Who? Lawrence Abramson, managing partner and litigation specialist at media and entertainment firm Harbottle & Lewis in London.

Why is he in the news? Represents Gary Brooker and his publishing company Onward Music, in an action brought against them by Matthew Fisher, former organist in the British rock group Procol Harum. Mr Fisher is claiming a share in the copyright in the classic 1967 hit 'Whiter Shade Of Pale', which has sold ten million copies worldwide. According to his barrister, Mr Fisher did not bring his claim until now because he was unaware of his legal entitlement. His claim centres principally on the distinctive organ solo which appears at the start of the song and in between verses. The case is being heard by Mr Justice Blackburne in the Chancery Division of the High Court and is expected to last a week.


Background: Mr Abramson joined Harbottle & Lewis in 1996 from Denton Hall (as was), becoming a partner in 1998 and the firm's managing partner in 2005. 


Route to the case: Harbottle & Lewis have acted for Onward Music and other companies in the Bucks Music Group for many years. 


Thoughts on the case: 'This was obviously an important case for Gary, his co-writer, Keith Reid, as well as for Onward Music. It is never easy to piece together what did and did not happen 40 years ago... the claimant is being represented under a conditional fee agreement which always brings a different dimension to a case and so the stakes are quite high. But, at the end of the day, Gary and Keith are adamant that they were the only parties who wrote the song, and that is something that they are understandably not prepared to compromise on under any circumstances.'


Dealing with the media: 'We undertake a lot of high-profile cases and are used to dealing with the media. Our experience is if you are honest and open, they will usually treat you fairly in return.'