Laurie has the perfect blend of legal and commercial experience. Prior to qualifying as a solicitor Laurie worked for ten years in the film and television sector, initially as a feature film production assistant, then as a freelance script editor working on both television drama and independent features.

As a lawyer Laurie has worked in the media and entertainment practices of city firms Richards Butler (now Reed Smith) and Charles Russell. She has also had experience of the coal face of film production, having worked as a production lawyer on a range of feature films. Through subsequent in-house roles at Matrix Film Finance and Ingenious Media, Laurie developed an expertise in media financing; in particular advising producers on the structuring of financing packages combining tax-efficient investments, local and national subsidies accessible under international co-production treaties, pre-sales and bank/gap financing.

Laurie’s clients include producers and distributors of audio-visual content, film and television financiers, satellite broadcasters, creative agencies, authors and authors’ estates, screen writers and directors, television presenters, musicians and composers.  Laurie holds a post-graduate qualification in international copyright and also advises corporate clients on general commercial issues.

Laurie is fluent in French and has acted at a consultant to a Paris-based law firm. She travels regularly to France for both work and pleasure. A regular and enthusiastic theatre-goer, Laurie also loves cinema, art and literature, fly fishing and gardening.

CONTACT DETAILS:

laurie.cooke@halebury.com

(M): +44 (0) 777 332 1356
(T):  +44 (0) 207 127 2500
(F):  +44 (0) 207 990 9200