The ‘first port of call for any defamation, privacy or data protection matter’, 5RB 's members represent high-profile clients on leading cases in the practice area. In Johnny Depp v News Group Newspapers, Adam Wolanski QC and Clara Hamer were part of the team that successfully defended NGN; Depp was refused permission to appeal by the Court of Appeal. Justin Rushbrooke QC and Jane Phillips acted for the claimant in Duchess of Sussex v Associated Newspapers, obtaining summary judgment against the Associated Newspapers for its misuse of a letter the Duchess sent to her father. In WM Morrison Supermarkets plc v Various Claimants, Jonathan Barnes QC represented the claimants before the Supreme Court appeal concerning the laws governing data protection and vicarious liability in the event of a mass data breach. In addition, Adrienne Page QC represented the claimant in the trial of liability and the continuing defamation case Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd & Evening Standard Ltd, which went to the Supreme Court in 2019 on the definition of "serious harm".
Defamation and privacy in London Bar
5RB
Testimonials
Set
‘5RB is at the top of the media law bar. They are highly specialised, and always have counsel available.’
‘5RB is excellent. Amazing strength in depth. Without doubt the go-to set for defamation and privacy work but also for any case in the media and communications list.’
‘Definitely, the leading media and communications set. Just miles above the others. ‘
‘Unquestionably the top defamation set .’
‘5RB is a fantastic set with some of the finest legal minds. They are at the forefront of the industry and continue to impress across all areas.’
Clerking
‘The 5RB clerks are absolutely stellar – responsive, friendly, knowledgeable. ‘
‘Very strong. Andrew Love, Jamie Clack, Georgina Gills and Olivia Smith are all brilliant.’
‘Antony Braeger is very attentive and quick to respond.’
‘Andrew Love is the best head clerk that I have ever come across. Jamie Clack and Antony Braeger are very effective and the whole team is efficient and their speed of response is second to none.’
‘The clerks at 5RB are commercially minded, attentive, and never fail to deliver an excellent service.’
Matrix Chambers
A high-powered set featuring several prominent market leaders, the barristers at Matrix Chambers advise A-list celebrities, broadcasters, and major news publications involved in high-profile defamation, privacy, harassment, and data protection matters. In Vardy v Rooney, Hugh Tomlinson QC successfully led Sara Mansoori for Rebekah Vardy, wife of 2019-20 Premier League Golden Boot winner Jamie, in the first stage of libel claim stemming from Twitter and Instagram posts by Coleen Rooney, wife of former Manchester United striker Wayne, accusing her of leaking fake social media posts to The Sun. They were opposed by Antony White QC, known for his work in Lloyd v Google LLC, a group litigation order case against the tech giant surrounding its behavioural advertising cookie placement. Lorna Skinner QC and Catrin Evans QC respectively represented the claimant and defendant in Duchess of Sussex & Archie Mountbatten-Windsor v Splash News & Picture Agency LLC, a dispute which settled concerning telephoto lens photography in a park in Canada – the litigation was against the backdrop of the defendant’s administration.
Testimonials
Set
‘Very professional set. A well-oiled machine.’
‘It’s a very strong set at all levels, and also good at encouraging a team ethos so work gets done and recognised effectively whether by solicitors or counsel. It’s good at cutting-edge law.’
‘All barristers that I have instructed at Matrix Chambers have always been excellent.’
‘Matrix are No.1 in defamation, privacy, data protection, misuse of confidential information, and all media law issues. There are so many expert practitioners to choose from, which means that if your first choice is not available, there are others who can accept instructions.’
‘Matrix have an excellent media practice. Some of the top silks in defamation and privacy law and particularly strong on data protection issues.’
Clerking
‘Their clerking is better than any other set I work with.’
‘The clerks are generally a pleasure to deal with: responsive, professional, and experienced.’
‘The clerking is second to none.’
‘The clerking team at Matrix has always been excellent, with great responsiveness and prompt clear updates on fees.’
11KBW
With a ‘worthy reputation for housing data protection and defamation specialists’, 11KBW's members advise major tech giants, media outlets, and private individuals on defamation, privacy, and data protection matters. David Glen is currently acting for the defendant in Shahbaz Sharif v Associated Newspapers Limited, in respect of a Mail on Sunday article which reported on a police investigation into allegations of fraud and embezzlement in Pakistan by the former Chief Minister of Lahore. In Whyte v CBS, Anya Proops QC is acting for the publisher, defending a claim by heavyweight boxer Dillian Whyte in connection with the publication of news articles reporting he had tested positive for banned substances. Hannah Ready acted for the defendant in Baltaci v Refinitiv Limited, which surrounded the claimant’s inclusion in a high-profile database of high-risk individuals used globally by financial institutions.
Testimonials
Set
‘Worthy reputation for housing data protection and defamation specialists.’
‘From its information law origins, its media practice has expanded to cover a broader range of cases, with many of them being very high profile. They are now one of the go-to sets for defamation and privacy cases and their offering of talent is practically second to none.’
Clerking
‘From an instructing solicitor’s perspective, the clerks are the glue that keeps the set running so efficiently. Mark Dann is joint senior clerk and is a complete dream to work with. Martin Pownall is also excellent.’
‘The set is well-clerked. Mark Dann and Martin Pownall are a delight to work with.’
‘Good communication.’
‘Responsive and reliable.’
Doughty Street Chambers
‘A small but very strong selection of defamation and privacy practitioners’, members of Doughty Street Chambers advises media organisations, investigative journalists, and high-net-worth individuals involved in defamation, privacy, and data protection matters. Heather Rogers QC is currently acting with Jonathan Price for the defendants in Barclay v Barclay & another, a privacy claim stemming from allegations of surreptitious recordings made by members of billionaire Sir Frederick Barclay’s family of each other. Mark Henderson represented the former leader of the Labour Party in Millett v Corbyn, a Court of Appeal case concerning allegations that the claimant was one of a number of “Zionists” who had been “very, very abusive” to the Palestinian diplomatic representative in London. In Re Al Maktoum, a matter concerning family proceedings involving the current Ruler of Dubai, Sarah Palin successfully acted solo for the media and got the president of the Family Division to lift reporting restrictions and release his judgments.
Testimonials
Set
‘Exceptional all-round set which handles many areas of law to the highest standards. Exceptionally good barristers, both juniors and silks. Strength and depth at all levels and all areas of practice.’
‘Doughty Street are a really good set with a small but effective media team.’
‘They have a decent throng of media barristers, especially given the 5RB market dominance.’
Clerking
‘Melvyn Warner is an excellent clerk in the civil team. Very calm and efficient.’
‘Melvin Warner is one of the best (if not the best) media litigation clerks around. Has seriously upped Doughty Street chambers’ game in the media field.’
‘Melvin Warner is a great clerk to the media team. Lots of experience in this area.’
‘Melvin Warner is simply first-class.’