Latest Project Demonstrates Law Firm’s Expertise In The Media & Entertainment Sector

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have advised scriptwriters at ITV on the latest dramatic storyline for Coronation Street.

Irwin Mitchell has been working with Coronation Street researchers for four years and the firm continues to provide advice to ensure proposed storylines are legally accurate.

As part of the agreement, specialists from the firm’s Criminal, Regulatory and Investigations Group, use their expertise, particularly in the Criminal Justice System, to answer questions and advise on the accuracy or otherwise of many legal aspects of a storyline. This ranges from the language ordinarily used by lawyers in the Criminal Courts to advice on the likely sentence a character would receive for committing a particular offence.

By way of a recent example, the team of specialists advised on the storyline which saw Blake Myers plead guilty to attempted murder and preparation of terrorist acts. Advice centred around the Court procedure and the likely sentence that would be imposed.

The advice offered predominantly relates to criminal offence storylines; however, the team’s input is not limited to this extent. The experts within the team also have significant technical knowledge and experience of inquests and regulatory work, including professional discipline and investigations by professional bodies other than the Police, such as the Financial Conduct Authority, HMRC and the Health and Safety Executive.

Jack Deslandes from ITV said: “The team provides timely written advice as and when required, which can be followed up by a discussion to answer any queries if required. The advice and recommendations that the team have provided to date is very helpful and thorough and we are delighted to continue working with them”.

Kathryn Pitters, Associate Solicitor Advocate, has more than 10 years of experience practicing as a barrister in the Criminal Courts and being instructed by individuals and companies to act as their solicitor. Kathryn is able to use this first-hand experience to provide well-rounded and comprehensive advice on a range of legal issues.

Expert Opinion

“We are delighted to be able to offer our expertise to such a great show which is watched by millions each week and covers such a diverse range of issues. As a full-service law firm, Irwin Mitchell can advise on scripts and storylines which require legal input across a wide range of personal, financial and business-related issues”. Kathryn Pitters, Associate Solicitor Advocate at Irwin Mitchell

In 2020, lawyers from the family law and public law teams advised on a major plot line involving Leanne Battersby and Steve McDonald who were told by doctors their son Oliver had been diagnosed with mitochondrial disease and may never be able to breathe unaided again.

Irwin Mitchell’s Media & Entertainment team provides legal advice to individuals and businesses across the music, TV, film, literary, gaming and digital media industries. The firm acts for international recording artists and song writers; record labels; influencers; TV & film production companies; and world renowned authors, designers, and photographers.

If you are a storyline researcher and would like to discuss these services further, please do not hesitate to contact Kathryn Pitters on 0370 1500 100 or at Kathryn.Pitters@IrwinMitchell.com