±±¾©Èü³µpk10

1. Roger Alexander, senior partner, Lewis Silkin

The doyen of UK advertising lawyers with more than 30 years' experience.

Clever, very popular with clients and commanding enormous respect for

his corporate and employment work. Acts for a raft of companies in the

sector, including some of the largest agency groups, and advises

industry bodies.

2. Stephen Groom, partner, Osbourne Clarke

A major reason for the increasing profile of the law firm, particularly

for its advice on new-media, digital and internet issues. "Always

impressive" and "a good guy for the difficult campaign or cutting-edge

stuff" clients say.

3. Brindsley Dresden, head of advertising law, Lewis Silkin

Rising reputation in pure advertising underlined by his appointment to

write the standard below-the-line agency contract for sales promotion

and direct marketing activities in conjunction with industry bodies. A

frequent adviser on making and defending complaints to the Independent

Television Commission and the Advertising Standards Authority. Combines

a relaxed manner with active interest.

4. Charles Swan, partner, The Simkins Partnership

Former director of consumer affairs at the Office of Fair Trading. Has

an extensive network of contacts within regulatory bodies and trade

associations. Highly regarded among fellow solicitors and clients for

his consistently sound advice and for his tailored and specific

service.

5. Vanessa Hall-Smith, partner, Harrison Curtis A rising star who dealt

a blow to The Simkins Partnership when she jumped ship. Her clients

agree she is easy to get along with and accessible. Can be expected to

significantly enhance the reputation of the specialist firm.

6. Jeremy Courtenay-Stamp, head of commercial section, MacFarlenes

A good operator with an outstanding corporate reputation. Respected for

his understanding of the business and for speaking plain English. He

successfully defended Comet against the ASA and ITC rulings on a price

claim dispute with Currys. Courtenay-Stamp acts for five of the top 20

UK agencies.

7. Rupert Earle, partner, Theodore Goddard

Successfully acted for the ASA in defence of the judicicial review

proceedings brought by SmithKline Beecham over advertising claims for

Ribena Toothkind. A key player in Theodore Goddard's efforts to alter

perceptions that it lacks a heavy-hitting advertising specialist.

8. Guilherme Brafman, managing partner, Kat Scholer

Although the US-based law firm he joined in February this year has yet

to establish a reputation in the UK, Brafman is highly rated for his

corporate work. He advises on all aspects of advertising with the buying

and selling of agencies a speciality.

9. Robert Wegenek, partner, Hammonds Studdards Edge

Acclaimed as the supreme client handler at the law firm best known as

the corporate advisor to WPP. Rated for his pragmatism and understanding

of the business and has worked closely with J. Walter Thompson and

MindShare on their contracts with Boots.

10. Julian Pike, partner at Farrer & Co

Saint Pike is ±±¾©Èü³µpk10's lawyer. Let's just say that the editorial

bravery of your essential weekly read sends us in his direction quite

often. Luckily, he's a damn fine practitioner and a great laugh.