning Berg’s recent ‘win’ in claiming £2.25m compensation from Blackburn Rovers was a concerning insight into corporate governance within that club.
DLA Piper represents Los Angeles Lakers in putative class action
DLA Piper has acted for the Los Angeles Lakers in a putative class action brought by a ticket holder accusing the basketball franchise of sending unsolicited text messages.
Freshfields' Red Knight hails United's 'heir to Busby'
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer London chief and high-profile Red Knight Mark Rawlinson has praised outgoing Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson as a “spiritual heir to Matt Busby” who “hates losing but uses adversity as a fuel”.
Sports, Media and Entertainment Intelligence — May 2013 weblink
The May 2013 issue of DLA Piper’s Sports, Media and Entertainment Intelligence briefing is available now.
Technology and Sourcing News (UK) — April 2013 weblink
The April 2013 edition of DLA Piper’s Technology and Sourcing News (UK) briefing is available now.
Al Tamimi appoints Chris Appleby as regional head of technology, media and telecoms
Chris Appleby has been appointed as the new regional head of technology, media and telecommunications at Al Tamimi & Company.
Radar: Technology & Communications Update — May 2013 weblink
This month’s issue focuses on the new Defamation Act 2013 and the Supreme Court’s view on browsing the internet without permission from the relevant copyright holder.
Defamation Act 2013 — Taylor Wessing analysis download
The Defamation Act 2013 was enacted on 25 April 2013. This note discusses the likely practical implications of the act.
Australia: privacy compliance for apps is an OAIC focus download
Having kept a watchful eye on mobile privacy trends in the US, it comes as no surprise that the OAIC has now focused on privacy compliance in respect of apps and the mobile environment.
Winckworth Sherwood on marital property agreements ('pre-nups') — how the law has changed download
Evidence of the cost and acrimony caused by divorce can be found on an almost daily basis in the UK media, laying bare the separation details of ‘celebrities’.
Walker Morris sports lawyers advise administrator of Farnborough FC
Walker Morris has been appointed to advise the administrator of Farnborough Football & Social Club following the announcement of its administration on 26 April.
Olswang on Paris Brown — a case in point for the DPP download
The recent experience of Paris Brown demonstrates exactly the type of police activity that the DPP was seeking to prevent when he issued prosecution guidelines in December last year.
Krogerus advises DNA on acquisition of PlusTV from Teracom Group
Krogerus is advising Finnish telecommunications company DNA on its acquisition of Digi TV Plus (known by the name PlusTV) from Sweden-based Teracom Group.
Appleby wins ALB's Technology, Media and Telecoms Deal of the Year award
Appleby has won Technology, Media and Telecoms Deal of the Year at the Asian Legal Business China Law Awards.
US duo lead on $586m sale of stake in China's Twitter-like Weibo
Shearman & Sterling and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett have played key roles on Chinese internet giant Sina Corporation’s sale of a stake in the country’s Twitter-like site Weibo.
Conyers Dill & Pearman advises on sale of VK.com interest to United Capital Partners
Conyers Dill & Pearman has advised companies controlled by Viatcheslav Mirilashvili and Lev Leviev on the sale of an indirect 48 per cent interest in VK.com to United Capital Partners.
Shoosmiths on good faith: High Court decides to swim with the tide and recognise fair dealing download
In Yam Seng Pte Ltd v International Trade Corporation Ltd, the High Court recognised an implied duty of good faith and fair dealing.
Education Update — April 2013 weblink
Walker Morris has released the April 2013 edition of its Education Update.
Field Fisher and 4 New Square silk set for horse doping hearing
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) and 4 New Square have taken headline roles in relation to allegations of racehorse doping by Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.
Verisona Solicitors and DLA Piper advise on the purchase of Portsmouth Football Club
Verisona Solicitors and DLA Piper have advised Pompey Supporters’ Trust and Portsmouth City Council respectively on the purchase of Portsmouth Football Club.
Hogan Lovells partner receives award from Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
Hogan Lovells has announced that litigation partner Dean Hansell has been awarded the Founders Award from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
Data & Information E-Alerts: 19 April 2013 download
Addleshaw Goddard has released the 19 April 2013 edition of its Data & Information E-Alerts.
Exhaustion of rights in the download-to-own software market download
In UsedSoft GmbH vs Oracle International Corp (C-128/11), the ECJ ruled that the principle of ‘exhaustion of rights’ applies to the DTO software market.
Browsing the internet without downloading unlikely to infringe copyright download
The Supreme Court has stated that the EU’s temporary copying defence to copyright infringement should apply to the acts of browsing the internet, caching browsed material and viewing material on screen.
Pinsents launches TMT practice in Singapore with local hire
Pinsent Masons is to launch a technology, media and telecoms (TMT) practice in Singapore with the addition of Brian Tan, the founding partner of local IT boutique Keystone Law Corporation.
Olswang advises Scripps Networks Interactive on food channel acquisition
Olswang has acted for Scripps Networks Interactive in its acquisition of the Asian Food Channel.
Appleby renews its support for Bermuda's annual half marathon
Appleby and the organisers of the Bermuda Day Half Marathon (the committee) have announced a further five-year commitment to sponsor Bermuda’s half marathon held on 24 May every year.
Dundas exits continue as corporate partner joins Wedlake Bell
Dundas & Wilson has seen another partner exit the firm with City corporate specialist Julian Mathews joining Wedlake Bell as part of double hire for the London firm.
Shoosmiths' Laurence Kaye set to host IP seminar at London Book Fair
Laurence Kaye, Shoosmiths’ new publishing and digital media specialist, is to chair an IP seminar at the London Book Fair.
US SEC provides Regulation FD guidance on use of social media download
The SEC has issued new guidance permitting companies to use social media such as Facebook and Twitter to disclose material information provided that investors are first alerted to the sites that will be used.
Mark Owen joins Taylor Wessing's international TMT group
Taylor Wessing has announced that it has appointed Mark Owen to its international technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) group.
New Saudi authority for the regulation of audio and visual media download
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has restructured its state media and in doing so has established a new authority to regulate audio-visual broadcasters.
Olswang hosts dinner discussion on the globalisation of fashion
On 19 March 2013, Olswang’s fashion team hosted a dinner discussion on the globalisation of fashion at the Showroom Bonami Mannequins in Aalter, Belgium.
Mourant Ozannes sponsors Guernsey Summer Music programme
Mourant Ozannes is sponsoring the Summer Music programme in Guernsey.
Sports, Media and Entertainment Intelligence — April 2013 weblink
DLA Piper has released the April 2013 edition of Sports, Media and Entertainment Intelligence.
Auto-enrolment in the technology sector download
Young, dynamic industries such as the technology sector have perhaps felt rather smug that they are not embroiled in the complexities that surround pension provision.
Legal 500 2013 EMEA edition ranks Olswang in eight practice areas
Olswang has been recognised by Legal 500 in its 2013 EMEA edition.
Radar: Technology & Communications Update — April 2013 weblink
This issue of Radar looks at privacy issues with apps on smart devices in the context of a recent Article 29 Working Party Opinion.
Taylor Wessing Download — 3D printing weblink
This month, Taylor Wessing’s Download site focuses on the topic of 3D printing.
Life after Leveson: responsible press or regulatory headache?
Will the media come to regret its reaction to the Royal Charter on press regulation?
Olswang announces partner promotions
Olswang has announced a series of partner promotions.
The use of children in peer-to-peer marketing and as brand ambassadors download
The CAP recently published a new help note for marketers to ensure that the use of children in peer-to-peer marketing and as brand ambassadors is undertaken responsibly and in accordance with the rules in the CAP Code.
Thomson Reuters recognises Olswang attorneys in 2013 Super Lawyers list
Olswang has announced that 28 of its attorneys have been recognised by Thomson Reuters in its 2013 London Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Partner Eleni Skordaki has also been listed in the Top 50 Women in London.
Schillings sports star John Kelly quits for Harbottle & Lewis
Schillings sports and international head John Kelly, who has acted for a host of celebrity clients including scandal-hit cyclist Lance Armstrong and former England manager Steve McClaren, has quit the firm for Harbottle & Lewis.
Walker Morris advises on administration order against Coventry City Football Club
Football insolvency specialists from Walker Morris have advised the operating company for Ricoh Arena on its application to the High Court to grant an administration order against Coventry City Football Club.
Clifford Chance scores role for Qatar committee on 2022 Fifa World Cup
Clifford Chance has won a trophy mandate to represent the organisational body of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, almost two years after opening an office in the emirate.
Intellectual property and technology news: TV Catchup caught out? download
The CJEU has handed down its decision on the copyright questions referred by the UK High Court in the long-running battle between ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 and TV Catchup.
Hong Kong’s Privacy Commissioner forges ahead with new direct marketing provisions download
The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) was amended last year and the direct marketing provisions will take effect on 1 April 2013.
GTLDs and the Trade Marks Clearing House — what brand owners need to do now download
Many companies are applying to own and run as GTLDs either their own names (.brand) or descriptive terms (.money, .travel) instead of .com or .co.uk.
Chambers & Partners ranks Olswang in band one for its Singapore TMT practice
Olswang has been recognised by Chambers & Partners as one of only four band-one international TMT practices in Singapore in the guide’s 2013 Asia-Pacific edition.
European Court issues judgment in 'TVCatchup' reference download
On 7 March 2013, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) issued its long-awaited judgment in the case brought by ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 against TVCatchup.
ECJ clarifies scope of communication to the public right download
The ECJ announces its decision on ITV & others v TV Catchup C-607/11.
Fashion: Law a la mode Autumn 2012
Legal issues in the fashion industry, including strategies against copyright infringement and counterfeiting, as well as an overview of recent controvewrsies concerning transfer pricing.
DLA Piper publishes March issue of ‘Sports, Media and Entertainment Intelligence’ weblink
DLA Piper publishes March issue of ‘Sports, Media and Entertainment Intelligence’.
DLA Piper advises ESPN on the acquisition of its UK and Ireland TV business by BT Group
DLA Piper represents ESPN on UK and Ireland TV business acquisition by BT Group.
Walker Morris 'In Brief — March 2013' weblink
Walker Morris has released its In Brief publication for March 2013.
Shoosmiths acquires Laurence Kaye Solicitors
Shoosmiths is set to add a publishing and digital media specialist to its commercial offering.
Schillings becomes latest firm to gain ABS licence
Media boutique Schillings has been awarded two ABS licences by the SRA, bringing the total number of firms on the ABS register to 100.
Olswang partners win accolades at ILO's Client Choice Awards
Two partners at Olswang have been recognised by the International Law Office in its Client Choice Awards 2013.
Funding films in the European Union: united in diversity? download
The European Commission has yet to define how state aid for film funding will change with the review of the Cinema Communication.
Shoosmiths adds publishing group after acquiring niche digital firm
Shoosmiths has gained a publishing and digital media group after acquiring niche digital firm Laurence Kaye Solicitors.
English High Court ruling: what if you don't want your photo on Facebook? download
The English High Court ruled last month that a person has a right to expect that certain photos taken of them — even after uploaded onto Facebook — will be kept private.
EU proposals for more media regulation: keep watch — or just déjà vu? download
Olswang’s media team considers the potential impact of reommendations from the EC HLG media freedom and pluralism report.
UK tax relief for television from 1 April 2013 download
UK tax relief for television is set to be introduced from 1 April 2013.
Supreme Court advocates good sport weblink
This case serves as a good resumé of the principles of Norwich Pharmacal orders.
Goodman Derrick completes on another Chime Communications acquisition
Goodman Derrick has completed on Chime Communications’ acquisition of Lord Coe’s 93 per cent interest in CLG.
Social media legal issues — part one download
In this article, part one of a two-part series, we look at some general risks associated with the use of social media.
Dubai court subpoena recognised by a US domain names registry download
Identity protection in respect of the ownership of domain names is no longer an obstacle in litigation before the Dubai courts.
Advertising Standards for the UAE download
The new Advertising Standards will consolidate the various principles governing content in relation to advertisements in the UAE, reinforcing a number of fundamental edicts.
Intellectual property, information technology and media
MOLITOR launched its intellectual property, information technology and media practice group in 2007.
Social media and data protection: the employment law issues download
Employers must ensure they comply with Data Protection Act obligations when using social media.
Facebook once again under fire from German privacy watchdog download
Facebook has been again subject to an order by the regulator of Schleswig-Holstein.
Anti-social media? Networking and the power of privacy download
The implications of the Data Protection Act to social media will vary depending on the user and the service.
Online behavioural advertising: new ASA rules in force download
A new set of online behavioural advertising (OBA) rules is now in effect.
Olswang writes arbitration note for LexisPSL
Olswang’s arbitration team has been chosen to write the ‘Arbitration in the TMT Sectors’ practice note for LexisNexis’s new legal knowledge site, LexisPSL.
Olswang and industry specialists discuss impending Cinema Communication review
International law firm Olswang has hosted a special event at the 63rd Berlin Film Festival to discuss the impending review of the EU Cinema Communication with industry specialists, including lead panellists Amanda Nevil, chief executive officer of the British Film Institute, and Peter Dinges, chief executive officer of the German Federal Film Board (FFA).
Walker Morris recruits former Everton lawyer for sports team
Leeds firm Walker Morris has appointed James Powell, previously a commercial director at Everton Football Club, as a consultant in its sports team.
Technology, media and telecommunications
Krogerus has a leading technology, media and telecommunications practice in Finland. We regularly advise clients on challenging, complex and high-profile assignments.
Islam Channel legal chief joins gaming business Konami
The sole in-house legal advisor at Islam Channel TV has left to join Japanese gaming company Konami.
Halebury hire brings England football team to client list
Halebury seals the England football team as a client after Kingsley Napley corporate partner Michelle Harris joined the firm.
Telecom media and technology
The Telecom Media and Technology (TMT) practice group at Chadbourne & Parke is a team of experienced attorneys and regulatory consultants who provide a complete and co-ordinated approach to a range of matters.
Al Tamimi announces partner promotions across the Middle East
Al Tamimi & Company has announced a series of partner promotions across the Middle East.
Technology, media and telecommunications
Our technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) team comprises lawyers with a diverse range of specialist skills, experience and backgrounds, which allows us to provide a complete regional solution to the legal services requirements of clients operating in the TMT industries.
Entertainment
The Curtis entertainment practice has considerable expertise handling complex transactions in the sector.
Law a la mode — Winter 2012–13 (China and global spending) download
China’s middle class is set to drive global consumer spending.
US and UK firms advise as Liberty Global buys Virgin Media in $23bn deal
Fried Frank and Shearman join host of firms advising on the $23.3bn (£14.9bn) takeover of Virgin Media.
ICT and media
From start-ups to IPOs to publicly traded companies, Acumum can advise you and assist you in establishing, growing and entering new markets.
Media
Our media experience extends back to the formative years of commercial television and, since then, our media practice has been consistently central to our practice and to our hard-won reputation.
Copyright and media law
Our Copyright & Media Law practice is recognised for its leading industry experts who have extensive experience in all aspects of copyright and media law.
Telecoms Media Technology
Recent development in digital technology has rendered the borders between telecommunication, media and technology obsolete.
Technology and media
DLA Piper’s technology and sourcing practice concentrates on complex transactions and multi-party, high-value project work, frequently spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Online behavioural advertising: the new rules download
From 4 February 2013, organisations using targeting advertising online - known as ‘online behavioural advertising’ (OBA) - will be required to tell web users about their use of OBA and allow them to opt-out of having their data collected and used for OBA.
BIS launches new code of practice for age restricted products download
The Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) has published a new Age Restricted Products Code of Practice.
How firms can implement a social media strategy download
Facebook, Twitter, e-mails, blogs, YouTube, Linked-In and Skype - words that we are all familiar with as they permeate our day-to-day lives.
The Leveson Report: Data protection proposals will have a significant impact on journalism and the enforcement of data protection law download
There has been much debate since the publication of Lord Leveson’s Report on the culture, practices and ethics of the press as to the role of a future regulatory framework governing its activities.
There’s no place like home - Creative sector tax reliefs download
Following the consultation process carried out over the summer months, the Government has confirmed that new tax reliefs for the creative sector – intended to be “the most generous available in the world” - are due to be introduced as part of the Finance Act 2013.
Walker Morris lawyers advise on Zaha transfer to Manchester Utd
Walker Morris sports lawyers have advised on Wilfried Zaha’s transfer deal from Crystal Palace to Manchester United.
Exposing libel myths surrounding Twitter and social media download
The action Lord McAlpine is reportedly taking against Twitter users for falsely suggesting he was involved in child sex abuse reveals a number of “myths” about the legal responsibility in England for false and defamatory tweets and other statements on social media.
Statutory underpinning of professional conduct download
The first act of a dictator seeking to crush dissent, perhaps before even abolishing the free press and blocking the internet, would be to control lawyers.
Advocate General issues opinion in Football Dataco v Sportradar download
The Advocate General of the European Court of Justice has said that where a website operator displays material on its website that infringes the sui generis database right of a third party, that operator infringes the third party’s rights both in the country in which the server hosting the website is based and in the countries in which the users accessing that information are based.
Hot 100: Mark Thomson, Atkins Thomson
There were few lawyers more likely to receive celebrity endorsement in 2012 than Atkins Thomson partner Mark Thomson, who found himself at the heart of one of the biggest stories of the year - the phone hacking scandal and its legal fallout.
Hot 100: John Banister, Wiggin video
For Wiggin’s CEO John Banister (scroll down for video interview), the recession has served up an opportunity.
Games theory
Shonagh MacVicar, head of legal at Glasgow 2014, is adamant the Commonwealth Games will emulate the glories of London 2012
Freshfields names new real estate chief as group absorbs part of closing leisure practice
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has shut its leisure sector group and merged its subsidiary parts into real estate and TMT.
Success for Schillings as Kate Winslet's husband blocks Sun images
Schillings has scored a victory for Kate Winslet’s husband Ned RocknRoll after the High Court agreed to block Simons Muirhead & Burton’s client The Sun from printing private pictures of him at a fancy dress party in 2010.
Carter-Ruck instructed for Bercow as McAlpine launches libel claim
Media firm Carter-Ruck has been instructed by Sally Bercow, the wife of House of Commons Speaker John Bercow MP, as she faces libel proceedings from former Conservative Party treasurer Lord Alistair McAlpine.
20 Essex Street and Macfarlanes lead on cycling's doping probe
Macfarlanes and 20 Essex Street have secured lead roles on a review of cycling’s governing body in the wake of the Lance Armstrong scandal.
Leveson moots arbitration service for resolving claims against the press
Lord Justice Leveson today said a low-cost arbitration service should be established to help newspapers and magazines resolve legal claims.
Johnsons Solicitors seals settlement in X Factor judge's libel action
Irish firm Johnsons Solicitors has steered a settlement for X Factor judge Louis Walsh, who has accepted €500,000 (£404,000) in libel damages from Matheson client The Sun over false sex assault allegations published last year.
The Leveson Report: what will it recommend?
Leading media lawyers have set out their expectations of Lord Justice Leveson ahead of the Thursday (29 November) publication of his inquiry into the culture, practice and ethics of the press.
RPC reshuffles media group into IP practice
RPC is to restructure its media practice into the intellectual property group following the exit of media head Jaron Lewis.
Pump Court Tax Chambers scores victory in Rangers tax case
Pump Court Tax Chambers has secured a major victory for the former owners of Rangers Football Club in a legal battle with HMRC.
High Court dismisses claim against Evening Standard as "attempt at extortion"
Mr Justice Tugendhat has slammed a claimant who attempted to sue London Evening Standard journalist Andrew Gilligan calling the case an “attempt at extortion”.
DLA Piper and Kingsley Napley advise as Coulson and Brooks face charges
DLA Piper and Kingsley Napley have been instructed again as Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks face criminal conspiracy charges over illegal payments to officials.
One Crown Office Row duo lands roles on BBC review
One Crown Office Row silk Christina Lambert QC and Kate Beattie of the same set have won roles on the Dame Janet Smith-led review of the BBC.
Willans defeats Bristows in YouView trademark case
Willans Solicitors has won a trademark case against Bristows that could force new television platform YouView to rebrand.
Couchmans scores former Fifa lawyer
Sports-law boutique Couchmans has hired the former head of disciplinary and governance at football’s world governing body, Fifa, as a consultant.
Rangers liquidators to plough ahead with Collyer Bristow 'conspiracy' trial
The liquidators of Rangers have pledged to proceed with conspiracy charges against the old club’s former law firm, Collyer Bristow.
Faith value
Determination and religious inspiration are central to the remarkable story of Tinu Adeshile, Muslim convert and GC at the Islam Channel
Osborne Clarke hires YouView legal head
Osborne Clarke has turned to digital TV provider YouView for a hire in its digital business group, bringing aboard legal chief John Davidson-Kelly.
Fladgate fails to overturn ruling in cricketer's Twitter libel case
Collyer Bristow has recorded another success in its Twitter libel case for cricketer Chris Cairns.
Latham and Skadden: Star Wars acquisition advise on they do
Latham & Watkins and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom have taken advisory roles on Walt Disney’s $4.05bn (£2.5bn) acquisition of Star Wars maker Lucasfilm.
Wiggin drafts plans to open technology incubator in east London
Media boutique Wiggin has drafted plans to launch an incubator fostering technology start-ups in east London technology hub Tech City, with the aim of growing its own clients.
Lee & Thompson and 5RB secure libel win for comedian Frankie Boyle
Media firm Lee & Thompson has won a major libel claim for Frankie Boyle after a jury ordered Daily Mirror publisher Mirror Group Newspapers to pay the comedian £50,400 after concluding it had libelled him.
News International considering Armstrong libel costs claim
News International is considering going after scandal-hit cyclist Lance Armstrong for the costs of a libel case dating back to 2006.
SNR Denton advises as Al-Jazeera goes 24/7 on Freeview
Qatari state-owned broadcaster Al Jazeera picked SNR Denton to help it secure a contract to launch a 24-hour news channel on Freeview.
Simon Cowell hires new legal chief from All3Media
Simon Cowell’s X Factor production company has hired a new legal chief from TV production and distribution company All3Media.
Reed Smith bolsters media team with DLA Piper hire
Reed Smith has made its second media-sector partner hire in London this year, taking a partner from DLA Piper.
Wiggin to open Brussels office with hire of Motion Picture Association GC
UK media boutique Wiggin is to open its first international office in Brussels with Motion Picture Association’s (MPA) European legal head Ted Shapiro.
Hiding the truth is not media’s job
To listen to former Schillings partner Gideon Benaim, you might be forgiven for thinking that every member of the media is enrolled among the forces of Lucifer.
News Corp shakes up legal team in compliance push
News Corp has appointed five group chief compliance officers, including former Davis Polk & Wardwell and WilmerHale lawyers, as part of its bid to strengthen its compliance structure.
Jeantet picks up Nixon Peabody's de Senilhes for TMT boost
French firm Jeantet Associés has turned to Nixon Peabody for the hire of TMT partner Arnaud de Senilhes.
Former Times legal head interviewed under caution by police
Alastair Brett, the former legal chief at The Times, has been interviewed under caution by police investigating allegations of computer hacking, it has emerged.
Halebury to double in size as it chases ABS
TMT and sports firm Halebury has made a series of major hires in an ongoing recruitment drive ahead of a planned conversion to an ABS model.
Freshfields' sporting bet
Marathon Olympics gives Freshfields chance to sprint ahead
Former Hammonds partner implicated in Hillsborough cover-up
Squire Sanders’ UK legacy firm Hammond Suddards was involved in the process of “review and alteration” of police officers’ recollections about the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, a report into the tragedy has found.
Living Social legal chief jumps to King.com
The former international legal chief of deals website Living Social has taken up a new in-house role at online games developer King.com.
Former NI legal chief Crone arrested by hacking police
News International’s former legal chief Tom Crone is the latest tabloid executive to be arrested in connection with the phone-hacking scandal.
GC of US copyright office to help music industry tackle online piracy
The long-standing general counsel of the US Copyright Office is to join music sector trade lobby the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) as head of global policy from 24 September.
Harbottle & Lewis acts on Prince Harry naked pictures privacy debate
Harbottle & Lewis has been acting on behalf of the Royal Family over the publication of naked pictures of Prince Harry.
Simons Muirhead 2-0 Schillings: McClaren privacy bid against The Sun fails
Simons Muirhead & Burton has scored a victory for press freedom in a rematch with Schillings over The Sun on Sunday’s front page about former England manager Steve McClaren’s alleged affair.
US quartet says cheese to Carlyle's $3.3bn Getty purchase
Davis Polk & Wardwell, Debevoise & Plimpton, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Weil Gotshal & Manges have all snapped up roles advising on the Carlyle Group’s acquisition of Getty Images from US private equity rival Hellman & Friedman.
Daily Mail publisher appoints first-ever global GC
The Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) has appointed its first-ever global general counsel and company secretary as part of a legal restructure.
Qatar 2022 lawyer quits as SNR Denton partner
The SNR Denton partner who played a key role in helping Qatar win its bid to host the 2022 World Cup has resigned from the firm.
Bristows acts as Google admits Street View data was not deleted
Google is being advised by Bristows over its admission that it did not delete users’ personal data that was gathered during its Street View research.
Charles Russell helps Paddy Power secure LOCOG backdown over billboards
Charles Russell has secured a popular victory for Irish bookmakers Paddy Power after Olympics organisers LOCOG backed down over an advert campaign.
Lawyers prepare for court showdown as NotW hacking charges revealed
Kingsley Napley, DLA Piper and Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) have been instructed to represent eight senior journalists and executives charged over the News of the World phone-hacking scandal.
Olympian effort
With London 2012 just days away, Katy Dowell examines the legal wranglings needed to get some athletes to the starting line
Kirkland partner and judge hired to tackle Fifa corruption allegations
Football’s world governing organisation Fifa has instructed Kirkland & Ellis partner Michael Garcia to investigate allegations of corruption alongside German judge Hans-Joachim Eckert.
Blackstone silk triumphs against Mulcaire in ongoing phone-hacking case
Blackstone Chambers’ Michael Beloff QC has convinced the Supreme Court that Glenn Mulcaire, the private investigator at the heart of the phone-hacking scandal, should disclose who instructed him at the News of the World.
Met Police settles phone-hacking lawyer's libel claim for £200k
Phone-hacking lawyer Mark Lewis has secured a £200,000 libel settlement from the Metropolitan Police after the force effectively accused him of exaggerating the scale of the News of theWorld (NoW) scandal.
O'Melveny to build UK film practice with hire of Olswang star
The London office of O’Melveny & Myers has hired Olswang’s film and TV team head Libby Savill.
Bains Cohen takes on Facebook in internet bullying case
London firm Bains Cohen and 5RB’s David Hirst have convinced the High Court that Facebook should be forced to reveal the identities of cyber-bullies.
Libel star Benaim quits Schillings
Schillings sports and media litigation partner Gideon Benaim, who has acted for a host of celebrity clients including footballer Ryan Giggs, has quit the firm.
Andy Coulson turns to DLA Piper to fight perjury charges
DLA Piper partner Jo Rickards will represent former News of the World (NoW) editor Andy Coulson in his bid to “vigorously contend” perjury charges relating to the Tommy Sheridan trial.
Addleshaws misses out as ITV announces revamped panel
ITV has revamped its legal panel, with six firms winning places but Addleshaw Goddard and Goodman Derrick losing their spots as advisors to the broadcaster.
RPC wins landmark media harassment case for Daily Mail
RPC has successfully defended Associated Newspapers in the first media harassment case to go to trial, after the newspaper group was sued by the partner of MP Chris Huhne, Carina Trimingham.
Farrers partner stands by decision to put hacking lawyers under surveillance
Farrer & Co partner Julian Pike, who suggested that client News Group put two phone-hacking lawyers under surveillance, has told a Home Affairs Committee that he would make the same recommendation again in similar circumstances.
Paramount cuts London legal team in global restructuring
Film-maker Paramount Pictures has taken an axe to its London in-house legal team, with the US company reducing its headcount in the city from seven to two.
Clouded issues
IT services are all about the cloud these days, but what’s the attraction and what are the legal risks?
Grabiner's £3k-an-hour fee adds to £53m News Corp bill
One Essex Court silk Tony Grabiner QC’s £3,000 hourly rate has helped push the cost of the phone-hacking investigation by News Corporation’s Management and Standards Committee (MSC) to £53m.
Kingsley Napley partner advises Rebekah Brooks over hacking charges
Kingsley Napley partner Stephen Parkinson is acting for former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks and her husband Charlie after they were this morning charged with perverting the course of justice.
Absolute Radio legal head to join Perform Group
Absolute Radio’s head of legal is set to leave the company for digital rights company Perform Group.
News International names WorldPay lawyer as new GC
Media giant News International has appointed Paul Chinnery as its new general counsel.
Select committee exonerates Harbottle over Murdoch's 'major mistake' claim
Harbottle & Lewis, which was accused by Rupert Murdoch of making “a major mistake” in underestimating the scope of the phone-hacking scandal, has been cleared by a report from the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.
Former NI lawyer Crone blasts Murdoch's 'demeaning lies'
Former News International lawyer Tom Crone has issued a furious response to allegations made by Rupert Murdoch that he was complicit in a cover up of the phone-hacking scandal at the Newsof the World.
Lewis Silkin hires former Mel Gibson lawyer as partner
The former legal director of Mel Gibson’s entertainment label has closed his law firm to join Lewis Silkin as partner.
News International refers Times lawyer to SRA over NightJack
News International (NI) has reported a lawyer working at The Times and Sunday Times to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for their role in the paper’s exposé of the NightJack blogger.
Ofcom legal chief leads investigation into hacking at Sky News
Ofcom general counsel Polly Weitzman and her in-house legal team will advise the watchdog on its investigation into Sky News email hacking.
Vos J incredulous as 11 firms file 50 more phone-hacking claims
Mr Justice Vos has described the number of firms clambering on board the phone-hacking juggernaut as “unbelievable”, as 11 firms have filed further claims on behalf of celebrities allegedly targeted by the News of the World.
Taylor Hampton advises as NightJack launches action against The Times
Taylor Hampton partner Mark Lewis and consultant Patrick Daulby are representing hacked NightJack blogger Detective Constable Richard Horton in legal action against The Times.
Phone-hacking lawyer prepares to launch claims in US
Taylor Hampton partner Mark Lewis is set to bring a number of phone-hacking claims against News Corporation in the US courts.
Ten firms win spots on panel serving 300 sporting bodies
Ten law firms have been picked for the inaugural legal panel serving 300 national governing bodies of sport.
Musical Youth loses court battle over Pass the Dutchie royalties
Former members of 1980s reggae band Musical Youth, who had a hit with ’Pass the Dutchie’ in 1982, have lost their royalties legal battle with their former music lawyer Anthony Seddon.
Atkins Thomson leads as Big Brother winner sues over Towie claim
Commercial television network ITV is being sued by Atkins Thomson Solicitors on behalf of a reality TV star who claims he came up with the concept for reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex (Towie).
Daily Mail publisher splits legal function following departure of legal director
The internal legal team at Associated Newspapers have been split into two groups, focusing on commercial and editorial respectively.
Collyer Bristow seals victory for cricketer in Twitter libel case
A cricketer has won the first-ever Twitter libel payout in a case brought on his behalf by Collyer Bristow.
Former Daily Mail legal chief joins Finers as consultant
Associated Newspapers’ former legal head Harvey Kass has taken on a consultancy role with Finers Stephens Innocent.
Supreme Court overturns CoA ruling in Reynolds defence case
The Supreme Court has unanimously endorsed the use of the Reynolds defence, the right to claim a defence of public interest, in media cases.
CoA rejects Times journalist's FOI bid into George Galloway fund
Barristers from 5 Essex Court and 11KBW have defeated opponents from 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square in the latest round of a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) row relating to former MP George Galloway’s Mariam Appeal.
Vos J threatens phone-hacking firms with group litigation order as costs spiral
High Court judge Mr Justice Vos has ordered firms involved in the wave of phone-hacking cases to find a more efficient method of working or risk their clients being forced into a group litigation order [GLO] represented by a single firm.
Latimer Lee partner defends Man U fan in dispute over Man City expansion
Regional property lawyer Chris Platt of Manchester-based Latimer Lee is leading a land dispute between Manchester City Football Club and a fan of rival side Manchester United.
News International replaces Olswang with Linklaters on all phone-hacking claims
Linklaters has replaced Olswang as instructed advisers to News International on all outstanding phone-hacking claims.
Bakers and Blackstone lead Camelot's Gambling Commission JR bid
Baker & McKenzie and Blackstone Chambers are leading National Lottery Operator Camelot’s judicial review application against the Gambling Commission.
Bill for Leveson Inquiry barristers hits £625,600 in first six months
The fees for the counsel advising the Leveson Inquiry into press ethics have topped £600,000, a quarterly expenditure report has revealed.
Twitter libel case gifts roles to QCs from One Brick Court and Ely Place
Silks from One Brick Court and Ely Place Chambers are going head-to-head in a libel claim that has been launched in response to a Twitter posting.
Tugendhat J slams conduct of Giggs, Thomas and News Group
The country’s most senior media judge Mr Justice Tugendhat has criticised Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs, the woman he allegedly had an affair with Imogen Thomas and News Group Newspapers (NGN) for their conduct in their legal wrangling over a tabloid story about the alleged affair.
Court rejects injunction bid by environment secretary's son
The High Court has rejected a bid to extend an injunction granted to environment secretary Caroline Spelman’s son Jonathan.
Blackstone silk leads appeal for GB rhythmic gymnastics team
Blackstone Chambers’ Michael Beloff QC is to represent Great Britain’s rhythmic gymnastics group in their appeal against their exclusion from the Olympic Games.
Cherie Booth launches legal action against NoW phone-hacker
Matrix Chambers founder Cherie Booth QC is suing private investigator Glenn Mulcaire and News Group Newspapers.
Stephenson Harwood uses Facebook to serve court claim
The High Court has given permission for a claim to be served via Facebook in what is believed to be a first for a commercial case.
Wright Hassall launches sports management business
Midlands firm Wright Hassall has launched a sports management arm for professional athletes and snared an Aston Villa player as its first client.
Mulcaire to take phone-hacking appeal to Supreme Court
Private investigator Glenn Mulcaire is heading to the Supreme Court in a last-ditch attempt to protect the identity of the person who instructed him to intercept voicemails for the News of the World (NoW).
Supreme Court to rule in BBC Freedom of Information case
The Supreme Court will tomorrow decide whether the BBC is obliged to publish a report on its Middle Eastern coverage under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
News Corp racked up $87m of legal fees in final quarter of 2011
The News of the World phone-hacking scandal cost parent company News Corp $87m in the last quarter of 2011.
Capello's contractual rights in spotlight after resignation
Former England manager Fabio Capello’s employment contract probably entitled him to select the team captain, according to a London sports lawyer.
Fenwick & West and Simpson Thacher lead as Facebook takes US listing
US firms Fenwick & West and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett have won the key roles advising on Facebook’s long-awaited IPO.
Schillings seals victory for Coogan in Mulcaire phone-hacking appeal
The Court of Appeal has today rejected an appeal by Glenn Mulcaire, the private investigator at the centre of the phone-hacking scandal, over a High Court order forcing him to disclose who instructed him.
DLA Piper and Racine advise on the Huffington Post's French launch
DLA Piper and French independent Racine took the headline roles as the Huffington Post launched its first foreign-language edition.
Eversheds wins role on Leveson's phone-hacking inquiry
Eversheds is advising the Mayor’s Office of Policing and Crime (MOPC), the body responsible for supervising the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), as part of the Leveson Inquiry into press ethics.
CoA ruling on Mulcaire privilege case imminent
The Court of Appeal will next Wednesday (1 February) decide whether the private investigator at the centre of the News of the World (NoW) phone hacking scandal must disclose who instructed him to intercept voicemails.
BLP partner secures £25,000 phone-hacking payout
Berwin Leighton Paisner partner Graham Shear has secured a £25,000 settlement payout from News Group Newspapers over allegations that the News of the World hacked his phone.
News of the World publisher settles 19 phone-hacking claims
Linklaters partner Christa Band and 11 South Square’s Michael Silverleaf QC have driven settlement talks for News Group Newspapers (NGN) over allegations of phone hacking made against the News of the World (NoW).
Manches duo split off to form media boutique
The former heads of Manches’ IP litigation and publishing and media groups have joined forces to launch a boutique specialising in IP, media and entertainment law and dispute resolution.
Blackstone silks face off in BBC freedom of expression case
Blackstone Chambers’ David Pannick QC has won judicial review proceedings against the Secretary of State for Justiceon behalf of the BBC.
News Corp on cusp of GC appointment following phone-hacking scandal
New Corporation is close to appointing a senior Washington DC litigator as its new general counsel, some six months after the previous legal head stood down.
'From Process to Profit' in association with Thomson Reuters FloSuite Legal video
The Lawyer Roundtable ‘From Process to Profit’, in association with Thomson Reuters FloSuite Legal.
Former NoW lawyer advised on hacking as early as 2004
Former News International legal head Tom Crone has told the Leveson Inquiry that he gave the newspaper group legal advice over phone-hacking as far back as 2004.
Hill Dickinson seals victory for Rooney in agent dispute
The Court of Appeal (CoA) has dismissed a multi-million pound claim brought against Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney by his former agency Proactive Sports Management.
AG to launch contempt case against Mail and Mirror over Milly Dowler murder coverage
The Attorney General Dominic Grieve QC is launching a High Court action against the Daily Mail and the Daily Mirror over coverage of the conviction of Milly Dowler’s killer Levi Bellfield.
Daily Mail legal chief quits after 17 years at the helm
Associated Newspapers’ long-standing legal chief Harvey Kass is to leave the newspaper group after more than two decades.
OSN installs AlixPartners in-houser as legal chief after HBO defection
Middle East subscription television service Orbit Showtime Network (OSN) has appointed Helena Samaha as general counsel.
Clifford Chance, Freshfields and SJ Berwin advise on EMI sell-off
A raft of law firms including Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and SJ Berwin landed roles on music company EMI’s break up and sale.
39 Essex Street silk opens Leveson LJ's phone-hacking inquiry
Lord Justice Leveson’s inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press got underway today with 39 Essex Street’s Robert Jay QC opening proceedings with an outline of the course of investigations.
Good looking
An updated e-discovery direction means laying the groundwork for a search will be a key component of success. Adam Clemens’ message is clear: be prepared
Grey sky thinking
Cloud computing can provide benefits when it comes to e-disclosure but is still rife with potential pitfalls. Daniel Kavan advises implementing clear processes before the cloud is introduced
Place matters
With so many tools of communication now in use, identifying the locations of stored data and their various laws regarding disclosure is essential, say Phil Beckett and Tristan Jenkinson
Right direction
The most recent e-discovery practice direction has been pitched just right and should be followed as a matter of course, says Vince Neicho
Sports bodies team up to seek 10-firm roster
The UK’s top sporting bodies have come together to establish a panel of firms to provide legal services to national governing sports organisations.
BBC Worldwide hands first GC role to internal legal head
BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, has appointed Martyn Freeman as general counsel.
Dewey and Bakers advise on Disney’s JV with UTH
Dewey & LeBoeuf and Baker & McKenzie have advised on Russian United TV’s (UTH) joint venture with The Walt Disney Company to launch a Disney-branded free-to-air Russian television channel in a deal worth $300m (£186m).
Reed Smith reacts to media exits with swoop for Channel 4 lawyer
Reed Smith is planning to aggressively ramp up its London media practice in response to the exits of three partners in the past 18 months.
US firms dominate Virgin Media panel
Latham & Watkins, Linklaters and Sullivan & Cromwell are among seven firms to gain new work from Virgin Media as part of the telecoms company’s first external legal panel.
Bloomberg poaches five-partner Willkie Farr team for New York HQ
US firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher is set to lose five partners from its New York base to its long-standing client Bloomberg.
News Group officially dumps Farrers for Olswang in all hacking matters
News Group Newspapers (NGN) has replaced Farrer & Co with Olswang as official adviser on all phone-hacking claims made against defunct tabloid News of the World.
Mishcon seals victory for Lady Gaga in IP case against Lady Goo Goo
IP set 11 South Square was both a winner and a loser in the High Court this week as pop superstar Lady Gaga obtained an injunction preventing a computer game company from releasing a single by a cartoon character.
European Court delivers its verdict on Premier League broadcasting cases
Field Fisher associate Daniel Geey says the Premier League will look to extract maximum value from the UK market following European broadcast rights ruling
The UK’s Top Legal Tweeters in October 2011: A personal view
Who are the top legal Twitter accounts? Well, one instructive way of answering – which also has limitations - is to look at who has the most followers.
File sharing – the UK courts discover their power
2011 may prove to be a key year for progress in the UK by the media companies in their ongoing battles against file sharing.
Doughty silk defeats Matrix's Tomlinson in Ferdinand privacy case
Matrix Chambers’ Hugh Tomlinson QC has failed in his bid to convince the High Court that the Sunday Mirror misused private information about footballer Rio Ferdinand.
Perils of social media – a tweet too far?
Love or hate him, Joey Barton has again hit the headlines following some provocative “tweets” concerning a fellow professional football player, Karl Henry. Following a 3-0 win by Queens Park Rangers over Wolves last weekend and a heavy tackle, Barton, the captain of QPR, launched a verbal attack on Henry, a Wolves midfielder.
HBO installs Showtime Arabia GC as Central Europe legal chief
Pay television service HBO Central Europe has turned to Orbit Showtime Network (OSN) for the hire of its first-ever general counsel.
DLA Piper acts as Coulson launches claim against News International
Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson has hired DLA Piper partner Jo Rickards to launch a High Court claim against the defunct newspaper’s publisher, News Group.
A&O associate takes on News International compliance role
News International has created a senior compliance role with an Allen & Overy (A&O) lawyer filling the position on an interim basis.
Farrers partner heads for News Group
Farrer & Co partner Benjamin Beabey has left the firm and is understood to be joining News Group Newspapers.
Has the Government got a Google-plex?
Last night Jeremy Hunt announced his vision for UK digital media at the Royal Television Society in Cambridge.
Olswang, Mishcon team strikes gold with Olympic homes deal
Olswang and Mishcon de Reya have teamed up to advise a Qatari-backed consortium on the £557m purchase and management of the Olympic Village in east London.
Brabners corners football transfer market
Sports lawyers were waiting up for the UK football transfer window to close last night as the final touches were made to last-minute deals.
2Birds snares 13-strong media team from Hogan Lovells Germany
The mass exodus from Hogan Lovells in Germany has continued with the departure of a team of 13 Hamburg-based media lawyers to Bird & Bird.
Calunius backs case over Elvis's German royalties
Third-party litigation funder Calunius Litigation Risk Fund is supporting a lawsuit filed in Germany on behalf of the estate of Elvis Presley.
Online defamation cases more than double thanks to social media
Social media has led to a surge in the number of online defamation cases being brought, according to research carried out by legal information provider Sweet & Maxwell.
Blackstone convinces court that Spurs can challenge Olympics decision
Blackstone Chambers and Olswang have secured a judicial review hearing for Tottenham Hotspur against the decision to give West Ham United use of the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games.
Slaughters advises on another Arsenal transfer
Arsenal Football Club has turned to Slaughter and May once again for the transfer of midfield player Samir Nasri to Manchester City.
News International's Mulcaire legal bill hit £250,000
Legal fees paid by News International to lawyers acting for private investigator Glenn Mulcaire added up to almost £250,000.
Harbottle unveils defence against Murdoch's aspersions
Harbottle & Lewis has come out fighting against allegations of a cover-up in the ongoing saga of phone hacking at News International.
Wiggin boosts TV team with hires from Reed Smith, Walt Disney
Media specialist Wiggin has bolstered its film and television offering with the hire of a Reed Smith partner and a senior in-house lawyer from Walt Disney Pictures.
Silverman Sherliker moves closer to NoW class action
City law firm Silverman Sherliker has doubled the number of ex-News of the World (NoW) employees it is advising and says they have ‘a very strong case’ for launching a stigma damage action against News International (NI).
39 Essex Street silk joins Leveson LJ on NoW inquiry
A silk from 39 Essex Street has been appointed as counsel to Lord Justice Leveson’s inquiry into the phone-hacking allegations levelled at the defunct tabloid News of the World.
Wiggin helps Hollywood studios defeat BT in copyright case
The High Court has granted an injunction to six major Hollywood studios that will force British Telecom (BT) to stop its internet users from accessing a website that infringes copyright.
Ely Place silk wins libel case over Telegraph book review
Ely Place’s Ronald Thwaites QC has won a High Court libel victory for art journalist and author Sarah Thornton, after Mr Justice Tugendhat denied The Telegraph Media Group application for summary judgment.
BLP partner launches phone-hacking claim against NoW
Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) litigation partner Graham Shear has become embroiled in the News of the World (NoW) phone-hacking scandal, lodging a breach of privacy claim against the defunct paper’s publishers.
News Corp shells out £3k an hour for Grabiner
One Essex Court’s Tony Grabiner QC is understood to be pocketing £3,000 an hour for his advice to News International parent News Corporation in relation to phone-hacking.
NoW phone-hacking saga: the legal line-up
News International’s woes have created a new market for the media pack. Since the allegations of phone-hacking first emerged back in 2009 a handful of claimant lawyers have urged the owner of the News of the World (NoW) to come forward to answer questions about payments to private detectives.
News Corp appoints interim general counsel
News Corporation has appointed Janet Nova as its interim general counsel following the departure of previous legal head Lawrence Jacobs.
Linklaters drafted in to advise News Corp's Hackgate committee
Linklaters litigation partner John Turnbull has been instructed to advise News Corp’s management and standards committee, which has the mandate to oversee post-Hackgate investigations.
Matrix silk to lead group Hackgate claim against News International
As many as 25 phone-hacking cases against News International are to be heard jointly at the beginning of 2012, with five high-profile individuals acting as lead claimants.
News Corp appoints Grabiner QC to oversee phone-hacking investigation
Lord Grabiner QC is joining the lengthening list of legal advisers winning roles on the fallout from the phone-hacking allegations surrounding News International.
Kingsley Napley partner advises Rebekah Brooks after phone-hacking arrest
Kingsley Napley partner Stephen Parkinson has been instructed by former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks following her arrest in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal.
Pinsents bags solo role on broadband project
Pinsent Masons has won the role to act as sole legal adviser on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) £530m project to deliver super-fast broadband across the UK.
Lawyers take fee hit as News Corp abandons BSkyB bid
Competition lawyers advising News Corp on its bid for BSkyB have taken a blow after Rupert Murdoch’s media giant pulled its bid.
News International's legal chief leaves company
News International legal head Tom Crone, a stalwart of the Fleet Street lawyer set, has left the company, the Associated Press has reported.
A&O, Herbies and Skadden lead as News Corp's BSkyB bid flounders
Allen & Overy (A&O), Herbert Smith and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom have all held on to leading advisory roles as News Corp’s bid for BSkyB heats up.
Big Brother maker plans first roster
Endemol, the company behind Big Brother, is mulling its first external panel amid an in-house personnel change.
Silverman Sherliker prepares for potential NotW class action
City law firm Silverman Sherliker has launched a News of the World (NotW) action group for employees of the axed tabloid with the aim of launching a class action against the newspaper.
Olswang advises NotW on all phone-hacking claims
Olswang wins wider role for tabloid publisher as Collyer Bristow is instructed by family of killed serviceman
News Corp turns to Matrix silk over Met payment claims
Matrix Chambers’ Ken Macdonald QC, the former Director of Public Prosecutions, is acting for the board of News Corporation over allegations that its tabloid News of the World (NotW) made inappropriate payments to Metropolitan Police Service officers.
Farrers misses out as News International hands Olswang first mandate
Farrer & Co has been snubbed by News of the World (NotW) publisher News International, which has turned to Olswang for advice on drawing up a code of practice in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal.
Matrix's Tomlinson in court for Ferdinand's Mirror privacy case
Matrix Chambers’ Hugh Tomlinson QC is in court this week leading a privacy action against the Mirror Group on behalf of footballer Rio Ferdinand.
News Corp legal chief quits after seven years in top job
News Corporation’s group general counsel Lawrence Jacobs has resigned from his position to ’pursue new opportunities’, the company has announced.
Cultural resolution
Understanding local customs is crucial to the success of cross-border e-disclosure exercises, say Alex Dunstan-Lee and Kathy Taylor
Hit the tech
The prevalence of electronic documents means those involved in the disclosure process need to employ the latest technological techniques, says Phil Beckett
Tugendhat J refuses to lift order on Fred Goodwin's affair
Matrix Chambers’ Hugh Tomlinson QC has won a partial High Court victory for the woman said to have had an affair with RBS CEO Sir Fred Goodwin, after Mr Justice Tugendhat refused to lift the order banning publication of her name but did permit publication of her occupation.
Attorney General may 'take action' if anonymity orders are broken
The Attorney General Dominic Grieve QC has issued a warning to Twitter followers who break anonymised court orders.
Gag man
At the heart of the battle between the right to privacy and freedom of expression sits Hugh Tomlinson QC. The Lawyer talks to Mr Anonymity about his feelings on the matter
Freshfields steers Betfred to victory in battle for the Tote
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer client Betfred has won the bid to acquire the state-owned Horserace Totalisator Board (the Tote), after fighting off a rival tender from former Liverpool FC chairman Sir Martin Broughton.
Collyer Bristow takes Mosley privacy case to ECHR Grand Chamber
Former International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley has instructed Collyer Bristow to take his fight against the domestic press to the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights.
The Court 10 stars shaping the law on privacy
Court 10 at the Royal Courts of Justice has had more visitors than usual in the past month as the press fights back against what it perceives as encroaching privacy laws.
Tugendhat J rejects bid to refer Goodwin privacy case to attorney general
The High Court has refused to refer to the Attorney General a contempt of court action against Associated Newspapers brought by the woman alleged to have had an affair with Fred Goodwin.
Lord Prescott wins right to challenge Met in phone hacking saga
The High Court has upheld a judicial review application against the Metropolitan Police investigation into phone hacking allegations against the News of the World.
Schillings advises 'CTB' in injunction case against Twitter
Schillings has been instructed to take on the might of Twitter in the High Court, with partner Gideon Benaim instructed by CTB, the individual at the centre of an injunction row.
Blackstone acts for Spurs on Olympic Stadium judicial review
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has instructed Blackstone Chambers’ Dinah Rose QC to lead its judicial review proceedings into the decision to give West Ham United use of the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 games.
Neuberger report says media should get prior warning of injunctions
Newspapers should be given advance warning of injunction applications but there should be no fast track appeal system to challenge their existence, the Master of the Rolls (MR) Lord Neuberger has concluded.
Media lawyers in the driving seat as Mosley crashes and burns in ECHR
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) won favour with newspaper media lawyers last week after it rejected a bid by former International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley to force newspapers to warn people beforehand if they are going to publish details of their private lives.
Onside Law plays above par to secure Ryder Cup mandate
Sports boutique Onside Law has landed a major mandate after advising Ryder Cup Europe on the bidding process to decide the host for the 2018 staging of the biennial golf tournament.
Mosley's privacy bid thrown out by European court
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has rejected a bid by former Formula 1 boss Max Mosley to force newspapers to inform subjects prior to publication if details of their private lives are going to revealed.
PA Group looks within for head of legal appointment
PA Group, the parent company of the UK Press Association, has appointed Kelvin Barker to the newly created role of group head of legal.
BBC Scotland unveils expanded legal roster
BBC Scotland has trebled its roster of legal advisers after finalising its panel review last week.
Vos J to oversee claims relating to News of the World phone-hacking scandal
The Chancellor of the High Court Sir Andrew Morritt has assigned Mr Justice Vos to case manage claims relating to phone-hacking enquiries against the Metropolitan Police.
FA blows final whistle on reshaped legal team
English football’s governing body the FA has completed the restructuring of its 11-strong legal function.
KKR turns to Bakers for advice on divestment of Seven Media
Baker & McKenzie has landed a mandate advising private equity powerhouse Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) on the sale of its stake in Seven Media Group (SMG) to West Australian Newspapers (WAN).
Freshfields wins court victory for RBS against Liverpool FC's former owners
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has successfully defended RBS in its latest legal spat with the former owners of Liverpool Football Club, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
Brick Court silk wins victory for EC in Fifa pay-TV dispute
Brick Court’s James Flynn QC has won a major case for the European Commission (EC) after the European General Court (EGC) ruled that it is legal for European countries to ban the exclusive airing of World Cup and European football championship games on pay-TV.
RJW media boss walks as firm targets volume work
Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) is to pull back from top-end media libel and privacy work, prompting the departure of media chief Sarah Webb.
MasterChef production company installs BBC lawyer as chief counsel
The independent TV production company that makes MasterChef and One Born Every Minute has hired a new legal chief.
Eversheds' media head defects to Michael Simkins
Media firm Michael Simkins has hired an adviser to Elton John and U2 from Eversheds to run its disputes team.
Butcher Burns and ex-Vertex partner score Charlton Athletic FC takeover
Butcher Burns and former Vertex Law partner Stuart Butler-Gallie bagged the leading roles on the takeover of League One’s Charlton Athletic by a consortium led by former Newcastle United vice-president Tony Jimenez.
FFW guides Azerbaijan on comms satellite deal
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has advised the Azerbaijan government on the launch of its first communications satellite.
JMW media chief takes up Mishcon London job
JMW head of media Charlotte Harris will join Mishcon de Reya next month, as the West End firm builds its four-partner media team.
Virgin Media promotes deputy GC as Hall announces retirement
Virgin Media general counsel Bryan Hall has retired from the company after six years in the role and will return to his native US.
Rockin’ role: Roger James, MTV Networks
MTV Networks International general counsel Roger James has the dream job for a lifelong music lover.
Cuatrecasas advises FC Barcelona on unlawful accounting claim
Spanish firm Cuatrecasas Gonçalves Pereira is advising FC Barcelona’s board of directors on its unlawful accounting claim against the club’s former president.
Liverpool FC takeover saga unlikely to relegate firms’ football focus
Law firms will always be willing to be players in lucrative soccer deals
US firms lead as Russian web group seeks London listing
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton and Sullivan & Cromwell have taken the lead roles as Russian internet group Mail.ru last week began marketing its London IPO.
Liverpool FC board granted injunction against owners
The High Court has granted the board of Liverpool Football Club an anti-suit injunction against the club’s owners.
Erskine Chambers seals victory for RBS in Liverpool FC dispute
Mr Justice Floyd has granted the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) mandatory injunctive relief against Liverpool Football Club, paving the way for the sale of the club.
Freshfields wins role on ongoing Liverpool FC saga
The High Court battle between Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Liverpool Football Club’s US owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett got underway this morning with the aim of resolving a power struggle on the club’s board.
Macfarlanes advises latest bidder for Liverpool FC
Macfarlanes has been handed the mandate to act for the latest bidder to throw his hat into the ring in the battle for control of Liverpool Football Club.
Liverpool FC turns to Grabiner as ownership dispute heads to High Court
Liverpool Football Club has instructed One Essex Court silk Lord Grabiner QC in its High Court showdown with US owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
Aegis Media GC promoted to group role
Aegis Media general counsel (GC) Simon Zinger has been promoted to the newly created role of GC at Aegis Group.
BBL focuses on Olympics with EMW hire
The British Basketball League (BBL) has appointed EMW Picton Howell as its sole legal adviser.
M Law sues client over unpaid Jacko case fees
Media boutique M Law has launched a claim against former client Matthew Fiddes over unpaid fees worth £1.3m.
Shearman, Slaughters and Weil advise on sale of Liverpool FC
Shearman & Sterling, Slaughter and May and Weil Gotshal & Manges have netted the prize roles on the proposed takeover of Liverpool Football Club by the owner of US baseball franchise the Boston Red Sox.
Proskauer elects its youngest-ever chair as SJ Berwin talks continue
Proskauer Rose has elected a new global chairman as the New York firm continues to pursue a potential merger with SJ Berwin.
Wolf Theiss acts on Facebook defamation case against Austrian press
Austrian firm Wolf Theiss is advising a Slovakian student in a defamation case against three Viennese newspapers after her photo was mistakenly used in a story about a murdered prostitute.
WRU will look to London as it sets up first formal panel
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is poised to launch its first formal legal panel early next year.
FFW lands starring role on creation of YouView
Field Fisher Waterhouse’s (FFW) longstanding relationship with the BBC has seen it land the role of chief adviser to a consortium of broadcasting and communications companies on the launch of TV service YouView.
Bindmans scoops NoW phone hacking mandate
Bindmans has launched judicial review proceedings against the Metropolitan Police over claims it failed to adequately investigate allegations of phone hacking at Sunday tabloid News of the World (NoW).
Channel 5 legal chief given the axe
Channel 5’s legal chief Paul Chinnery has been made redundant and is set to leave the broadcaster at the end of October.
Burness chair helps snooker's Higgins quash match-fixing claims
Burness partner Philip Rodney has successfully defended the former snooker world champion John Higgins of allegations of match fixing, originally made by the News of the World (NoW).
Farrers defends News of the World against George Galloway claim
Farrer & Co is defending News of the World publisher News Group Newspapers (NGN) in an action brought by former MP George Galloway, who claims his phone was hacked by the paper.
Hammonds scores another West Ham FC deal
Hammonds corporate partner David Hull has acted on a second major football deal in a week after advising on a £4m investment in West Ham United.
Football Association revamps legal team
English football’s governing body the Football Association (FA) is overhauling its legal team, following the departure of senior solicitor Rhodri Lewis.
Notts County FC caught offside in wrangle over unpaid invoices
City Law Financial has launched a legal battle with former client Notts County Football Club, claiming £300,000 in unpaid fees.
Hammonds advises on Leicester City FC sell-off
Hammonds has advised Leicester City FC on its acquisition by consortium Asia Football Investments.
Welsh Rugby Union hires FA man as legal chief
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has named former FA senior solicitor Rhodri Lewis as its head of legal affairs.
Man Utd reappoints Pinsents as part of panel review
Manchester United FC is in the process of reviewing its five-strong legal panel, with Pinsent Masons already reappointed.
Virtual veracity
When the details of the Simon Singh and BCA case were played out online, the issues of free speech and libel, and the emerging power of wiki litigation, took centre stage. By Robert Dougans and David Allen Green
City firm helps acquire Harry Potter for Russian TV
Russian TV company TNT Broadcasting Network has turned to City firm Padva Haslam-Jones for advice on a deal to air Warner Bros material including the latest Harry Potter film.
Media trio instruct third party in defamation case
Three news organisations have made the rare move of instructing counsel to intervene as a third party in a defamation case in the Court of Appeal in order to protect the ’fair comment’ defence.
Former Harbottle chief joins Fladgate media practice
Former Harbottle & Lewis managing partner Lawrence Abramson has joined Fladgate’s media and entertainment practice.
Telegraph brings in legal-chief-in-waiting
The Telegraph Media Group has hired Associated Newspaper’s group litigation adviser to work alongside its most senior lawyer Arthur Wynn-Davies as he prepares for retirement.
Lewis Silkin outsources litigation to New Zealand
LEWIS Silkin has begun outsourcing sophisticated disputes work to litigation partners at a law firm in New Zealand.
Media judges in the spotlight as Eady J’s future is thrown into doubt
Media law has become an intensely controversial area and the demand for reform is growing, with editors and politicians attempting to influence the debate.
"World's worst tennis pro" loses Telegraph libel case
The High Court has thrown out a defamation claim brought against the Daily Telegraph by tennis player Robert Dee, who claimed the paper had defamed him by dubbing him the “world’s worst tennis pro”.
Edwin Coe bags Taylor Wessing coms partner
Taylor Wessing has been left without a telecoms partner in its London office after Ted Mercer signalled his intention to quit for Edwin Coe.
IPA hires Apple Retail legal chief to head legal team
The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) has named Apple Retail’s European legal chief Elaine Hutton as its new head of legal.
Khaitan drafts in specialists to reinforce infrastructure, banking and TMT
Indian firm Khaitan & Co has made three lateral partner hires to strengthen its banking, infrastructure and TMT practices.
The name game
When it comes to naming rights deals, sponsors of sporting stadia need to think tactically or risk an own goal. By Kim Walker and Steven James
Irwin Mitchell in Telegraph link-up
Irwin Mitchell has signed a deal with Telegraph Media Group (TMG) that will see the paper offering legal services to readers.
Freshfields' Rawlinson enters Man U fray with Red Knights
Magic circle partner emerges as key player in anti-Glazer bid
FFW, Olswang tune in for launch of TV production joint venture
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) and Olswang have grabbed starring roles on a tie-up between NBC Universal and Working Title Films to create a new television production company.
Opinion: The ins and outs of the football creditor rule
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) seems more interested in football than the average punter. There are currently challenges to agents’ payments (both for VAT and PAYE), to image rights structures and to testimonial receipts.
FA unveils new-look legal panel following move to Wembley
Bird & Bird and Charles Russell have emerged as the biggest winners following the Football Association’s (FA) announcement of a revamped legal panel.
Addleshaws, Norton Rose instructed on Trinity’s Guardian Media takeover
Addleshaw Goddard and Norton Rose have grabbed headline roles on the sale of Guardian Media Group’s (GMG) regional media business to Trinity Mirror.
The changing face of football finance means lawyers are in the thick of it
A ’premier league’ of advisers has arisen to tackle clubs’ money issues. By Gavriel Hollander
Six Nations: a union of lawyers and rugby
Rugby and the law have always been happy bedfellows. In the innocent amateur days of yore it was not uncommon to see a barrister tearing down the wing or mixing it in the front row at your local club.
Cheryl Cole's record label revamps legal team
Universal Music UK, the record label for names such as Cheryl Cole and Lady Gaga, has promoted two of its legal team to the roles of director, legal and business.
Claimant media lawyers round on Govt’s 10 per cent CFA cap
Claimant media lawyers are threatening to bring judicial review proceedings against the Government after it unveiled proposals to introduce a 10 per cent cap on conditional fee arrangements in defamation cases.
Burness scoops sole Gala employment role
Scottish firm Burness has been appointed as sole employment law adviser to gaming company Gala Coral Group.
Aegis Media relocates entire legal team to City
Aegis Media is revamping its in-house legal function so as to base all of its lawyers in London at the same time as its parent, communications company Aegis Group, ditches the general counsel role.
Collyer builds reputation with swoop for Steeles litigation duo
Steeles Law practice heads Dominic Crossley and Rhory Robertson have defected to rival Collyer Bristow.
Judge slated for dragging heels on BSkyB ruling
Barristers acting on BSkyB’s £700m claim against IT supplier EDS have criticised presiding judge Mr Justice Ramsey for not yet handing down his judgment despite the case ending more than a year ago.
Lawyers leap to Carter-Ruck’s defence
Freedom of speech is the pride of the UK, but with it comes a duty of responsibility. So when newspaper editors start complaining that their freedoms have been curtailed, it becomes a concern for the nation.
Mayer Brown revisits Pompey merry-go-round
Mayer Brown corporate partner Rob Hamill has led a team advising on the sale of Portsmouth Football Club, just six weeks after advising on its purchase.
Mayer Brown advises on latest sale of Portsmouth FC
Mayer Brown corporate partner Rob Hamill has led a team from the firm advising on the sale of Portsmouth Football Club - six weeks after advising on its purchase.
Dewey guides Caster Semenya through IAAF gender testing
Dewey & LeBoeuf is advising South African athlete Caster Semenya to ensure her human rights are upheld during gender testing by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
Monckton, 3-4 South Square get into gear for F1 crash test
Leading sports barristers are warming up to take their places in the latest scandal to rock Formula 1 (F1).
Eversheds works eight days a week for Beatles
Eversheds has advised Apple Corps, one of its longest-standing clients, on two headline-grabbing deals relating to legendary pop group The Beatles.
Eversheds advises on Beatles anniversary deals
Eversheds has advised Apple Corps, one of its longest-standing clients, on two headline-grabbing deals relating to legendary pop group The Beatles.
Couchman scores sports duo from Addleshaws
Commercial boutique Couchman Harrington Associates has hired two lawyers from Addleshaw Goddard’s sports practice.
Legal network launches loyalty card in battle of the brands
Online legal alliance QualitySolicitors.com is launching a TV marketing campaign with the eyecatching gimmick of a loyalty card for clients.
Former MTV legal duo bag News Corp, Arsenal posts
?Two alumni of MTV Europe’s legal team have landed new jobs in recent weeks, with Andrea Appella taking a role at News Corporation and Svenja Geissmar becoming Arsenal FC’s first general counsel.
Macfarlanes gains mandate as ITV sells Friends Reunited
Macfarlanes and Lovells won key advisory roles on ITV’s sale of loss-making social networking site Friends Reunited.
BLP hires Teacher Stern sports litigator Shear
Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has hired Teacher Stern sports and media litigator Graham Shear.
FFW takes centre stage in Kangaroo’s sale to Arqiva
Clifford Chance and Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) have advised on the sale of a TV-on-demand service set up to show BBC, ITV and Channel 4 programmes on the internet.
Clifford Chance and Farrers help England stage Rugby World Cup
Clifford Chance and Farrer & Co have advised on the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) successful bid to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.
Weil Gotshal advises on $2bn Showtime Arabia merger
Weil Gotshal & Manges and Linklaters have landed lead roles on a major $2bn (£1.2bn) Middle East media merger.
Links TMT/IP chief quits for dual roles
Linklaters’ global head of technology, media and telecoms (TMT) and IP has left the firm to take up roles with Bird & Bird and Chinese healthcare group Sinocare.
Guildhall Chambers silk tackles Lions legal role
The lawyer for the British & Irish Lions rugby team is looking forward to Saturday’s final test with cautious optimism, pointing out that the fact the team has been hampered by injuries makes the result difficult to call.
Opinion: Crunch time for future of Digital Britain
I suspect even little green men in galaxies far, far away now know about Digital Britain. Ultimately, it is all about exploration.
After Setanta - Sky's the limit
Given the regulator’s reluctance to split up Sky, will the government realise that competition law is not fit for purpose, if the purpose is changingSky’s behaviour to make life easier for its rivals?
Santander merger sees A&L lawyer quit
Alliance & Leicester (A&L) head of corporate and commercial law Raj Singh-Dehal has left the company in the wake of its merger with Santander.
Schillings Academy to deliver direct route to partnership
Media boutique Schillings is looking to expand the professional development of its junior lawyers with the launch of the Schillings Academy.
Eversheds advises McCartney and Ringo on video game deal
Eversheds underlined its longstanding relationship with The Beatles this week when it advised on a deal to put 45 of the group’s songs on to the video game Rock Band.
Virgin hires ex-SJ Berwin partner
Former SJ Berwin partner Charlotte McMillan has joined Virgin Media in the newly created role of assistant general counsel.
Wanted: a lawyer for Arsenal
Arsenal FC has begun the hunt for its first general counsel, following the growing number of clubs seeking to bolster their in-house legal capability.
Argie bargy
Diego Maradona once dubbed Carlos Tévez the “Argentine prophet for the 21st century”: high praise indeed from a player with the dexterity of a deity.
Shearman tackles Man City following Mansour deal
Shearman & Sterling is muscling in on Premier League football transfer work after one of the firm’s associates joined Manchester City as general counsel.
Opinion: Journalists’ rights and police wrongs
On the same day that Damian Green’s arrest made front page headlines, the newspapers were reporting the acquittal of one of their own – journalist Sally Murrer.
Opinion: Privacy rulings don’t jeopardise investigative reporting
Daily Mail boss Paul Dacre accused Mr Justice Eady of imposing a privacy law on the UK’s press. As a former journalist, now solicitor, I believe Dacre is off on a frolic of his own.
Hammonds, Shearman, Brabners in footy megadeals
The frantic close of the football transfer window saw lawyers working late into Monday night on some of the Premiership’s biggest ever deals, including the £200m sale of Manchester City FC.
Beachcroft lands £4m for injured football hopeful
Beachcroft has secured former Manchester United hopeful Ben Collett more than £4m in compensation after his football career was prematurely ended five years ago.
Star Wars: attack on the clones struck down
Litigation firm SimmonsCooperAndrew has struck down George Lucas’ High Court battle for ownership of the IP rights to the Star Wars stormtrooper helmets.
Advisors kept as Mosley moves from privacy to libel
Norfolk-based Steeles Law has been retained by Formula 1 chief Max Mosley as he launches libel proceedings against the News of the World.
Max Mosley privacy case costs to hit £1m
The legal costs in Formula 1 chief Max Mosley’s five-day privacy suit against the News of the World are set to hit £1m.
Lovells advises ParalympicsGB on McCartney ad
Lovells has advised on the ParalympicsGB on the intellectual property issues on its new TV advertising campaign featuring Sir Paul McCartney.
CC, Lewis Silkin to duke it out in Deutsche Bank libel battle
Clifford Chance and Lewis Silkin are going head to head in an unusual libel battle between Deutsche Bank and former bank employee Stuart Bray.
Dewey & LeBoeuf gifts amputee an Olympic chance
Dewey & LeBoeuf client and Olympic hopeful, sprinter Oscar Pistorius has won his appeal against a decision banning him from competing with able-bodied athletes.
Fulbright takes on ITV in battle over Buds, Frost repeat fees
Fulbright & Jaworski has secured third-party litigation funding for production company Excelsior in a royalties battle with ITV.
Premier League picks DLA Piper for IP clash with pubs
DLA Piper has scored the lead role acting for the FA Premier League in a dispute with a group of UK pubs over the broadcasting of football?matches.
Speechly Bircham seals Revlon deal for supermodel Elle Macpherson
Speechly Bircham has picked up the lead role acting for model Elle Macpherson on her deal to become the new face of $1.33bn American cosmetics giant Revlon.
Mishcon demands IOC ensures athlete safety
Mishcon has written to the International Olympic Committee urging it to clarify how it will protect dissident athletes.
Wilberforce kicks off Leeds arbitration against Football League
Commercial and chancery set Wilberforce Chambers will kick-off arbitration proceedings for Leeds United FC against the Football League.
FFW acts on sale of BBC's outside broadcasts division
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has fended off competition from a range of other firms to advise the BBC on the sale of its outside broadcasts division to sports broadcaster Satellite Information Services (SIS).
Al Fayed calls lawyers off the Diana quest
Al Fayed's legal team has finally been ordered to stand down from pursuing avenues as to the reasons Princess Diana and Dodi died.
Olswang closes Danny Boyle film deal
Olswang has advised independent film company Celador Films on the new movie by Danny Boyle.
Judge: There is no evidence of Diana conspiracy
The Diana Inquest coroner said today (31 March) that Mohamed Al Fayed's lawyer, Michael Mansfield QC of Tooks Chambers, had to stop pursuing the Harrods owner's murder theories as they were "without foundation".
Nabarro victory saves FA Cup contenders from financial ruin
Nabarro victory saves FA Cup contenders from financial ruin" / Nabarro has landed a High Court ruling that has rescued Cardiff City FC from financial disaster.
Mills-McCartney judgment reveals all
Heather Mills has failed in her attempt to block the publication of the judgment handed down in her divorce from Paul McCartney.
Jimmy Savile turns to Fox Hayes for action against The Sun
Leeds-based firm Fox Hayes has commenced legal action against The Sun newspaper on behalf of TV personality Jimmy Savile.
Mills receives £24.3m in McCartney divorce settlement
Payne Hicks Beach client Sir Paul McCartney is to pay estranged wife Heather Mills £24.3m in a divorce settlement determined by High Court judge Mr Justice Bennett.
Lovells scores role on ITV sale of Liverpoolfc.tv
Lovells has maintained its relationship with ITV following the departure of relationship partner Hugh Nineham, advising the company on the sale of its share in Liverpool FC website www.liverpoolfc.tv.
Sport decision ruling gives footballers 'buyout' right
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has made a landmark decision on football player contracts, ruling that players can buy out the remaining years of their contract if they want to leave.
DLA and LG help MyFootballClub score first web-based takeover
Couchman Harrington, DLA Piper and LG advised on the first web-based takeover of a business after an online community took over Kent football club Ebbsfleet United.
Claimant libel lawyers hit back at media demands for CFA caps
Hollywood actress Sharon Stone has used it. Supermodel Naomi Campbell has had it. Hell, even hypnotist Paul McKenna has utilised it.
Travers nets hat trick with Derby deal
Travers Smith has landed its third top flight football takeover in two years, acting on the acquisition of Derby County FC.
Actress gets £5m for superbug infection
Russell Cooke and Weightmans reached a settlement that will see actress Leslie Ash receive £5m compensation for contracting a superbug infection at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Heather Mills-McCartney turns to M Law
Media boutique M Law has won Heather Mills-McCartney as a new client, advising her on the three libel actions that are running alongside the former model's bitter divorce proceedings from Sir Paul McCartney.
Addleshaws scores lead role on Football League broadcast deal
Addleshaw Goddard is bringing football back home to terrestrial television, scoring the lead role for the Football League in its £264m media deal with the BBC.
4 Pump Court blocks Blackstone's bid to secure F1 title for Hamilton
Sports experts at Blackstone Chambers and 4 Pump Court went head-to-head at the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in a clash that could have seen Formula 1 rookie driver Lewis Hamilton crowned champion.
Boutique scores victory for Blairs over paparazzi
Media boutique Atkins Solicitors has scored substantial damages for the former prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie Booth QC of Matrix chambers.
FFW scores Red and White's bid for Arsenal
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) could be in line to take over from Slaughter and May as Arsenal Football Club's lead law firm after advising Russian steel billionaire Alisher Usmanov on his purchase of a 14 per cent stake in the club.
Blackstone tackles Man U in Heinze dispute
Blackstone Chambers has scored its second instruction on a disputed football transfer, after being brought in to secure Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze's release from Manchester United FC.
Brick Court and Blackstone take Hammers to High Court
Leading sets Brick Court Chambers and Blackstone Chambers have bagged the lead roles on the dispute between the agents of Argentine football star Carlos Tevez and his current club West Ham United FC.
Hammonds gets the nod for Fulham FC's kit deals
The sports group at Hammonds has held onto Fulham FC as a client, scooping the lead role on the club's kit supply and sponsorship deals.
Harbottle & Lewis wins star role for BBC talent show winners
Harbottle & Lewis has expanded its relationship with the BBC, advising the finalists of talent show Any Dream Will Do and winning a mandate to do the same for contestants of a reality show to be screened on BBC2 in the autumn.
Frankie goes to Bristows
Bristows is relaxing after scoring a crucial trade mark win for 80’s pop combo Frankie Goes to Hollywood against ex-lead singer Holly Johnson.
Peters & Peters advises Mourinho’s dog
Peters & Peters partner Elizabeth Robertson has bagged the lead mandate in the fight over Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho’s dog, a Yorkshire terrier puppy called Leya.
Schillings fights Mail over Knightley anorexia articles
Media law firm Schillings sued the Daily Mail’s publisher for libel today (24 May) on behalf of Pirates of the Caribbean star Keira Knightley.
DWS v DLA Piper for Sheffield's Tevez spat
Arch rivals Denton Wilde Sapte (DWS) and DLA Piper will square off in the fight between Sheffield United FC and the Premier League over the controversial Carlos Tevez affair.
Onside Law scores FA coup with National Express/Wembley deal
Sports boutique Onside Law has picked up a brace of football sponsorship deals as the FA Cup Final clash between Chelsea and Manchester United draws closer.
Lords' OK! ruling creates image rights monopoly
The House of Lords has ruled in favour of OK! magazine in its battle against Hello!, transforming the law on image rights in the process.
Zoo forced to apologise over Koo Stark porn jibe
Media law firm Carter-Ruck won actress Koo Stark an apology she sought from Zoo magazine after it published an article alleging that she had been a porn star.
Charles Russell tops AIM game
Charles Russell has stor-med the list of the top 10 legal advisers on AIM flotations.
MBR&M bags Midland Group for Jordan Grand Prix buyout
Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw (MBR&M) has won a new client, Midland Group, after advising the Canadian company on its acquisition of Jordan Grand Prix.
O’Melveny raids Wilson Sonsini and McDermott
O’Melveny & Myers is ramping up its M&A offering in San Francisco and New York after raids on Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and McDermott Will & Emery.
MAB in merger negotiations with Goodman Derrick
Watford-based Matthew Arnold & Baldwin (MAB) is in preliminary merger talks with 20-partner media and entertainment firm Goodman Derrick.
Lewis Silkin management rejig gives birth to new department
Lewis Silkin has elected a new managing partner as part of a wide-ranging management shake-up.
Shearman elbows aside Freshfields to scoop mm02 corporate reorganisation
The London office of US firm Shearman & Sterling has secured a coup by beating Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer to instructions ...
Firm profile: New Media Law
The founding partners of media boutique New Media Law, Ian Penman and Paul Hosford, originally met at DLA (now DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary) before Hosford decamped to Steptoe & Johnson.
Telecoms calling
A resurgent global telecoms sector is now fertile ground for law firms seeking new clients. Tim Schwarz urges a degree of opportunism
Patent leathering
2004 saw Lord Hoffmann do a U-turn on his Improver patent yardstick. Will it make patent law any easier to interpret? By Stephen Jones
Jones Day HK corporate ace quits for client
Jones Day’s Hong Kong office has lost senior corporate partner Steven Goodman to leading Asian telecoms company Pacific Media.As first revealed on www.thelawyer.com (5 January), Goodman has joined Pacific Media as an executive director and group legal adviser with effect from 5 January. He will also take up the role of company secretary.
Careers: people
Foot Anstey Sargent has strengthened its media team with the appointment of Nigel Hanson, who is qualified as a lawyer and journalist. The team has also just won work from Associated Newspapers.
B&M, Linklaters sued as F1 teams cry negligence
Pinsents instructed after Williams and McLaren miss out on sell-off of F1 commercial and media rights
Outgoing DWS partners win the right to vote on new management
The Eleven departing Denton Wilde Sapte (DWS) media and IP partners have been cleared to vote in the forthcoming management elections after the firm went to counsel to clarify its position.
Partner trio set to quit Hammonds
Hunton & Williams has scooped its second Hammonds partner in three months with the hire of John Deacon to kick-start a London construction practice.
Roschier Holmberg back at top in Finland
Roschier Holmberg has just regained its leadership of the Finnish market after revealing an 18 per cent rise in turnover from €25.5m (£16.6m) to €30.1m (£20.8m).
The web: let your clients tap into you
A large number of smaller law firms still do not have a website. Margaret Manning reports on how to use this marketing gift horse to the best possible effect
Osborne Clarke loss prompts focus shift
Osborne Clarke is set to refocus its media finance team following the departure of film finance partner Phil Alberstat. The Canadian lawyer is leaving the firm in December to join the William Morris talent agency in Los Angeles as a film agent.
Uefa ‘beefs up’ legal team in readiness for Euro 2008
Uefa is radically overhauling its in-house legal function in preparation for Euro 2008, to slash the amount of work it outsources to external advisers.
Ashurst bypasses Eversheds to win Stanley Leisure joint venture work
Ashurst bypasses Eversheds to win Stanley Leisure joint venture work" /FTSE 250 gaming company Stanley Leisure has turned to Ashurst over Eversheds on its joint venture with Malaysian casino group Genting.
Laytons scores High Court victory for Rovers
A landmark court victory for Laytons on behalf of Blackburn Rovers is expected to lead to a flood of claims by sports clubs against insurers.
DLA’s international TMT tie-up goes where no team has gone before
A three-way global merger and a DWS team will give DLA a formidable TMT practice. By Steve Hoare
It’s bad to share
The British Phonographic Industry is coming down hard on filesharers. Geoff Taylor and Simon Baggs report on the culling of the music thieves
Ringing in the change
Voice over Internet Protocol has been a smash hit in the US. But European legislation means it is not getting the same take-up over here. By Robert Bratby
Greenberg takes on Getronics instruction
Miami law firm Greenberg Traurig has advanced its push into Europe after securing an instruction from IT giant Getronics on its bid for Dutch competitor PinkRoccade.
Cisco dumps panel for one-on-one with Eversheds
Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking for the internet, has launched a radical new legal model which has seen it drop all its UK law firms in favour of Eversheds.
The Lawyer Global 100 Unveiled
The Boston Red Sox’s first World Series title since 1918 came last week (for those genteel readers who don’t know, they’re a baseball team). It’s being billed as one of the most startling sporting results of all time.
One more joins Simmons’ partner exodus
Simmons & Simmons is set to lose its eleventh partner in the space of two months with corporate star Ed Lukins joining the London office of Morrison & Foerster (Mofo).
Cooley Godward to spark expansion with New York and DC
Cooley Godward is in the early stages of plans to open in Washington DC and New York and is hoping that London and Continental Europe will follow.
RFU signs up Farrers sports star
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has recruited Karena Vleck from Farrer & Co as the organisation’s new in-house lawyer and company secretary.
Philip Morris International appoints non-lawyer as legal director to investigate law firm budget
Philip Morris International (PMI) has installed an innovative new model for in-house legal teams by promoting a non-lawyer to the position of director of legal services. Peter Gavrushenko has been transferred from the corporate affairs group to examine the legal group’s budget and how it is best spent on its law firms, its training programmes and its use of technology.
DWS makes two partner promotions in TMT group
Denton Wilde Sapte (DWS) is mounting a rearguard action to cling on to its dwindling technology, media and telecoms (TMT) practice, with two telecoms associates becoming partners.
Five appoints acting head of legal and business
Sarah Gregson is joining TV station Five as acting head of legal and business affairs. She is on a year-long contract to cover head of business affairs Jacqueline Monro-Higgs, who is going on maternity leave. Gregson will report directly to director of legal and business affairs Colin Campbell. Gregson is an experienced media lawyer who was director of legal and business affairs at Celador Productions. Previously she was head of the independent commissioning unit of the BBC and director ...
Kramer Levin lures France Telecom counsel
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel has hired the highly regarded former general counsel of France Telecom for its Paris office. Jean-Pierre Mattout joined the US firm as a partner on 13 October. Mattout quit as France Telecom’s general counsel this May after two years in the post. Prior to that he served as general counsel and a member of the executive management board of the corporate and investment banking arm of BNP Paribas. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com 14 October
Linklaters beats magic circle rivals in contest for Celtel IPO
Linklaters has beaten Allen & Overy (A&O) and Slaughter and May to the IPO of pan-African mobile phone company Celtel, which is to join the London Stock Exchange early next year.
MBR&M in Olympic arbitration role
Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw (MBR&M) is the first international law firm to be sent by the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to arbitrate for athletes and sports bodies at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Three lawyers were sent to Athens to provide advice and take part in arbitrations on a pro bono basis in order to settle disputes in record times of no longer than 24 hours.
‘Special’ forces
Stockbroker Collins Stewart has set its Schillings ‘Rottweilers’ onto the FT, claiming £230m in lost future earnings. But is it just using scare tactics? By Jon Robins
Grapevine
It’s like the senate of ancient Rome round at Denton WildeSapte (DWS) at the moment.It’s not clear yet who is Brutus in this equation, but theknives have been out for incumbent managing partnerVirginia Glastonbury for some time.Her decision...
DWS moots closure of office after mass exodus
Denton Wilde Sapte (DWS) is considering the closure of its 5 Chancery Lane office as part of a cost-cutting drive.
DLA senior partner failed to record football shirt price-fixing meeting
DLA senior partner Roger Lane-Smith failed to record a meeting in which the chairman of JJB Sports Dave Whelan was found to have rigged the price of football shirts with his competitors, David Hughes of all:sports and Mike Ashley of Sports Soccer.
CC loses three more CMT lawyers
Another three associates are set to leave Clifford Chance’s depleted communications, media and technology (CMT) group.
Freshfields overcomes conflict on Siemens deal
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advised Siemens Business Services on its £2bn sale and outsourcing deal with BBC Technology despite conflict of interest concerns raised by senior partner Anthony Salz’s position as vice-chairman of the broadcaster.
Information share
With its recent tripartite deal, Hemscott is evolving from a small UK-focused company into a major global player. By Jodi Bartle
Opinion
The world of solicitors’ financial services has been through a profound upheaval since the Financial Services Authority (FSA) assumed responsibility for regulation. The arrival of the FSA in December 2001 was heralded by an explosion in the volume and complexity of regulatory edict and increases in the cost of doing business. At the same time, the first attempt was made to reduce ...
Careers: in brief
Yorkshire firm John Howe & Co is expanding its regional base with the acquisition of niche Leeds practice Lyons & Dorsey. The move sees the four-partner outfit establishing a city centre site to work alongside its Pudsey headquarters. Wilson’s solicitor Lisa Conway has also been hired to handle contentious cases.
Serco braves its lawyers’ wrath over online tender
Business support services company Serco has hit back at criticism levelled at its new online tender process, which is being used for the selection of its new group legal panel.
Accounting scandal pushes CA into restructuring its legal group
US software giant Computer Associates (CA) is putting the finishing touches to the post-scandal revamp of its legal department, following a year of upheaval.
Commission slammed by Microsoft general counsel
As epic antitrust case reaches court, Smith calls for more objectivity in Brussels
DWS left shellshocked as eleven media/IP partners defect to DLA
DWS’s TMT practice left with skeleton crew; defectors cite lack of investment as reason for exodus. By Joanne O’Connor
Swansea outsourcing prompts strike action
Swansea City Council has provoked an ongoing strike over plans to outsource its IT department, but new laws coming in next year may help make such disputes a thing of the past.
DLA Group entices Polish firm Lukowicz into the fold
DLA’s international association DLA Group is expanding its presence in Eastern Europe after securing its first Polish member.
Opinion
David Beckham has apparently registered more than 100 domain names in his name. Wayne Rooney has also begun to capitalise on his recent international success at Euro 2004, registering his name in at least 10 different domains. However, there is one more very important domain, on which these and other celebrities and brand owners should be keeping a close eye – the new .eu domain name.
‘Farce’ as Linklaters’ Galileo satellite job goes to Lovells
Linklaters.jpg" alt="‘Farce’ as Linklaters’ Galileo satellite job goes to Lovells" /Linklaters and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu missed out on key roles on the mammoth Galileo satellite project following a “farcical” EU-run procurement process, which saw the pair left high and dry at the eleventh hour.
Last Cawthra Feather
August saw the launch of Last Cawthra Feather’s (LCF) sports law team, an unconventional development for a regional firm made all the more unusual by the presence of former professional footballers-turned-consultants Jim Pearson and John Hendrie.
Charlie Wijeratna: London 2012
A host of City law firms are giving London’s Olympic bid their financial support. And it’s all thanks to London 2012 commercial and legal director Charlie Wijeratna. By Steve Hoare
Careers: people
Linklaters Madrid has strengthened its M&A and private equity practice with the hires of two associates from magic circle rivals. Alexander Kolb arrives from Clifford Chance’s corporate department, where he has worked since 1999, while Victor Manchado joins after five years at
Celador hires new head of legal
Celador International, the television production company which makes Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? and You Are What You Eat, has appointed a new head of legal.
T-Mobile reshuffles legal post-Chain
T-Mobile is restructuring its legal department following the departure of its longstanding general counsel.
France Telecom gears up to appoint new legal panel
France Telecom is completing a full-scale review of its legal advisers and has promised that some of its existing advisers will be dropped.
Cains prepares for London launch
Isle of Man firm Cains is preparing to establish a London office to enhance its ship and film financing businesses.
Fleury’s dreams fall apart
Seven partners have left: can the Dutch star pull CC’s practice back from the brink? By Steve Hoare
TMT deals round-up
Field Fisher Waterhouse (Paul Barton, left) advised professional teaching body the General Teaching Council (GTC) on the outsourcing of its customer relations management (CRM) system. The project has seen the GTC overhaul its registration database and will ensure the GTC meets ...
Letters of the law
Collyer-Bristow pulled off a bit of a coup last week, signing up Richard Butler’s Roger Parker and Olympic gold medal winner Ben Ainslie as its new postmen.
The Celt belt
Ireland’s M&A and corporate finance markets are booming. Eithne FitzGerald provides a round-up of the biggest deals in the past year
Government clears Freshfields of conflict on BBC Worldwide
As the BBC’s vice chairman Anthony Salz considers the fate of the corporation’s commercial arm BBC Worldwide, it has emerged that Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, of which Salz is co-senior partner, has recently been instructed by BBC Worldwide in Germany.
Charles Russell makes key hire for media team
Charles Russell makes key hire for media team" /Charles Russell has bolstered its media team with the hire of media litigation expert Nick Armstrong (left) from Goodman Derrick. Armstrong, who specialises in defamation, ...
Lewis Silkin nets second payment for footballer
Lewis Silkin has secured an out-of-court settlement for Dutch football star Pierre Van Hooijdonk, ending his pay dispute with former club Nottingham Forest. Hooijdonk, advised by partner Philip Foster, will receive a second payment in addition to the £383,000 paid in 2003.
Morgan Lewis scoops AIM flotation work for XL TechGroup
Morgan Lewis & Bockius’s London office has been handed the mandate for the AIM flotation of US technology incubator XL TechGroup.
Corporate deals round-up
Paul Weiss Rifkin Wharton & Garrison (John Lange) advised TCL Communications Technology Holdings on its acquisition of Alcatel’s mobile handset R&D, manufacture and distribution business. The joint venture established to carry out the acquisition is owned 55 per cent by TCL and 45 per cent by Alcatel.
Keep it greasy
Sports lawyers are flocking back from the Olympics in their droves with war stories galore. Many have tales of drugs cheats they’ve busted or athletes they’ve advised or sponsored. The common denominator, though, seems to be sex. All those near-naked bodies glistening with sweat seem to have overwhelmed many of our learned friends.
Careers: people
Cobbetts has bolstered its IP, information, communications and technology and media teams with the hire of two solicitors for its Manchester office. Laura Harper arrives after a five-year stint at Pannone & Partners, while Sonia Luthra joins the top 50 firm from DWF Solicitors.
Opinion
Former International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Juan Antonio Samaranch declared the Sydney Olympics “the best Games ever”. Could the Athens Games rise to this challenge? The Greeks certainly had a tough act to follow and the doom-merchants had a great time cataloguing the problems facing the organisers, but by the closing ceremony the praise was all but unanimous: the Greeks ...
Giving up the smoke
Leaving the City is on many lawyers’ minds during the summer. Jonathan Kay reports on two who did
The work-life quiz
Matthew Higdon, partner, M-Law
British Olympic Assoc head of legal pushes for ambush marketing laws
No sooner had the British Olympic Association’s (BOA) head of legal affairs Sara Friend stepped off the plane from Athens, than she was back in the office working on the London 2012 bid and demanding legislative change.
CC beats Freshfields and CMS to be 3i’s top German adviser
CMS to be 3i’s top German adviser" /Clifford Chance has dealt a blow to rivals Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and CMS Hasche Sigle after winning a place on 3i’s German panel.
CC’s CMT team suffers another departure
Clifford Chance partner Nick Elverston will be the latest partner to leave the firm’s troubled communications, media and technology (CMT) team after announcing his departure for Herbert Smith last week.
Simmons takes on Qtel work
Simmons & Simmons has acted on a major instruction for Qatar Telecom (Qtel) for the first time since the firm’s arrival in Doha one year ago.
News capers
A raft of newspaper raids has heightened fears of an attack on press freedom. Keith Brandt investigates
DAC boxing clever with Khan
Davies Arnold Cooper (DAC) has won Olympic gold-medal hopeful Amir Khan as a new client.
Cisco poised for move to DuPont legal model
Tech company latest to adopt one-firm partnering scheme pioneered by DuPont
Freshfields counts cost of commercial conflicts as German talent walks
Rated Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer telecoms partner Raimund Schutz has blamed his departure on the effect that conflict issues and high leverage ratios have on his ability to serve his clients.
Willoughby’s future is bright with Orange
IP boutique Willoughby & Partners last week found itself at the centre of the Orange-EasyGroup spat over the use of the colour orange in EasyMobile’s trademark.
Lucent general counsel quits for FMO
Lucent Technologies’ European general counsel Joost Wiebenga has quit after almost 28 years at the networking company.
Masons wins NHS EDS work after A&O and DLA conflicted
Masons has helped settle the NHS’s dispute with IT provider EDS, setting it up to retender the contract to Cable & Wireless.
Reality bites
Reality television post Big Brother, Hell’s Kitchen and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has never been hotter. As tabloids fight for exclusive interviews with the latest batch of Big Brother housemates, it can be tempting to dream of the money they’re making and the glamour of their newfound, although usually minutes-long, fame.
Winning combinations
Dechert and Kilpatrick Stockton shared the spoils of this year’s The Lawyer Cup at The Michelob Ultra London Triathlon, claiming five of the top six places between them. Their hegemony was broken only by that well-known law firm Bozzy’s Giants – Tulkinghorn would love to know who you really are.
Darren Berman: Wembley National Stadium Limited
The Wembley Stadium saga bore all the hallmarks of a national disaster. Steve Hoare meets Darren Berman – the lawyer who helped turn the drama into a victory
Taylor Wessing makes double hire
Taylor Wessing has expanded its Continental network with hires in Paris and Germany.
Sara Friend: British Olympic Association
Sara Friend is a proud member of Team Great Britain – but as the BOA’s legal head, she’s more involved with running the show than performing on the track. Alex Wade reports
Calm in a crisis
Crisis? What crisis? Peter Power on the importance of preparing for and dealing with the worst when it happens
Careers: people
Davies Arnold Cooper has announced a trio of promotions and a new appointment at associate partner level. Janie Castle joins the commercial litigation team in London from Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker, while Gillian Dada, Mark Shaya and Crispin Tomlinson have all been promoted to associate partner level in the product liability, insurance and property divisions. The promotions follow the recent announcement of five new equity partners at the firm.
UK press in-housers fight privacy ruling
Associated Newspapers’ head of legal is attempting to mobilise the UK media to back lobbying efforts aimed at convincing the German government to appeal the controversial Princess Caroline decision to the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Svengate players appoint counsel
The army of lawyers involved in the Football Association (FA) scandal has grown to include Barker Gillette, Fox Williams and McGrigors, all acting for the individuals at the centre of the controversy.
Sun Microsystems’ law firms are threatened by cull
Sun Microsystems is slicing its legal advisers in half in a move that will result in around 100 firms being axed.
Ex-Carlton counsel joins old team for media venture
Former Carlton Communications general counsel David Abdoo has re-emerged in partnership with his old boss Michael Green and two other former directors in the media group as a management team in waiting for a successful acquisition.
Freshfields’ Salz takes on part time BBC vice-chairman role
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s co-senior partner Anthony Salz will see an extra £28,000 added to his annual pay-packet after accepting a two-day-a-week role as vice-chairman of the BBC.
Legal chief quits V2
The worldwide head of legal at Richard Branson’s record label V2 is quitting. Will Meekin, director of commercial and business affairs for V2 Music Worldwide, will leave at the end of August and is hoping to launch an independent consultancy for the music and entertainment sectors. V2’s chief executive Tony Harlow is reviewing the position before deciding whether to seek a replacement or to change the structure of the department. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com, 28 July
Latham appoints new head for Silicon Valley
Latham & Watkins is ushering in a new era for its Silicon Valley office after appointing a new managing partner in the region. Ora Fisher is taking over the role from Peter Kerman, who was recently named as chair of Latham’s global corporate department. Kerman has headed the Silicon Valley office since its launch in 1997. Fisher has held a number of senior roles at the firm, most recently co-chair ...
SocGen looks to Herbert Smith for advice on Mach funding package
Herbert Smith has won its first ever acquisition finance mandate from Société Générale (SocGen).
Debevoise scoops role on Italtel float despite lack of Italian base
Debevoise & Plimpton has scooped a plum role on the latest IPO to hit the Italian market, despite having no presence in the region.
LSC initiates telephone and internet-based legal service
A free telephone and web-based national advice service was launched in July by the Legal Services Commission (LSC). The scheme aims to provide answers to common legal problems for anyone across England and Wales, and offers additional help to those eligible for legal aid.
Trials and tribulations
As the holiday season begins, one group of lawyers has never been busier. Jon Robins meets Stephen Jakobi, the face of Fair Trials Abroad
The phone home
The Nordic telecoms market continues to be particularly mobile. Henrik Nilsson provides the lowdown
Public image
A summer of discontent for the paparazzi beckons following Von Hannover v Germany. Jonathan Coad reports
Careers: people
Gateley Wareing has recruited a new associate to bolster the corporate services division in its Birmingham HQ. Chris Reed, who specialises in acquisitions and disposals as well as joint ventures, joins from Wragge & Co.
V2 legal head leaves to begin new business venture
The worldwide head of legal at Richard Branson’s record label V2 is quitting.
Latham tech expert promoted to Silicon Valley head
Latham & Watkins is ushering in a new era for its Silicon Valley office after appointing a new managing partner in the region.
Al Tamimi deepens Middle East reach
Al Tamimi & Co is embarking on a dual expansion plan by extending its reach from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into both Iraq and Qatar. The firm, made up of a mixture of both local and UK-qualified lawyers, has opened a new office in Doha, Qatar, initially staffing it with three assistants. Al Tamimi is one of a growing number of firms setting up in the region, which has the world’s largest liquefied natural gas reserves.
Cisco move sees UK lawyer forgo his position
Cisco Systems’ only UK-based corporate lawyer has left following the US technology giant’s decision to relocate a number of business functions to its West Coast headquarters. Alfred Farha, (left) who was senior counsel for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for four years, has opted to remain in the UK. His former co-head of the EMEA team Hans Albers ...
Farrers takes on HSBC in test case for Chaps banking system
Farrer & Co has become involved in a groundbreaking e-commerce case that could have far-reaching implications for the future of electronic banking.
Hudson boost in-house legal with European first
Recruitment consultant Hudson has scooped its first European general counsel, in the guise of a former Cable & Wireless (C&W) lawyer.
Cisco EMEA co-legal head quits
Cisco Systems has parted company with its only UK-based corporate lawyer following the US technology giant’s decision to relocate a number of business functions to its West Coast headquarters.
Allen & Overy ace to join Milbank ‘godfather’ of outsourcing deals
Allen & Overy’s star outsourcing partner Laurence Jacobs is joining the London office of US firm Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy.
General counsel quits BellSouth
BellSouth Corporation’s general counsel has quit the Fortune 100 telecoms group. He will be replaced immediately by two vice presidents in the legal department. The company stressed Charles Morgan had left for personal reasons. It was recently reported that Morgan had been arrested in May on one count of battery on his wife and two counts of cruelty to children. Morgan’s responsibilities have been reassigned to Marc Gary, vice president and associate general counsel, and Al Gonzalez-Pita, ...
BellSouth general counsel departs
BellSouth Corporation’s general counsel has quit the Fortune 100 telecoms group, to be immediately replaced by two vice presidents in the legal department.
MCI gets its man for EMEA post
Recovering telecoms giant MCI has finally appointed a new general counsel for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), 10 months after former chief Stuart Blythe left for Viatel.
Statham Gill shies away from Tenon association
Statham Gill Davies, the niche music practice that was bought by the professional services group Tenon in October 2001 for £7.1m, has distanced itself from its parent in an attempt to compete more successfully with independent law firms.
Kerry Griffin: Innovision Research & Technology plc
From pharma to logistics to the Tube, Innovision’s microchips are leading the way towards a more coherent future. Alex Wade gives the lowdown
The soft option
Does the Press Complaints Commission have enough clout to take on the press barons? Jon Robins investigates
Careers: people
Matthew Arnold Baldwin announced a string of promotions last week, including Karen Jones, who became a partner in the firm’s IT and e-commerce division. Five lawyers have also been made up to associate.
Napster overlooks Wragge & Co as Addleshaws scoops top adviser spot
Napster, the file-sharing service once synonymous with the unlawful downloading of music, has snubbed Wragge & Co by selecting Addleshaw Goddard as its principal legal adviser.
MTV hires first UK legal chief from 3
MTV has scooped its first UK head of legal from 3, with the mobile telecoms company in turn appointing a new regulatory director. Nayeem Syed has scooped the coveted role at MTV, while 3 has appointed the experienced former ITV Digital head of regulatory affairs Tim Lord.
Biggart Baillie joins BBC Scotland adviser list
Biggart Baillie has won BBC Scotland as a new client after participating in a beauty parade against a number of local rivals.
Charles Russell secures ex-A&O competition ace
Charles Russell has appointed a former Allen & Overy associate as head of its EU and competition group. Emanuela Lecchi takes up the newly-created role and will advise on the full range of EU and UK competition law, with a specific emphasis on regulatory issues in telecoms and utilities.
Slaughters defies the odds on BMG-Sony Music tie-up
Slaughter and May’s competition practice has secured a surprise European Commission clearance for the merger between client Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) and Sony Music.
Oxfam gets sound advice on music plan from Bird & Bird
Oxfam has taken the unprecedented step of becoming the first charity to launch a music download site, with Bird & Bird advising on a pro bono basis.
It’s a dirty business
Media boutique M-Law is used to dealing with the more – how shall Tulkinghorn put this? – extrovert side of life. The law firm of choice for Hello! is currently embroiled in the defamation saga surrounding The Libertines’ singer and self-confessed drug addict Pete Doherty, advising the charity that claims it was libelled by The Sun for supporting what the paper effectively described as a medieval hell-hole.
Cable & Wireless slashes in-house team with compulsory redundancies
Cable & Wireless is downsizing its in-house legal team despite the improving fortunes at the FTSE 100 telecoms company.
Couchman Harrington gets leg-up from the beautiful game to double in size
Wayne Rooney’s lawyers, the niche sports firm Couchman Harrington Associates, has recruited former Hammonds consultant Jon Higton to be head of broadcasting and media.
Telegraph bid: Lovells sole firm to be guaranteed fees
The Lawyer can reveal that only one of the final three bidders for the Telegraph Group, the winning Barclay Brothers, who were represented by Lovells, had an agreement to pay its law firm in full, win or lose.
Launch of Tesco Law off-kilter in Scotland
‘Tesco Law’ became a reality this week with the launch of the supermarket’s online legal store. But in an embarrassing error, the company is referring customers looking for a Scottish lawyer to an independent website rather than the Law Society of Scotland.
Opinion
The UK’s primary legislation dealing with cyber crime, the Computer Misuse Act 1990, has recently come under scrutiny from the All-Party Parliamentary Internet Group (Apig). Apig’s overall purpose is to encourage the use of the internet in the UK and to act as a forum for discussion between industry and government on internet-related issues. The public inquiry it launched earlier this ...
White & Case gets involved in Homeless World Cup 2004
Adding to the current international football fever pitch brought about by the 2004 European Championship, White & Case has teamed up with the International Network of Street Papers (INSP) and Scottish firm Shepperd + Wedderburn to kickstart the Homeless World Cup 2004, to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in September.
B&M takes on iTunes launch for Apple
Baker & McKenzie’s (B&M) London office advised Apple on the European launch of its iTunes digital music download service, announced last week.
RFU lawyer transfers to the FA
Rugby Football Union (RFU) legal officer Jonathan Hall is leaving to join the Football Association (FA).
eBay
In an article dated 31 May 2004, we reported on an action by UEFA against individuals selling Euro 2004 tickets on eBay. Contrary to the suggestions in our article, eBay agreed to a “Norwich Pharmacal” order in which UEFA could make requests to eBay for personal details of those within the UK selling tickets to certain matches. eBay was not asked nor compelled to delist any of the individuals in the proceedings. It was also wrong to suggest that eBay was compelled to monitor the site ...
Gawie Nienaber: CSC
IT outsourcing giant CSC’s Gawie Nienaber is happy with Europe’s progress, but eager law firms will have a hard time prising work from his department. By Steve Hoare
A sporting chance
With sports claims becoming more prevalent, Richard Davies QC and Jonathan Bellamy discuss who will hold the burden of the claims
Awards preview: in-house tmt team of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Awards preview: european in-house team of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Awards preview: media/ip/it team of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Awards preview: niche firm of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Awards preview: barrister of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Awards preview: assistant solicitor of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Awards preview: partner of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
CC tech team in turmoil as six leave
Clifford Chance’s tiny communications, media and technology (CMT) group has been shaken up after six associates quit the department.
CC clears Piers Morgan in shares scandal
Clifford Chance has secured a victory for client Piers Morgan after the former Daily Mirror editor was cleared following a four-year-long Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) investigation into the ‘City Slickers’ share scandal.
Taylor Wessing rides technology wave with strong year-end figures
Taylor Wessing rides technology wave with strong year-end figures" /Taylor Wessing has posted a robust set of figures in line with the upturn in fortunes of technology-focused firms such as Bird & Bird,
Weil misses starring role on WestLB’s Odeon sale
German bank WestLB has ignored Weil Gosthal & Manges on the disposal of the Odeon cinema chain, switching back to long-term adviser Allen & Overy (A&O), which has now accepted instructions on both the buy and sell sides of this transaction.
Waterfront Partnership
“We don’t believe in charging clients for each minute we spend. Our philosophy is very much one of ‘pick up the phone and give us a call’,” says Carole Hailey, who set up boutique IP and IT firm the Waterfront Partnership two years ago.
Client training: the net solution
Joe Glavina and Damian Griffiths report on the changes wrought by the electronic information age on legal training for clients
Osborne Clarke answers call from Vodafone
Osborne Clarke is reaping the rewards of its head of IT’s secondment to Vodafone UK as the firm completes a high-profile joint venture with BT Retail.
Hearken the hacks
Why lawyers and their clients would benefit from working with journalists – especially in a crisis. By Magnus Carter
Landwell hit with exit of real estate head
Landwell has sustained another partner loss after losing its London based head of real estate to Bird & Bird.
Sacked Mirror editor turns to former adversary Schillings to smooth exit
Just weeks after its landmark victory over the Daily Mirror in the Naomi Campbell case, Schillings has again been instructed to act against the tabloid, this time by its former editor Piers Morgan.
Co-op set to sue Lord Chancellor
The Co-operative Group is pressing on with plans to sue the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) despite its failure to convince its opponent in the litigation, Fujitsu Services, to launch a joint attack.
Olswang beats Addleshaws and Niederer to Fifa contract
Olswang has won a beauty parade to advise the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) on the sale of its media rights to the 2010 World Cup.
Microsoft UK raids Apple to complete EMEA restructure
Apple Computers has lost its senior UK lawyer to arch rival Microsoft UK, as Chris Parker joins the IT giant as law and corporate affairs director.
Viruses poison client relationships
A new survey has revealed that UK law firms are losing clients as a result of computer viruses.
BBC appoints new legal head
The BBC has promoted Valerie Nazareth to the position of head of programme legal advice.Nazareth will succeed Glenn Del Medico when he retires in August. She has been with the BBC for over 10 years after joining the company from Goodman Derrick.
DWF recruits fourth Weightman Vizards property expert
North West firm DWF has added another partner to its growing haul of former Weightman Vizards property lawyers.
Travers Smith strengthens IPO standing
Travers Smith Braithwaite is consolidating its position at the forefront of the initial public offering (IPO) market, after advising on one of the first main market IPOs of the year, that of longstanding client Pinewood Shepperton.
Lawrence Graham throws lifeline to the Dons
Lawrence Graham may have saved Wimbledon Football Club from certain death after fighting off another charge from the Inland Revenue in the Court of Appeal.
Finance deals round-up
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (Don Guiney) is advising Barclays Capital and HSBC as lead arrangers on a €10bn (£6.78bn) covered bond programme for Northern Rock. Dundas & Wilson ...
The ties that bind
The European Commission’s decision against Microsoft is likely to be a watershed for competition law enforcement in the EU. Robert Bell reports
Is anybody there?
You can complain to Ofcom about anticompetitive practice if you like, but will it take any notice? Robbie Downing investigates
Perot’s advisers under pressure as in-houser joins from Hewlett-Packard
US IT services giant Perot Systems has recruited a new European general counsel from Hewlett-Packard (HP) after the previous incumbent left for rival Accenture.
Olswang makes management rejig as group heads step down
Olswang has undertaken a management shake-up after three of its four practice group heads decided not to stand for re-election.
EDS awards top role to UK legal head
Computer services giant Electronic Data Systems (EDS) has reshuffled its in-house legal function following the promotion of its general counsel for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Kemp Little finds new home for ambitious strategy
Technology boutique Kemp Little has finally exchanged contracts on new premises at Cheapside after a lengthy search.
Campbell’s Lords victory means £1m for Schillings
Schillings is set to reap in excess of £1m in fees after the House of Lords delivered its landmark judgment in favour of Naomi Campbell against the Daily Mirror.
Maxwell Batley in motorsport sector drive
Maxwell Batley has launched a specialist motorsport business unit as part of a wider move to target particular business sectors.
Niche TMT firm links up with Charles Russell
Telecoms specialist Daniel Prieskel has teamed up his three-lawyer niche practice with the technology, media and telecoms (TMT) practice at Charles Russell. Prieskel has launched a non-exclusive referral relationship with the firm and will be employed by Charles Russell as a consultant. “This is a part-time role that could lead to a full-time relationship,” said Charles Russell’s TMT head Mark ...
Brucie bonus
Why fork out hundreds of pounds just for an hour of your lawyer’s time when you can spend an entire evening with Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom European head Bruce Buck for the princely sum of just £40.
The magic spongers
The Inland Revenue’s attack on the football creditor rule could see the sport’s special status annulled. Amanda Milsom and Sohrab Daneshku report
Schillings win Lords victory for Naomi Campbell
Schillings is set to reap in excess of £1m in fees after the House of Lords’ delivered its landmark judgement in favour of Naomi Campbell against the Daily Mirror.
SJ Berwin sustains more losses to Olswang
Olswang has taken another SJ Berwin lawyer, this time recruiting a film finance expert.
Aventis’s ‘poison pill’ raises market concerns
Sanofi’s e50bn (£33.64bn) takeover of Aventis has provoked debate among the companies’ legal advisers about the importance of France’s first ‘poison pill’.
Celador wins Warner Brothers head of legal for commercial role
Celador International, the company behind TV quiz show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” has recruited Warner Music International’s director of business and legal affairs.
Manchester United’s Watkins nets millions in share sale
James Chapman & Co’s senior partner and lawyer to Manchester United has netted himself a tidy £2.5m after off-loading a million of his shares in the club.
Losing partners alone won’t get Simmons to its £400K PPP goal
Simmons & Simmons last week announced that it is on a profits drive, setting a global profits per partner (PPP) target of £400,000 in 2004-05. The City firm has a mountain to climb given that average PPP in 2002-03 was just £300,000 and will be at best flat this year. But Simmons has two new weapons in its arsenal to ensure ...
London hire boosts Shaw Pittman hopes of recovery
US firm Shaw Pittman has finally managed to secure a new partner in London as it seeks to recover from the raids that decimated the firm’s UK office in 2003.
Leader
Last week Italy, next week Sweden: Osborne Clarke (OC) is barrelling around Europe with all the grace of a gap-year backpacker.
Ex-Nabarros boss names firm after his kids
Nabarro Nathanson’s former head of commercial IT is keeping his law firm in the family by naming it after his children. TRG Law, which launches on 4 May, is named after Paul Golding’s children Tim and Rebecca. Golding is launching the firm to focus on commercial contracts involving intellectual property and information technology. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com 19 April
Slaughters takes up first KPN instruction
Slaughter and May has scooped its first ever instruction from KPN, the Dutch telecoms giant, The Lawyer can reveal.
BPI litigation threat means even the kids aren’t alright
Individuals downloading music illegally could well be on the UK regulator’s hit list. By Matt Byrne
Stephen Scott: Vodafone
Thirteen years in the job, and Vodafone’s Stephen Scott still hasn’t lost his taste for deals. By Steve Hoare
Beckhams instruct Harbottles over Loos
Harbottle & Lewis has muscled in on Lee & Thompson’s trophy clients David and Victoria Beckham, advising the couple on possible legal action over the infamous Rebecca Loos interview broadcast by Sky last Thursday (15 April).
Hammonds bags Anschutz instruction for Manchester arena acquisition
Hammonds has won its first instruction for Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), a company owned by American billionaire tycoon Philip Anschutz, the current redeveloper of the Millennium Dome and founder of Qwest Communications.
Opinion
An important day for the European Commission and the application of European competition rules came on 24 March. With its largest ever fine of €479m (£314.9m) against Microsoft, Mario Monti showed that European competition rules can touch the biggest players. But with such a firm stance against Microsoft he has reopened the transatlantic antitrust v competition debate.
The pricing on the cake
The music business, legendary for excess and outrageous behaviour, also has its fair share of lawyers whose methods could be described most charitably as ‘unusual’.
Publicis gains UK legal function with Harbottle hire
French advertising giant Publicis Group has launched a UK legal function with the appointment of Elizabeth Kiernan as its first UK legal head.
McNeives hooks up with music specialists
McNeive Solicitors and the London-based partners of UK entertainment firm Lewis Davis Shapiro & Lewit have merged to create a new media, entertainment and technology firm called Smiths.
On a mission
Thales UK is winning its battle to compete with the mighty BAE, and is keeping its in-house team busy in the process. Husnara Begum investigates
Opinion
The war of the Apples in the High Court (the Beatles’ Apple Corps v Apple Computer Inc) highlights the failure of intellectual property agreements to account for technological advancements. The purpose of a trademark is to distinguish one person’s goods or services from those of others. Nevertheless, it happens that two – and sometimes more – traders end up using the same brand. ...
Morgan Lewis targets Paris with De Pardieu haul
Morgan Lewis is pressing ahead with plans to open a Paris office after recruiting a 15-strong team from De Pardieu Brocas Maffei & Leygonie.
Next generation set to take over at Nicholson Graham
A new guard is to take over management of Nicholson Graham & Jones, with insolvency head Tony Griffiths succeeding Michael Johns as managing partner.
Osborne Clarke hires Silicon Valley boss
Osborne Clarke has appointed a new leader to its Silicon Valley outpost as the firm reaffirms its commitment to the Californian technology market.
TMT chief takes senior job at Vodafone
Osborne Clarke’s head of technology media and telecoms (TMT) Simon Rendell has been appointed Vodafone’s acting UK head of legal.The unusual move to one of his key clients is a result of former UK head Ian Robino moving to head the information technology/intellectual property (IT/IP) department at Vodafone Group, the central legal team for the international operation.
ICC sets up panel to aid fraud victims
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is assembling a crack anti-fraud panel, tasked with offering advice to victims of commercial deception, money laundering and cybercrime.
Alcatel counsel quits for Framatome
The general counsel of Alcatel’s communications, information and telecoms division, Marc Jany, has quit the French company to join Framatome ANP.
Palwinder Hare: Motorola
Motorola’s head of legal Palwinder Hare is used to juggling a complex set of responsibilities. Steve Hoare meets a man at home in The Matrix.
Hollinger battle takes new turn in legal fees fight
Embattled newspaper baron Conrad Black has brought a claim against Hollinger International over its alleged refusal to pay his legal bills.
Boies is back in town
The rumour mill in the US is awash with gossip that Microsoft is funding the SCO Group in its litigation against IBM and others over the free software system Linux. This was fuelled further by a leaked email from an SCO consultant to SCO Group vice-president Chris Sontag and SCO chief financial officer Bob Bench. It reads: “Microsoft will have brought in $86 million [£47.4m] for us…”“Why do we care?” Tulkinghorn hears you cry. Well, SCO’s litigation is being run by none other than ...
Olswang refuses to be beaten as £19m action goes to High Court
Olswang is taking the £19m negligence claim brought against it last year all the way to the High Court.
European Commission slaps legal precedent on Microsoft
The European Commission will rule against Microsoft this week, delighting its competitors, led by Allen & Overy (A&O) client Sun Microsystems.
FFW prises IP pair from Laytons
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has nabbed intellectual property (IP) partners David Knight and Simon Chapman from regional firm Laytons. The pair will join FFW as partners. Knight focuses on patent litigation and Chapman concentrates on trademarks and copyright. The duo’s previous clients have included Hilton, Nokia, Remington, Reckitt Benckiser and Qinetiq.
IT practices face tougher T&Cs and less work
The T&Cs meted out by DLA to the NHS IT project have set new standards, says Matt Bryne
TMT deals round-up
DLA (Mark Crichard) advised the Department of Health on its £530m IT and telecommunications procurement ‘N3’ contract. Under the deal, BT will provide networking services to the NHS. Bird & Bird advised BT.
Barlows loses place on Cap Gemini panel
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young has ditched Barlow Lyde & Gilbert after a UK panel review in which conflicts of interest were a key issue.
Schillings picks up Bates’ claim for £2m settlement against Chelsea FC
Niche firm Schillings has won former Chelsea Football Club chairman Ken Bates as a new client.
Dentons jubilant with Rusedski exoneration
Denton Wilde Sapte is celebrating victory after its client, tennis player Greg Rusedski, was exonerated following a positive drugs test. The ATP Anti-Doping Tribunal last week unanimously held Rusedski not guilty. Sports law partner Mark Gay advised Rusedski, instructing David Pannick QC of Blackstone Chambers.
Nick Craig: The Football League
The Football League’s in-house solicitor and Bolton die-hard Nick Craig had a tough first half when he took on the post, but he’s showing great form now. By Alex Wade
Vinge gets new leader
Swedish firm Vinge is set to announce that Fredrik von Baumgarten will be appointed as the firm’s new managing partner, succeeding Michael Wigge.
Expedia panel plan to stir up tech firms
Expedia’s newly-appointed European general counsel Luisa Edwards will spark a feeding frenzy among Europe’s tech-focused firms as she establishes the company’s first legal panel.
Latham elbows out Howrey and Morrison on Oracle battle
Latham & Watkins has muscled in on Oracle’s antitrust battle for Peoplesoft at the expense of original advisers Howrey Simon Arnold & White and Morrison & Foerster.
Olswang raids SJ Berwin private equity
Olswang is poised to bulk up its private equity team with the hire of SJ Berwin partners Jonathan Pittal and Perry Yam.
No change at BBC after panel review
The BBC has completed a review of its external legal panel, deciding to keep all of its law firms. Bristows, Denton Wilde Sapte, Field Fisher Waterhouse, Linklaters, Lovells,
EU launches consultation on company transfer
An internet public consultation has been launched by the European Commission into a planned directive laying down clear rules on the transfer of a company’s registered office from one European Union (EU) country to another.
Steptoe & Johnson acquires Oppenheimer’s Brussels base
US firm Steptoe & Johnson has become the first firm to benefit from the dismantling of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly’s European network.
Firm profile: Clark Holt
Take a look at Clark Holt’s website and one page in particular is shocking. There, for all the world to see, is a statement of the firm’s fees. “Why not?” says managing partner Richard Clark. “We’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. We regard ourselves as a straight-down-the-line, transparent firm. Clients will pay if we’ve delivered a good service, our rates are highly ...
A&O wraps up financing for new Arsenal stadium
Allen & Overy (A&O) has completed the landmark financing for Arsenal FC’s new stadium project, having beaten Norton Rose to the banking consortium’s work in a competitive tender.
Litigation deals round-up
Davies Arnold Cooper (John Smith) negotiated a £250,000 no-liability settlement on behalf of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Kevin Muscat for an alleged bad tackle on former Charlton Athletic Midfielder Matt Holmes. Holmes alleged the 1998 tackle ended his football career. DAC instructed Richard Davies QC (Essex Street Chambers). Collyer Bristow (Andrew Irvine) advised Holmes, instructing Michael McParland (4 Essex Court).
Paul Chinnery: Channel 5 Broadcasting
As Five’s head of legal, Paul Chinnery is fighting to ensure the independence and freedom of the television station post Reynolds and the Hutton Report. Alex Wade investigates
Get IT together
Collaboration is the watchword for IT innovation in Scotland, says John Salmon
A&O, Linklaters in double swoop for Clifford Chance partners
Clifford Chance is set for a double partner departure to two rival magic circle firms.
Weil Gotshal litigation devolves power after record expansion
The management of Weil Gotshal’s global litigation practice is being decentralised following 100 per cent departmental growth in the past five years.
Wanadoo recruits Freeserve’s Melville
Freeserve’s high-profile general counsel David Melville has moved to a regulatory role at parent company Wanadoo International, the French service provider being bought by France Telecom.
Mishcons music maestro goes solo
One of Mishcon de Reya’s best-known partners, David Glick, has left to set up his own media and entertainment-focused group of companies. Glick, noted for his deal-doing abilities in the music business, counts Craig David, Fatboy Slim, Nick Cave and The Kinks among his clients. His new business will be known as the Edge Group and will feature a legal services business (Edge Legal) and a boutique management ...
Gianni wins Cisco contract
Gianni Origoni’s close association with Linklaters has helped it score Cisco Systems as a new client.
Macedonia courts get EU IT boost
The EU is to pay for a new software system, computers and other IT equipment to improve the judiciary in the former Yugoslavian republic of Macedonia.
Sullivan beats rivals to France Telecom
Sullivan & Cromwell has elbowed aside Linklaters and Shearman & Sterling to advise France Telecom on its €3.9bn (£2.61bn) takeover of internet service provider Wanadoo.
Herbert Smith and Stibbe displace Linklaters for work on Getronics sale
Herbert Smith and Stibbe have completed their second deal for Getronics after the IT giant instructed the alliance partners in favour of longstanding adviser Linklaters.
Mishcons loses music specialist Glick
One of Mishcon de Reya’s best-known partners, David Glick, has left the firm to set up his own media and entertainment-focused group of companies.
Roz Groome: The British Phonographic Industry
With internet piracy on the increase, Roz Groome’s role as legal adviser to the British Phonographic Industry has had to change radically. By Steve Hoare
Linklaters raids CC for telecoms partner
Linklaters raids CC for telecoms partner" /Former Clifford Chance partner and head of Linklaters’ global IT and communications practice Christopher Millard has raided his old firm to poach telecoms star Tim Schwarz.
Hello! offered CFA as Douglas case goes on
MLaw, the firm acting for Hello! in its appeal against the High Court victory by Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas and OK! over the couple’s wedding photos, is taking the case forward on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis.
Office of Deputy Prime Minister picks Bird & Bird for unemployment project
Bird & Bird has secured first-time instructions from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Kendall Freeman media star joins Reed Smith
Kendall Freeman litigation partner Marcus Rutherford is joining Reed Smith Warner Cranston.
Departures necessitate MCI legal restructuring
The shake-up of the MCI legal team has seen senior in-house lawyer Peter Waters promoted to acting head of legal for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Following the departure of the previous EMEA legal head Stuart Blythe to Viatel last year, Waters had been co-heading the legal function with Suzanne Hopkinson, who is on maternity leave. Simmons & Simmons partner Rhys Williams has been called up on secondment to fill the gap, as revealed by The Lawyer (16 February). After ...
Sports law titans contest Chambers doping case
Three heavyweights of the sporting bar, all from Blackstone Chambers, went head-to-head last week at the inquiry into doping allegations against Dwain Chambers. After four hours of case presentation by David Pannick QC (left) for the prosecuting body UK Athletics, and less than an hour from Michael Beloff QC for the sprinter, the chairman ...
Allens Arthur wins Commonwealth Games role
Allens Arthur Robinson has proved it is the top choice for major sporting events, having won the coveted role of official law firm to the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. It won the role over a host of other law firms, and will advise alongside the games’ in-house legal team. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com, 18 February
Howard Kennedy adds to media capability
Howard Kennedy continues to beef up its media department with the hire of another Hammonds partner. Justin Stephenson joins the eight-strong media team, headed by his former Hammonds colleague Brian Eagles. Stephenson is a banking lawyer specialising in media finance. He will work mostly for the film and music industries and help out the general banking practice. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com, 18 February
Wachtell lands massive M&A hat trick
After snagging a role advising Disney on its defence of Comcast’s hostile takeover bid, Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz can boast a role on all three of the bumper deals that are rocking the US M&A market.
Sullivan & Cromwell backs winning horse in race for AT&T
Sullivan & Cromwell’s snub of regular client Vodafone has resulted in the US firm backing the winning horse in the race to acquire AT&T Wireless.
Allens Arthur Robinson scoops plum role on Commonwealth Games
Allens Arthur Robinson has once again proved it is the top choice for major sporting events, having won the coveted role of official law firm to the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Howard Kennedy bolsters media department with Hammonds lateral
Howard Kennedy continues to beef up its media department with the hire of another Hammonds partner. Justin Stephenson joins the eight-strong media team headed by his former Hammonds colleague Brian Eagles.
Wragges wards off Treasury Solicitor for Napster address
Wragges wards off Treasury Solicitor for Napster address" /Wragge & Co has secured a crucial domain name victory for new client Roxio, the owner of the outlawed former file-sharing system Napster.
Clintons bags TV celebrities
Clintons has scooped a hat-trick of instructions to advise all three finalists in the hit ITV show I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.
Linklaters, Clifford Chance in the cold on Telegraph bid
- Telegraph auction ignites City M&A - Weil Gotshal’s Francies captures top CC client Apax - Allen & Overy scoops Cinven - But CC scores PizzaExpress over Slaughters in new bid
TeCSA joins Seymour critics
The Technology and Construction Solicitors Association (TeCSA) has waded in to the debate surrounding the conduct of Mr Justice Seymour and the Technology and Construction Court (TCC).
Simpson set for bumper M&A year as it scoops Vodafone from S&C
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has captured a role advising Vodafone on its expected $30bn (£15.86bn) offer for US operator AT&T Wireless – over usual adviser Sullivan & Cromwell.
Eversheds reported to OSS over Hendrix
Eversheds and Harbottle & Lewis have been reported to the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors (OSS) because of an altercation over the copyright to Jimi Hendrix music.
The UK arm of Bermuda-based life reinsurer Scottish Re has appointed George Scott as its first ever in-house lawyer.
Clintons has scooped a hat-trick of instructions to advise all three finalists in the hit ITV show I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.
Leader
It was all go at the Business Design Centre in Islington last week for the Legal IT 2004 show.
‘Rome II’ European privacy law set to invade UK media
UK media companies could soon lose the battle to keep privacy laws out of the UK because of an EU proposal allowing claimants to sue for privacy using the law of any country where the material has been published.
Orrick lures ex-Winston & Strawn senior partner
US firm Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe has swooped for Alan D’Ambrosio, a former senior partner of Winston & Strawn. D’Ambrosio joins the firm as a partner in Orrick’s New York corporate practice. His practice will focus on IT and outsourcing and European corporate work. D’Ambrosio’s European experience has mainly been advising French and Italian companies on cross-border joint ventures ...
Wragges heads off the Treasury Solicitor in domain name fight
Wragge & Co has won out against the Treasury Solicitor’s department in a bizarre dispute over the Napster domain name.
Sector focus: The press gang
The legal movers and shakers behind our national newspapers are the Fleet Street lawyers, who despite their power like their anonymity. Naomi Rovnick blows their cover
Opinion
On 11 November last year the Court of Appeal struck what may be a knockout blow against film director Roman Polanski’s libel action against Vanity Fair. In doing so, it removed a threat to defendants in libel cases from litigants afraid to face the legal music in this country.
Forsters ‘reckless’ over Craven Cottage advice
A legal battle over the sale of Fulham football ground Craven Cottage has seen Forsters senior partner Sophie Hamilton chided by a High Court judge, and has also revealed that the firm has lost the bulk of its work for property developer client Crown Dilmun.
Brick Court QC wins Ofta instruction
Brick Court Chambers QC Nick Green has scooped a new instruction from the Hong Kong telecoms regulator the Office of the Telecommuni-cations Authority (Ofta) on a groundbreaking competition case against the dominant fixed-line telecoms operator Pacific Century CyberWorks (PCCW).
Gibson guitars in key general counsel signing
Guitar maker Gibson has appointed a new general counsel, veteran entertainment law executive Joel Cherry. The former head of business affairs at EMI North America was also a partner in defunct Atlanta firm Katz & Cherry, where he had a glittering client list, including Willie Nelson, LucasFilms and Gloria’s and Emilio’s Estefan Enterprises. He will be based in Gibson’s Nashville headquarters.
Beloff QC takes up ethics post for London 2012
Michael Beloff QC has added yet another string to his bow after being appointed ethics commissioner and chair of the ethics advisory group for London 2012, the company running the UK’s Olympic bid. Blackstone Chambers barrister Beloff, who will work alongside Blackstone joint head Charles Flint QC, will also nominate three non-executive directors. ...
Bonelli fights corruption claims aimed at Finmatica
Bonelli Erede Pappalardo is the new legal adviser to Italian software company Finmatica, which is under investigation for market rigging and obstruction of justice.
True blue Buck steps into Chelsea chairman role
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom’s European head has been promoted to chairman of Chelsea Football Club’s parent company Chelsea Village.
Man Utd lawyer denies conflict allegations
Manchester United lawyer Maurice Watkins has denied allegations of potential conflicts of interest and poor corporate governance.
After Seymour’s attack on the Co-op, who’s judging the judges?
Users of the Technology and Construction Court may seek an alternative forum. By Steve Hoare
Latham hikes technology with Cooley swoop
Latham & Watkins has continued the aggressive expansion of its technology practice by poaching Cooley Godward partner and outsourcing head Daniel Mummery.
Holy shit
Tulkinghorn could hardly contain himself the other day when he learned that DLA was hiding its light under a bushel. To be more accurate, the head of the firm’s technology, media and communications group in its Sheffield office, Richard Taylor, is the modest party.
Hutton Inquiry hits taxpayer for £2m
The legal bill for the Hutton Inquiry will cost taxpayers £2m, final accounts expected to be released by the inquiry this month will reveal.
TECBAR rounds on Judge Seymour
The Technology and Construction Bar Association (TECBAR) is preparing to lobby the senior judiciary to review the conduct of Judge Richard Seymour QC, the controversial figure at the centre of the Co-op-ICL storm.
Schlumberger general counsel wins top spot at Atos
The UK general counsel of SchlumbergerSema James Loughrey has scooped the top UK legal role at Atos Origin after Atos completed its acquisition of the IT services company.
Kees van Ophem: FLAG Telecom Group
When FLAG’s Kees van Ophem arrived at the telecoms company things were looking rosy. Post-downturn, the legal team has had to fight to reconnect the business. Husnara Begum reports
Senior in-house lawyers attempt comeback from TMT downturn
2003 sounded the death knell for a host of in-house lawyers, but as Husnara Begum reports, many say it’s business as usual
West Ham United head of legal joins the board
Company secretary and head of legal at West Ham United FC Scott Duxbury has accepted an invitation to join the board at the first division club. The appointment confirms the growing influence of law in football. He joined in June 2001 after a spell working with Manchester United director Maurice Watkins, advising the club, the FA Premier League, Uefa and Fifa. Duxbury joins the board of directors of West Ham United Football Club, West Ham United Sportswear and West Ham United Hospitality ...
Finmatica replaces firm for market-rigging probe
Italian software company Finmatica is set to appoint its second set of new lawyers since the launch of a formal investigation into the company by Italian authorities.
Akin Gump replaces Gibson Dunn on FLAG’s Chapter 11
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has scooped its first corporate instruction from FLAG Telecom Group, which came out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in October 2002.
West Ham legal head selected for seat on the board
Company secretary and head of legal at West Ham United Scott Duxbury has accepted an invitation to join the board at the Nationwide first division club.
Latham takes Cooley outsourcing head for pursuit of technology market
Latham & Watkins has continued the aggressive expansion of its technology practice by poaching Cooley Godward partner and outsourcing head Dan Mummery.
Dorsey in Cambridge tech challenge to Taylor Wessing
US firm Dorsey & Whitney is going head-to-head with Taylor Wessing to challenge for international work coming out of Cambridge.
CGEY head of legal in quickfire review
New Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (CGEY) head of legal Barry Wong is kickstarting a panel review just a month into his new role.
A&O scoops role on Eutelsat’s bid for £2.34bn Galileo launch
Allen & Overy (A&O) has won a competitive tender to advise Eutelsat on its bid for one of the EU’s biggest ever satellite contracts for the €3.4bn (£2.34bn) launch and operation of the Galileo satellite navigation system, an EU alternative to the US-owned Global Positioning System (GPS).
Winston & Strawn to take IPOC case to Privy Council
The London office of US firm Winston & Strawn is likely to refer a massive and complex mobile phone case to the Privy Council on behalf of its client IPOC, a Bermuda incorporated investment fund.
Karen D'Rosario: Vital Distribution
Music distributor Vital was more than ready for an in-house counsel when Karen D’Rosario arrived. She has been helping save the company a small fortune ever since. By Matt Byrne
Law firms stand firm against Microsoft over fee fight
A group of 35 law firms is fighting Microsoft for a $269m (£147m) legal bill after winning a consumer antitrust class action against the technology giant.
Microsoft firm selects new chairman
Preston Gates & Ellis, the Seattle firm founded by Microsoft guru Bill Gate’s father, has elected a new chairman.
Hello! to face £4m legal bill for Douglases’ privacy case
Addleshaw Goddard has charged the Douglases’ and OK! Magazine £2m for acting in their confidentiality case against Hello!, a costs judgment expected in the next fortnight will reveal.
Web head
Taking over Yahoo!’s European legal affairs was the perfect move for Jonathan McCoy, a champion of the freedom of the internet.
Denton’s Gay fights for Rusedski
Denton Wilde Sapte sports guru Mark Gay has been drafted in to defend Greg Rusedski over the UK number two seed’s positive drugs test.
Bird & Bird wins Dutch music fight
Bird & Bird has won a precedent-setting victory in the Dutch Supreme Court for internet file sharing company Kazaa against Dutch royalties collection agency Buma Stemra.
3i review leaves Birmingham out in the cold and panel under pressure
Private equity giant 3i is planning to disband its Birmingham legal department.
Gaming Board and PCC hire Salomon
Eve Salomon, the former director of legal and company secretary at the Radio Authority, has snared two key appointments, becoming a board member at the Gaming Board and a commissioner at the Press Complaints Commission (PCC).
Granada-Carlton shun panel firms as KLegal wins BT deal
KLegal has won the first joint instruction from Granada-Carlton to advise on a multimillion pound technology deal with BT.
Sorin lures partner from Oppenheimer
Sorin, the medical technology company recently spun-off by Italian conglomerate Snia, has appointed Oppen-heimer Wolff & Donnelly partner Bryan Sheridan as its new head of legal.
Fee levels see Lovells IP ace defect to Graf
Lovells’ Hamburg office has lost competition and intellectual property (IP)/technology, media and telecoms (TMT) partner Walter Scheuerl to Wragges’ German best friend Graf von Westphalen Bappert & Modest. Scheuerl pointed to the fee structure at Lovells and other international law firms as a key reason behind his move.
Trio quits Weightmans to go it alone
Three Weightman Vizards lawyers have left the 78-partner firm to form a new commercial boutique. The new firm, PFK Legal opens for business today (12 January). It is the brainchild of Mark Forman, Neil Kelly and James Powell. It will focus on commercial, media and intellectual property work out of offices in Oriel Chambers, Liverpool.
Orchard expansion plan bears more fruit
City firm Orchard has kicked off the New Year by recruiting two new partners, continuing a hiring spree that has tripled the partnership in the last eighteen months.
Eversheds makes headway in Asia with Maxis telecoms work
Deal of the week – Maxis Mobile network expansion
BSkyB head of legal and business relinquishes role after fifteen years
The head of legal and business affairs at BSkyB Deanna Bates has stepped down from her role after 15 years. She will be replaced by her deputy, James Conyers.
Primus ditches in-house legal function
Primus Telecommunications’ European general counsel Ashraf Mohammed is the latest victim of in-house pruning, leaving the company with no legal function.
Firms cash in on Inland Revenue and NHS deals
IT project lawyers at Bird & Bird, CMS Cameron McKenna and Wragge & Co had a momentous week celebrating with their respective clients BT, Accenture and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young.
The Clear way
Global advertising and entertainment company Clear Channel is making serious inroads into… well, just about everything. Steve Hoare reports on a legal team with its fingers in a lot of different pies
Utility works
The delivery of IT as a utility is just around the corner, but the new trend highlights the need for good legal advice, warns Peter Brudenall
Money talks
The unpredictable nature of making movies means negotiating a film finance deal can be a minefield. Nigel Palmer offers some guidance
Open or shut?
With the $3bn SCO-IBM litigation in full swing, is the free ticket that was open source finally coming to an end? Andrew Dunlop reports
mm02 legal head axed
Mobile operator mmO2 has undertaken a wholesale review of its legal function, which has already resulted in the company’s head of legal, the highly respected Giuseppe Sanna, being made redundant.
SFX gets the boot from Golden Balls
Leading music and entertainment boutique Lee & Thompson advised David Beckham on the settlement of his dispute with sports agency SFX. The deal, a worldwide exclusive from The Lawyer (revealed on www.thelawyer.com on 5 December) will see the Real Madrid player end months of speculation by splitting with his longstanding agency and his manager Tony Stephens.
Hogan launches in Munich at client’s request
US firm Hogan & Hartson will open its second German office in Munich at the request of a key media client, believed to be Universal.
Beckham and management to agree split
David Beckham is to settle his high-profile management dispute with the sports agency SFX today, The Lawyer can reveal.The contract row began when the England captain refused to renew his agreement with SFX at the end of September. Entertainment boutique Lee & Thompson has been acting for the player on the dispute since then, while SFX has been represented by Hammonds. The agency argued that its agreement with Beckham had another two years to run, a position disputed by the footballer.
Eversheds boosts real estate with Linklaters hire
Linklaters has lost a senior real estate lawyer with a specialism in IT to Eversheds, where he joins as a partner in the London office.
TMT deals round-up
Joelson Wilson advised Earls Court and Olympia in their joint venture with MGM. Subject to legislative change, the joint venture will see an initial investment of £150m to create a 300,000sq ft gaming and entertainment complex in West London.
Taylor Wessing rediscovers TMT with Landwell Paris
Steve Hoare explores the story behind the 30-lawyer defection to set up a Taylor Wessing Paris office
Herbert Smith lands major biotech client
Deal of the week – Cambridge Antibody Technology v Abbott
Technology Law scoops Cap Gemini’s legal chief
Fledgling technology boutique Technology Law Alliance has made an audacious swoop for head of legal Gavin Wakefield from key client Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (CGE&Y).
Cisco on lookout for single Italian adviser
In a bid to rein in its legal spend, Cisco Systems is set to pick a single law firm to perform all of its routine legal work in Italy.
Information Commissioner on how to can 'spam'
New legal restrictions on email marketing ahead of next month's clampdown on 'spam' were clarified last week, when the Information Commissioner published guidelines to help businesses comply with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (SI 2426/2003).
Freshfields ends 3 row for Hutchison
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has advised Hutchison Whampoa on the settlement of its dispute with KPN Mobile, which has resulted in Hutchison buying back its share in the two companies’ joint venture 3 at a 90 per cent discount.
Ofcom cleanout sees 50 per cent redundancy of regulator lawyers
Ofcom, the new super-regulator for the media and communications industry, has made half of the senior lawyers from the existing five regulators redundant.
Richards Butler scoops Microsoft work
Richards Butler has won Microsoft as a corporate client after being appointed ahead of regular UK corporate adviser Linklaters to advise on the technology giant's latest UK disposal.
The dotcom don
Liam McNeive was at the forefront of the dotcom boom - he even beat Napster to the off. Matt Byrne asks what he's doing now the bubble's burst
Central defender
Advising three footballers on the media fallout of the alleged Grosvenor House rape has thrust Graham Shear into the limelight. Naomi Rovnick meets him
Ready, willing and libel
Are CFAs holding the media to ransom? Peter Carter-Ruck and Partner's Nigel Tait doesn't think so.
Herbies, Stibbe in client first
Herbert Smith and Dutch alliance partner Stibbe have swooped on longstanding Linklaters client Getronics, advising the Dutch IT giant for the first time.
US firms gain Telecom Italia roles
The latest deal to grip the Italian market has gifted US firms Davis Polk & Wardwell and Sullivan & Cromwell key roles on a $4bn (£2.39bn) bond issue and a medium-term note programme for up to e10bn (£6.98bn).
TMT deals round-up
Lovells acted for the Guardian Media Group on its acquisition of the management shareholding in Trader Media Group. As the publisher of Auto Trader magazine, Trader Media Group was formed in a joint venture between Guardian Media and private equity house BC Partners in 2000. The deal values Trader Media Group at £1.14bn. Dickson Minto represented BC Partners and Allen & Overy advised the bank.
The answer to the changing world of media law: go niche
Has the creation of M-Law signalled a sea change in the provision of legal services? asks Matt Byrne
Tales of a porn star
Put off studying law in his youth, Andrew Wren got into porn by accident. He has a starring role too - as company secretary. Emma Vere-Jones reports
Linklaters' partner drawings delayed
Linklaters partners are facing delays in receiving profit distributions for September following the installation of the firm's new multimillion-pound IT system.Partners had been expecting to receive a profits pay-out, which occurs every two months at the firm, on 10 September. However, the funds, estimated to average around £75,000 per partner, will now reach lawyer's pockets ...
Burges Salmon puts up walls to juggle rivals 3 and Orange
Burges Salmon has made moves to head off potentially serious conflict issues after it was instructed to advise both 3 and longstanding client Orange.Two distinct planning teams of three associates led by a senior associate have been set up to cover the work, with planning star Patrick Robinson overseeing both relationships.The firm has secured client approval to advise the two competing ...
Largin' IT
After the largest technology merger in history, Steve Hoare talks to Hewlett-Packard's UK head of legal, who has taken all the upheaval in his stride
Burn it up
The High Court's ignorance of popular culture was highlighted again by Confetti Records v Warner Music. Stephen Gare and David Harmsworth warn of the potential pitfalls in record deals
Foul play
Do the astronomical wages of footballers justify their lack of control over their choice of employer? Sean Dempsey examines the current legal situation facing the next David Beckham
Image scrimmage
Real Madrid's capture of David Beckham highlights a thorny issue that the English judiciary has had to thrash out - 'image rights'.
BT kickstarts first ever international legal panel
Having completed a review of its legal advisers in England and Wales, British Telecom (BT) is now set to launch its first ever international panel.After appointing Addleshaw Goddard, Allen & Overy, Bird & Bird, Linklaters and Wragge ...
Dresdner Kleinwort to create US, Asian panels based on UK model
German investment bank Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein is set to launch legal panels in the US, Japan and Singapore following a successful pilot scheme in the UK. A further German panel is likely to follow.
Judge calls for privacy law in New Zealand
Following the UK Government's rejection of proposals by a House of Commons select committee that it should legislate on privacy, a judge in New Zealand has asked the New Zealand parliament to create a new privacy law.
Microsoft chooses Mishcons for assault against spammers
Microsoft has appointed Mishcon de Reya to lead its fight against piracy, ahead of rival panel firms Linklaters and Covington & Burling.
Ex-Bird & Bird lawyer lands Beckham deal
David Beckham's transfer to Real Madrid has been handled by a former Bird & Bird lawyer who is now in-house at the footballer's agents SFX.
Hammonds in football challenge
The £130m dispute between the Football League and Hammonds over the collapse of ITV Digital has finally kicked off.
Law Soc's £2m folly
The Law Society has spent a staggering £2m in consultancy fees over the past two years, including £1m on advice relating to its much maligned IT programme Project Engineer.
Addleshaws and Lawrence Graham score Wimbledon FC
Lawrence Graham and Addleshaw Goddard are continuing to benefit from the woeful financial state of English football, with the two firms sharing the spoils of the Wimbledon FC administration.
GLA picks Wragges for panel
Wragge & Co has won a place on the Greater London Authority's (GLA) legal panel, scooping instructions to advise it in connection with London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
Legacy Biddle partners to quit Pinsents after strategy review
Pinsents is saying goodbye to three partners and four assistants, originally from its 2001 London merger partner Biddle, following strategy and performance reviews.
McDermotts loses telecoms star to Wilmer Cutler
McDermott Will & Emery’s London office has been left without a recognised telecoms expert after partner Stephanie Liston resigned to join the London office of Wilmer Cutler & Pickering. Tax partner Jonathan Ivinson is also leaving for the London office of US firm Hogan & Hartson to launch its tax team. Liston’s exit is a serious blow: since joining from
Tarlo Lyons hopes to build relationship as partner departs to Deutsche Bank
Tarlo Lyons IT partner Laetitia Muir has quit after just one year with the firm to join client Deutsche Bank.
Taylor Wessing set to shun technology
Anglo-German firm in shock U-turn as profits slide; IT departures imminent
Eugene F Collins merges with property firm
Second-tier Dublin firm Eugene F Collins has taken over commercial property and finance boutique GD Fottrell & Sons.
Lovells gets go-ahead for Chinese expansion
Lovells has won a coveted licence to open a second office in China in the latest round of permits issued by the Chinese Ministry of Justice.
Active service
Clarke Willmott's head of sports law Ian Smith battled apartheid before settling in the South West. Alex Wade talks to a champion surfer
Foley opens Tokyo office with IP star
US firm Foley & Lardner has gained its first foothold in Asia by launching an office in Tokyo.
Boutique dissolves as Loyens & Loeff takes on name partners
The Brussels office of Loyens & Loeff has recruited the name partners of intellectual property (IP) and IT boutique Van Asbroeck & Cottenie, resulting in the dissolution of the seven-lawyer firm.
First biotech IPO this year advised by Dechert
Dechert has advised on the first biotech IPO to get away in the UK this year. London partner David Vogel (left) led the team that advised Yesterday BioProgress on its admission to AIM. The company's subsidiary BioProgress Technology International was previously listed on the US Over the Counter Bulletin Board but, as part of the deal, its existing shareholders swapped their US shares for UK shares in the new company.
Mishcons scoops Watford FC work from Eversheds
Watford Football Club has ditched Eversheds for Mishcon de Reya to fight the £2m claim brought by former coach Gianluca Vialli.
Chief executive quits Bevan Ashford
Bevan Ashford’s non-lawyer chief executive Ann Conway-Hughes has resigned after just 18 months in the role.
Shaw Pittman exits spark hiring push
The London office of US firm Shaw Pittman has been hit by a stampede of associates following recently departed partners Andrew Moyle and Jennifer Matt-ingly, but the office plans to bounce back with a bold new strategy.
Staying power
He’s a perfect gentleman and one of the top defamation lawyers. How will Martin Kramer fit in at the new Addleshaw Goddard? asks Naomi Rovnick
Farrers picked to support Olympic bid team
Farrer & Co is anticipating an influx of work after the Government announced last week that it would back London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
On the ball
HarperCollins's Simon Dowson-Collins loves sport so much he once went to a QPR game while he was still on a BBC shift. Alex Wade meets the fittest lawyer in publishing
Shaw Pittman London hit by partner exodus
The London office of US firm Shaw Pittman has been decimated by the departure of a third of its partners, including joint managing partner and founder of the London office Andrew Moyle.
A legal drama
For theatre engineering group Stage Technologies, the important thing is that the show must go on. But that doesn't leave much time for legal wranglings. Julia Cahill reports
Farrers wins sports lawyer from Olympic body
Farrer & Co has appointed the British Olympic Association's former director of legal and public affairs Robert Datnow as a senior solicitor in its sports team. Datnow has wide commercial, dispute resolution, event organisation and sports regulatory experience, having advised sponsors, licensees, sports agencies, government bodies, events owners and athletes.
Has Osborne Clarke lost its way in the City?
The technology slump has done nothing to help the firm conquer London.
Future perfect
Olswang chief exec Jonathan Goldstein thinks looking back is a waste of time and lives for what's around the next corner. Emma Vere-Jones reports
Pearl's wisdom
Jonathan Pearl, chief counsel for Sony Business Europe, only instructs on the basis of experience. But as Husnara Begum reports, he's already got quite a lot of that in-house
Addleshaws becomes Leeds United defender
Addleshaw Booth & Co has won Leeds United as a new client
Born-again Interoute consolidates legal panel
Telecoms company Interoute is reviewing its legal advisers following its emergence from receivership.
We can rebuild it
Telecoms company Interoute has rebuilt itself from the bottom up - but there were some hairy moments along the way. By Steve Hoare
Independent broadcast
Chris Groves from Turner Broadcasting System aims for him and his team to go it alone whenever possible, so his legal advisers should watch out. Steve Hoare reports
The quiet American
BHD managing partner Tom Kellerman may have escaped the collapse of Brobeck, but its aftershocks are his main concern. Catrin Griffiths reports
Cisco Kid
Cisco toughened up as a reaction to the tech sector's inclemency, and as Steve Hoare reports, it would appear to be paying off.
The two powers
Taylor Wessing's German and UK managing partners seem like chalk and cheese. So can they integrate their firms? Catrin Griffiths reports
Rizor's edge
As Osborne Clarke moves into a new era, German managing partner Stefan Rizor has become a powerful voice within the firm. Julia Cahill reports
The Q factor
Qinetiq general counsel Lynton Boardman has been too busy with the Carlyle Group buy-in to really get to grips with the legal function - until now. Steve Hoare reports
Sporting chance
Rows over Zimbabwe and an Australian collapse have not deterred Mark Roper-Drimie. Emma Vere-Jones meets the England and Wales Cricket Board’s head of legal
Australian High Court sends warning to online publishers
The Australian High Court last week delivered a landmark judgment that could have implications for the UK regarding the flow of information over the internet
Let the Snow settle
After making Brobeck popular with its associates, can CC's Tower Snow help solve his new firm's problems? Helen Power meets the man of the moment
Shearman lands China Netcom work
Shearman & Sterling has scooped an instruction to advise China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) in connection with its purchase of the assets of Bermuda-based undersea cable operator Asia Global Crossing (AGC)
Eiffel power
Now that Orrick chairman and chief exec Ralph Baxter is sitting pretty in Paris, an English tie-up could be just around the corner. Dearbail Jordan reports
Human touch
As group legal and personnel director at United Business Media, one word to sum up Jane Stables' role is 'diversity'. Steve Hoare reports on the serious business of law
Stayin' loose
A fundamental shift from hardware to IT services by Fujitsu means general counsel Richard Allnutt has had to revolutionise the legal department and keep his options open. Emma Vere-Jones reports
Fighting force
Although NTL has suffered debts and bankruptcy, the firm's legal department has been left untouched. Vanessa Pawsey meets the man who held it together, Robert Mackenzie
Outside knowledge
With all the sales and acquisitions that Spirent has gone through recently, it helps that its general counsel has worked for both its legal advisers. Vanessa Pawsey investigates
Fast track
Fast's main business is the protection of software, but it could also be a good way for a law firm to find that perfect company to add to their client list. Naomi Rovnick reports
The IT boy
After 18 years at Clifford Chance, IT whizz Christopher Millard has finally found his niche at Linklaters. Kathryn Hobbs reports
Scrummin' it
Secretary and legal officer to the Rugby Football Union Jonathan Hall has a vision of England winning the 2007 World Cup. Emma Vere-Jones finds out that even lawyers can dream
Licensed to bill
Richards Butler's Michael Skrein is used to hobnobbing with celebrities. Kathryn Hobbs meets the man who really knows how to treat a girl
The IT guys
With its DIY ethos, the compact SchlumbergerSema in-house legal team has been pivotal in the success of the international IT services company. Caroline Davies investigates
Capital gains
With a slew of acquisitions and stakes in other stations, Natalie Schwarz joined Capital Radio at a challenging time. Emma Vere-Jones tunes in
Lewis Silkin wins World Cup finals for Newsplayer
Lewis Silkin has signed up the rights to the past 40 years of World Cup finals footage for its new media client Newsplayer International.Newsplayer has licensed all the archives of World Cup finals from footage owners such as Fifa. The firm also negotiated a further deal between Newsplayer and JVC which will distribute the footage on DVD and video.Although the exact value of the deal has ...
Hot on the press
If you ever thought being in-house was the soft option, think again. Kathryn Hobbs talks to The Guardian's legal head Siobhain Butterworth about practising law at high speed
Above the law
After a stomach-churning ride in Charles Flint QC’s flying machine, Matheu Swallow finds out what makes this multitalented silk tick - and it certainly isn’t gardening
Masons secures IBM contract for Invensys
Masons has advised Invensys on the outsourcing of its global IT systems to IBM in a 10-year deal worth up to $100m (£69.6m) a year.The transaction initially involves the provision of IT services to 18 countries and the transfer to IBM of 700 Invensys staff worldwide.Masons advised Invensys from the initial procurement phase to the execution of a global framework agreement, spanning almost a year. IT partner David Isaacs led with Bridget Fleetwood and Ed White, while Michael ...
The calling
BT's selection procedure for law firms is akin to a secret recipe, but a rejig is seeing a liberal use of firms. Naomi Rovnick gets the lowdown from group general counsel Anne Fletcher
Pure Logica
Technology company Logica narrowly missed losing its prized FTSE 100 status. Brendan Malkin talks to group legal adviser Lawrence Guedes about what it takes to stay at the top
Sticking at it
Galileo International is like the glue that holds the travel industry together, but like much of the sector, has it become unstuck post-11 September? Fiona Callister investigates
Cockney rebel
West Ham United's head of legal and company secretary Scott Duxbury has worked for a law firm, but views his in-house role as a promotion to the Premiership. Kathryn Hobbs reports
Deal of the week - BT/IPVALUE
Pinsent Curtis advises BT on patent protection plan
Cambridge educated
Taylor Joynson Garrett is taking on Garretts' Cambridge office. Its corporate partner explains why the practice is a golden goose and not a dead duck
A true calling
Michelle Foster, head of legal for Symbian, a joint venture between fierce mobile phone rivals, is surprisingly contented for someone in such a high-pressure role. Fiona Callister reports
Turner surprise
KLegal's growth strategy is paying off, with H20 partner Catrin Turner et al joining the ranks - but the firm might get more growth than it bargained for
Civil shepherd
Ronald Thwaites QC, brought up on a professional diet of criminal actions, finds that his direct approach to civil work keeps him off the streets
The people person
Philip Bramwell, head of legal at BT breakaway company mm02, used to have an in-house 'full-service firm', but now he is looking for individuals only. Kathryn Hobbs reports
A taxing time
Freeserve's general council David Melville knows that his company is not getting a fair deal when it comes to UK taxes, and he is not going to take it lying down. Naomi Rovnick reports
BLP takes on Borough of Southwark £30m IT deal
Berwin Leighton Paisner's (BLP) IT outsourcing team has scooped another e-Government contract. The firm was instructed by the London Borough of Southwark to advise on a £30m contract with ITNET.Head of IT outsourcing Amanda Lewis led the BLP team. ITNET, represented by Victoria Roche from its in-house legal department, will provide the borough with information communications technology ...
Stop the press
Keith Schilling, through fighting celebrities' privacy battles, doesn't make many newspaper buddies - but then he prefers a good book anyway
The puff daddies
After the Government's decision to take a softer line on cannabis use, Helen Power meets the managing director of the only UK company licensed to undertake research on the drug
Down to the wire
AOL Europe is going through a tough time but that is not stopping head of legal Clare Gilbert lobbying for the future rights of all ISPs against the formidable BT. Naomi Rovnick reports
The impostor
Tarlo Lyons' Nigel McEwan says he's never really understood law. So it's just as well that the role of managing partner is right up his street
Microsoft conflict forces Jones Day partner to quit
Jones Day Reavis & Pogue in Frankfurt is to lose a top forensic services partner following a conflict of interest involving his longstanding client Microsoft.
Schilling & Lom loses top partner
Niche London practice Schilling & Lom and Partners has lost its founding partner and closed one of its most successful departments.
Still in the bidding
Having survived the dotcom crisis, money at internet auction company QXL ricardo is tight, and legal head Tom Parkinson is on an economy drive. Naomi Rovnick reports
Masons takes on DJ Freeman partner
Masons has bolstered its industry strengths in IT and construction with the hire of a partner from DJ Freeman's media department.
TMT
Like boy bands, technology practices within law firms seem to have gone out of fashion. And the similarity doesn't end there. As boy band Take That lost its two best performers Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams to solo careers, poor Bird & Bird has been deserted by two star technology heads in under 12 months. Meanwhile, many e-commerce groups seem to be doing a Boyzone, a once chart-topping group ...
Caught in the net
Bird & Bird CEO David Kerr is determinedly weathering the technology storm, convinced that dotcom consolidation is just around the next corner
Deal of the week - One 2 One
A&O and Kemp Little handle UK's first 3G cost-sharing
Field Fisher e-government team wins Lewisham work
Field Fisher Waterhouse worked with two in-house teams in completing the final stage of a £60m e-government project for the London Borough of Lewisham.The project involved the outsourcing of the council's IT and internet services to comply with Government plans to put council services online by 2005.Head of IT and e-commerce Michael Chissick led the firm's e-government ...
Calling for change
Sebastian Farr has been both a barrister and a solicitor, and as head of legal at Oftel he is looking forward to more change as the sector consolidates. Eleanor Levenson reports
Who's in the house?
The new head of legal at Music Choice Europe Donagh O'Malley cites variety as the reason for going in-house. As Claire Smith reports, in a sector as malleable as music, he'll get just that
Ministry of Sound obtains £24m investment from 3i. Ministry of Sound advised by Macfarlanes (John Dodsworth).
3i advised in-house (Alastair Richardson) and by Denton Wilde Sapte (Charles Law) on due diligence matters.
University of Glasgow teams up with Imperial College and Generic Group to form a new company named Adaptive Screening.
University of Glasgow advised by Dundas & Wilson (Laurence Ward). Imperial College advised in-house (John Scholes). Generic Group advised by Vincent Sykes & Higham (John Davies).
Viag Interkom secures DM1bn (£316.6m) 3G wireless equipment deal with Nokia.
Viag represented by Brobeck Hale and Dorr (Peter Kremer). Nokia advised in-house.
Man of the match
Stephen Townley, founder of sports boutique Townleys, remains pragmatic when it comes to his firm's marriage with Hammonds - it's part of the game
Enic Gaming bets on Wallace
Niche London firm Wallace & Partners is acting for Enic Gaming in the £6m sale of online gambling operator ukbetting.com to a newly-created company Ukbetting.
McDermotts lands plum role with IAC AIM listing
Chicago firm's London office wins instruction from film finance company
Picochip Designs raises $7m (£4.9m) first-round investment from venture capital funders Atlas Venture and Pond Venture Partners.
Atlas Venture and Pond Venture Partners advised by SJ Berwin (Jonathan Pittal). Picochip Designs advised by Osborne Clarke (Paul Cooper).
Sangamo BioSciences acquires Gendaq, valued at around $30m (£21m).
Gendaq advised by Olswang (Tina Cowen, Howard Palmer) and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (Steve Camahort) on the US side. Sangamo advised by Brobeck Hale and Dorr and Brobeck Phleger & Harrison (John Larsen) on US issues.
Sports.com gains third-round equity funding of $13m (£9.1m), bringing the total of funds raised to $75.5m (£52.9m); investors in this round include SportsLine.com, Soros Private Equity Partn
Sports.com advised by Andersen Legal Garretts (David Roberts). Investors advised by Kirkland & Ellis (Nigel Dunmore).
Technology media & telecoms
So, the unbundling of BT's local loop was due to be resolved by July. And is it? Is it heck. The ever-lengthening process of negotiation between BT and operators is fast resembling a playground fight over who gets to play with the skipping rope. Of course, the comparison is a little unfair, but in both cases the parties have found themselves tied up in knots.In any contract dispute, lawyers are the first to be called, and the unbundling discussions have been no different. ...
Inpharmatica obtains £31.25m funding from equity investors Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, Advent Venture Partners and 3i.
Inpharmatica advised by Linklaters & Alliance (Jon Hayes). 3i and 3i Biosciences Investment Trust advised by Osborne Clarke (Alisdair Livingstone). Syndicate of investors advised by SJ Berwin (Perry Yam).
Bank of Scotland unveils £6m sponsorship extension deal with the Scottish Premier League to extend its football sponsorship into 2005.
Bank of Scotland advised by Clyde & Co (Tim Matthews). Scottish Premier League advised by Harper Macleod (Michael Nicholson).
France Telecom, Equant and Sita, the organisation that provides network services to the air transport sector, sign multi-billion dollar strategic alliance.
Equant advised by Shaw Pittman (Andrew Moyle, Trevor Nagel). Sita advised by Sullivan & Cromwell. France Telecom advised by Linklaters & Alliance.
Dutch technical surveying company Fugro buys the Robertson Research Group from Robertson's managers and Simon Group for £59m.
Fugro advised by Bryan Cave (Charles Attlee). Vendors advised by Marriott Harrison (Duncan Innes, Jon Sweet).
Nasdaq listed OpenTV acquires Static 2358 Holdings for $51m (£36.18m).
OpenTV advised by Baker & McKenzie (Adam Levin) and Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe. Static advised by Berwin Leighton Paisner.
Davenport closes three film deals
Davenport Lyons has completed a hat trick of major pieces of film finance deals - two for longstanding client Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).
GW Pharmaceuticals raises £25m from its flotation on AIM.
GW Pharmaceuticals advised by Rowe & Maw (Peter Dickinson). Nomad and broker Collins Stewart advised by Hammond Suddards Edge.
Mobile phone technology company Media Ventures Mobiles makes an investment in Quartez, a provider of mobile messaging solutions, for an undisclosed sum.
Media Ventures advised by Bryan Cave (Anthony Fiducia). Quartez advised by Thring Townsend.
Proactive Sports Group completes £24.5m AIM flotation.
Proactive advised by Hammond Suddards Edge. Broker Teather & Greenwood advised by Withers (Hugh Devlin).
Surrey County Cricket Club signs sponsorship deal with Australian financial services company AMP, giving it exclusive naming rights to The Oval cricket ground for £2m over five years.
Surrey County Cricket Club advised by Wedlake Bell (Adrian Heath-Saunders). AMP advised by Lovells.
Tarlo Lyons' e-business arm wraps up Atriax deal
Tarlo Lyons' new e-business and banking technology department has done its biggest deal to date - advising new online foreign exchange trading portal Atriax on its UK debut.
Technology, media and telecoms
Only a year or two ago, German telecoms firms preened themselves with the words 'full-service' and 'exclusive' when mentioning client relationships.
Act Venture Capital invests $16m (£11.3m) in Cape Clear Software.
Cape Clear Software advised by Matheson Ormsby Prentice (Edward Miller, John Ryan). Act Venture Capital advised by William Fry.
Legal eyes
Hats, chickens, genitals and profanity - these are the things that occupy the mind of a Channel 4 lawyer. Fiona Callister reports on the ten-week legal damage limitation exercise that is Big Brother
Live telephone messaging service the Message Pad receives £1.75m third round funding from a syndicate of existing investors and new investor National Westminster Bank Pension Fund.
The Message Pad advised by Field Fisher Waterhouse (Nicolas Thompsell). National Westminster Bank Pensions Fund advised by Ashurst Morris Crisp. Existing investors Enterprise Venture Capital Trust advised by Martineau Johnson and MTI Partners advisedin-house.
Adaptive completes fourth round fundraising.
Adaptive advised by Tarlo Lyons (Sarah Collins). Investor syndicate advised by Osborne Clarke (Stephen Wilson).
Shepherds London launch targets TMT
Shepherd & Wedderburn is opening a permanent office in London to service its technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) clients.
Sovereign Capital completes the £5.75m AIM flotation of investee company Capcon Holdings.
Sovereign Capital advised by Gouldens (Michael Nouril). Capcon advised by Gold Mann & Co (Mark Hartley).
Teenage website mykindaplace.com completes second round of financing from investors including BskyB and venture capital firm Eurovestech.
Mykindaplace.com advised by Altheimer & Gray (Nick Davis). Eurovestech advised by SJ Berwin (Delphine Currie). BskyB advised in-house.
Brokat Technologies signs an agreement with Vodafone Global Commercial Services to combine Brokat's PaymentWorks software technology with Vodafone's leading mobile operator position
Brokat advised by Osborne Clarke (Simon Rendell). Vodafone advised in-house (Lisa Roberts).
MP3 bought by Vivendi Universal for £259m
MP3 advised by Latham & Watkins (Scott Wolfe). Vivendi advised by Cravath Swaine & Moore (Faiza Saeed).
Oxford University spinout company Novarc gets £1.3m equity investment from Beeson Gregory
Novarc advised by Brobeck Hale and Dorr (Kate Eavis). Beeson Gregory advised by Masons.
AEA Technology announces conditional disposal of its nuclear engineering business
AEA Technology announces conditional disposal of its nuclear engineering business to Warrington-based Nukem Nuclear for about £34m. AEA Technology advised by Eversheds (Robin Johnson, Keith Froud). Nukem advised by Halliwell Landau (Mark Halliwell).
Baker & McKenzie clinches NTL deal over Travers Smith
NTL has overlooked its ongoing relationship with Travers Smith Braithwaite and has hired international law firm Baker & McKenzie.
Business software solutions specialist Huon Holdings seals £181.75m reverse takeover of the Innovation Group
Business software solutions specialist Huon Holdings seals £181.75m reverse takeover of the Innovation Group. Huon Holdings advised by Taylor Joynson Garrett (Gordon Jackson). The Innovation Group advised by Gouldens and DLA.
Cytomyx Holdings becomes first biotech company to list on AIM this year, raising £2m
Cytomyx Holdings becomes first biotech company to list on AIM this year, raising £2m. Cytomyx advised by Memery Crystal (Andrew Titmas). Broker Hoodless Brennan & Partners advised by Wedlake Bell. Nominated adviser Corporate Synergy advised by
LongAcre branches out into Sweden
Olswang's technology, media and telecommunications corporate finance house LongAcre has moved into Sweden with the acquisition of Lommen Corporate Finance.
Manches
News in brief
Olswang chosen to rescue embattled dotcom Sportal
Troubled dotcom Sportal is using Olswang to negotiate the funds it needs to survive.`The firm has taken Sportal through every stage of the business, from its incorporation in 1998 to its recent second round of funding.`Sportal's head of legal Jonathan West said: "We're delighted with Olswang's loyalty to us, the firm has proved itself a loyal and capable adviser and we know we can rely on it in these difficult ...
Pilipino Telephone Corporation (Piltel) is restructuring 98 per cent of its debt in a deal worth $850m (£602.9m
Pilipino Telephone Corporation (Piltel) is restructuring 98 per cent of its debt in a deal worth $850m (£602.9m). Piltel advised by Linklaters & Alliance (Steven Christopher). Creditors advised by Allen & Overy (Alan Rae Smith).
Technology Media & Telecoms
When it comes to technology, media and telecoms (TMT), US firms have a head start. The home of Silicon Valley and Bill Gates was cashing in on the brave new world while the UK was still trying to work out how to turn on its Acorn computer.`So it is no surprise that many of the US firms in London are technology-orientated. Shaw Pittman and Brobeck Hale and Dorr came to the UK with the express desire of cracking the IT market, Shaw Pittman focusing on large, outsourcing deals and Brobeck ...
Time management software business Atlantic Global raises £2m through its first placing on AIM
Time management software business Atlantic Global raises £2m through its first placing on AIM. Atlantic Global advised by Theodore Goddard (Paul Salmon). Nominated adviser and broker Seymour Pierce advised by Memery Crystal.
White & Case ace takes Uefa to Olswang
Olswang has scored a major coup by adding European football governing body Uefa to its client base as White & Case partner Alasdair Bell joins the firm today (11 June).
Withers sees BBC in court for libel case
Withers is taking the BBC to court on behalf of Elite Model Management in an attempt to clear its name after its damning in the television programme MacIntyre Undercover: Fashion.
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young agrees £55m outsourcing contract with the Prudential Group
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young agrees £55m outsourcing contract with the Prudential Group. Cap Gemini Ernst & Young advised by Wragge & Co (Kate Lewis). Prudential advised by Shaw Pittman.
Collyer Bristow takes on music firm Kanaar
Collyer Bristow has swallowed music and entertainment practice Kanaar & Co in the week that it announced its first chief executive.
Deal of the Week - YELL
Once again, Weil Gotshal & Manges' great relationship with Hicks Muse scoops the firm an integral role on one of the biggest ever private equity deals in Europe. The deal overtakes the United Biscuits deal and Hillsdown in terms of size, both of which Weil Gotshal's Mike Francies was involved with.`Francies had to convince Apax, which the firm had worked with in the US, that the UK capability ...
England and Wales Cricket Board sells its TV broadcasting rights
England and Wales Cricket Board sells its TV broadcasting rights for the three cricket seasons 2003-2005 giving exclusive rights to Channel Four and BSkyB for £150m. England and Wales Cricket Board advised by Denton Wilde Sapte (Adrian Barr-Smith). Channel Four represented by Olswang. BSkyB advised in-house by Matt Oliver.
Lovells
Lovells has recruited the general secretary of global telecoms giant Nortel for its Beijing office. Robert Lewis is an expert in corporate and regulatory matters in the telecoms industry. Lovells international projects chief Marc Bartel appointed Lewis as part of his strategy to tap into telecoms work in Asia.
Paper trials
Fending off legal attacks on The Sun newspaper is no easy task. But to News International lawyer Daniel Taylor, it's a case of fight the good fight
BT instructs Wragges on property job
Midlands firm Wragge & Co has further developed its outsourcing department with a new instruction from BT.`The firm will advise BT on project Jaguar, in which a consortium comprised of Reliant Security, Balfour Beatty and Carillion will be given outsourced work relating to the management of 8,500 properties.`Patrick Duxbury, joint client partner for BT with Quentin Poole, explained that Wragges has acted ...
Barclaycard/football association
Lovells is developing a nice specialism in sponsorship work. This latest deal follows advising Kingfisher on sponsoring yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur and Mars on its sponsorship of the World Cup. The group within the commercial department is headed by Andrew Skipper and Peter Watts, who led this deal. They were called on by Barclaycard, for which they are a panel firm, without having to pitch.
DC Arnold & Porter boosts technology
Washington DC firm Arnold & Porter is ramping up its high-tech litigation practice with the hire of two senior lawyers.
Vodafone
Another great telecoms deal for the London office of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, which also advised the underwriters on US law in BT's record-breaking rights issue in the same week (The Lawyer, 14 May). This deal for Vodafone was the largest ever placement in the UK and the issuance was increased from initial estimates to meet investor demand, with the proceeds being used to acquire stakes in ...
A&O and Linklaters wrap up German telecoms financing
Magic circle rivals Allen & Overy (A&O) and Linklaters & Alliance have together completed one of the biggest telecoms financings of the year.
Bird & Bird lands French IT/IP partner
Bird & Bird has taken on a partner from Andersen Legal's Paris arm SG Archibald to advise on competition work in the IT sector.
BT plumps for Linklaters for the UK's biggest rights issue
Linklaters & Alliance has reaffirmed its relationship with top client British Telecommunications (BT) and advised on its mammoth rights issue to raise £5.9bn.
CC technology group targets global market
Clifford Chance is launching an international assault on the technology market, creating a global communications, media and technology group.
Farrer & Co announces marriage with media firm Crockers Oswald
Niche media firm Crockers Oswald Hickson has been swallowed up by City firm Farrer & Co.
Lovells bags Ericsson work
Lovells is advising on the first pan-European property outsourcing deal involving the £200m sale of property owned by cash-poor Swedish telecoms company Ericsson.
Richards Butler in MTV Italian job
Richards Butler has advised its longstanding client MTV on a major deal that sees the music television company relaunch in Italy.
The World Is Quite enough
It's never easy learning the in-house all-rounder approach, but when you're head of legal for The Economist Group Oscar Grut and you're taking on media mogul and heavyweight politician Silvio Berlusconi in a libel case, you know you've got your work cut out. Perry Thakrar reports
Graf von Westphalen Frankfurt partner quits for Willkie Farr
Graf von Westphalen Fritze & Modest's Frankfurt office is losing one of its top IT partners to US firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
Vectura
KLegal corporate partner Patrick Martin boasts private equity fund Merlin as one of his biggest clients, and it has moved with him from Pinsent Curtis to Price Waterhouse's law firm Arnheim & Co, and from there to KLegal.
ITN appoints first head of compliance
ITN has hired John Battle as its first in-house head of compliance.
Masons gets corporate capability in Scotland
Masons has hired its first corporate partner in Scotland from leading Scottish firm Dickson Minto.
Osborne Clarke leads the way in 2001's first technology IPO
Osborne Clarke has pulled off its first technology initial public offering (IPO) on the main London stock market this year, in what is believed to be the first new listing by an IT company of 2001.
Technology, Media and telecoms
A consortium of UK institutional property owners, including British Land and Canary Wharf, team up with Marconi and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Funding to invest £15m in broadband service provider HighSpeed Office. The consortium and Morgan Stanley advised by Linklaters & Alliance (Andrew Brackfield). HighSpeed Office advised by Bird
Prime time Talking
Primus Telecommunications is certainly in its prime and promises greater things for the future, as it expands into Europe in the unusual position of being a telecoms company in credit, its legal needs are growing along with its global reach. Kelly Harrison reports
Technology, Media and telecoms
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and Pearson Television form independent production company Fresh Productions. Jamie Oliver and Pearson advised by Denton Wilde Sapte (Tara Donovan, Neil Vickers).
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Funny things, telecoms companies. Sitting at the forefront of the IT revolution, they are as new economy as they come. But despite all their newfangled technology and snappy marketing speak, these are industrial giants. Vodafone/Mannesmann, the Orange flotation, British Telecommunications (BT), NTL - the list of big acquisitive names goes on and on.But in the same way as others in the technology, media and telecoms sector, they are ...
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Chrysalis Books, a subsidiary of the Chrysalis Group, announces unconditional recommended takeover of AIM-listed C&B Publishing at 20 pence per share. Chrysalis Books advised by Harbottle & Lewis (Mark Bertram). C&B Publishing advised by McGrigor Donald.
Simmons works with Shearmans on £350m Euro debt restructuring
Simmons & Simmons has advised telecoms giant Global TeleSystems (GTS) on the restructuring of debt worth $500m (£350.6m) in subsidiary Global TeleSystems Europe.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Comcast Cable Communications sets up an Interactive Program Guide (IPG) affiliation agreement with Gemstar-TV Guide International. Comcast advised by Davis Polk & Wardwell. Gemstar-TV Guide advised in-house.
Vivendi appoints ten firms to its UK panel
After a five-month review, both regional and City firms win places
deckchair.com
Could this be the future of dotcom work? Deckchair.com is the online travel agency launched in 1999 by rock star Bob Geldof. Like many of its ilk, it has felt the pinch of changing market attitudes towards technology companies. Last month it laid off 13 of its 51 staff.
DTI report slams CC over Mirror Group float
Clifford Chance takes brunt of criticism; Linklaters' responsibility 'limited'
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Software developer Intrinsic disposes of its entire business to fellow developer SAS Institute for an undisclosed sum. Intrinsic advised by Denton Wilde Sapte (Neil Vickers). SAS Institute advised by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (Ken Baird, Colin Law).
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Bookham Technology acquires Canadian-based Measurement Microsystems A-Z for up to $47.5m (£33.2m) in cash and shares. Bookham advised by Brobeck Hale and Dorr (John Burgess, Richard Eaton). Measurement Microsystems A-Z advised by Goodman Philips and Vineberg.
Glory glory
Director of Manchester United FC and James Chapman & Co senior partner Maurice Watkins tries to explain the offside rule
Senior partner retires from Wiggin & Co
Leading media and entertainment boutique Wiggin & Co's senior partner is departing. Nic Stones is stepping down after 15 years in the role and will retire from the firm. Head of media and entertainment Tim Osborne will replace him.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Everyone has an opinion about US firms in London: rubbish; no work; propped up by US parent; fantastic lateral hires; deep pockets; salary wars; the future; here for good; short-lived… you name it, someone thinks it. The only thing that most agree on is that it is too early to make lasting judgements. But there are, if you look hard enough, already a few shining examples: the technology firms.
Luvvies strike poses problems for film finance lawyers as union flexes muscles
A predicted bonanza for film finance lawyers hangs in the balance as an actors strike in the US threatens to spread to Europe.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
US online auctioneer eBay buys French rival iBazar in a share exchange transaction worth up to $112m (£76.6m). The seller of iBazar advised by Jones Day Reavis & Pogue (Olivier Edwards) and Stibbe (Olivier du Mottay). eBay advised by Cooley Godward.
Burges Salmon completes Orange HQ London relocation
Bristol firm Burges Salmon has advised telecoms company Orange on the relocation of its corporate HQ to Paddington Basin, the West London development's first pre-let.
cable & wireless
This is the second billion-dollar deal this year for Shaw Pittman's London office. Last month it advised pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca on its £1.2bn outsourcing deal with IBM (The Lawyer, 26 February). In the Cable & Wireless deal, Shaw Pittman has moved on from outsourcing to networking.
Hugh James launches sports dept
South Wales firm Hugh James Ford Simey has set up a specialist sports law department.
It's good to talk
For Alan Whitfield, law is not everything. KLegal's multidiscipinary approach is what appealed to a man who likes to have more than one thing on his mind.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Minorplanet Systems acquires 64 per cent of Nasdaq-listed @Track Communications for $150m (£104m). Minorplanet Systems advised by Mishcon de Reya (Grant Gordon, Larry Nathan) and Brown & Wood. @Track Communications advised by Field Fisher Waterhouse (Mark Abell, Andrew Evans, Nick Noble) and Locke Liddell ...
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
AstraZeneca signs a £1.2bn outsourcing deal with IBM to manage the chemical company's global IT infrastructure covering 45 countries. AstraZeneca advised by Shaw Pittman (Andrew Moyle). IBM was advised in-house.Parent company of WebFusion Internet Solutions, Magic Moments Internet, acquires One 2 One Advertising & Telecommunications. The company is also placing £2.5m worth of new shares with strategic marketing alliance partner Atlantic ...
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
There will be a lot of hormonally challenged youths this week facing the daunting prospect of actually having to leave their bedrooms if they want to get the latest Limp Bizkit album. Last week the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the US upheld parts of an injunction against Napster, an online company that enables free music downloads, signalling an end to Napster and a new dawn in copyright law.The effect the internet has on copyright law is unparalleled and ...
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Interactive entertainment software company Warthog is admitted to AIM with a capitalisation of £18m and proceeds of £5m. Warthog advised by Halliwell Landau (Nigel Brown).Anite Group acquires Calculus Solutions, a provider of customer care and billing software solutions to telecoms companies, for a maximum of £50m, dependant on Calculus meeting profit targets. Anite advised by
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
NetIQ undertakes a stock-for-stock acquisition of WebTrends for $1bn (£683m). NetIQ advised by Davis Polk & Wardwell (William Kelly). WebTrends advised by Perkins Coie.Amarin Corporation acquires Ethyl EPA licence from Laxdale in a cash and paper deal worth $1m (£683,000). Amarin Corporation advised by Nicholson Graham & Jones (Owen Waft). Laxdale ...
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
SpiritSoft raises £8m in venture capital investment by Reuters Greenhouse Fund and Catalyst Fund Management and Research. SpiritSoft advised by Salans Hertzfeld & Heilbronn (Philip Enoch). Reuters Greenhouse Fund advised by Rowe & Maw. Catalyst Fund Management and Research advised by Ashurst Morris Crisp.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Joint venture between AdVal Group and Pearson-owned FT Knowledge. FT Knowledge advised by Morgan Lewis & Bockius (Zoë Ashcroft). AdVal Group advised by Memery Crystal (Greg Scott).
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Railtrack Telecom Services and Marconi in joint venture to create EuroMast. Railtrack Telecom Services advised by Simmons & Simmons (Jerry Walter). Marconi advised by Allen & Overy.
Technology, Media and telecoms
Israel-based Sadot Research & Development Fund introduced to the main list of London Stock Exchange. Sadot Research & Development Fund advised by Fladgate Fielder (Avram Kelman) and Seligman & Co. Sponsors and brokers Cazenove & Co advised by SJ Berwin.
Technology, Media and telecoms
Wafer Technology sold to IQE for £40m. Wafer Technology management team advised by Vizards Staples & Bannisters. Wafer Technology minority shareholder advised by Lawrence Graham. IQE advised by M&A Solicitors.
Technology, Media and telecoms
Crown Castle signs deals with BT and Dolphin Telecommunications to expand mobile telephone networks. Crown Castle advised by Denton Wilde Sapte (John Worthy). BT advised by Ashurst Morris Crisp. Dolphin Telecom advised by Taylor Joynson Garrett.
TECHNOLOGY MEDIA & TELECOMS
As everyone knows, 2000 was the year when people got very excited and then bored with dotcoms. The bubble grew, then burst, and all those cynics said "I told you so". It's now much more fun counting the dotcom failures than guessing how large a sum they will get upon flotation.But as 2001 gets underway, and the dotcom frenzy fades into memory, the question has to be asked - just what are all those IT lawyers doing now?For ...
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Geneva Technology merges with Ohio-based Convergys Corporation in deal worth $700m (£482m). Geneva Technology advised by Brobeck Hale and Dorr (Tom Kellerman) and Simmons & Simmons (Charles Fuller). Convergys advised by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (Alan Klein) and Frost Brown Todd (Neil Ganulin). Financial adviser Salomon Smith Barney advised by
Technology, Media and Telecoms
Cable & Wireless buys Baynton Thompson Networks to form Cable & Wireless BTN. Baynton Thompson Networks advised by Nabarro Nathanson (Barry Maytum). Cable & Wireless advised by Rowe & Maw.
Technology, Media and Telecoms
Convergence Holdings completes share placing on AIM. Issuer advised by Taylor Joynson Garrett. Nominated adviser and broker Investec Henderson Crosthwaite advised by Field Fisher Waterhouse (Anthony Brockbank).
Technology, Media and Telecoms
RiverSoft makes initial public offering on techMARK and Rule 144A placing. Issuer advised by Linklaters & Alliance (Derek McMenamin). Sponsor and sole bookrunner Morgan Stanley Dean Witter advised by Allen & Overy (Mark Dighero).
Coudert moves senior partner for IT focus
Coudert Scharmann, Coudert Brothers' German office, has relocated a senior partner to Munich.
Dotting the i's
Are internet companies doomed? Not according to online personal finance company iii. Mary Murphy reports
Genemedix
GeneMedix lists on the London and Singapore stock exchanges, raising £20m. GeneMedix advised by CMS Cameron McKenna. UK sponsor English Trust Company and broker Collins Stewart represented by Eversheds (Neil Matthews).
SJ Berwin hangs in limbo with iii
SJ Berwin's position on online personal investment company Interactive Investor International's (iii) panel is in doubt.
Wanadoo makes
France Télécom subsidiary Wanadoo makes an all-share £1.6bn offer for Freeserve. France Télécom and Wanadoo advised by Norton Rose (Iain Wright), Gide Loyrette Nouel (Herve Pisani), Lehman Brothers and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. Freeserve represented by Herbert Smith (James Palmer), Linklaters & Alliance (Jeremy Parr), ...
Bank Restaurant
Bank Restaurant Group (BRG) floats on AIM for £8.5m while it acquires three restaurants from Bank Group Restaurants for £10.5m. BRG advised by Biddle (Andrew Masraf). Bank Group Restaurants advised by Memery Crystal (Lesley Gregory) and on property by Pinsent Curtis.
Brobeck opens Munich practice with IT focus
US firm swoops on Germany; nets four partners for January launch
ONdigital in-house team turns big guns on BSkyB
ONDIGITAL's in-house legal team has won the first step in its campaign against BSkyB under the new Competition Act.
Peel Hunt
Peel Hunt and the Royal Bank of Scotland form a technology joint venture with initial debt and equity commitment of £10m. Peel Hunt advised by Nicholson Graham & Jones (Kevin McGuinness). The Royal Bank of Scotland advised by Burges Salmon (Ian Stoodley).
SSL International
SSL International acquires worldwide brand rights to the Hibi antiseptic product range from AstraZeneca for £46m. SSL advised by Kuit Steinart Levy (Colin Hoffman). AstraZeneca represented by its in-house legal team.
TECHNOLOGY MEDIA & TELECOMS
Last month, The Lawyer revealed that Slaughter and May was capitalising on the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) boom by establishing its first-ever sector-specific practice. But is it too late? Last week, the new economy was ousted from the FTSE 100. The revised rankings will see TMT darlings Sema, Baltimore Technologies and Bookham Technology all suffer relegation. Everyone knows ...
Technology venture capital
Technology venture capital specialist Elderstreet Investments sells 82 per cent of its share capital to Dresdner Kleinwort Benson Private Equity. Elderstreet represented by CMS Cameron McKenna (David Bresnick). Dresdner advised by SJ Berwin (Blair Thompson).
British Library
British Library and IBM to create digital library system. British Library advised by Denton Wilde Sapte (Catherine Bingham and Helen Cahill). IBM advised by in-house legal team.
DaimlerChrysler
DaimlerChrysler to sell and deliver cars over the internet. DaimlerChrysler advised by Olswang (Clive Gringras) and DaimlerChrysler's in-house team (Sebastian Calman).
Deal of the week - Daimlerchrysler
This is the first deal for DaimlerChrysler following Olswang's successful pitch for its e-commerce work in April. The car manufacturing giant already had a range of relationships with firms - Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer being one - so the win was a coup for Olswang. E-commerce partner Gringras led the pitch.
Hansard
Hansard Group floats on AIM. Issuer advised by Halliwell Landau (Clive Garston). Nominated adviser and broker Seymour Pierce advised by Memery Crystal (Lesley Gregory and Melissa Chaplin).
Hansard group
This is one of three technology deals completed last week by Manchester-based Halliwell Landau. The other two deals were Netcall's admission to AIM and Your-TV & Radio's OFEX floatation.
MB Venture Capital
MB Venture Capital, Merlin Biosciences Fund and 3i raise £10.5m for Onyvax. Onyvax advised by Weil Gotshal & Manges (Paul Claydon). Investors advised by Taylor Vinters, KLegal and Osborne Clarke OWA respectively.
Music Choice
Music Choice Europe floats on London Stock Exchange main list. Issuer advised by Olswang (Stephen Hermer). Sponsor, financial adviser and stock broker Investec Henderson Crosthwaite advised by Nabarro Nathanson (Iain Newman).
DLA scoops NTL patent case
DLA has been appointed to act on a forthcoming patent litigation case by telecoms giant NTL.
Elabseurope
This deal is part of the triumphant re-emergence of former Travers Smith Braithwaite partner Nigel Campion-Smith. He resigned from the firm in 1997 following the disastrous Co-operative Wholesale Society takeover attempt. Prospective buyer Andrew Regan wrongfully obtained confidential documents. Campion-Smith, one of Travers Smith's most respected corporate lawyers, therefore resigned - Travers Smith ...
ElabsEurope
eLabsEurope completes second-round funding. Lead investor inVentures advised by Latham & Watkins (Nigel Campion-Smith) and Gaedertz. eLabsEurope advised by Haarmann Hemmelrath & Partner.
Internet Incubator
Internet Incubator plc floats on AIM. Issuer advised by Berwin Leighton. Nominated advisers ING Barings and Williams de Bröe advised by Weil Gotshal & Manges (Paul Claydon).
Linklaters wins Northern & Shell work
Linklaters & Alliance is joining Ashurst Morris Crisp as a main corporate adviser to Northern & Shell after acting on its £125m purchase of Express Newspapers.
Made to manage
Roger Parker becomes Richards Butler's managing partner in December. Fiona Callister discovers the three-point plan of the man who says that management is where the heart is.
Slaughters attacks technology market
Slaughter and May caves in to sector specialisation; radical marketing drive to target e-commerce clients
Technology, Media and telecoms
Online Classics completes institutional share placing and acquires Iambic Productions. Broker HSBC Investment Bank advised by Norton Rose (Mark Lloyd Williams). Online Classics advised by Field Fisher Waterhouse. Iambic Productions advised by Nicholson Graham & Jones.
Tornado
This is Taylor Joynson Garrett's second deal for technology company Tornado. Its first was when Tornado instructed the firm to act on its February AIM flotation. Choosing a law firm was aided by the fact that Tornado's managing director and co-founder Ian Watson is a lawyer - he was previously head of corporate at Sheridans - so knows the legal market.
Tornado
Tornado Group enters into European partnership with EMI. Tornado advised by Taylor Joynson Garrett (Tim Oldridge). EMI advised by Rowe & Maw (Andrew Sharples).
ACG
ACG Aktiengesellschaft für Chipkarten und Informationssysteme's acquires Freeway Electronics Group Holdings. Purchaser advised by Garretts. Target advised by Olswang (Fabrizio Carpanini).
Airow
Airow floats on AIM. Airow advised by Martineau Johnson. Nominated adviser and broker John East & Partners and Insinger Townsley advised by Lewis Silkin (Clare Grayston).
Airow
This is the one of five deals completed by Lewis Silkin in October for AIM-listed companies. They are Mondas' acquisition of DSR Holdings, Bizspace's purchase of six properties, the IPO of Technology and Internet Property Services as well as two acquisitions, one disposal and a £2.6m fund raising for Upton and Southern Holdings.
e-exchange
This is what being a lawyer is all about. In a buoyant economy, firms go big on corporate finance - start-up costs, funding and flotation. And when the bubble bursts, you still get the work, but this time it is the insolvencies.
EMI reshuffles senior global legal positions
Media giant EMI is reorganising its legal function with three new appointments to the management.
Online
Online company E-exchange collapses. Joint administrators Mazars Neville Russell advised by SJ Berwin (Adam Plainer).
Technology, Media and telecoms
IT management consultancy business Charteris floats on the alternative investment market (AlM). Issuer advised by Masons (Russell Booker). Nominated adviser and broker Teather & Greenwood represented by Gouldens (John Phillips).
Howard Kennedy pioneers UK software financing structure
Howard Kennedy has acted on what is believed to be the first UK loan facility for the software industry to base its structure on that used for film financing.
Initial IPO
Initial public offering (IPO) of Cosmote - Mobile Telecommunications in Greece and London. Cosmote - Mobile Telecommunications, advised by Dewey Ballantine (Camille Abousleiman). Selling shareholders Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation and Telenor B Invest advised by Dewey Ballantine (Camille Abousleiman). Merrill Lynch and Salomon Brothers advised by Skadden Arps Slate ...
Merger of Dutch
Merger of Dutch biotechnology companies IntroGene and U-BiSys, to form Crucell, and subsequent IPO. Financial adviser Goldman Sachs represented by Linklaters & Alliance (Paul Cronheim). Crucell advised by Allen & Overy, Cleary ...
Studio Sutti joins global e-alliance
The Global Alliance for E-Commerce Law has appointed Studio Legale Sutti as its first-ever member in Continental Europe.
TECHNOLOGY MEDIA & TELECOMS
Fat cats or skinny kittens? Freeserve employees probably feel like neither at the moment. The management is currently considering recalculating employee share options because their value has plummeted. And if, like Freeserve, you don't have any assets, the retention of good staff - and preventing them going to rivals - is critical. Golden handcuffs have always been particularly suited to technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) companies, which are ...
Technology, Media and telecoms
ReNeuron in £66m Alternative Investment Market (AIM) flotation. ReNeuron advised by Macfarlanes (Tim Lewis). Nominated adviser and broker WestLB Panmure advised by Ashurst Morris Crisp (Michael Johns, Andrew Edge). Principal shareholder Merlin represented by Klegal (Patrick Martin).
China Petroleum
China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) in $3.5bn (£2.4bn) global share offering. Sinopec advised by Herbert Smith (Jeremy Xiao and Tim Bellis), Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and Haiwen & Partners. Global coordinators Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Asia and China International Capital Corporation advised by Simmons & Simmons (Nick Norris) and
Credit Agricole
CrÈdit Agricole Indosuez and OnMedica invest in internet chemist Pharmacy2U. CrÈdit Agricole Indosuez and OnMedica advised by SJ Berwin (Graham White) and Slaughter and May (Tihir Sarkar). Pharmacy2U advised by Osborne Clarke.
Hempsons lands Bird & Bird partner
IT specialist Bird & Bird is losing the head of its health group to niche firm Hempsons.
Let's get logical
After suffering during the 1980s, Logica has managed to rebuild its business while at the same time downsizing its legal department. Chris Brock discovers how the in-house team has been instrumental to the company's efficiency.
Technology, Media and telecoms
Global share offering of Dutch biomedical company IsoTis. IsoTis advised by Stibbe Simont Monahan Duhot. Global coordinator and bookrunner UBS Warburg advised by Allen & Overy (Alexander Cohen).
Banca
Banca Imi acts as global coordinator and sponsor in connection with a worldwide offering of 1,200,000 ordinary shares in digital music company Vitaminic SPA. Banca Imi advised by Allen & Overy in Turin and Milan (Guido Brosio). Vitaminic advised by Gianni Origoni & Partners.
Financial
Financial software company Raft International is admitted to Alternative Investment Market. Raft International advised by Theodore Goddard (Graham Stedman). Nominated adviser and broker Seymour Pierce advised by Eversheds.
ITE
ITE Group recieves cash subscription from private equity house VS&A Communications Partners and undertakes a placing and open offer to raise approximately £40m. ITE represented by Olswang (Stephen Hermer), and VS&A advised by Allen & Overy (Jeremy Hunt).
ite group
Olswang's longstanding client ITE has had a boost from VS&A, a private equity affiliate of the New York-based media merchant bank Veronis Suhler.
Macfarlanes set to lose client Saatchi after Publicis merger
The role of Macfarlanes as legal adviser to Saatchi & Saatchi has been brought into question following Saatchi's merger with French advertising agency Publicis.
Express Yourself
With Express Newpapers embroiled in a three-way takeover bid, Bal Khela discovers how the newspaper's legal department sees the future
Nomura
Nomura invests £10m in a joint venture with Barclays Bank providing £20m funding for a Barclaycard branded internet shopping portal. Nomura advised by Weil Gotshal (Stephen Lloyd). Barclays Bank was represented by Allen & Overy (Andrew Caunt).
nomura
This is the ninth deal Weil Gotshal's UK office has acted on for Nomura's corporate finance department - not least due to the lead lawyer on the transaction, Stephen Lloyd, spending five months at the investment bank on secondment from the firm. Although Weil Gotshal's US office has counted Nomura as a client for more than three years, it was through Lloyd's connection that the UK branch was able to grab a piece of the pie. The principal areas the firm's UK office has acted on revolve ...
Shearman & Sterling boosts Silicon Valley with IP expert
Shearman & Sterling is beefing up its Silicon Valley office just three months after two top partners jumped ship.
Unihold
Unihold International acquires a 60 per cent stake in German IT consultancy BKC with an option to acquire the rest of the company for DM40m (£12.1m). Unihold advised by Berwin Leighton (Simon Pollock) and on German law by Raupach & Wollert-Elmendorff. BKC advised by Haarmann Hemmelrath.
Bird & Bird scoops MP3's pan-European business
Bird & Bird has landed leading internet music distributor MP3 as a client following a competitive tender process.
COUNTYWeb.com
COUNTYWeb.com admitted to AIM. Issuer, COUNTYWeb.com advised by Stringer Saul (June Paddock). Nominated adviser Brewin Dolphin Securities advised by Halliwell Landau (John Whatnall).
ITIS Holdings
ITIS Holdings floats on Alternative Investment Market (AIM). ITIS Holdings advised by Paisner & Co (Stephen Nelson). Nominated adviser and broker Altium Capital advised by Taylor Joynson Garrett (Tim Stocks).
Pillars Property
Pillar Property and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) in joint venture to buy Cannon Bridge offices. Pillar Property advised by Gouldens (Tom Budd, Liz Saxton). TIAA advised by Linklaters & Alliance (Fiona Rice). Senior debt provider Westdeutsche ImmobilienBank advised by Travers Smith ...
TECHNOLOGY MEDIA & TELECOMS
Equity capital markets have a habit of throwing up some unlikely contenders. Look at little 12-partner Memery Crystal, romping home so memorably in The Lawyer IPO Survey: AIM. Or Linklaters & Alliance beating Clifford Chance hands ...
The Multimedia
This is the fourth reverse take-over on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) for SJ Berwin since April, with the downside that it has lost its client to Sinclair Roche & Temperley in the process.The firm has acted for Multimedia Corporation since its AIM flotation in 1995, when it was a multimedia software company, and this is the biggest deal Multimedia has done since then. ...
UK games retailer
UK games retailer Gameplay.com buys Israeli games publisher Pixel Broadband for £34m. Clifford Chance (David Lewis, David Martin) and Israeli firm Herzog Fox & Neeman represented Gameplay.com. Pixel Broadband advised by Daniel Blankleder (Daniel Blankleder) and
5D Solutions
5D Solutions £15m sale of digital publishing division to Global Graphics. Vendor advised by Lewis Silkin (Philip Lamb), Global Graphics advised by Walker Morris (Ian Gilbert).
Bits Corp
Bits Corp admitted to Alternative Investment Market (AIM). Bits Corp advised by Gouldens (Michael Nouril). Nominated adviser and broker is Collins Stewart, advised by Nabarro Nathanson (Ian Newman).
Bits corp
Yet another string to Gouldens' corporate finance bow. The 36-partner firm made a reasonable appearance in The Lawyer IPO Survey 2000 of the London Stock Exchange (LSE) main list and techMARK, and also romped home in the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) Survey.
Fusion Oil and Gas
Fusion Oil and Gas admitted to AIM. Fusion Oil and Gas, advised by Norton Rose (Simon FT Cox). Nominated broker is Old Mutual Securities, advised by Ashurst Morris Crisp (Jeffrey Sultoon).
Precious mettle
Kevin Gold joined Mishcon de Reya via a merger, and now as managing partner he is ready for another one, where quality not quantity remains a priority. Chris Brock reports
Reynolds wins joint venture deal
Reynolds Porter Chamberlain has snatched a lucrative deal from under the noses of leading media firm Wiggin & Co.
UK firms win telecoms work on both sides of the Atlantic
The magic circle is scooping up international bond work as European telecoms groups flood the market with jumbo debt issues.
Apax Partners
Apax Partners invests $30m (£20.5m) in electronic trade community bolero.net. Bolero.net advised by Allen & Overy (Alison Beardsley). Parent companies the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication and Through Transport Club advised by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (Simon Jay) and
BA
BA in major outsource of mission critical services to Amadeus. BA advised by Wragge & Co (Ian Metcalfe). Amadeus Global Travel Distribution advised by Rawlison & Butler (Tim Sadka).
Bookham Technology
Bookham Technology in secondary offering. Issuer: Bookham Technology, advised by Brobeck Hale and Dorr (Joe Pillman). Lead manager: Goldman Sachs, advised by Sullivan & Cromwell on US law (Cathy Campbell), Slaughter and May on UK law (William Underhill).
Dennis Publishing
Dennis Publishing/Maxim takes equity stake in Firebox.com in return for promotion; Firebox to raise £1m through direct public offering. Firebox.com advised by Berwin Leighton (Daniel Rosenberg). Dennis Publishing advised by Simons Muirhead & Burton (Simon Goldberg).
FIREBOX.COM
Direct public offerings (DPOs) are the corporate finance contribution to the dotcom world. A DPO allows people to invest in an unlisted company through the internet.
Macfarlanes sets up team to win e-commerce work
Macfarlanes is responding to the new economy boom by establishing an e-commerce group within its commercial practice.
Carlton hires production division lawyer
Media company Carlton is recruiting a new controller of legal & business affairs, strategy & development to its production division.
Cms Cameron McKenna
CMS Cameron McKenna advised Warner Bros on commercial, immigration and service agreement issues concerning the new TV mini-series Mists of Avalon. The series is set in England in the 900s and stars Sigourney Weaver and Anjelica Houston. Senior associate Peter Valet led the transaction from CMS Cameron McKenna's Prague office.
Investors sue World Online float advisers
Advisers to the initial public offering (IPO) market are embroiled in a landmark row over who is to blame when the hype fails to deliver.
Kristian Wiggert
Morrision & Foerster golden boy Kristian Wiggert, the new London office managing partner, may appear unassuming, shy even. Claire Smith meets the man whose image belies his professionalism
Media & new media
Advisers (THLi) to inject £32.5m to fund its internet businesses, beeb.com and freebeeb.net, focusing particularly on key technological developments. Subsidiary company beeb Ventures has also been formed and is valued at £240m. Commercial partner Selina Potter, corporate partner Adrian Bott and taxation partner Mark Joscelyne led a team of three on the transaction. THLi was represented by
Paisner
Paisner & Co acted for Great Universal Stores on its £37m acquisition of jungle.com. Jungle.com supplies a range of computers and computer equipment as well as music and videos through its website. Head of corporate finance Keith Stella led a team of four on the deal while Eversheds advised jungle.com.
UK firms trail US in high-tech investments
UK firms continue to lag behind US lawyers in embracing the investment opportunities of high-tech start-ups.
Camerons wins IQ-Ludorum after working on AIM float
CMS CAMERON McKenna has won Canadian software specialist IQ-Ludorum as a corporate client after helping to steer the company to a successful flotation on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in August.
Linklaters breaks off Budapest IT group
Linklaters & Alliance's Budapest office is separating its IT and telecoms department from its corporate team as the sector continues to grow in the region.
Olswang hires top SJ Berwin film and television partner
Olswang has taken on a partner in the film and television practice at SJ Berwin, Jacqueline Hurt.
Trinity Mirror
"To publish and be damned" is not the only legal headache a newspaper and magazine publisher such as Trinity Mirror faces. Its commercial interests cover 165 national and regional newspapers, sports publications, magazines, managing and staging exhibitions, and also provides internet services.
Hammonds
Hammond Suddards Edge represented JSB Software Technologies on its $17.3m (£11.5m) acquisition of software company CSM Security Management. Deutsche Bank also acted for JSB, while PricewaterhouseCoopers' Manchester office undertook due diligence on the company. Corporate finance partner Patrick Jolly led a team of two on the deal. Austrian firm Hausmaninger Herbst Wietrzyk acted for CSM.
New Media
Herbert Smith represented BSkyB on its acquisition of TV shopping and interactive services company Open from shareholders HSBC and Matsushita. The buyout will increase BSkyB's shareholding from 32.5 per cent to 80.1 per cent. BT will remain as a shareholder with an option to sell its stake. Corporate partner Stephen Wilkinson led a team of 10 on the deal. Bristows advised Matsushita,
New Media
Manches advised sales and customer service business Atmyside.com on a funding from Regional Interactive Media. The investment values Atmyside.com at £2.5m. Company and commercial partner Matthew Martin acted on the deal, while Macfarlanes represented Regional Interactive Media.
Berwin Leighton
Berwin Leighton acted for Touch Clarity and one of its founders Paul Phillips on an £2.5m equity investment made by NewMedia Spark and Jafco. Corporate partner David Segal led a team of five on the deal while Nabarro Nathanson represented NewMedia Spark and Jafco.
Landwell
Landwell represented high-tech company Zen Holdings on its £240m listing on the London Stock Exchange. Landwell's alliance partner PricewaterhouseCoopers provided advice on the long form report, corporate governance issues and employment share schemes. Corporate partner Simon Walker led a team of three on the listing. Linklaters & Alliance also advised Zen Holdings while Bay Venture Capital provided ...
City interest fades for equity in lieu of fees
Enthusiasm for taking equity in lieu of fees is on the wane following the downturn in the new economy symbolised by the collapse of Boo.com.
Paul Weiss
Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison represented Société Européenne des Satellites, the Luxembourg-based operator of Astra, on its joint venture with iBeam Broadcasting Corporation. The venture, iBeam Europe, will utilise the Astra satellite system to provide internet broadband capabilities to more than 20 countries. Partner Phil Spector acted with a team of three on the deal while iBeam was advised in-house.
Taylor Joynson
Taylor Joynson Garrett acted for internet company On Board Info on securing $3m (£2m) of second round funding. The capital was raised through a syndicate led by Interregnum and included first round investors NatWest IT Fund, Cambridge Research and Innovation. Corporate lawyers Simon Walker and John Scott acted on the deal with a team of three.
Weil Gotshal
Weil Gotshal & Manges advised internet licensing company Streetnames on the placing of more than 31 million ordinary shares and its admission to the Alternative Investment Market. Corporate partner Andrew Harting acted on the deal with corporate assistant Gerard Cranley.
Michael Helmer
Former Field Fisher Waterhouse senior assistant Michael Helmer has become the first ever in-house lawyer at Shopsmart.com. He tells Abigail Townsend how he enjoys being part of the team.
Berwin
Berwin Leighton advised Shore Capital on its recommended all share bid for internet investment vehicle JellyWorks, valuing the merged group at £260m. JellyWorks' shareholders will receive a 25 per cent stake in the enlarged group, while Shore Capital will apply to join AIM. Corporate partner John Bennett led a team of three on the deal while Denton Wilde Sapte acted for JellyWorks.
Berwin Leighton launches web-based joint venture with Deloitte & Touche
Berwin Leighton has become the latest firm to join the dotcom world by launching a joint venture with accountancy giant Deloitte & Touche - and has already considered the option of floating.
Manches
Manches represented Durlacher on establishing a separately funded vehicle to invest in the European applications service providers (ASP) market. The new venture, entitled App-X, has received £10m from private investors, which will eventually hold a 62.5 per cent stake in the vehicle. Durlacher has invested £600,000 in cash and a percentage of its minority stakes in two ASPs including ASP Global, giving it a 37.5 per cent shareholding. Company/commercial partner Christopher Owen acted ...
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance acted for Electronic Data Systems (EDS) on a $2.1bn (£1.4bn) contract to provide global IT and business solutions to Rolls-Royce. An eight-strong Clifford Chance team advised EDS, including banking and finance partner Gavin Teague. Masons advised Rolls-Royce.
Denton Wilde Sapte
Denton Wilde Sapte is acting for Jellyworks on the acquisition by London-based investment banking group Shore Capital Group of its entire issued and to be issued capital. Jellyworks was established last year to acquire holdings in technology companies, providing equity and mezzanine capital in early-stage financing. The Denton Wilde team was led by corporate partner Philip Goodwin. Berwin Leighton advised Shore Capital.
Reynolds Porter
Reynolds Porter Chamberlain acted for OneEighty Software on the $1m (£668,000) funding being invested by NewMedia Spark. The internet investment company has taken a 20 per cent stake in OneEighty Software in return for its capital. Corporate partner Ron Norman acted on the deal with associate Marianthe Brotherton. Nabarro
Linklaters loses millions in fees as new media clients delay IPOs
Linklaters & Alliance is emerging as the major casualty in a spate of postponed internet IPOs - losing an estimated £1m in fees.
Camerons launches start-up web service with FirstStage
CMS Cameron McKenna is launching the first-ever website to vet technology start-ups and help find them funding.
Field Fisher
Field Fisher Waterhouse represented Appliancezone on establishing its business to business internet service for the home appliance industry. The firm's remit also included arranging the first round of funding for the deal. The FFW team was led by IT and e-commerce partner Paul Barton and included tax partner Graeme Nuttall and corporate partner Edward Miller.
New Media
Paisner & Co advised Miami International on the establishment of a £8.5m debt and equity funding to invest in the expansion of its AskAlex internet directory business. The funding was raised through Dun & Bradstreet and its affiliated companies, and Granville Baird Capital Partners. Corporate partner David Collins led a team of four on the deal. Hammond Suddards acted for Granville Baird while Dun & Bradstreet was advised by its in-house lawyers and Linnells.
Norton Rose hires telecoms partners
Norton Rose is boosting its technology capabilities with two lateral hires from the telecoms and IT sectors.
Marconi courts national firms
Telecoms and engineering giant Marconi is extending its panel to include cheaper non-City firms for the first time.
New Media
Olswang advised Mobo Holdings (Mobo Awards) on a three year sponsorship deal which appoints pan-European ISP, World Online as title sponsor of the DanceStar Awards and The Mobo Festival. The deal also gives World Online the exclusive right to webcast both of these events. Olswang partner John Eisner assisted by assistant solicitor Louise Quinn headed the deal. The firm which acted for World Online ...
New Media
Davenport Lyons represented New Media Industries on the reverse takeover of Nautilus Group, valued at £33m. Rebecca Ferguson, corporate partner at Davenports led a team of two on the deal while Edwin Coe advised Nautilus.
New Media
Olswang represented Channel 4 on its joint venture with Emap to develop digital products and services for the UK youth market. The venture will be owned in equal shares by both companies. Olswang entertainment partner John Enser led a team of two on the deal while Slaughter and May advised Emap.
New Media
Mishcon de Reya represented e-commerce and internet ventures group Bright Station on the acquisition of most of the assets of boo.com. Bright Station is buying up the e-commerce technology assets and associated intellectual property rights of the company which is currently in provisional liquidation. Mishcons corporate and commercial partner Larry Nathan led a team of five on the deal. Freshfields ...
WPP
For WPP, the world's third largest advertising company, the coming months are critical. After weeks of intense speculation, the conglomerate has finally announced a £3.1bn takeover of US rival Young & Rubicam, during which time WPP's share price plummeted a worrying 27 per cent.
Michael Ryan
Arnold & Porter's first London telecoms partner Michael Ryan has seen the telecoms sector undergo a major makeover. Tamzin Hindmarch meets the laid-back lawyer who is still shocked by the change
British Telecommunications
Being at the helm of one of the largest in-house teams in the country is sometimes "pretty hair-raising", according to British Telecommunications' head of legal Alan Whitfield.
Northern & Shell Group
Monday afternoon is a hectic time for Maninder Gill, head of legal at Northern & Shell, as he has to find a quiet corner of the office to browse through a copy of OK! Magazine.
Allen & Overy
Allen & Overy advised the Radiocommunications Agency, which managed the 3G Spectrum licence auction. Head of corporate Richard Cranfield worked on the deal with a team of six.
Ashurst Morris Crisp
Ashurst Morris Crisp represented British Telecommunications on the £4bn bid by BT3G for a 3G Spectrum licence to offer third generation (UMTS) mobile services. Ashursts corporate partner Chris Ashworth acted with corporate solicitors Nicky Hadley, Joe Connellan and Jason Crawley on the deal.
BBC loses head of IP after shake-up announcement
A BBC management shake-up has led to the departure of the broadcaster's head of the intellectual property and litigation department.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Shoosmiths advised UK software company PWA Group on its $38m (£24m) acquisition by US-based Great Plains. Shoosmiths corporate partner Dean Drew advised on the cash and share transaction. Dorsey & Whitney represented Great Plains.
Cable & Wireless
Cable & Wireless' head of legal Dan Fitz is most definitely still a hands-on lawyer.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Weil Gotshal & Manges represented Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette International (DLJ) on a $2.8bn cash and stock takeover of European television and radio group SBS Broadcasting, by United Pan-Europe Communications (UPC). DLJ acted as financial adviser to SBS. Weil Gotshal & Manges corporate partner Doug Warner acted on the deal.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Allen & Overy acted for News Network, the e-commerce division of News International, on the sale of its internet service provider bun.com to World Online for an undisclosed sum. A&O corporate partner Colleen Keck led a team of three on the sale. Linklaters & Alliance acted for World Online.
Invensys
In the year since Invensys was created from the merger between Siebe and BTR, the company's legal structure has undergone many changes.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Berwin Leighton represented Internet Incubator on a £12m private placement. The recently-launched internet company has raised the funds through 240 private investors including ING Barings and Babcock & Brown. John Bennett, corporate partner at Berwin Leighton, acted on the deal.
Start-Up
Allen & Overy advised Dutch telecoms company Equant on the formation of a new company with Reuters. Ian Ferguson and Laurence Jacobs, corporate partners in the communications and technology group at Allen & Overy, headed a team of six on the deal. Slaughter and May advised Reuters.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Weil Gotshal & Manges represented MediaOne Group and its subsidiary MediaOne International Holdings on the sale of its stock holdings in a number of companies to Microsoft Holdings. Akiko Mikumo, London-based head of US law at Weil Gotshal, acted with a team of two on the transaction. Sullivan ...
Capital Radio
In a line-up of UK broadcasters, Capital Radio seems to be dwarfed by its competitors, which include the BBC and Scottish Media Group-owned Virgin Radio.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Edge Ellison advised Williams de Broe, brokers to Future Integrated Telephony, on the telecoms firm's placing and open offer to shareholders to raise £8.1m. Corporate partner Paul Cliff advised Williams de Broe, while Eversheds advised Future Integrated Telephony.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Kingsley Napley acted for e-business and IT company IMRglobal on its acquisition of Intuitive Group for $18m (£11.25m). Commercial partner David Moss led the two-lawyer team acting for IMRglobal, while Tarlo Lyons partner Lawrence Phillips acted for the Intuitive Group and all but two of the shareholders, who were represented by
Christopher Hoyle
Claire Smith meets KLegal's newest partner Christopher Hoyle, a telecoms expert who will be sorely missed by his old firm Rakisons.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Olswang advised the majority shareholders of Microcosm Communications on its sale to Conexant Systems. The company was sold for $128m (£80m) with contingent future payments which could inflate the final sale price to $180m (£112m). Heather Wilby, corporate partner at Olswang, headed a four strong team on the deal. Os
Unisys
Unisys describes itself as an electronic business solutions company and its European head of legal Victor Sonsino expects the law firms that he works with to tailor their product to his needs in the same way as his company makes bespoke solutions for individual clients.
Linklaters lands £1bn Tube telecoms deal
Linklaters & Alliance, Freshfields and Norton Rose are all working on London Underground's latest billion pound PFI project.Last week London Underground awarded a £1.2bn contract for radio and transmission services for the Tube network to the consortium CityLink Telecommunications which ...
Herbert Smith helps Pearson in online deal
Herbert Smith is joining US firm Morgan Lewis & Bockius to advise Pearson on its deal with the Data Broadcasting Corporation (DBC).The UK media group has merged its Financial Times (FT) asset management division with the Nasdaq-listed company in a bid to strengthen its online presence.The reverse takeover will give Pearson a 60 per cent share valued at over £400m. It will also bring together the FT's site FT.com with CBS's Marketwatch.com.
Media
Field Fisher Waterhouse advised Whitbread-owned Beefeater Restaurant & Pub on a television sponsorship deal with Channel 5. The agreement is part of a £1.5m media campaign which includes the sponsorship of Channel 5 show It's a Knockout. Hayley Stallard, head of the advertising and marketing law group at Field Fisher, acted on the deal, assisted by David Bond. ...
Securicor
On Tuesday Securicor will move from its position in the FTSE 100 into the FTSE 250, when its market capitalisation drops from £3.6bn to £600m.
Channel Five
When Channel Five finally got off the ground in March 1997, it was already shrouded in a cloud of cynicism.
Media
Denton Hall advised ITV on its television agreement with Formula One Administration (FOA) to cover the Formula One World Championships from 2002 to 2005. The agreement gives ITV exclusive UK rights to show the racing, except for on pay-per-view channels. Partner Mark Gay and fee earner Nick Fitzpatrick, both in the sports and leisure department at Denton Hall, acted for ITV. FOA was advised by in-house counsel Sacha Woodward Hill.
Scottish Media Group
Until the early 1990s, Scottish Media Group (SMG) was primarily viewed as a television broadcaster which developed and sold programmes both in the UK and abroad.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Norton Rose advised UK company Internet Technology Group (ITG) on a £146m takeover offer by California-based Concentric Network. ITG shareholders will receive a combination of cash and Concentric shares valuing each ITG share at 253p. Barbara Stephenson (pictured), corporate finance specialists partner worked on the deal with assistants Ed Lukins and Paul Whitelock.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
McGrigor Donald represented DX Communications on the £42m sale of its retail operations, comprising 140 stores, to BT Cellnet. BT Cellnet already holds a 26 per cent stake in DX Communications, which it acquired in 1996. Property partner Mark Johnstone and property assistant Ian Gilmour, both at McGrigor Donald, acted for DX Communications. Lovell White Durrant advised BT Cellnet.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Masons acted on the launch of free internet service provider, Totalise. The Masons team consisted of corporate partners Russell Booker and Victor Hawrych with data protection partner Shelagh Gaskill, IT assistant Gillian Bull, and corporate assistants Michael Radford and Andrew Wood.
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Mishcon de Reya advised icollector on a deal which sees the company entering into a global alliance with Bloomberg, becoming the first online auction service to link with a global media network. The deal was completed in late July for an undisclosed sum. Partner Grant Gordon (pictured) led the team. Frank Buono and James Assey of Wilkie Farr & Gallagher acted for Bloomberg.
Cisco Systems
The UK division of information technology giant Cisco is believed to be the biggest operation outside its US headquarters.
Geoffrey Fieger
He's loud, he's offensive, and he wins in court. Morag Preston meets courtroom dramatist Geoffrey Fieger.
Computacenter
In a sector which is often perceived as volatile, IT support and services group Computacenter appears at first glance to be a breath of fresh air in the computer industry.
Stephanie Liston
Sean Farrell talks to Stephanie Liston, Baker & McKenzie's 'Ms Telecoms' who defected to US firm McDermott Will & Emery.
Valerie Davies
Anne Mizzi talks to Valerie Davies, a partner basking in the media spotlight after acting in the high-profile Maxwell Communications case.
MTV Networks Europe
On 1 July, MTV Networks Europe will launch three digital channels in the UK and Ireland, in addition to the 10 channels it already owns.
Colt Telecom Group
On the surface, Colt Telecom is one of the UK's most successful home-grown companies.
Reed Elsevier
1999 is a year Reed Elsevier must be wishing would end quickly. So far a fruitless 10-month search for a chief executive has only served to amplify huge rifts in the management board, culminating in the resignation of two directors.
Mirror Group
The Mirror Group has provided a flood of headlines in the financial press over the past few months. Viewed by some as a company that has lost its way, the group now has two other media firms circling around each other looking at whether it would be a good link-up.
Clifford Chance in Electronics Boutique deal
Clifford Chance is advising computer retailer Electronics Boutique's buy-out of its rival Game.Corporate finance partner Adam Signy is leading a team of 12 - including partner in competition law John Osborne and Kate Newly, an associate heading up the banking team - on the u99.2m cash and paper deal.Gareth Roberts, partner in corporate at Herbert Smith, ...
Alan Whitfield
One of a new breed of business-minded in-house lawyers, Alan Whitfield has responsibility for all of BT's legal affairs. Sean Farrell checks up on his progress.
Media
Harbottle & Lewis acted for producer Pola Jones Associates on the arrangements for the West End production of the Broadway show Fosse. Alice Rayman, senior associate in the company and commercial department at Harbottle & Lewis, advised on all aspects on the deal, including obtaining the rights from the US producers. She was supported by assistant solicitor Neil Adleman.
BSkyB
When media baron Rupert Murdoch launched satellite television broadcast company Sky on a shoestring budget in 1989, many pundits believed it would never last. He proved them wrong, and in the process Sky swallowed its main rival, BSB. A decade later, BSkyB, after a tough marketing war, is the clear leader in the pay TV sector, with particular strengths in sports coverage, news and movies. It is a leading developer of digital television.
On the bench
Peter Leaver QC has joined Graham Kelly and Glenn Hoddle on the bench. John-Paul Flintoff discovers that the latest member of football's ruling elite to be sent off still feels mightily aggrieved - and perhaps for good reason
Reuters
In 1851, German-born immigrant Paul Julius Reuter opened an office in the City of London to transmit stock prices between London and Paris via the new Calais-Dover cable.
Orange
Britain's third largest mobile phone company has been a triumph for brand designers, and is one of the names that defines the corporate zeitgeist of the late 1990s.
British Telecom
British Telecom has one of the FTSE100's largest and most dynamic in-house legal functions. The team comprises around 100 lawyers with diverse specialisms tailored towards serving a fiercely competitive international market.
Magyar engages in telecoms deal
The London and Warsaw offices of Baker & McKenzie have acted in the largest domestic offering and listing of shares in Poland, doubling the market capitalisation of the Warsaw stock exchange.The u530m offering of shares and GDRs of Polish telecoms giant Telekomunikacja Polska SA (TPSA) also involved a London Stock Exchange offering and listing.The offering consisted ...
Gowans drives publishing deal
Osborne Clarke senior associate Andrew Gowans led a team advising on one of Thames Valley's largest ever private company deals - John Madejski's £260m sale of Hurst Publishing, the publisher of top-selling magazine Auto Trader.Gowans hailed the deal as vindication of the firm's decision to open a Thames Valley office in Reading last January and a victory for ...
Start ups
Birmingham firm Putsmans advised German computer monitor repair and servicing company Teleplan in setting up a UK company in Telford and in finding property. Putsmans' partner Terry Lipscombe is company secretary of the start up Teleplan Computer Services.
Pinsents seals Red Star deal on Internet
Pinsent Curtis partners have joined the ranks of Internet surfers after becoming what is thought to be the first law firm to use the Internet in a corporate deal.A team led by head of commercial John Pratt turned to the Internet to complete documentation for the management buy-out of parcel firm Red Star from British Rail.Pratt said: "It's certainly the first time we've used it. I believe it's the first time any firm has used the Internet ...
Media floats draw firms
Top City firms Herbert Smith and Clifford Chance led the legal work on the multi-billion pound international flotations of cable company Telewest and satellite television broadcaster BSkyB.The two deals could herald a series of major deals in the electronic media sector.Cable business competitors are already thought to be planning similar floats to Telewest, and lawyers ...
