Services

Music law has been a key part of the SM&B story since its foundation in 1972. After strong diversification in the early 2000s, SM&B set out its ambition to return to the first rank of music law practices in August 2011 when it struck a deal to bring on board the former Edge Legal practice run by Richard Baskind.

SM&B's client list in music over the decades has encompassed some of the biggest names in pop from Wham! to Dire Straits. SM&B's historic strength in criminal law has stood it in good stead when artists have hit problems. In this regard it has represented everyone from Jarvis Cocker - in relation to his invasion of Michael Jackson's stage at the BRIT Awards in 1996 - to Ms Dynamite and 50 Cent.

The first sign of SM&B's commitment to recapture its former strength in music came with the appointment of partners Charles Law - advisor to Will Young and the PIAS group of companies among others - and Simon Conroy in 2010.

This was followed up with the Edge Legal deal which brought on board partner Richard Baskind and lawyer Richard Day in August 2011.

The Edge Legal team brought with them a strong commercial orientation and a reputation as dealmakers.

Clients range from world renowned musicians and performers such as Nick Cave, Sarah Brightman and Norman Cook (DJ Fatboy Slim), iconic rock band Bush, fashion designer Giles Deacon and many leading executives in the entertainment industry.