Richard Miskella

Lewis Silkin

It was a big year for Richard Miskella in 2019 in more ways than one. Previously the leader of the hefty employment division, in September he stepped up to be Lewis Silkin’s joint managing partner as it moved back to a more traditional leadership structure following experimentation with leadership by a CEO.

Miskella balances his new management duties with a thriving disputes practice. The focal point of last year was his two-week investigation into the conduct of actor Kevin Spacey during his 11 years as artistic director of the Old Vic. The results showed that there was not widespread knowledge of Spacey’s alleged inappropriate sexual conduct among the theatre’s staff, but that the film star’s status prevented junior staff who did know from speaking out.

Since then, Miskella has advised on the creation of the Guardians Programme to help employees at organisations within the arts and creative world, including the Old Vic, speak out if they are concerned about bad behaviour.

Lewis Silkin itself is offering pro bono legal training three times a year to the organisations.