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03 January 2012close
Appointed in the New Years Honours List: Anthony Burton CBE
Anthony Burton has been appointed a CBE for services to the theatre in the New Year Honours List.
Anthony has been associated with the Royal Court Theatre for 30 years and has been Chairman of the English Stage Company, which owns the theatre, since 2005.
All of us wish to congratulate Anthony on this outstanding achievement and due and deserved recognition for his outstanding work for the Royal Court over the years. Managing Partner, Razi Mireskandari, said,
"Its heartening when selfless service - borne of genuine love of the theatre - is recognised."
In a statement, published on the Royal Court's website, Anthony said:
"Although a very humbling personal accolade for which I am very grateful, it is a testament to the amazing work of everybody past and present at the Royal Court. It is a privilege and joy to be part of the best theatre in the world"
For the Royal Court's announcement of the news, click here.
Further information
Contact Anthony Burton CBE
anthony.burton@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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19 October 2011close
SM&B organise fourth Global Retailing Forum
The recent Global Retailing Forum conference on "Retail Opportunities And Challenges In Russia And The Main CIS Markets was organised by Head of SM&B's Retail Group, Maninder Gill.
The evening at the London College of Fashion was attended by about 60 of the UK's top retailers.
Maninder Gill, the founder of the Forum, said,
"Russia, Ukraine and the other main CIS markets are being increasingly viewed as attractive international markets for retail expansion. I am delighted that the Global Retailers Forum was able to provide a unique opportunity to hear from 3 leading experts who shared their in-depth knowledge and experience. "
The Franchise Group at SM&B, which includes partners Maninder Gill and Charles Law, has recently been ranked as one of the top franchise departments in the Legal 500 directory based on interviews with clients - Maninder Gill and Charles Law are also recommended in the Franchising and Brand Management categories."
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14 October 2011close
Lucy Moorman accepts an invitation to become a partner at SM&B
Lucy Moorman has accepted an invitation to become a partner at SM&B, with effect from 1 October 2011.
Lucy, a barrister, joined SM&B in November 2007. She was called to the Bar in November 1992 and spent nine years at Farrar's Building, the chambers of Lord Williams of Mostyn QC, before moving to Doughty Street Chambers in June 2001.
Since joining SM&B's Dispute Resolution and Litigation department, Lucy has been in a number of high profile successes including the libel claims of Mohammed George and Jane Clift.
Further information
Contact Razi Mireskandari
razi@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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01 October 2011close
Special report: Employment tribunal system - a need for reform
The Employment Tribunal system was intended to be a forum to hear labour disputes, quickly and cheaply by those with a particular expertise in labour relations, in a relatively informal environment. However, tribunal cases are rarely determined either quickly or cheaply. In this Special Report, first published by HR Director, Makbool Javaid and Tamara Ludlow explore the need for reform. To read the Report, click here.
Further information
Contact Makbool Javaid
makbool.javaid@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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01 October 2011close
Equality law: a fairer future?
With the Equality Act 2010 having been in force for nearly a year, SM&B partner, Makbool Javaid, in an article first published by HR Director, looks at the key changes, the major impact areas for employers and employees and what may lie in store for the future as the Government's Red Tape Challenge focuses on the Act's provisions. To read more, click here.
Further information
Contact Makbool Javaid
makbool.javaid@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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29 September 2011close
Louis Charalambous considers costs 'reform' at Protecting the Media 2011
SM&B Partner, Louis Charalambous, joined other speakers including Heather Rogers QC, Guardian Newspaper's Gillian Phillips and Channel 4's Heather Jackson at the Protection the Media conference at The Hallam Conference Centre today.
Speaking on the Louis spoke on high-profile issue of "Costs, CFAS and ATE in media cases", Louis told conference delegates that the phone-hacking scandal may derail the current proposals to limit the recoverabiliy of success fees and ATE in CFA cases and that the Liberal Democrats may hold the key as the issue moves through Parliament.
Further information
Contact Louis Charalambous
louis@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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19 September 2011close
David Riddle joins the Investigations & Regulatory and Employment Law teams.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of David Riddle as a Consultant working within our Investigations & Regulatory and Employment Law teams.
David is a former local authority Chief Executive, and Solicitor to the Metropolitan Police Authority. He has been a non Executive Chair of an NHS Primary Care Trust in London and is currently Chair of the Ministry of Defence Police Committee and involved in professional regulation with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). He is also an Assistant Commissioner for the Boundary Commission on the current review of parliamentary boundaries.
David is also an accredited mediator. He has dealt extensively with police complaints and misconduct allegations against senior police officers, and his wealth of experience also includes investigations and inquiries on governance and management matters.
Makbool Javaid, head of SM&B's Employment team said,
"We are delighted to welcome David to SM&B. His wealth of experience as a solicitor, mediator and in the management of a wide-range of regulatory and HR issues, will be of tremendous benefit as we continue to provide a range of premium quality services to meet the demands of clients in both the public and private sectors. We aim to be the firm of choice for the delivery of cost-effective legal and commercial solutions combined, and David's contribution will be invaluable."
Further information
Contact Makbool Javaid
makbool.javaid@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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08 September 2011close
SM&B targets music sector with Edge Legal deal as Richard Baskind moves to SM&B
The move of the Edge Legal practice into SM&B's Soho headquarters has seen Edge Legal's former managing director Richard Baskind join the Soho-based operation as a partner.
Baskind has built his reputation as a dealmaker at Edge Legal, whose music industry clients include Nick Cave, Sarah Brightman, iconic rock band Bush, Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) and Pete Tong as well as a number of active independent record labels and publishers. Executive clients include an array of the top echelon of the UK music industry, including several major label managing directors, senior publishing figures, A&R execs and the chairmen of two of the UK's four major record companies.
The Edge Legal team including lawyer Richard Day have also moved with Baskind to SM&B.
Edge founder David Glick will now focus on his successful media and entertainment investment funds, though he will work closely with SM&B.
SMAB Partner and Head of the Commercial Media Practice Simon Goldberg said,
"Music was a key practice area of SMAB when it was first founded in 1972. This deal propels us back into the forefront of music law with the twist that this time we are in a position to offer clients a full range of services in complementary areas - everything from online and digital technologies, film and TV, corporate and commercial to litigation, employment, property and family law services."
The arrival of the Edge Legal team marks the culmination of a return to music which began with the arrival of highly respected music lawyers Charles Law and Simon Conroy in 2010. Law's clients include Will Young and the PIAS group of companies.
"SMAB is already a market leader in its core practice areas and has top-ranked lawyers in a very wide range of sectors for a law firm of its size," said Goldberg. "The addition of the Edge Legal team shows our determination to achieve that level of success in music too."
Richard Baskind said, "I chose SMAB because it allows me to offer our clients the benefits of working in a full service firm with all of the synergies that will bring. Edge had a reputation as an innovative practice and this move reflects our continuing ambition to set the standard for music law firms."
Further information
Contact Simon Goldberg
simon.goldberg@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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07 September 2011close
SM&B host launch of Heather Brooke's new book 'The Revolution will be Digitised'
On 7 September 2011 SM&B held the launch of Heather Brooke's new book 'The Revolution will be digitised - dispatches from the information war'.
The launch was a huge success with the evening's events reported in the London Evening Standard.
Further information
Contact Razi Mireskandari
razi@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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06 July 2011close
SM&B organise third Global Retailing Forum
The recent Global Retailing Forum conference on the topic of Strategy for Entering the Brazil Retail Market was organised by Head of SM&B's Retail Group, Maninder Gill.
The evening at the London College of Fashion was attended by about 60 of the UK's top retailers.
Maninder Gill, the co-founder of the Forum, said,
"Brazil is being increasingly acknowledged as the most attractive international market for retail expansion. A.T. Kearney, in its 2011 Index of top ranked developing countries for global retail expansion, listed Brazil in first place, up from 5th place in last year's study. I am delighted that the Global Retailers Forum was able to provide a unique opportunity to hear from 2 leading experts on the Brazilian retail market who shared their in depth knowledge and experience. "
Further information
Contact Maninder Gill
maninder.gill@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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13 June 2011close
The Death Penalty Project at SM&B comment in the Guardian newspaper on the role of the Privy Council in death row cases.
Saul Lehrfreund and Parvais Jabbar of the Death Penalty Project comment on the role of the Privy Council as the final court of appeal in relation to death row cases.
The article entitled 'West Indian death row prisoners to be defended by British lawyers' refers to six prisoners currently represented by the Death Penalty Project.
Further information
Contact Saul Lehrfreund MBE
saul.lehrfreund@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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06 June 2011close
SM&B host The Death Penalty Project lecture "Capital Punishment: International Practice and International Law" by speaker Professor William Schabas
The Death Penalty Project and SM&B in collaboration with the Law Department at Middlesex University will host a lecture on Tuesday 14th June 2011 at the office of SM&B 'Capital Punishment: International Practice and International Law' by speaker Professor William Schabas.
Professor William Schabas is the director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland, Galway, where he holds the chair in human rights law. He is also an Associate Professor at Middlesex University, and an honorary professor at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, in Beijing.
Further information
Contact Saul Lehrfreund MBE
saul.lehrfreund@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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25 May 2011close
SM&B to host private view of Spritz
Head of the Family Department and SM&B Partner Jane McDonagh is hosting a private view of Spritz at the offices of SM&B on 16 June 2011.
Spritz is a summer show of contemporary art by emerging and established artists, curated by Tintype.
The Invite can be found here.
Further information
Contact Juliette Thomas
juliette.thomas@smab.co.uk
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19 May 2011close
Maninder Gill writes for Retail and Leisure International Magazine
Maninder Gill, Partner and Head of SM&B's retail group, has written a guide to international franchising for the May issue of Retail and Leisure International Magazine.
The full article can be found here.
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05 May 2011close
SM&B seminar, "New science: diversity at the customer and client interface" - 7 June 2011 - BOOK NOW
Selling more and increasing profits by taking account of diversity at the customer and client interface
Gloria Moss and Dr Ian Dodds shed light on this business critical issue
New science and thinking from the UK can have a massive impact on customer satisfaction and sales and British retailers may be the first to benefit. Some of this cutting-edge thinking will be presented at an evening seminar hosted by Simons, Muirhead and Burton in London, Soho, on Tuesday, 7 June.
Why does this new science matter? Historically, organisations have been male-dominated places that are organised according to masculine ways of thinking. Now, people are waking up to the fact that this masculine way of thinking can be an obstacle to reaching the main consumer who is female. Research shows that women are responsible for 83% of all consumer purchases with men responsible for just 17% (Barletta 2006). Moreover, the Boston Consulting Group (Silverstein & Sayre 2009) has observed that "the Companies that respond to women's unmet needs with skill, nuance and genuine engagement will enjoy breakaway growth, unprecedented customer loyalty and category dominance". The flip side, according to Paco Underhill (1999), expert on the science of shopping, is that "women are capable of consigning species of retailer or product to Darwin's dustbin if that retailer is unable to adapt to what women need and want".
Yet how often do providers of products, or services, take account of gender differences? Gloria Moss has shown (Moss 2001, 2006, 2009 and 2010) how what appeals to men can be a turn off to women, with preferences rooted in predispositions dating back to hunter gatherer days. 'The man, as hunter, had to target distant moving objects over millennia, so he likes straight lines, three dimensions and little colour' she says. 'By contrast, the woman was the gatherer and needed, for example, to notice ripe and unripe berries so colour, round shapes and a flatter, two-dimensional look are all important to her' she goes on. Yet, the hunter look is still prevalent in the design of products, packaging and labelling, instore layouts and e-purchasing websites, largely because design is a male-dominated profession. A recent survey, carried out by Gloria Moss, to measure preferences for instore layouts and responses showed that men and women's preferences were poles apart. This was bad news for many British retailers whose layouts got the thumbs down from many women' says Gloria. 'What use is it that these layouts have massive appeal for men if the main customer - women - does not like them?
The scope for change does not end there. Gloria has also highlighted the hidden assumptions we make in Britain which stand in the way of delivering excellent customer service. She states that the individualistic, universalistic and low context cultures that typify Britain (Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner, 1998) are actually counter-productive to delivering good customer service in that British people tend to be inwardly focussed, believe in universal rules and put task ahead of building relationships. All of these factors can make it difficult for British client advisors and sales staff to put effort into trying to understand and meet the individualised needs of diverse customers or clients. We need to learn a different way of thinking - borrowing from collectivist, particularist and high context cultures, i.e. Asian or Southern European national cultures - if we are to deliver customer-sensitive service.
Ian Dodds, from his vast understanding of diversity and how to yield the necessary changes needed in organisations, says 'Managing a change from a masculine way of seeing to a feminine one is not easy but the techniques my colleagues and I have developed make this possible'. He has found that for optimum success, the selling process needs to take account of gender predisposition tendencies with women more predisposed to be outcomes oriented, perfectionist, conscientious and affiliative than men (Glowinkowski 2009). This means that they tend to shop more carefully; want more detailed signage and labelling; prefer advisors and sales people to adopt a more rapport based approach to any conversations with them about products or services.
Another issue on which Ian is expert are the workings of unconscious bias. Organisations in both the private and public sectors have historically evolved with men in power and this has resulted in the almost universal adoption of the masculine 'script'. An American Harvard Professor, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, observed as early as 1974 that "this 'masculine ethic' elevates the traits assumed to belong to men with educational advantages to necessities for effective organizations: a tough minded approach to problems; analytical abilities to abstract and plan; a capacity to set aside personal, emotional considerations in the interests of task accomplishment; a cognitive superiority in problem-solving and decision making". Ian has found that working in a masculine culture can put women in a stressful position. 'Women are expected to conform to the male script and this can manifest itself in their being interrupted in conversation and being listened to less carefully than men'. Moreover, he explains how the gender predisposition difference tendencies research has shown that women tend to be less assertive and less confident than men and this means that the customer or client experience for women will be greatly enhanced if they feel that they are listened to attentively and that their needs are understood and appreciated.
His experience is that training to raise staff awareness of the issues raised here and developing important interactive skills, e.g. active listening, checking understanding, seeking information, acknowledging information received, can have a very positive impact. However, the training and development needs to be reinforced by the behavioural example of senior management. This requires a longer term intervention of coaching and feedback to enable them to adopt, and be role models in, the behaviours which embrace differences in gender or culture at the customer or client interface. Clearly, the impact on sales can be dramatic by truly appreciating and meeting the different needs of diverse customers.
At the 7 June evening seminar Makbool Javaid, a leading discrimination lawyer, will present information on how to avoid the claims of indirect discrimination. Gloria Moss, Reader in Management and Marketing at Bucks New University and Visiting Professor at a French Grande Ecole will present her ground-breaking research on design, marketing and customer service. Dr Ian Dodds, a thought leader on unconscious bias and achieving inclusivity in the work and marketplaces, will discuss what needs to be done in the workplace to ensure new thinking can take root and Suzanne Gordon, a retail expert from IKEA, will give the retailer's perspective. This will be a state of the art event with Paul Brady, an interactive theatre specialist, illustrating the issues described here with drama scenarios.
If you want to learn more about this unique event on 7 June and the new science that will help you to increase sales, please email: events@smab.co.uk.
Further information
Contact Makbool Javaid
makbool.javaid@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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05 May 2011close
SM&B seminar, "New science: diversity at the customer and client interface" - 7 June 2011 - BOOK NOW
Selling more and increasing profits by taking account of diversity at the customer and client interface
Gloria Moss and Dr Ian Dodds shed light on this business critical issue
New science and thinking from the UK can have a massive impact on customer satisfaction and sales and British retailers may be the first to benefit. Some of this cutting-edge thinking will be presented at an evening seminar hosted by Simons, Muirhead and Burton in London, Soho, on Tuesday, 7 June.
Why does this new science matter? Historically, organisations have been male-dominated places that are organised according to masculine ways of thinking. Now, people are waking up to the fact that this masculine way of thinking can be an obstacle to reaching the main consumer who is female. Research shows that women are responsible for 83% of all consumer purchases with men responsible for just 17% (Barletta 2006). Moreover, the Boston Consulting Group (Silverstein & Sayre 2009) has observed that "the Companies that respond to women's unmet needs with skill, nuance and genuine engagement will enjoy breakaway growth, unprecedented customer loyalty and category dominance". The flip side, according to Paco Underhill (1999), expert on the science of shopping, is that "women are capable of consigning species of retailer or product to Darwin's dustbin if that retailer is unable to adapt to what women need and want".
Yet how often do providers of products, or services, take account of gender differences? Gloria Moss has shown (Moss 2001, 2006, 2009 and 2010) how what appeals to men can be a turn off to women, with preferences rooted in predispositions dating back to hunter gatherer days. 'The man, as hunter, had to target distant moving objects over millennia, so he likes straight lines, three dimensions and little colour' she says. 'By contrast, the woman was the gatherer and needed, for example, to notice ripe and unripe berries so colour, round shapes and a flatter, two-dimensional look are all important to her' she goes on. Yet, the hunter look is still prevalent in the design of products, packaging and labelling, instore layouts and e-purchasing websites, largely because design is a male-dominated profession. A recent survey, carried out by Gloria Moss, to measure preferences for instore layouts and responses showed that men and women's preferences were poles apart. This was bad news for many British retailers whose layouts got the thumbs down from many women' says Gloria. 'What use is it that these layouts have massive appeal for men if the main customer - women - does not like them?
The scope for change does not end there. Gloria has also highlighted the hidden assumptions we make in Britain which stand in the way of delivering excellent customer service. She states that the individualistic, universalistic and low context cultures that typify Britain (Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner, 1998) are actually counter-productive to delivering good customer service in that British people tend to be inwardly focussed, believe in universal rules and put task ahead of building relationships. All of these factors can make it difficult for British client advisors and sales staff to put effort into trying to understand and meet the individualised needs of diverse customers or clients. We need to learn a different way of thinking - borrowing from collectivist, particularist and high context cultures, i.e. Asian or Southern European national cultures - if we are to deliver customer-sensitive service.
Ian Dodds, from his vast understanding of diversity and how to yield the necessary changes needed in organisations, says 'Managing a change from a masculine way of seeing to a feminine one is not easy but the techniques my colleagues and I have developed make this possible'. He has found that for optimum success, the selling process needs to take account of gender predisposition tendencies with women more predisposed to be outcomes oriented, perfectionist, conscientious and affiliative than men (Glowinkowski 2009). This means that they tend to shop more carefully; want more detailed signage and labelling; prefer advisors and sales people to adopt a more rapport based approach to any conversations with them about products or services.
Another issue on which Ian is expert are the workings of unconscious bias. Organisations in both the private and public sectors have historically evolved with men in power and this has resulted in the almost universal adoption of the masculine 'script'. An American Harvard Professor, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, observed as early as 1974 that "this 'masculine ethic' elevates the traits assumed to belong to men with educational advantages to necessities for effective organizations: a tough minded approach to problems; analytical abilities to abstract and plan; a capacity to set aside personal, emotional considerations in the interests of task accomplishment; a cognitive superiority in problem-solving and decision making". Ian has found that working in a masculine culture can put women in a stressful position. 'Women are expected to conform to the male script and this can manifest itself in their being interrupted in conversation and being listened to less carefully than men'. Moreover, he explains how the gender predisposition difference tendencies research has shown that women tend to be less assertive and less confident than men and this means that the customer or client experience for women will be greatly enhanced if they feel that they are listened to attentively and that their needs are understood and appreciated.
His experience is that training to raise staff awareness of the issues raised here and developing important interactive skills, e.g. active listening, checking understanding, seeking information, acknowledging information received, can have a very positive impact. However, the training and development needs to be reinforced by the behavioural example of senior management. This requires a longer term intervention of coaching and feedback to enable them to adopt, and be role models in, the behaviours which embrace differences in gender or culture at the customer or client interface. Clearly, the impact on sales can be dramatic by truly appreciating and meeting the different needs of diverse customers.
At the 7 June evening seminar Makbool Javaid, a leading discrimination lawyer, will present information on how to avoid the claims of indirect discrimination. Gloria Moss, Reader in Management and Marketing at Bucks New University and Visiting Professor at a French Grande Ecole will present her ground-breaking research on design, marketing and customer service. Dr Ian Dodds, a thought leader on unconscious bias and achieving inclusivity in the work and marketplaces, will discuss what needs to be done in the workplace to ensure new thinking can take root and Suzanne Gordon, a retail expert from IKEA, will give the retailer's perspective. This will be a state of the art event with Paul Brady, an interactive theatre specialist, illustrating the issues described here with drama scenarios.
If you want to learn more about this unique event on 7 June and the new science that will help you to increase sales, please email: events@smab.co.uk.
Further information
Contact Makbool Javaid
makbool.javaid@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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30 March 2011close
Simon Conroy attends an evening at the Polish Embassy together with a performance by SM&B client Katy Carr
SM&B partner Simon Conroy last night attended an evening hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Her Excellency Ms. Barbara Tuge-Erecińska at the London Embassy of the Republic of Poland.
The event, organised in cooperation with British singer and songwriter Katy Carr, a client of SM&B, was a moving evening with a talk from Mr. Kazimierz Piechowski, political prisoner and escapee of the Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi concentration camp and Polish war veteran and scout.
The evening also included a documentary screening of Kazik and the Kommander's Car directed by Hannah Lovell & produced by Katy Carr together with a musical performance by Katy Carr.
Further information
Contact Simon Conroy
simon.conroy@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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21 March 2011close
SM&B act for the Royal Court Theatre and its production company in the production of the hit comedy play “Clybourne Park”
SM&B Partner Anthony Burton acts for The Royal Court Theatre and the Royal Court Theatre Production Company, the lead producer of the award winning Royal Court production of the hit black comedy "Clybourne Park".
Anthony Burton is the Chair of the Royal Court Theatre and its Production Company.
The play has won many awards include the 2011 Olivier Award for MasterCard Best New Play. It runs at the Wyndhams Theatre until 7th May 2011.
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14 March 2011close
Maninder Gill speaks at the UK Trade and Investment Board's South East Asia Retail Conference
Maninder Gill, Partner and Head of the SM&B's retail group, spoke today at the UK Trade and Investment Board's South East Asia Retail Conference.
Maninder addressed a wide range of issues on "The Legal Perspectives of the Current Business Environments in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines".
The UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) works with UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets, and encourage the best overseas companies to look to the UK as their global partner of choice. It holds many seminars and conferences for UK industry generally.
Further information
Contact Maninder Gill
maninder.gill@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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07 February 2011close
SM&B host second Global Retailing Forum
SM&B recently hosted the second meeting of the Global Retailing Forum which was attended by almost 50 of the UK's top retailers.
The topic was "STRATEGY AND PRACTICAL TIPS FOR MARKET ENTRY INTO INDIA AND CHINA" and the panel consisted of international experts who had lived and worked in those countries.
Maninder Gill, Head of the firm's Retail Group said,
"We were privileged to have such respected industry specialists on the panel who spoke and shared with the Forum the practical lessons they had learnt first hand while setting up and running businesses in India and China. We were also delighted to see the Forum growing as word of its success spread within the industry."
Further information
Contact Maninder Gill
maninder.gill@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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20 January 2011close
SM&B host TAG Strategic Digital Symposium
The digital strategists TAG Strategic approached SM&B to host their digital symposium 'The TAG Strategic Flash Mob' hosted by TAG Strategic Managing Partner Ted Cohen, a former Vice President of Digital Media at Capitol EMI in the USA and SM&B Partner Charles Law.
The event, sponsored by SM&B, allowed a gathering of the music industry's finest minds to discuss, pre MIDEM, all of the burning digital issues - a fitting prequel to the Cannes debates.
On 19 January 2011, at the offices of SM&B, the discussion centred on the protection and delivery of copyright content focusing mainly on the music industry but some of the issues raised applied to other copyright material.
SM&B partners Charles Law and Simon Conroy will be attending MIDEM & Midemnet 23-26 January 2011.
Further information
Contact Charles Law
charles.law@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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14 January 2011close
The Squash Player
SM&B trainee Rachel Willmott, a former squash English Junior Number 1 (and currently ranked 266 in the world) and SM&B partners Razi Mireskandari and Simon Goldberg, both avid squash players, make a formidable SM&B squash team.
More information on the connection can be found in a recent article in The Squash Player.
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07 January 2011close
Employment Law Team reviews 2010 and 2011
2010 proved to be a very busy year for employment law, and with the prospect of an even busier 2011, the Employment Team has taken a look back at legal developments and notable case law in 2010 and then a look forward to 2011 to examine the legislation that is expected to be introduced and cases to watch out for that are subject to appeal.
Makbool Javaid, Partner, and Head of Employment Law said: "While the star of the employment law show last year was undoubtedly the implementation of the main employment and equality of terms provisions in the Equality Act on 1 October 2010, 2011 will bring even more challenges with the abolition of the national default retirement age and the introduction of the Agency Workers Regulations providing agency workers with the right to equal treatment as staff hired directly by the employer once the worker has satisfied a 12-week qualifying period.Employers should ensure that they take the necessary legal advice to ensure they are fully prepared."
Full details of the review can be found in SM&B's 2010 and 2011 Employment Law Review.
Further information
Contact Makbool Javaid
makbool.javaid@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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04 January 2011close
The Death Penalty Project
SM&B's association with The Death Penalty Project is covered in detail in Lubbock Fine's winter 2010 newsletter Fine Lines.
Further information
Contact Saul Lehrfreund MBE
saul.lehrfreund@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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04 January 2011close
The Death Penalty Project
SM&B's association with The Death Penalty Project is covered in detail in Lubbock Fine's winter 2010 newsletter Fine Lines.
Further information
Contact Saul Lehrfreund MBE
saul.lehrfreund@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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13 December 2010close
Season's Greetings from all of us at SM&B
Instead of sending cards, we thought it would be better to make a donation to charity. This year we have chosen the Richard House Children's Hospice.
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03 December 2010close
SM&B launch first Global Retailing Forum
SM&B recently hosted the highly successful inaugural meeting of the Global Retailing Forum.
Delegates from many of the UK's top retailers attended, including representatives from Harvey Nichols, Harrods, New Look, Debenhams, Joseph, Aspinal of London, Marks & Spencer, Clarks, T M Lewin, Aftershock of London, Holland and Barrett, ASDA, The East India Company and Tesco.
The evening brought together some of retail's most experienced international experts to discuss global markets and included open discussions about the opportunities and challenges of expanding into and trading in developed retail and emerging markets.
The event was a resounding success, resulting in cogent, in-depth dialogue on the issues currently faced by retailers in respect of international markets.
Commenting on the success of the evening, event organizer and the head of the firm's retail department, Maninder Gill, said,
"I am delighted with the success of the first meeting of the Global Retailing Forum. We were thrilled to play host to so many of the UK's key figures from the retail sector and are very much looking forward to establishing these Forum meetings as a regular occurrence in the retail calendar."
Further information
Contact Maninder Gill
maninder.gill@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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01 December 2010close
Simon Conroy joins SM&B
We are delighted to welcome new Partner Simon Conroy to the ever-expanding team at SM&B.
Simon joins the Dispute Resolution & Litigation Department bringing an extensive catalogue of work involving media and entertainment law. Simon is regularly retained by a wide range of clients to provide strategic advice on all aspects of their businesses acting for and against many household names in complex, high profile disputes.
Simon is also a CEDR trained mediator.
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01 December 2010close
Charles Law joins SM&B
We are delighted to welcome new Partner Charles Law to the ever-expanding team at SM&B.
Charles joins the Corporate & Commercial Department. After some years in-house at EMI Records working both in the UK and internationally he entered private practice where he advised record labels, publishers and artists on all spheres of the music industry and advised banks on financing music industry transactions. He also represents celebrities in branding and endorsement deals.
He also represents companies invovled in technology, software licensing and other IT matters, as well as franchising and other transactions involving his extensive commercial experience.
To read his recent article on the Digital Economy Act click here.
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29 November 2010close
Equality Act briefings prove huge success
Following a highly successful conference attended by over 40 delegates in October outlining the major changes to discrimination and equal pay legislation brought about by the Equality Act 2010, the Employment Team are involved in delivering a number of in-house briefings for HR specialists, in-house lawyers and line managers. The briefings ensure that organisations such as the Crown Prosecution Service, Clyde and Co, Nescot College, Westminster Council and The Salvation Army are able to examine the new law in the context of their own organisation and assess the practical implications for their policies and procedures.
If you are interested in the Employment Team's in-house briefings service, contact the Team to discuss how they may assist your organisation.
Further information
Contact Makbool Javaid
makbool.javaid@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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29 November 2010close
Equality Act in-house briefings
Following a highly successful conference attended by over 40 delegates in October outlining the major changes to discrimination and equal pay legislation brought about by the Equality Act 2010, the Employment Team are involved in delivering a number of in-house briefings for HR specialists, in-house lawyers and line managers. The briefings ensure that organisations such as the Crown Prosecution Service, Clyde and Co, Nescot College, Westminster Council and The Salvation Army are able to examine the new law in the context of their own organisation and assess the practical implications for their policies and procedures.
If you are interested in the Employment Team's in-house briefings service, contact the Team to discuss how they may assist your organisation.
Further information
Contact Makbool Javaid
makbool.javaid@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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19 November 2010close
Makbool Javaid to train UN Investigators
Makbool Javaid, partner and Head of Employment at SM&B is to train UN Investigators.
Following the success of an in-house training course for expert members of a major United Nations' Institution tasked with investigating complaints of harassment and bullying, Makbool was recently invited back to Rome to advise on best practice policy and procedures. He then spent a day conducting refresher training for individual UN investigators.
The organisers were keen to acknowledged SM&B's Employment Team's ability to translate best practice into an international language for use on a Global platform.
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19 November 2010close
SM&B's Employment Department training gains CPD accreditation
A training course on Managing Investigations developed by the SM&B Employment team to be delivered in-house to Crown Prosecution Service lawyers appointed to investigate discrimination and harassment complaints has been granted 5 accreditation points for the purposes of the continuing professional development (CPD) of lawyers.
Commenting on the achievement, Makbool Javaid, Head of SM&B employment department, said: "This represents external recognition, at the highest level, of the quality of our in-house training service and in particular the skills of Ewan Keen and Dennis Taylor who worked closely with the CPS to analyse their training needs, develop and deliver a tailor-made course containing legal and best practice HR principles combined"
Makbool added: "It is also further recognition of our expertise in equality and diversity issues and our ability to contribute to the personal development of both in-house lawyers and HR specialists."
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19 November 2010close
SM&B host Andy Ellis lecture on Civil Litigation Costs
The lunchtime lecture, given by law cost consultant Andy Ellis
of Ellis
Grant Limited, focused amongst other things on the recent
publication of the Ministry of Justice's Consulstation paper
'Proposals for Reform of Civil Litigation Funding and Costs in
England and Wales - Implementation of Lord Justice Jackson's
Recommendations' available here. The consultation period lasts until 14
November 2011
Andy also covered issues such as costs budgeting and recent case
law.
Further information
Contact Gordon Clough
gordon.clough@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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19 November 2010close
SM&B's Employment Department training gains CPD accreditation
A training course on Managing Investigations developed by the SM&B Employment team to be delivered in-house to Crown Prosecution Service lawyers appointed to investigate discrimination and harassment complaints has been granted 5 accreditation points for the purposes of the continuing professional development (CPD) of lawyers.
Commenting on the achievement, Makbool Javaid, Head of SM&B employment department, said: "This represents external recognition, at the highest level, of the quality of our in-house training service and in particular the skills of Ewan Keen and Dennis Taylor who worked closely with the CPS to analyse their training needs, develop and deliver a tailor-made course containing legal and best practice HR principles combined"
Makbool added: "It is also further recognition of our expertise in equality and diversity issues and our ability to contribute to the personal development of both in-house lawyers and HR specialists."
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18 November 2010close
Reframing Libel Costs - Razi Mireskandari
Razi Mireskandari, Managing Partner and Head of Libel, Privacy & Reputation at SM&B spoke at The Reframing Libel Symposium on 4th November 2010 on the subject of Costs in Defamation Proceedings.
A transcript of his lecture on "Reframing Libel Costs" is available here.
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18 November 2010close
SM&B host inaugural Global Retailing Forum
Maninder Gill, partner of SM&B and Mark Eve of New Look were delighted to host the first Global Retailing Forum on Monday 8 November 2010 at the offices of SM&B.
The Forum is designed to bring together some of retail's most experienced international experts to discuss global markets. The agenda included open discussions about the opportunities and challenges of expanding into and trading in developed retail markets such as the G7 and the emerging markets such as the BRICs, N11s and the CIVETS.
Further information
Contact Maninder Gill
maninder.gill@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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03 November 2010close
Razi Mireskandari lectures on costs in defamation proceedings at The Reframing Libel Symposium
Razi Mireskandari, Managing Partner and Head of Libel, Privacy & Reputation at SM&B will be speaking at The Reframing Libel Symposium on 4th November 2010 on the subject of Costs in Defamation Proceedings.
Other speakers at the event include Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC and Hugh Tomlinson QC. The Symposium is an opportunity for leading lawyers and journalists to come together at City University London to debate the future of libel reform, as Lord Lester's bill progresses through Parliament.
Follow this link to track the bill's progress through Parliament.
Follow Reframing Libel on Twitter here.
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03 November 2010close
SM&B sponsor the 2010 Vakil General Counsel Dinner
SM&B is sponsoring the Laurence Simons 2010 Vakil General Counsel Dinner held at the exclusive members club Soho House in London.
Founded in 1988, Laurence Simons is a specialist international legal recruitment consultancy. Operating across 14 cities and 4 continents Laurence Simons covers the whole spectrum of permanent and temporary legal positions in both the Private Practice and In-House markets from Newly Qualified through to Partner and General Counsel level roles.
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02 September 2010close
SM&B expands Family & Children Department
We are delighted to announce Jane McDonagh's appointment as partner and head of the newly expanded Family & Children Department at SM&B. Jane has been associated with SM&B for some 12 years now as a Consultant and - with her children now all in Secondary Education - is coming on board to lead this exciting project. We have also appointed Juliette Thomas to the team, and she will work closely with Jane to build on SM&B's reputation for providing a wide range of Family services with a close focus on the financial and emotional costs of these processes.
After a brief stint in the City, Jane started her legal career as a litigator specialising in libel and media law. She has worked for a variety of well known and specialist firms. "These are exciting times at SM&B," says Jane, "and I am looking forward to making the Family & Children Department a key part of the firm's strategy to expand the services it offers its clients in Soho, London and beyond."
Further information
Contact Jane McDonagh
jane.mcdonagh@smab.co.uk
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24 August 2010close
Razi Mireskandari discusses ATE insurance and access to justice
In Lubbock Fine's Summer 2010 Newsletter, managing partner and head of the Dispute Resolution and Litigation team, Razi Mireskandari, looks at how SM&B is providing access to justice to individuals and businesses who do not have the financial resources to pursue legal claims by means of reduced charges and ATE insurance.
To read his article, on page 3 of the Newsletter, click here.
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10 August 2010close
Stephen Shotnes in the Sun
Stephen Shotnes appears on page 6 of today's Sun newspaper here.
Under the headline 'Campbell may face charges', Stephen is quoted as commenting on Naomi Campbell's recent testimony in the Charles Taylor trial and revealing that she could face up to six months' in jail in Sierra Leone if found in contempt of court.
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06 August 2010close
How do you pay for your day in court?
What happens when you are faced with a substantial legal claim but you do not have the money or financial backing to fight the case in court?
Head of Litigation Razi Mireskandari explains the options in an article in Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine.
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29 July 2010close
Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival 2010
On 27 to 29 August 2010 Theo Solley will be attending the Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival, a unique event created and planned by senior industry figures for the international television and media industry.
Founded in 1976, the Festival is a charitable organisation which aims to provide an environment where the industry can come together and share ideas, debate, get inspiration and knowledge, and build relationships.
There are three days of Festival sessions, keynote speeches and social events at the TV industry's most vibrant, welcoming, inclusive and thought provoking weekend.
If you are in Edinburgh at the same time and would like to meet up with Theo for a coffee, please email him.
Further information
Contact Theo Solley
theo.solley@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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16 July 2010close
The Standard Chartered Great City Race 2010
Led by team captain Gordon Clough SM&B atheletes Anthony Burton, Jeffrey Smele, Jonathan Cameron, Coral Henry, Gemma O'Neill, Woan Chiun Ng, Heather Clarke, Gary Barnard, Elizabeth Muirhead, Theo Solley and our IT guru Jamie Bowden competed in the The Standard Chartered Great City Race 2010 on Thursday evening.
Results available here
Further information
Contact Gordon Clough
gordon.clough@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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15 June 2010close
Employment team breakfast seminar, "Oh Yes – I’m a Believer – No Doubt in my Mind", 6 July 2010
The Employment team are holding a breakfast seminar on understanding and preventing religious discrimination 6 July 2010, from 8.30 to 10.30.
Oh Yes - I'm a Believer - No Doubt in my Mind
Religion is often a topic considered best avoided in polite conversation. Given the increasing number of religious discrimination claims appearing before the Tribunals it would seem that it is a workplace issue which employers would be well advised not to avoid.
To the contrary our advice to employers is that there is a clear need to address these issues head on and in a manner which facilitates positive discussion and respect for the differing needs of a diverse workforce.
Whilst sex and race cases continue to hit the headlines, particularly in terms of the high levels of compensation awarded, increasingly religion and belief discrimination claims are causing the most controversy and often in respect of the balancing act that employers may be required to undergo to protect the rights and enforce the obligations that individuals are entitled to and which they owe to each other.
Employers are now faced with a diverse number of problems in terms of ensuring compliance with the law such as an even-handed observance of the competing interests and requirements of different faiths, implementation of dress codes and jewellery bans, and an ability to identify what philosophical beliefs may or may not fall to be protected by the law.
Considering the relevant statutory provisions and recent case law the focus of our seminar is to provide you with practical advice in managing what can sometimes be difficult, and will always be sensitive issues, in a way which will best protect your business whilst promoting a cohesive and engaged workforce.
Understanding and Preventing Religious Discrimination
In this breakfast seminar we will examine:
• Definitions of religion and belief
• Unlawful discriminatory acts on grounds of religion or belief
• The impact of the Equality Act 2010
• Creating awareness of different faith groups
• Accommodating religious beliefs
• Potential pitfalls
• Effective policies to combat discrimination, whilst protecting the business
The seminar, which is completely free of charge, will be held in our conference room at Frith Street on 6 July 2010, from 8.30 to 10.30.
We hope you can come and join us. To confirm you will be attending, simply email our Events Co-ordinator, Eva Squibb events@smab.co.uk
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15 June 2010close
"Starsuckers" screening at the Frontline Club
The Frontline Club hosted a private screening of the film Starsuckers on Monday 14 June.
The Libel, privacy and reputation team's Louis Charalambous joined the film's director and SM&B client, Chris Atkins, on the panel for a Q&A session after the screening.
Starsuckers was released in British cinemas in November 2009 to critical acclaim. It's a darkly humourous and shocking exposé of the celebrity obsessed media, which examines the public's addiction to fame and the corporations and individuals who profit from it. Starsuckers hit the front pages when it emerged that the team had been successfully selling fake celebrity stories to all the British Tabloids. This was followed by the revelation that Chris's team had secretly filmed journalists for three Sunday tabloids trying to buy medical records.
Chris Atkins was BAFTA nominated for his previous film Taking Liberties. He describes Starsuckers as "riddled with legal issues from the outset". The week before the theatrical release, the film maker faced legal threats from the News of the World and Max Clifford, who threatened to injunct the film.
Chris was represented by SM&B's Louis Charalambous, Razi Mireskandari and Simon Goldberg. In answer to questions last night, he paid tribute to the SM&B team - his "great lawyers" - for ensuring the film was released uncut. He credits their "extremely robust rebuttals" and "unflappable" approach.
Further information
Contact Louis Charalambous
louis@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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09 June 2010close
Simon Goldberg shares his experience of 'rainmaking'
As part of the firm's lunchtime lecture series, partner Simon Goldberg shared his experience of 'rainmaking' with more junior members of the firm.
Simon qualified as a solicitor at SM&B in 1989 and has been an equity partner here since 1992. He brought 20 years' experience of looking after clients and introducing clients to the firm to his talk.
Further information
Contact Simon Goldberg
simon.goldberg@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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29 May 2010close
Lunchtime lecture on CFAs and ATE
Theo Solley gave a lunchtime lecture on Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs) and After the Event insurance.
We are able to represent both Claimants and Defendants under full and partial CFAs, as appropriate in particular cases. We are also one of a handful of firms to which Temple Legal Protection Limited (one of the most respected ATE insurers in the market) has given delegated authority to issue ATE insurance whatever the subject matter of the dispute.
The lecture provided a valuable opportunity for members of all teams to discuss the latest developments in the field of CFAs and ATE including the possible implications of the Jackson report.
Further information
Contact Theo Solley
theo.solley@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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14 May 2010close
Lifetime achievement award to Makbool Javaid
The Society of Asian Lawyers has awarded Makbool Javaid, head of SM&B's Employment team, its lifetime achievement award.
The Society is the UK´s largest independent legal society, with in excess of 1500 legal and other professional members. Its members encompass a cross section of the legal world and include partners in high profile city firms, leading barristers and QCs, in-house counsel, high street practitioners, legal executives, trainees, pupils and students.
The annual awards are intended to recognise the exceptional achievements of Asian solicitors and barristers practising in the UK.
Further information
Contact Makbool Javaid
makbool.javaid@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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26 April 2010close
New recruits to the Employment team
Heather Clarke and Mohsin Khan have joined the Employment team.
Heather trained at Eversheds LLP and qualified as a solicitor in 2009. Mohsin was trained at CMS Cameron McKenna. He qualified as a solicitor in February of this year. Their recruitment reflects the ongoing achievements and expansion of the Employment team led by Makbool Javaid.
We wish them every success at SM&B.
Further information
Contact Makbool Javaid
makbool.javaid@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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26 April 2010close
A new member of our support team
Melissa McNulty has joined our support team.
Melissa be working on reception and in accounts.
Further information
Contact Amanda Smylie
amanda.smylie@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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05 March 2010close
Maninder Gill joins SM&B
Maninder Gill has joined us as a partner. He specialises in intellectual property (IP), licensing and franchising, particularly in the retail market.
Maninder has achieved enormous success in his career to date. He joins us from Harvey Nichols Group, where he was the first head of legal of the luxury department store operator. He trained and worked at Carter Ruck and subsequently was legal director of publishing and broadcasting company Northern & Shell, which counts Express newspapers and OK! magazine among its titles.
Maninder brings immense experience and skills to SM&B on his return to private practice. As well as heading up the IP team and franchising work, he will work closely with our Property team (particularly in retail related matters), as well as our Dispute Resolution and Litigation and Libel, Privacy and Reputation teams.
Further information
Contact Razi Mireskandari
razi@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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04 January 2010close
Razi Mireskandari is appointed Managing Partner
With effect from 1 April, Razi Mireskandari becomes our new Managing Partner. He replaces Anthony Burton who has been Senior Partner at SM&B since 1993.
In announcing the handover, Anthony told the firm, "Whilst it is vital that we meet the challenges of the future, the partners are committed to ensure that the firm remains true to its history and safeguards the great reputation it has forged over the last 38 years."
Razi joined SM&B in 1985. In setting out his vision for SM&B's future, he emphasised his commitment to developing and promoting SM&B's multi-disclipinary teams to best serve clients' interests, attracting candidates of the highest calibre, continuing and developing SM&B's commitment to the Death Penalty Project and other charitable and pro bono causes and ensuring that SM&B is always a a desirable place to work, where staff at all levels feel rewarded and valued.
Razi heads up the Dispute Resolution and Litigation and Libel, Privacy and Reputation teams.
Further information
Contact Amanda Smylie
amanda.smylie@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700
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03 January 2010close
Tamara Ludlow joins the Employment team
We are delighted to welcome back Tamara Ludlow, formerly of Morton Fraser, to the ever-expanding Employment team.
Tamara Ludlow is an extremely able and popular lawyer and a fantastic addition to the team. She specialises in all aspects of employment law, including all equality and diversity issues relating to employment. She is experienced in advising and representing both private and public sector clients.
Further information
Contact Makbool Javaid
makbool.javaid@smab.co.uk
020 3206 2700