West End firm Hamlins has enhanced its media offering with the recruitment of BBC lawyer Julian Ward, who after a decade in-house, will join the firm’s media and entertainment practice as a partner.
Ward has served as head of the business and legal affairs for the BBC’s digital retail division since 2013, and was responsible for BBC Worldwide’s (BBCW’s) global digital retail offering, including the recently-launched BBC Store and its digital publishing division, websites, social media, apps and BBC shop. Ward was also responsible for ensuring legal and compliance on all aspects of BBCW’s digital offerings.
Trained at Addleshaw Goddard, he joined the broadcasting giant in 2012 from software company Codemasters where he served as general counsel and director for legal and business affairs.
Ward now acts for a wide range of clients in the digital space, including clients in the digital, entertainment and media industry to tech start-ups.
Ward’s arrival follows that of high-profile sports litigator, Mark Gay, who joined the firm from Burges Salmon in June to launch its dedicated sports practice.
On Ward’s appointment, Hamlins managing partner Nigel Mason said: ‘The firm is working on building its core strengths while adding new areas of expertise that are complementary. Julian fits into this perfectly with his unrivalled understanding of how to execute digital activity effectively and commercially. The firm will benefit greatly from Julian’s expertise with a variety of clients ranging from some of the biggest names in the digital, entertainment and media industry to tech start-ups.’
Ward added: ‘I am really excited to be joining a firm with such an established and successful reputation in the media world. The firm has a high calibre and varied client base.’
sarah.downey@legalease.co.uk