Barristers operating in the music arena are an elite few, with Gordon Pollock QC, head of chambers at magic circle commercial set Essex Court, top of the tree. His presence in the courtroom is often more notable than the clients. Blackstone Chambers continues to be the benchmark for entertainment work with leading silks Robert Englehart QC, Ian Mill QC and leading senior juniors Robert Howe and Pushpinder Saini. Essex Court Chambers has Pollock, senior junior Richard Millett and Vernon Flynn, while 5 Raymond Buildings has Patrick Milmo QC and senior junior Stephen Bate. Andrew Sutcliffe is 3 Verulam Buildings' leading senior junior.
Fees are often dependent on a combination of the notoriety and ability of barristers.
It's a run of the mill game. But Pollock's fees would deter many, including Charland. The skills of a music lawyer are generally no different to those of a general commercial practitioner, although Charland thinks that much more is required than an interest and a reputation. It is clear that the future of music is dependent on the digital revolution. Traditionally, the musician has shared the artist's view that to base their commercial livelihood on their chosen career is precarious.