Music

We were one of the first UK firms to specialise in the music industry. Today our music practice is one of the strongest and biggest and our reach is international.

Key contacts
Overview

We have unparalleled knowledge and a great depth of experience that we can draw upon in offering strategic and commercial advice on a wide range of activities, from contract drafting and negotiation services to undertaking advisory work and dispute resolution across the whole music industry.

Our client base is wide-ranging. It includes major record companies, international publishers, artists, bands and DJs, writers and composers, managers, producers, mixers, merchandisers, collecting societies, trade associations, digital businesses, agents, promoters and studios. We advise new artists and entrepreneurs as well as playing a part in some of the most sophisticated transactions and complex disputes in the business.

The experience of our music lawyers and the availability of other specialists within the firm gives us the unique ability to assemble at short notice dedicated multidisciplinary teams for each specific job.


Expertise

Our areas of expertise include the following:

  • Recorded music
  • Publishing
  • Management
  • Agency
  • Touring and live
  • Merchandising and licensing
  • Sponsorship and endorsement
  • Band relations
  • Digital licensing
  • Neighbouring rights
  • Collecting societies
  • Acquisitions
  • Clearances
  • Music for film & TV
  • Corporate arrangements
  • Disputes / infringements
  • Reputation protection

KEY CONTACT

KEY CONTACTS

Our lawyers have in-depth music expertise and deliver high-quality, pragmatic and commercial advice.

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Source
High standards, good, transparent communication between team members, excellent understanding of the issues, plus a can-do attitude. Part of the firm’s culture is an awareness of cost, and the farming out of work to the most reasonably-priced resource.
Legal 500
Simkins have an excellent media practice constantly evolving with the changes in our industry.
Legal 500
They demonstrate commercial and industry knowledge while being a fast and effective team.
Chambers & Partners
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Source
Ed Weidman "is an excellent person to work with and I would not hesitate to recommend him and in turn Simkins."
Legal 500
One of the industry’s most prominent and respected lawyers.
Music Business Worldwide
An excellent all-round knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the music industry and the social influencer space.
Legal 500

News & Insights

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Film and TV Briefing: Friday 31 October 2025

training contract application now open

Our application process for Simkins’ training contracts (September 2028) is now open!

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