Rupert Earle > Bates Wells > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Bates Wells has experience working for major newspaper publishers, charities, student unions and faith-based broadcasters on matters relating to harassment, moral rights, unfair commercial practices and data protection, with a particular emphasis on matters involving social media. Rupert Earle  acts as head of media disputes, with a strong track record acting for major institutions, household name brands and famous individuals. Alex de Jongh is particularly experienced in advising campaigning groups on defamation matters.

With a niche specialisation in advising charities and not-for-profit organisations, Bates Wells has particular strength in advising public sector bodies and political organisations on complex privacy issues. The team is now led by Eleonor Duhs, formerly at  Fieldfisher. Duhs’ practice focuses on GDPR compliance matters and has significant government experience, where she worked on the UK’s negotiations on the GDPR. Also in the core team are Rupert Earle and associate Hannah Lyons; Earle handles media and regulatory issues, while Lyons specialises in charity sector-related data protection issues.

Bates Wells has a full-service TMT offering and advises on commercial contracts, data privacy, M&A, immigration issues and employment matters. The practice is particularly adept at matters relating to gig economy, outsourcing and media. Team head Richard Marke acts for IT clients in technology product acquisitions while Rupert Earle leads the media litigation work. Paul Jennings handles employment and partnership issues within the sector.

Bates Wells receives regular instructions from large and acclaimed theatres, performance companies and venues, such as the English National Opera, Royal Albert Hall and Shakespeare’s Globe, as well as foundations established by high-profile media personalities and brands. Culture and creative head Erica Crump handles branding, commercial, governance and IP issues for a range of performance and cultural organisations. Also adept in the publishing sphere, Crump co-heads the practice alongside advertising and marketing veteran Rupert Earle.

Bates Wells handles a broad range of mandates including promotions, direct marketing and prize draws, with a particular focus on work for the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The practice is jointly led by Rupert Earle  and Erica Crump; with Earle having deep knowledge of regulatory issues concerning ASA, and Crump handling all matters faced by cultural and performance organisations.