Greater London Enterprise Awards 2020

30 | Greater London Awards 2020 Best International Entertainment & Media Law Firm 2020 Formed in 2008, Van Straten Solicitors is a boutique legal practice that specialises in the entertainment, sports, and media industries. With a strong global network, the firm is able to offer an international service that goes far beyond the boundaries of London, though the city is a hub for individuals in these industries. Find out more as we profile the firm following its achievement in the Greater London Enterprise Awards 2020 from SME News Magazine. Van Straten Solicitors is a firm that believes that legal services should go far beyond just contracts and negotiations. It is a boutique legal practice that always endeavours to holistically contribute to its clients’ affairs and, in particular, broaden their network. In addition to providing exceptional legal advice, the firm also offers business affairs services, and deals with a variety of issues that affect clients both professionally and personally, ranging from commercial contracts to privacy and reputational matters. Broadening networks and delivering excellent legal work is no easy feat, but one which Van Straten Solicitors carries out on a daily basis with true aplomb. In the past, the business has hosted networking evenings at its office, featuring live performances from its musician clients. From these, one of the clients who performed was able to secure a support slot on a UK tour with another major client. Executives have been hired for senior positions, and the plethora of music that has arisen from these networking events is truly staggering. At the top of the business is Adam Van Straten, a highly accomplished lawyer with almost 30 years’ experience and a compelling track record in advising on contractual issues for both corporate clients and the talent side of the entertainment, media, and sporting industries. Mr Van Straten was selected as an honouree on the Billboard 2020 Top Music Lawyers and was listed as an expert for the Music Industry in the Legal Experts Guide. This specialist knowledge from both Mr Van Straten and his supporting team gives the firm a deeper understanding and appreciation of the workings of the industry. As such, it is also therefore able to offer a unique service that is tailored to suit each individual client and their deeply unique requirements. Sep20302 COVID-19 has undoubtedly played a key role in the work of many businesses during 2020, and the careers and earnings of musician clients has definitely felt the impact more than most, especially with cancellations of live performances. Van Straten Solicitors has managed to help clients mitigate some of these losses by helping them develop and maximise other income streams, such as by exploiting their merchandising and branding rights. There has been an increase in live streaming and, as mentioned above, there has also been a significant increase in musicians monetising their IP or their income streams from such IP. Remote collaboration between creators across the spectrum has dramatically increased, and there has been a corresponding need for creators to ensure that rights have been cleared and that they continue to be commercially astute. Over the years Van Straten Solicitors has been shortlisted for a number of awards and, deservedly, won several of them. For instance, the firm has been shortlisted for Law Firm of the Year Award at the Music Week Awards for 3 years in a row, and has also won back-to-back awards with SME News Magazine for the firm’s outstanding work in music and entertainment law. The firm has worked with many talented musicians from around the world and it was a privilege to advise its Grammy 2020 recognised artists, Sekou Andrews, and Koffee. Looking to the future, Van Straten Solicitors is working towards continued growth and brand awareness, with particular emphasis on expanding its already strong network in the US. Alongside this, the firm is working to advise a new platform that will bring together millions of creators all around the world who are currently working alone, and give them the chance to streamline their creative process and collaborate further. It is also working to bridge the gap between the United Kingdom and the rest of the world, and is currently in the process of negotiating a Joint Venture between a Ghanaian musician and a major record label, which does not happen often. Ultimately, Van Straten Solicitors is an outstanding law firm and is fully deserving of this latest success in the Greater London Enterprise Awards 2020 from SME News Magazine. Company: Van Straten Solicitors Contact: Adam Van Straten Website: https://www.vanstratensolicitors.com/