About Julian
Julian is a Partner in our Media and Entertainment team.
Julian has specialised in entertainment and commercial law for more than 30 years and his clients include independent record companies, music publishers, recording artists, composers, record producers, advertising agencies and comedians.
Prior to joining Hamlins, Julian was a founding partner of commercial law firm, Swan Turton, which he joined from Simkins Partnership where he was an Equity Partner.
His early career embedded his understanding of and commitment to the entertainment industry. Julian initially worked as a tour manager overseeing the live performances of musicians in the UK and Europe, before moving into management, guiding the careers of recording artists, actors and comedians.
Julian holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in UK and European Law of Copyright and Related Rights from King’s College London.
Julian has contributed and published works include:
- A view from across the pond – The artist’s team in the UK: a chapter entitled ‘Building your Artist’s Brand as a Musician’ (published by International Association of Entertainment Lawyers, 2012)
- Multiple Rights Deals in the Music Industry: Editor’s Introduction (published by International Association of Entertainment Lawyers, 2009)
Work highlights
- Advising a multi-million selling record producer on and resolving a longstanding royalties dispute with a major record company.
- Renegotiating a music publishing agreement with a major music publisher on behalf of a renowned songwriter. This concluded with significantly improved royalties going forward for the songwriter.
- Providing ongoing advice on all music and commercial aspects of the estate of a deceased well-known, iconic and respected musician, recording artist and songwriter.
- In conjunction with specialist US music lawyers, advising several UK musicians and songwriters or their heirs on their right to terminate grants of the US copyright in their songs under the US Copyright Act. In one case, this resulted in the US rights in their songs reverting to them and in another, it led to a renegotiation and much enhanced royalty rates for the songwriter involved.
- Representing a long-time independent music publisher client in respect of an extension and renegotiation with one of the client’s most successful and significant songwriters. The deal concluded promptly to the satisfaction of each party.
- Signed a substantial deal for a vaunted up and coming dance music DJ, artist, and producer to a new well-funded specialist dance music record label.
- Settled a decades’ old dispute relating to a very successful and popular 1990s dance music recording on behalf of one of the creatives involved.
- Acting for a funded US corporation which pays advances to songwriters in return for an income stream, in respect of its activities in the UK with UK-based songwriters.