Paddy Gardiner

Partner

Paddy Gardiner is head of Simkins’ disputes group. He handles disputes across a range of sectors, particularly in the media and entertainment industries, including: breach of contract, professional negligence and shareholder claims; complex copyright and trade mark infringement claims; injunction proceedings; and proceedings in the Copyright, Tax and Competition Appeals Tribunals.

Paddy has litigated many disputes through to trial, although where possible he seeks to settle them through alternative dispute resolution. He deploys a sensible, pragmatic and cost-effective approach for clients. He has represented both corporates and high net worth individuals, including PRS for Music, Sir Elton John, U2, PPL and the Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley estates.

Paddy is recommended in the Chambers UK 2026 Guide for ‘Music: Contentious’, with the Guide describing him as “immensely experienced” and a “go-to lawyer”. He is also recognised in The Legal 500 UK 2026, which describes him as “one of the top copyright and music litigators in the UK” and “a dream lawyer for any client: clever, pleasant, even-tempered and consistent.”

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Our company has benefited from Simkins' erudite advice and support whilst establishing itself.
Melton Court RTM Company Ltd
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 provides a great range of experience and skills within the division so all areas of film production are covered.
Legal 500
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Paddy is immensely experienced and a good, safe pair of hands. I would always recommend him in this field as he is a leading media and entertainment lawyer.
Chambers & Partners
Paddy Gardiner is one of the top copyright and music litigators in the UK. He is a dream lawyer for any client: clever, pleasant, even-tempered and consistent. Always a voice of calm and reason.
Legal 500
If you have a music business problem, Paddy Gardiner will deal with it, sensibly, practically and effectively. Amongst the best.
Legal 500
He is very experienced in the music and entertainment industries. He has good sound judgement and is a calm sound presence. He is exactly what clients want.
Chambers & Partners
Paddy Gardiner is one of the leading music lawyers in the UK, especially on copyright issues. He has enormous experience of media and entertainment disputes. He is intelligent, level-headed and has excellent judgment. Clients trust his advice for a reason.
Legal 500

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