Simon McCulloch

Career changer and first-class LLB (Hons) graduate with 15 years' commercial experience as an artist manager and A&R consultant in the music industry. Skilled in contract negotiation, client relationship management and cross-team project delivery, with recent legal work experience at a specialist London law firm and judicial shadowing at the High Court. Combines strong academic and analytical ability with proven commercial acumen and client-facing skill.

Landscaper at Wilson Lloyd Garden Builders (2023-08 – Present)

Site management, procurement and construction for bespoke, high-specification gardens, working alongside renowned British designers for private clients across London.

Work Experience at Bray & Krais Solicitors (2025-09 – Present)

Invited by this entertainment, media and sport specialist firm to work across its music, corporate, brand, sport and disputes departments, gaining broad exposure to commercial and contentious practice areas.

• Completed contract drafting and analysis exercises, and applied legal principles to commercial scenarios under fee-earner supervision.
• Delivered a 15-minute presentation to the firm's partners on a current legal industry issue, and briefed all staff at the weekly meeting on developments across the sector.

Court Marshalling at The Royal Courts of Justice (2025-10 – Present)

Shadowed The Honourable Mrs Justice Hill DBE KC across multiple cases, observing courtroom procedure and case management.

• Discussed legal reasoning and case materials directly with the judge, gaining insight into judicial decision-making.

Artist Manager at Self-Employed (2017-11 – 2023-12)

Ran all aspects of artist management for a roster of independent clients, negotiating and structuring deals with labels, publishers, booking agents, lawyers, PRs and brands.

• Secured and negotiated major and independent record and publishing deals, including with Warner Records, AWAL Recordings, Warner-Chappell and Scruff of the Neck Records/Believe.
• Built clients' businesses from the ground up — streaming, physical D2C sales, touring and merchandise — consistently growing turnover and profit; managed budgeting, accounting and international travel logistics.

Consultant at Wolf Tone Records / Universal Music (2017-11 – 2020-07)

Consulted for a joint venture record label between producer Paul Epworth and Universal Music, supporting A&R and marketing for the label's artist roster to drive revenue for the company and commercial exposure for artists.

Producer Manager / Consultant at The Crypt Management (2016-11 – 2022-06)

Managed producers, mixers and engineers at this boutique management company based at The Church Studios, negotiating production deals and publishing splits with major and independent labels.

• Brought a new producer into the roster, generating six-figure revenue for the company, and secured brand partnerships with musical hardware and instrument companies.

A&R Consultant at Island Records / Universal Music (2015-11 – 2016-11)

Contributed to bi-weekly A&R meetings on new signings and international chart analysis; represented the label at live shows and industry showcases.

A&R Scout at Island Records / Universal Music (2010-07 – 2015-10)

Five years on the A&R team, scouting and signing artists against competing offers, including a top-20 second album and a top-3 UK single generating six-figure revenue.

• Negotiated remixes with legal and coordination teams, and managed budgeting and studio bookings; represented the label internationally at SXSW (Austin) and Reeperbahn (Germany).

Management Assistant & A&R Scout at Urok Management / Merok Records (2008-06 – 2010-09)

Supported day-to-day management on domestic and international album campaigns, including tour management, press/radio promotion and distribution.

LLB (Hons) in Bachelor of Laws – The Open University (2021-02 – 2024-06)

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design – University of the Arts London (2005-09 – 2006-06)

A-levels, AS-level, GCSEs – Westminster School (2000-09 – 2005-06)