A new foundation established in memory of renowned fashion lawyer Hugh Devlin is set to provide free legal and financial advice to emerging creatives across the UK, helping them navigate the commercial challenges that often accompany careers in fashion, beauty, art and design.
The Hugh Devlin Foundation has been created to continue the work Devlin became known for throughout his career: supporting creative talent not only as one of the industry’s most respected legal advisers but also as a trusted mentor who regularly gave his time and expertise without charge.
Backed by leading figures including Charlotte Tilbury, Sam McKnight, Anya Hindmarch, Christopher and Tammy Kane, and product designer Edward Barber, the foundation aims to ensure that talented individuals and small creative businesses have access to specialist advice at moments when they need it most.
For many independent designers, artists and entrepreneurs, obtaining specialist legal advice can be prohibitively expensive. Yet early decisions about contracts, intellectual property, employment and commercial partnerships often have long-term consequences for a creative business.
The foundation has been established to address this gap by connecting eligible applicants with experienced lawyers and accountants who will provide professional advice on a pro bono basis. Support will be available to UK-based creatives facing legal or financial challenges who may otherwise struggle to access expert guidance.
According to the foundation, emerging creatives are particularly vulnerable to unfair contracts, unpaid work, intellectual property disputes and commercial arrangements that fail to recognise the true value of their work. By offering access to experienced professionals before problems escalate, the initiative hopes to help founders make informed decisions and protect both their businesses and creative output.
Hugh Devlin built an international reputation advising some of the world’s leading luxury brands and creative businesses. As a partner at Withers Worldwide and later through his own consultancy, Delightfull, he became widely respected for combining legal expertise with a deep understanding of the creative industries.
While representing major clients commercially, Devlin was equally committed to supporting emerging talent. Many designers, founders and artists sought his advice during critical moments in their careers, often receiving guidance free of charge. His ability to explain complex legal issues in practical terms, while understanding the commercial realities of running a creative business, made him an invaluable adviser to generations of entrepreneurs.
The foundation’s volunteer advisers believe that intellectual property remains one of the most important-and frequently misunderstood-assets for creative businesses. A designer’s brand, original work and reputation are often their greatest commercial strengths, yet many founders enter agreements without fully understanding the long-term implications of assigning ownership rights or accepting restrictive contractual terms.
Lawyers supporting the initiative also point to the increasing complexity of modern creative businesses, where wholesale, e-commerce, licensing, collaborations and international partnerships require specialist legal knowledge. While technology and AI tools can help explain legal concepts or summarise documents, they argue that significant commercial decisions still require advice tailored to an individual’s specific circumstances and business objectives.
The foundation’s model allows advisers to spend time understanding each applicant’s wider ambitions rather than simply responding to an isolated legal issue, helping creatives develop stronger businesses for the future.
The Hugh Devlin Foundation has attracted support from a growing network of legal and financial professionals, including lawyers from firms such as Withers, Sheridans, Mishcon de Reya and Wedlake Bell, alongside accountants from WTBM and Hilton Consulting. Their expertise will be offered on a voluntary basis, continuing the spirit of service that defined Devlin’s career.
Applications will open to UK-based creatives working in fashion, beauty, art and design. Successful applicants will be matched with advisers whose expertise aligns with their individual needs and will receive free professional support for an agreed period.
By bringing together experienced professionals and leading figures from the creative industries, the Hugh Devlin Foundation seeks to preserve the legacy of a lawyer who believed that creative talent deserves both protection and opportunity. In doing so, it hopes to empower the next generation of artists, designers and entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses while safeguarding the value of their ideas.
For more information visit the Hugh Devlin Foundation website www.hughdevlinfoundation.org
