Simons Muirhead Burton

Simons Muirhead Burton, established in 1972, is a medium-sized, commercially focused law firm recognised for its strong reputation across a diverse range of practice areas. Originally founded on media, crime and human rights work, the firm has expanded significantly and now provides comprehensive legal services to both corporate and individual clients. Razi Mireskandari has served as managing partner since 2010.

The firm combines home-grown lawyers and ex-City practitioners, many with international expertise, to deliver accessible, responsive and efficient advice. Its established areas of practice continue to grow, with an increasing reputation in general commercial matters, including media and commercial litigation, corporate law, employment, family law and commercial property.

Simons Muirhead Burton was the first UK practice to establish a dedicated pro bono human rights team, which founded and operates the award-winning Death Penalty Project. This initiative provides free legal representation and support for individuals facing the death penalty outside the USA and has achieved international recognition.

The firm’s expertise spans a wide range of sectors. Its media and commercial dispute resolution team handles litigation in press, media and entertainment, including defamation, privacy, publishing, data rights, IP and music-related disputes, and is experienced in funding, insurance and mediation. Its film and TV team advises on production and financing, principally for independent producers, financiers, distributors and broadcasters. The music practice represents rights holders, talent and executives, advising on live events, IT, branding and fashion. The publishing team works with traditional and digital media, including leading newspapers, magazine publishers and book publishers in London and New York.

The corporate and commercial team advises clients ranging from start-ups to major international corporations on flotations, M&A, investment, joint ventures, private equity, venture capital, restructuring and insolvency. The broadcasting and sports media team acts for major UK and overseas broadcasters, platforms and sports federations on media rights transactions. The employment practice covers the full range of corporate employment law, with particular expertise in discrimination, TUPE and team transfers.

The crime and business crime team handles proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and appellate jurisdictions, including investigations by the Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, DTI and CPS, as well as insider dealing, money laundering, cartel enquiries and regulatory work. Property and construction services include conveyancing, investment leasing, large-scale residential development, commercial projects, construction, hotel and restaurant transactions, and offshore incorporations. The family and children practice covers divorce, separation, financial and property matters, emergency applications, ADR, cohabitation and pre-nuptial agreements.

The technology and information practice advises clients including FinTech, Retailtech and Blockchain companies on commercial, data protection, IP and regulatory issues, supporting transactions across Europe, the USA and the Middle East. The firm also maintains a notable Privy Council practice, with expertise in criminal and constitutional appeals and an active commercial and civil caseload based on extensive Caribbean contacts.

Staffing
44 UK partners
55 other UK fee-earners