O'Melveny to build UK film practice with hire of Olswang star

As The Lawyer reported last year, Savill is one of the highest-profile media lawyers currently working in the UK, having been operating in the sector for more than 20 years arranging finance for films ranging from Disney projects and James Bond movies to gritty independent titles (24 January 2011).

O’Melveny is known in the US for its Hollywood and entertainment practice, which stretches back to 1915. Savill’s arrival at O’Melveny is designed to kick-start a UK practice.

Savilljoined Olswang in 1989 and has been a partner for more than 21 years. Her clients include major Hollywood studios, British independent producers and other key players in the industry, including distributors, family offices and institutional investors.

Savill is also a governor of the British Film Institute, the lead body for film in the UK. She is expected to start work with O’Melveny in August.

In a statement Olswang confirmed Savill’s departure and wished her well.

Olswang media partners Jacqueline Hurt and Stefan Luetje have been appointed to lead the content practice.