Razwana Akram

Joint Head of Department
Partner
Media

+44 20 3206 2721
Email Razwana
razwana.akram@smb.london

Razwana is a partner in the Media, Art and Commercial & Finance teams – jointly heading up the Media team’s Film & TV practice group with Nick Miller.

She is a commercial lawyer with an established reputation for providing practical and commercial advice on both creative and finance projects and has specialist experience in intellectual property law and secured lending. Her clients include those in the Film and TV industries, Art world, institutional lenders, public bodies, and high net worth investors both in the UK and internationally. She regularly advises on cross-border transactions, for UK/US related projects and in a number of emerging markets.

Razwana has also substantial in house experience having worked at Universal Pictures and also has first-hand industry experience in the production of documentary films. She is recognized by her clients for “that rare ability to combine an outstanding depth of knowledge of the legal intricacies of film finance with a practical and commercial view on what our requirements might be from an investment perspective.” She is a Board adviser to a number of international charities and philanthropic organisations.

  • “Razwana Akram, who heads the media finance team, is a commercially- focused lawyer, able to quickly get to the heart of any issue and provide tailored solutions.”

    Legal 500, 2022
  • “She’s pragmatic and responsive, with a strong understanding of the film and TV sector.”

    Legal 500, 2022
  • “I would definitely list Simon Goldberg and Razwana Akram, representing exceptional knowledge in the film industry and film finance.”

    Legal 500, 2022
  • “Razwana is an exemplary lawyer. She marries an acute legal mind that grasps the big picture as well as the fine detail with excellent knowledge of trends and precedents within the wider industry.”

     

     

    Chambers and Partners, 2024
  • “Razwana is fantastic.”

    Chambers and Partners, 2024