Lewis Silkin today announces the appointment of Neil Parkes as a partner in the firm’s growing Dispute Resolution practice.

Neil joins Lewis Silkin as a commercial disputes expert, with a particular focus on the Media & Entertainment and Technology sectors, further strengthening the firm’s capabilities in these rapidly evolving and increasingly litigious industries. In addition to a strong general commercial practice, Neil has particular expertise in contentious IP matters such as anti-piracy enforcement to protect music and broadcasting rights, and has a track record of developing and implementing innovative IP enforcement strategies in the digital media space.

With more than 20 years’ experience of working as a disputes lawyer, Neil has litigated high-profile cases before the High Court and Appellate Courts and has also led arbitration proceedings. He joins Lewis Silkin from Foot Anstey, where he was a partner. Prior to this, he held roles as Acting Head Counsel at Sky, partner at Wiggin LLP and General Counsel at the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).

Neil’s addition to the Lewis Silkin team follows a trio of partner hires in January, with fellow IP litigation partner Antony Craggs joining the firm in London as well as Geraint Tilsley as a corporate partner in Cardiff and David Swain as Head of IP in Hong Kong.

Mark Lim, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Lewis Silkin, said:

“Neil’s appointment further swells the ranks of our innovative Dispute Resolution practice.  He brings with him expertise that will prove invaluable amid rising client demand for specialist support with a range of general commercial disputes and IP litigation, notably in the digital media space. Neil joins a formidable team of dispute resolution lawyers covering all manner of commercial disputes ensuring we are ideally placed to litigate across the full spectrum of IP rights. We look forward to working with him and are confident he will prove a tremendous resource for clients.”

Neil Parkes, Partner at Lewis Silkin, commented:

“Lewis Silkin has an excellent reputation and is especially renowned in the areas my practice is focused on, so I’m looking forward to working with this successful and talented team. The disruptive and innovative nature of digital media and tech can naturally lead to disputes and I’m excited to getting work underway on securing the very best results for Lewis Silkin clients.”

Neil’s appointment makes him the 15th partner in Lewis Silkin’s Dispute Resolution practice, which has continued to evolve over the past year in line with changing client demand, notably with the launch of LS Unlock, a new offering designed to help individuals and businesses pursue claims by removing or reducing the cost risk of litigation.