As head of our advertising law team, Dan Smith helps clients to:

push creative boundaries, while managing legal and reputational risk
implement clearance programs which allow them to make the most of digital media
maximise the benefits of sponsorship and endorsement agreements
conclude media, IP and agency agreements with the minimum of fuss
resolve advertising disputes and regulatory investigations quickly, commercially and in a way which limits brand damage
challenge competitor marketing to protect market share
Compliance and contracts are often seen as an obstacle to creativity in media, advertising and sponsorship. Dan uses years of experience working with media owners, rights-holders, agencies and some of the world's biggest brands, to help smooth the process, shaping deals and clearing materials so that they meet creative and commercial objectives, while minimising risk.

Dan's in-depth knowledge of the industry and his ability to provide clear, no nonsense recommendations, within even the tightest creative or print deadlines, make him the person to call with any advertising, marketing, sponsorship or media query.

It's been a huge privilege for me over my 25 years at the firm to work with great people on some brilliant creative work, far too many to list here. I've also been lucky enough to work on projects close to my heart outside of work including the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, Premier League football, cricket, darts and the Glastonbury Festival.
Recognition

"Dan Smith is an absolute specialist in advertising law, a real expert in the area"
Chambers 2024

Dan is one of the six experts ranked as a Leading Individual for Media & Entertainment
Advertising & Marketing in Legal 500 2024

Highlights

Watching the Mayor of London holding aloft the host city contract I advised on, at the moment London was awarded the 2012 Olympic Games
Advising on the organisation of my favourite festival (even if it meant turning up on the farm in a suit)
Helping Oxfam to successfully defend complaints about its climate change advertising
The day I spent advising on gravy advertising and darts sponsorship (which felt closer to my roots than anything I've done before or since).