Creative Law & Business are a unique pioneering management consultancy run by lawyers, providing advice and support to creative talent and businesses that have creativity at their core.
We manage our clients’ business and legal needs in the specialist and fast changing world of entertainment and media, particularly in the music business, but also in other areas such as digital media, TV, independent film production, photography, art and design, fashion, sport, PR, advertisng, marketing and innovation.
If you are making music, film, photography, art and design or working in digital media (or across all mediums), we can help you.
If you are representing, funding or providing services to artistic projects and ventures, it you are a creative agency then look no further.
Creative businesses need more than just straight legal advice. Unlike law firms we provide both expert legal advice and sound business guidance – something that conventional law firms are just not geared up for.
We can advise on how to structure deals and when and when not to do them. We are experts in brand strategy and can help you structure your business in order to give you a competitive advantage.
We take a commercial and strategic view of our clients’ businesses, having a tangible interest in helping them fulfil their goals. We are always looking to pinpoint opportunities for clients through legal, business and regulatory developments, as well as through introductions via our extensive contacts and client base.
Consequently, we represent a new breed of operator. Many of our clients are successfully combining innovation, new business models and technology to shape the entertainment industry of tomorrow.
There are opportunities for those independent businesses that are as innovative in their business practices and marketing as they are with their creative output. Technology has created a level playing field where artists can now engage directly with consumers.
We understand what creative businesses need, we understand the creative process and creative people. Our experience makes us adept at dealing with the sensitive issues caused when commerce meets art.
We represent our clients with integrity and professionalism, but without the stuffiness associated with most service providers. We are effective negotiators and excel at drafting clear and concise contracts in plain English. We dispense straight, informed advice efficiently and with a sense of passion for what we do.
Our company was founded by Dean Marsh, a very experienced solicitor, with excellent contacts in the creative industries. For a list of Dean's present/past clients, please click here. He made the decision to practise as a specialist consultant, (rather than solicitor), because of the advantages and flexibility it offers. It reduces the bureaucracy to clients, allows potential cost savings and better reflects the true nature of the role that we fulfil. That said, he remains on the roll of solicitors.
We provide transparency on fees and generally offer a lower rate than law firms. This is because our ethos is to endeavour to keep our clients’ dealings simple and fair to avoid unnecessary costly negotiations or disputes.
We are all for providing clients with a set of easy to understand precedent templates for them to use themselves going forward, so as to avoid unnecessary recurring fees.
We charge a fee for our services but, unlike law firms, we are permitted to charge for deal procurement and/or based on the successful negotiation by us of improvements to the commercial terms on offer. We are also able to engage in patronage and invest our time in clients in return for equity, or profit participation.
We will try to tailor our fees to your budget and can agree fees in advance, or we can offer payment by retainer for clients that use us on an ongoing basis, as their external business and legal affairs department.
We can sit as executive directors for clients and act as company secretaries for them.
We offer reliable, safe and practical solutions using the our commercial expertise, the law, and an in-depth knowledge of the industries in which we work to allow you to unlock the commercial potential of creativity across all platforms.
“Things started to go a bit crazy after we were nominated for Best Song at The Ivors. Having Dean on board provided much needed support. CL & B introduced us to our publishing company, Notting Hill, and got us a great deal. ” N Hemming & C Hardy - The Leisure Society
“It's been invaluable to have the experience of Dean Marsh to call on whilst getting this project in place.” Sue Wincott - Manager, Imperial Leisure
“We're very happy with the service provided by Dean Marsh and Creative Law & Business. They really understand the music industry and, in particular, all dance genres including drum n' bass in which we mainly work. ” Scott Bourne & Andy C - Ram Records Ltd
“It was a pleasure working with CL&B. They carried out an excellent job negotiating Kirsty Almeida's agreement with Decca, obtained many improvements on the commercial terms and we're very happy with the result” Mark Denby, Manager – Kirsty Almeida
“Things started to go a bit crazy after we were nominated for Best Song at The Ivors. Having Dean on board provided much needed support. CL & B introduced us to our publishing company, Notting Hill, and got us a great deal.” N Hemming & C Hardy - The Leisure Society
“Creative Law & Business provides a fast, quality and efficient service taking into account an independent record label’s budget in a rapidly changing music industry” CR2 Records
“Creative Law & Business have not only provided me with sound advice concerning my independent film, Elevator Gods, but also have introduced me to potential funders, talent and producers. I'll certainly be using them again” Pete Hunt - Elevator Gods
“Since meeting Dean, we have had the benefit of his enthusiasm, professionalism and general good humour. He's known as one of the good guys, and we hope to keep working with him for years to come.” James de Malplaquet – The Miserable Rich
“Dean Marsh was a fantastic ally in our latest record deal ensuring not only the fairest deal for my artist but also the safest for them. We will definitely be using Dean and All at Creative Law for our legal issues” Matt Stuart - Gung-Ho! Management
“Dean has been with us since the beginning and we've been going for over 12 years now. If anyone knows the ins and outs of running an independent label then it’s him.” JC Reid – MD Skint Records
“I was recommended Dean Marsh 3-4 years ago and can honestly say, I was so pleased with the working relationship. Dean always achieved, that I will always pick up the phone to him, with that said, I am looking forward to acquiring Dean's services in the near future.” Leon Jean-Marie
“Dean has supported me through thick and thin and is always there on hand for advice and manages to explain the intricacies in all aspects of life; from divorces, to art to music and business. p.s Ask him to say Prawns.” Fi Jones - Designer/Stylist - Mrs Jones
“Creative Law & Business are different. They're informal and fun to work with but provide a very professional and efficient service. They are also well versed in digital media and marketing, and in our field of business which is online gaming” Gavin Grimes – MD, McBoom
“We are pleased that we chose CL & B to advise us on the soundtrack deal with Universal. They were efficient and knowlegeable, and are an excellent value for money service. We look forward to working with them again” F Dwyer & A Posey, Co-Producers, An Education