key people
CMLG is a specialist practice group within Cornwall Street
Chambers of Birmingham.
The ‘Key People’ of CMLG take pride in their depth of knowledge
and ability to satisfy client needs.
CMLG benefits from the resources of other specialist practice
groups within Cornwall Street Chambers. In the event of ancillary
matters arising we have a wealth of expertise to utilise.
(Click the pictures to the left for more information)
Bruce Drummond
LL.M (New York), Barrister
Bruce has a wealth of experience in the music industry both as a musician in his
early days and latterly as a lawyer. He has developed a multi-jurisdictional
practice and has extensive experience in media and entertainment law.
After practising as a barrister in Birmingham for ten years, he left the UK in 2001 to
become head of litigation for a firm in the Caribbean, specialising in off-shore
litigation and asset protection. In a natural progression from this, from 2003 he
practised as an Assistant Attorney with Fitzmaurice and Seigel in New York and
Connecticut.
Having recently been awarded a Master’s Degree in Media Law from Pace
University in New York, Bruce returned to the UK to develop his practice in this
specialist area.
Robert Askey
Robert has a wealth of experience in the law, having practised for 10 years as a
commercial solicitor before transferring to the Bar in 1998. He has worked in the
Office of the Information Commissioner and has conducted a number of cases in
the fields of privacy law and data protection. He wrote his thesis on the copyright
protection of computer software and retains a keen interest in copyright and
intellectual property matters. He is keen to develop his practice in these areas.
Robert also practises libel and is currently involved in one such case involving a
noted European Politician. Robert has a passion for film and alongside his
practice in the law is currently writing a screenplay for a film.
Based upon his experience as a solicitor and his practice at the Bar, he is acutely
aware of the commercial realities associated with the entertainment industry and
always endeavours to deliver a highly cost-effective solution. Like other members
of CMLG, he is able to accept instructions through either the traditional channels
or directly without a solicitor being involved.
Nick Tarbitt
LL.B (Hons), Barrister
Nick has 20 years’ experience of civil litigation, primarily involving claims arising
from personal injury and disease. In the early 1990s, he began managing
bands and, until recently, co-owned and ran an independent record label whose
artists enjoyed significant critical acclaim, both in the UK and abroad. Highlights
included having 5 tracks in one of the late John Peel’s Festive 50s, and the label
being described on air by the great man himself as ‘majestic’. Nick was A&R
Director and played a significant role in contract and licensing negotiations.
Through CMLG, Nick can now indulge his passion for both music and law. He is
available to accept instructions from artists, bands and labels, either through
traditional channels or, in appropriate cases, directly.
Jamie McCracken
LL.M (London) , Barrister
Jamie brings a common sense and business-minded approach to potentially
complicated legal issues. He has a wide range of commercial experience
including contractual matters, shareholder and partnership disputes, bankruptcy
and insolvency. Jamie's specific interest and expertise in taxation and
employment matters are likely to be of particular value to clients in the media
and entertainment fields.
Like other members of CMLG, Jamie is qualified to accept instructions directly
from the public or corporate clients in appropriate cases.
Owain Phelps
LL.B (Hons)
Owain graduated from the School of Legal Studies at the University of
Wolverhampton in 2007. Having spent a number of years prior to his degree
studies working with solicitors in criminal defence and personal injury, he decided
to focus on the business and administration side of running a successful barristers
chambers. Upon graduation he became the group manager of the CMLG.
Owain has a unique ability of being able to combine a personable and friendly
approach with professionalism and smart organisation.
He has a keen interest in music and the music industry and will easily identify your
issues and be able to refer you to the appropriate barrister.
