Reputation management in London

Carter-Ruck

Working to the ‘very highest standards across the board’, the team at Carter-Ruck assists high-profile clients facing the publication of untrue or intrusive allegations in traditional media, TV, radio, and social media platforms. The team supports a number of political figures, celebrities, and multinational companies, working closely with clients’ in-house PR teams to advise them on the full range of political rights regarding defamation and privacy. ‘Master strategist’ Nigel Tait heads up the practice with a formidable record of securing front page apologies by major newspapers and injunctions on defamatory publications. Specialist media litigator Adam Tudor regularly handles complex pre-publication matters alongside senior associate Helena Shipman, while Persephone Bridgman Baker advises clients on the misuse of private information and harassment. Rebecca Toman expertly handles both claimant and defendant work for UHNWIs and HNWIs, and commercial litigator Claire Gill has considerable expertise with GDPR and the Right to be Forgotten. Senior associates Mathilde Groppo and Dominic Garner are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Tait

Other key lawyers:

Adam Tudor; Rebecca Toman; Claire Gill; Helena Shipman; Persephone Bridgman Baker; Mathilde Groppo; Alasdair Pepper; James Watkins; Dominic Garner

Testimonials

‘The team is absolutely amazing, very strong legal mind that supports the clients goals and objectives. They spend time with the client understanding any broader requirements that impact the commercial framework.’

‘Mathilde Groppo has a responsiveness to her clients, and a work ethic that is truly unparalleled. She combines an expert knowledge in defamation law with delivering at extreme speed. She manages to conduct herself professionally while still maintaining extreme empathy for her clients who are struggling due to serious defamation.’

‘Nigel Tait is a master strategist and canny negotiator, well able to take the flak his high profile clients generate. Adam Tudor is able to wring every last advantage out of cases and is excellent with the most demanding of clients. Helena Shipman is immensely hard-working – gets into the weeds of cases with real gusto. James Watkins offers details-hungry support. The number of outstanding persons mean that teams can be put together for all types of cases and most budgets.’

‘Carter-Ruck provides the most amazing support for its clients. The quality of its legal advice is second to none – it finds solutions for problems which both achieve the positive outcomes one seeks and does so in a cost-effective way.’

‘Nigel Tait and Persephone Bridgman Baker are excellent lawyers and extremely supportive advisers to clients, during periods when a client is most in need of wise counsel. They seek innovative solutions to problems, and support their clients at every stage. Quite simply – they are heroes in their field.’

‘Helena Shipman is hugely hardworking, Helena combines an impressive attention to detail with a very warm personality that clients appreciate. Helena and Dominic Garner are both clearly partner material.’

‘Simply the best in the business when it comes to reputation management. Quality throughout, know the sector, and deliver results every time.’

‘The media team work to the very highest standards across the board. They bring enormous experience to every matter and consider problems for all perspectives to obtain an advantage for their clients. The team is hugely experienced and while the firm is known mostly for their work for claimants, they have also excelled in cases acting for defendants.’

Key clients

Abdulhadi Mana Al-Hajri

Al-Khair Foundation and Imam Qasim

Rached Ghannouchi

Kate & Gerry McCann

Azeem Rafiq

Insanity Talent Management Limited

Al Jazeera Media Network

Marc Wadsworth

Ilian Stoimenov

Film director Taghi Amirani and film editor Walter Murch

Jane Cahane

Wafic Said

TF Global Markets (UK) Limited and Adil Siddiqui

Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Harbottle & Lewis LLP's 'top tier' practice advises clients on all aspects of reputation management including defamation, privacy, breach of confidence, data protection, and information law. The firm represents numerous UHNWIs and public figures seeking to protect their reputation and privacy on a global level. Practice co-head Gerrard Tyrrell draws on over 35 years' experience and a 'deep understanding of the media' to provide bespoke advice to senior members of the royal family, as well as foreign royalty and heads of state across multiple jurisdictions. Joint team lead John Kelly works with individuals across the entertainment and sports sectors, with a particular focus on current affairs TV programmes. Senior associates Louise Prince and Amy Bradbury are also recommended for their advisory services on privacy and data protection issues in relation to matters of reputation.

Practice head(s):

Gerrard Tyrrell; John Kelly

Other key lawyers:

Louise Prince; Amy Bradbury

Testimonials

‘A top tier reputation and privacy protection practice. Very sophisticated operators who add huge value in terms of strategy and practical know-how, over and above the purely legal stuff.’

‘Gerrard Tyrrell is a class act. He does not just deliver top notch legal advice, but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the media and the many and varied ways in which they seek to get away with unlawful conduct.’

‘John Kelly is one of London’s leading defamation and information litigators. And very client friendly with it.’

‘Gerrard Tyrrell is the best media lawyer in the UK. His knowledge is better than anyone else in this field. He has one other amazing quality, he always gets back to you within 40 minutes, ensuring that the client does not have to wait too long for advice.’

‘First rate. Highly regarded, go to firm.’

‘Excellent relations with in-house media lawyers and very adept at working quickly under deadline pressure. Deep experience working with VIPs and UHNWs.’

‘Excellent working relationships with the team. All a pleasure to work with, offer excellent advice and are able to see beyond purely legal perspectives. Gerrard Tyrrell also gave us some pro bono advice recently on a specific issue.’

‘Louise Prince: Superb under extremely tight deadlines.’

Key clients

All of the most senior members of The Royal Family, including HM The Queen; TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall; TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Former First Lady of the United States Melania Trump

Sir Richard Branson

David and Victoria Beckham

Kate Moss

Shane Warne

David Ross

Gordon Ramsay

Matthew Vaughn and Claudia Schiffer

Sir John Major

Iceland

Softbank (SBIA)

Universal

Pets at Home Limited

Work highlights

  • Representing a number of high profile victims of phone hacking who are pursuing claims against News Group Newspapers and Mirror Group Newspapers. Clients include Shane Warne, Sean Bean, Jane Epstein and Mike Hollingsworth.
  • Representing a ‘prime of prime’ brokerage business in pursuing a claim in malicious falsehood over false statements made by a competitor and its Head of Compliance.
  • Working closely with the firm’s private client and family team in order to protect private family matters on a global basis for the family and children of a number of very high profile individuals.

RPC

Described by clients as the ‘leading defendant media litigation practice in London', RPC's reputation management team includes specialists in defamation, privacy, and editorial advisory services. The firm acts for clients across all media sectors, from national newspapers to online influencers, as well as all of the primary media liability insurers. Practice head Keith Mathieson is notable for his extensive expertise advising publications on media content, and his focus on defending the freedom of expression in media. 'An asset to any case', Rupert Cowper-Coles regularly handles complex data disputes stemming from online publications alongside Alex Vakil who manages the Mirror Newspapers hacking litigation. Recently promoted partner Alex Wilson assists with both pre-publication injunctions and post-publication issues, working with a range of media publishers including major national and local newspapers.

Practice head(s):

Keith Mathieson

Other key lawyers:

Rupert Cowper-Coles; Alex Wilson; Alex Vakil; Samantha Thompson

Testimonials

‘The stand-out firm in the sector for defendant publishers facing reputation management/privacy claims. Unparalleled experience in the field and with a breadth and depth of knowledge across the team which cannot be beaten and which allows them to handle any type or size of media case with conviction.’

‘Keith Mathieson is a doyen in the field and remains the leading defendant-focused lawyer in the sector.’

‘RPC’s media team is second-to-none and hugely popular. The team offers a comprehensive service and can be relied upon to provide fast and reliable advice on all manner of media-related disputes. RPC’s media team has worked on some of the most complex and high-profile media law cases in recent years, and enjoys a well-deserved reputation for being a leader in this field.’

Rupert Cowper-Coles is an asset to any case. He is very hard-working, gets on top of the detail, and is brilliant with clients. Alex Wilson highly deserves his recent promotion to the partnership. He has an impressive practice and good judgement.’

‘Excellent individuals at all levels. Hard-working and harmonious team who clearly enjoy working together. Very professional service in terms of billing and technology.’

‘Samantha Thompson is a very good associate; diligent and perceptive and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Highly experienced in the area, with a can-do approach. We are always comfortable entrusting high value and large scale litigation to their effective and capable team.’

‘Leading defendant media litigation practice in London.’

Key clients

Associated Newspapers Limited

Times Newspapers Limited

News Group Newspapers Limited

Reach plc (Mirror Group Newspapers)

Bloomberg L.P.

The BBC

True Vision Productions Limited

Channel 4

Campaign Against Antisemitism

Società Editoriale Il Fatto (publisher of national Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidien)

Carole Cadwalladr

Work highlights

  • Acting for Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Mail on Sunday and MailOnline (amongst other titles), in the litigation brought by the Duchess of Sussex following publication of extracts of a letter she wrote her father shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.
  • Represented Bloomberg LP in respect of its appeal to the UK Supreme Court in Bloomberg LP v ZXC confirming the law in respect of privacy rights in investigations conducted by the state.
  • Acting for MGN Limited in the high-profile civil claims brought against it and its publications (Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and The People) relating to voicemail interception and other unlawful information gathering.

Schillings

The 'fantastic team of lawyers' at Schillings specialise in defamation and privacy litigation for high profile clients in the entertainment, technology, and finance sectors. Practice head Jenny Afia has considerable experience handling complex libel cases and led the Duchess of Sussex's case in the Court of Appeal in November 2021. The 'brilliant' Joelle Rich has expertise assisting private clients weather the storm of having their reputation damaged publicly, while Rachel Atkins is notable for her ability to secure front page apologies and leading the successful defamation claim for Sir James Dyson. Magnus Boyd handles breaches of confidence, copyright, and data protection cases, and discreet operator Rod Christie-Miller assists HNW families looking to remain under the radar. Expert commercial litigator Gillian Duffy regularly takes on major cross-jurisdictional cases and Ben Hobbs covers a range of reputation management issues including smear or hostile campaigns, cyber-attacks, and harassment.

Practice head(s):

Jenny Afia

Other key lawyers:

Rachel Atkins; Keith Schilling; Magnus Boyd; Rod Christie-Miller; Ben Hobbs; Gillian Duffy; Joelle Rich; Juliet Caragianis

Testimonials

‘A fantastic team of lawyers, who can be trusted to handle legally complex or potentially high profile matters. The solicitors draw on non-lawyer team members with IT, forensic and other skills where necessary, which is a value-added element to this firm.’

‘Joelle Rich is a brilliant lawyer with unbelievable dedication to her clients. She considers all the angles and comes up with great ideas. Jenny Afia leads from the front. She is wholly focused on achieving best possible outcomes for clients.’

‘Ben Hobbs is a really solid and conscientious solicitor. He will never let the client down and will strive for the right result. Rachel Atkins leads her team with panache and always able to cut to the chase. Gillian Duffy is a great lawyer, striving for her client but also great fun to work with.’

‘Strong client management skills, always available, excellent strategists.’

‘Schillings have been the pre-eminent firm for reputation management for many years. They are constantly updating and adapting to stay relevant and at the top of the table. Every single member of the firm is first rate.’

‘Schillings fields a first-rate team in the area of reputation management, with unique capabilities in its in-house technology team – if you’ve got to deal with sophisticated hackers or ransomware, they can turn on a dime and lend assistance immediately.’

‘As they deal primarily with reputation management and privacy issues, and some of their clients are high profile, they are very information-security minded and use cutting edge encrypted messaging systems to preserve privacy for clients, which is much appreciated. They have an intrinsic understanding of the type of clients that need their expertise.’

‘Ben Hobbs is an approachable partner who knows his area of law extremely well. He is responsive and gives pragmatic and sensible advice. Juliet Caragianis is an able associate and provides stellar support for Ben. She moves quickly to assimilate changing circumstances and information.’

Work highlights

  • Advised The Duchess of Sussex in her case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) resulting in a successful summary judgment application and in relation to the appeal of the summary judgment by ANL which was also successful.
  • Acted for Sir James Dyson in relation to false and defamatory reporting of his communications and relationship with the Prime Minister by the BBC and The Times.

Simons Muirhead Burton

As 'one of the best reputation management teams in the UK', Simons Muirhead Burton act for defendant publishers and broadcasters, including some of Europe's largest television production houses. Along with advising big names such as The Sun and The Mirror, the practice is also notable for its support for UK and US-based NGOs, journalist bodies, and trade unions. Practice head Jeffrey Smele specialises in criminal media law, regularly conducting internal investigations and representing journalists in response to police requests for material. Louis Charalambous has 'vast experience' assisting major broadcasters and national newspapers with complex emergency injunction applications, while managing partner and head of dispute resolution Razi Mireskandari leads on high-profile media litigation cases. Data protection expert and forensic solicitor Stephen Shotnes carries out pre-publication clearance work, and publishing disputes specialist Martin Soames draws on his experience as a commissioning editor to assist clients with highly contentious publications. Senior associate Emma Linch is also recommended for her work on contentious data protection media issues.

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Smele

Other key lawyers:

Louis Charalambous; Razi Mireskandari; Martin Soames; Stephen Shotnes; Emma Linch

Testimonials

‘Simons Muirhead Burton was originally a human rights firm, and freedom of speech and access to justice have always been part of their DNA. This differentiates them – they go that extra mile when acting for publishers to minimise damage and to protect journalists.’

‘Partners Martin Soames and Stephen Shotnes – former book editor and journalist respectively – add their in house expertise to deep legal knowledge offer a high level of service.’

‘Emma Linch is a rising star.’

‘Martin Soames is exceptionally good. He is responsive, calm, pragmatic and I have absolute confidence in his excellent judgement.’

‘The legal advice we get is very good and the service is prompt and courteous. They find excellent counsel for us as needed.’

‘Louis Charalambous is has vast experience in media law defence, especially libel trials. He is very hard-working and conscientious. He is always “there” for the clients and very popular with them. He is particularly good (very calm) in dealing with difficult litigation situations.’

‘Jeffrey Smele is a good tactician in litigation and very easy to deal with.’

‘One of the best reputation management teams in the UK. Great knowledge of all parts of the media and extensive work defending and advising with the press.’

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's specialised reputation and information protection practice provides a comprehensive service to household names and multinational corporations in the technology, transport, and retail sectors, as well as high-profile and HNW individuals in the UK. Practice head David Engel has considerable experience advising clients on contentious data protection issues, the right to be forgotten, and defamation crisis management. Engel is supported by dispute resolution associate Neil O’Sullivan, who specialises in the full range of defamation, privacy, and intellectual property disputes. O'Sullivan has additional experience obtaining injunctions in the High Court to protect confidential information, as well as handling the removal of content from online platforms.

Practice head(s):

David Engel

Other key lawyers:

Neil O’Sullivan

Testimonials

‘The experience, expertise and personal attention offered by David Engel has been invaluable at a critical time in my career and I cannot recommend him too highly.’

‘One of the very few firms who can offer clients bespoke reputation management advice and also have the capacity and experience to manage major litigation on scale. At the top of the claimant-focused market, offering well-judged and commercially aware advice to individuals and major companies alike.’

‘David Engel is a star in the sector and as good a claimant-focused lawyer as you will find in this field. Hugely experienced and immensely reassuring to clients.’

‘Neil O’Sullivan is a high quality associate who goes the extra mile for clients and shows great acumen.’

‘The Addleshaw team appears to integrate different specialisms (defamation/privacy, data and cyber teams) and offices together, extremely well – and certainly considerably more adroitly than other multi-site top tier firms that I have experienced.’

‘When you are a client, the best law firm is the one with the skills to achieve the result you desire. A positive outcome requires making proactive and strategic decisions based on the advice of an experienced attorney’s team. The impressive work that Addleshaw Goddard team does for its clients is visible to the naked eye. They are the best at listening to client’s needs and coming up with a plan that has always met our demands. They really understand who the audience is and make work accordingly.’

‘The whole Addleshaw Goddard team has a very specialized knowledge that allows them to see problems in a full context. In particular David Engel is always available for communication and has this awareness that representation is about achieving the appropriate result for the client. What is more, he has the ability to foresee likely problems and confront them earlier.’

‘David Engel is a class act. Always available when you need him and very timely in responding to a brief. He has helped several of our clients in high stakes and high stress situations. David is calm under pressure, thoughtful in his deliberations but clear as crystal in his advice to clients. He is thoroughly collegiate and a pleasure to work alongside. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to clients big and small.’

Key clients

Acorn Mobility Services

British Airways

Lloyds Pharmacy

MoneySupermarket

Network Rail

Prenetics t/a Project Screen

Ted Baker

Bindmans LLP

Bindmans LLP provides expert advice on complex libel, privacy, data protection, and copyright disputes to both claimants and defendants. The practice has a growing specialism in reputation and media management for whistleblowers in collaboration with the firm's employment and crime departments. Practice head Tamsin Allen regularly defends publishers, NGOs, and nationally recognised journalists, having acted on numerous ground-breaking cases in the Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights. Criminal lawyer Kate Goold has extensive experience dealing with international and politically sensitive reputational crises arising in response to criminal proceedings against high-profile individuals. Data protection and cybersecurity barrister Monika Sobiecki has experience handling reputational fall-out from high-profile cyber incidents and content takedown proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Tamsin Allen

Other key lawyers:

Kate Goold; Monika Sobiecki

Testimonials

‘Tamsin Allen – an excellent lawyer who is highly respected and regarding in this field. She has a wealth of experience and knows the law inside out. She delivers great results and knows whether it is necessary and in the client’s best interests to take cases all the way to court, or to settle. Some outstanding results – including in the Supreme Court. Great client care and highly efficient.’

‘The firm’s long term profile as a leader in advising in fields where clients are exposed, especially to regulatory and criminal/extradition and immigration conflict with the authorities makes crisis and reputational management an integral part of their work. The work has a new name and higher profile that in the past, but Bindmans was already steeped in it before it was regarded as novel. As a result, partner Kate Goold has huge experience to draw on, which must explain how she stays calm whatever the crisis’

‘Kate Goold has exceptional client skills, putting worried clients at ease so well that you can imagine them calling her for pleasure rather than just legal advice. Always focused on what the client needs and not distracted by what they think they want; an excellent team builder.’

Work highlights

  • Instructed by Caroline Watt, Rebekah Vardy’s agent, in the ‘Wagatha Christie’ libel claim; successfully resisting the application to join Watt to proceedings and Rooney was ordered to pay the client’s costs.
  • Instructed to defend a libel claim brought against Nina Cresswell over allegations made on social media of attempted rape and sexual assault by the claimant.
  • Advising the Good Law Project (GLP) and Jolyon Maugham in respect of various defamatory allegations in the press – and in respect of claims that it has defamed various entities in the course of its campaigning work.

CMS

The team at CMS advises a range of high-profile clients in the energy, finance, and media sectors, as well as numerous HNW individuals. Geraldine Proudler heads up the practice with a wealth of experience defending responsible journalism, handling reputation protection for chief executives and their leading companies, and advising PR professionals on their rights. Data protection expert Dan Tench regularly acts on large defamation and privacy cases with the support of Tamsin Blow who advises media organisations on a range of complex contentious issues relating to publication and data management.

Practice head(s):

Geraldine Proudler

Other key lawyers:

Dan Tench; Tamsin Blow

Key clients

Sports Information Services Ltd

Chubb and its clients

Sefton

Reach plc

Work highlights

  • Acting for Sports Information Services Limited (“SIS”), in a complex case relating to the creation and provision of horseracing betting odds and other data relating to horseraces at the racecourses of the Second Claimant, Arena Leisure Limited.
  • Acting for company Directors David Sefton and John Quinlan in their libel claim against the current Directors of Iconic Labs Plc (“Iconic”). The action relates to allegations of misconduct and fraud made against the clients in a regulatory statement issued by Iconic on the London Stock Exchange and in the company’s interim financial accounts.
  • Appointed to the legal panel of FTSE 250 listed Reach plc, the UK’s largest commercial publisher in February 2022.

Farrer & Co

Farrer & Co's reputation management team has a strong record of providing strategic planning, prevention, and reactive advice in response to complex reputational situations and crises. The team acts for high-profile clients in the entertainment and creative industries, as well as the education and business spaces. With specialist expertise in the sports sector, practice head Julian Pike assists a broad range clients with pre-publication issues, the right to be forgotten, and broader cyber protection. Tom Rudkin handles defamation and libel claims for HNWIs, multinational corporations, and non-profit organisations, with a focus on online reputational issues. Associate Alicia Mendonca-Richards is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Julian Pike

Other key lawyers:

Tom Rudkin; Alicia Mendonça-Richards; Athalie Matthews; Oliver Lock

Testimonials

‘The team is the leader in the market for reputation management legal expertise and guidance for clients in our opinion. The team always seeks to bring to the disposal of the client ‘best in class’ third party partners to provide a holistic approach to their client deliverables and needs. They are by far the most transparent and flexible strategic firm that we deal with.’

‘Julian Pike, Thomas Rudkin and Olly Lock – we talk to on a weekly basis. They always remain in contact and make us feel very much a collaborative partner in providing the necessary client solutions. These individuals are very good at also engaging in new markets sectors, where their expertise is well suited.’

‘Farrer & Co are experts in their field in terms of reputational management.’

‘We have done significant amounts of work with Farrer & Co over the years and view them as a go to firm for reputation management. Significant expertise built up over many years, and a strong team at both partner and associate level. They continue to innovate and broaden their offer, sometimes bringing on board third party experts to provide additional insight and expertise which is very helpful. Strong client handling and client care – clients get that bespoke feel.’

‘Julian Pike – hugely experienced, with a vast array of expertise to draw upon, Julian still enjoys getting stuck in and fighting for his clients. Charming to work with and delivers first rate advice. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Tom Rudkin – we have been working with Tom for several years and his recent partnership is well deserved. Brings a young and innovative perspective to issues around social media and online, he has also built specialist expertise in education and safeguarding. Very hard working and a pleasure to work with and still top of his game.’

‘Athalie Matthews – very much a rising star, Athalie gives great advice and really cares about the results her clients get. Writes beautifully and can act at speed.’

‘Tom Rudkin is exceptional – he provides an all round service starting with outstanding advice on how to respond to press enquiries, dealing with the lawyers for the newspapers and general advice.’

Key clients

The Sackler Family

Eton College

Martin Glenn

The Football Association

The Economist Newspaper Limited

BMJ Publishing Group Limited

England and Wales Cricket Board

BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts)

James and Pippa Matthews

Duke of Edinburgh’s Estate

Work highlights

  • Advising Martin Glenn (former CEO of The FA) on successful libel and harassment proceedings.

Mishcon de Reya LLP

Mishcon de Reya LLP's 'premier reputation management team' specialises in crisis management and reputation protection, working with the firm's broad network of practitioners to provide a discreet service. Acting for both claimants and defendants, the practice advises international UHNWIs, multinational businesses, and media production companies. Media litigator Emma Woollcott leads the practice with particular expertise handling crisis situations and hostile media campaigns, particularly against minority women. Managing partner James Libson has substantial experience acting for a variety of high-profile clients and charities, and Alexandra Whiston-Dew expertly deals with reputational crises and complex multijurisdictional disputes. Michael Frost is also recommended for his 'forensic attention to detail.'

Practice head(s):

Emma Woollcott

Other key lawyers:

James Libson; Alexandra Whiston-Dew; Michael Frost

Testimonials

‘A first rate team of reputation management lawyers who have the rare ability to act for both claimants and defendants. Collaborative and engaging, they always see the wider strategic issues, while pursuing their clients’ corner resolutely. Strong diversity practices and top notch individuals make them a top tier law firm in this sector without doubt.’

‘Emma Woolcott is a delight. Very strategic and clear advice, with a firm eye on the bigger picture. Michael Frost has just been promoted to partner and is an outstanding lawyer. Thinks through the issues 360 degrees and gives very clear advice. Clients always feel comfortable in his hands.’

‘Reputation management is always a potential crisis, often an immediate one. Once committed, one doesn’t have the time to change horses, so you need the best team from the start. The team has to be my first choice because of the depth and breadth of skills in the firm.’

‘Emma Woollcott is an experienced specialist media law partner who knows the media industry inside out but also has a developed practice in relation to more political/activist work. She is great with clients and a pleasure to work with as part of the solicitor/counsel team.’

‘Premier reputation management team – able to deal with a huge range of diverse clients: HNWs; public interest groups, those under investigation etc.’

‘All of them are very media savvy and have superb links with PR firms. Their political antennae are amazing and they can assemble the perfect team for any client facing reputation management issues.’

‘A highly talented and focused team that instils great confidence, with a diverse skillset and knowledge of the field that’s second to none. With vast expertise across the board, they are able to anticipate and scrutinise every eventuality and communicate this effectively, ensuring preparedness at all times.’

‘Michael Frost excels in his forensic attention to detail and his ability to keep across the intricate details of a complex case, using his vast insight to develop and communicate strategy effectively. A pleasure to deal with, engaging and sharp-witted.’

Key clients

Luke Turner

SPITE

Union of Jewish Students (UJS) and the Bristol Jewish Society (JSoc)

Payne Hicks Beach LLP

Payne Hicks Beach LLP provides a broad reputation management and privacy protection offering to their wide-ranging client base of public figures in entertainment and politics, entrepreneurs, and large corporates. Dominic Crossley has substantive experience handling reputational crises and high-profile defamation cases, while 'enormously experienced litigator' Hanna Basha has specialises in managing complex pre-publication and pre-broadcast issues. Crossley and Basha jointly lead the team with data protection and online privacy law expert Andrew Willan. Lucas Moore continues to support the team on harassment and defamation cases in the financial sector, and senior associate Nick Grant deals with breach of confidence and data protection matters.

Practice head(s):

Dominic Crossley; Hanna Basha; Andrew Willan

Other key lawyers:

Lucas Moore; Nick Grant; Georgina Bayley; Maya Mills

Testimonials

‘A broad range of client focused lawyers with a superb level of experience of handling cases across the media law spectrum. Friendly and personable to deal with and thorough in their approach’

‘Lucas Moore is able to transfer significant experience in the commercial sector into disputes involving reputation issues. He is well-liked by his clients and has the capacity for demanding commercial disputes.’

‘Hanna Basha is an enormously experienced litigator on both the claimant and defendant side and has a great way with clients. She offers tactically sound and commercially astute advice.’

‘Andrew Willan is a superb partner who gets on top of his cases and provides excellent and carefully judged advice across the board.’

‘One of the strongest and most established boutique firms in this sector, always involved in high profile cases.’

‘Nick Grant – A star associate and one of the future leaders in the sector. Maya Mills – A strong and very hardworking associate with great experience.’

‘Dominic Crossley – He has, unsurprisingly, numerous clients who have returned to him if they find themselves needing assistance again. He has great tactical approach, a huge amount of experience and knowledge. He goes the extra mile for his clients. Well known and respected in this field.

‘Andrew Willan – Excellent understanding of the law and how to use it to best protect client’s interests. Very good at drafting compelling correspondence.’

Key clients

Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein

Dillian Whyte

Lady Barclay

Strictly Come Dancing Dancers

Michael Rosen

Ocado Retail Limited

Jeremy Kyle

Simkins LLP

The 'fantastic' reputation management practice at Simkins LLP specialises in pre-broadcast and pre-publication work, as well as takedowns, corrections, and apologies post-publication. Team lead and 'doyen of the media law world' Gideon Benaim represents leading businesses and individuals across the tech, food, and entertainment sectors, advising on a wide range of reputation matters. Jon Oakley specialises in crisis management and reputation protection, regularly acting for high-profile clients in emergency situations, while Tom Iverson takes on data protection, harassment, and breach of confidence matters across multiple jurisdictions. 'High-quality associates' Jessica Welch and Thomas Moore are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Gideon Benaim

Other key lawyers:

Jon Oakley; Tom Iverson; Jessica Welch; Thomas Moore

Testimonials

‘The Simkins media team are particularly good at high pressure, high profile battles where expertise must be accompanied with a sharp focus on reputational damage.’

‘Gideon Benaim and Jon Oakley are tenacious, 24/7 advocates with vast experience.’

‘A high-quality niche practice in libel and privacy law, which provides a good complement to the firm’s music and entertainment practice.’

‘Gideon Benaim is a doyen of the media law world: hugely experienced, shrewd and an excellent communicator, always attuned to clients’ needs. Jon Oakley is an extremely talented lawyer and has phenomenal judgment. They are able to call on high-quality associates, in particular Jessica Welch and Thomas Moore.’

‘The team are fantastic, super quick to respond, I recommend to all my clients. They always deliver.’

‘Jon Oakley and Gideon Benaim are the leaders in their field. Outstanding.’

‘Gideon Benaim remains the oracle to for reputation management and protection. I cannot overemphasise how welcome his cool and calm advice is often in fast moving and fraught situations. His counsel is also sought on a pre-emptive basis and for a lawyer of his profile and ability to remain so humble and kind is a refreshing change, I really value Gideon as an advisor beyond the black letter law he is truly one of the great consiglieres and a real mensch to boot.’

Key clients

JK Rowling

Sir Cliff Richard

Wiggin LLP

Wiggin LLP's 'top media defendant team' provides a specialist service to some of the world's biggest publishing houses and media production companies. Experienced litigator Caroline Kean heads up the practice and regularly undertakes complex cross-jurisdictional libel matters. Matthew Dando advises clients across the media, tech, and sports sectors, and provides trusted counsel to Associated Newspapers. Dual qualified in New York, senior associate Adelaide Scardino Lopez represents clients in defamation, data protection, and copyright disputes, while Elizabeth Wiggin has experience advising clients both pre-action and before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Practice head(s):

Caroline Kean

Other key lawyers:

Matthew Dando; Adelaide Scardino Lopez; Elizabeth Wiggin; Robin Shaw

Testimonials

‘The Wiggin team is rock solid. In the face of reprehensible tactics, they were calm, steady and wise throughout. Their ability to speak in plain English was refreshing, as was the good humour with which they managed a complex, high stakes case against dangerous opponents. They had the confidence to call out empty threats, and to make strategy based on that confidence. I could not recommend them more whole-heartedly.’

‘Caroline Kean has a remarkable ability to stay cool and think clearly in the face of even the most aggressive or underhand tactics. She speaks in plain English. Again and again, her assessment of risks in our high-stakes case was vindicated. Her intuitive grasp of the law – and of justice – gives her an ability to form strategy that is confident without ever being reckless.

‘Lizzy Wiggin has all the attributes one could wish for in a solicitor. Her grasp of detail is precise but she wears it lightly, always cutting to what is crucial. Even when the stakes are high and her opponents ferocious, she remains cheerful, a true gift.’

‘Incredibly client friendly. One of the very few elite media/reputation management teams with the experience and knowledge to conduct the most complex cases in the field.’

‘Caroline Kean is one of the doyennes of the media law world; a highly experienced practitioner with great knowledge of the law and a feel for tactics and strategy which is always clear and decisive and commercial.’

‘Matt Dando is a star and the next big defendant-focused lawyer in the sector. He has the trust of numerous large media players and the experience and knowledge to conduct cases across the spectrum.’

‘Adelaide Lopez is a fantastic associate who goes the extra mile for her clients and gives excellent tactical advice’

‘A top media defendant team, with real industry and litigation know-how.’

Key clients

Future plc

Disney

PinkNews Media Group Ltd

FootballCo Group

HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Associated Newspapers Limited

News Group Newspapers (The Sun)

Bloomberg

News UK (including Dow Jones)

Times Newspapers Limited

Tom Bower

The Wylie Agency

Ocean Media Group

Penguin Random House

Conde Nast

Centaur Media

MBC Group

Elsevier

Audible (an Amazon company)

Argus Media Limited

Harriman House Ltd

Cambridge University Press

DAZN Group

Stats Perform

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism

Hachette

21st Century Fox

Oxford University Press

Archant

New York Post

Reuters

National Geographic

Faber & Faber

Centaur

Immediate Media

Channel 5

Fox Searchlight

Pathé

Global Radio

Bauer

Netflix

Orion Books

Paramount

Vice

Legal Cheek

Withers LLP

Withers LLP's broad media and reputation practice advises a range of international clients including large corporates, heads of state and politicians, NGOs, and high-profile individuals in the media sector. Practice co-head and 'outstanding' practitioner Amber Melville-Brown is dual qualified in New York, making her a go-to lawyer for complex cross-jurisdictional defamation and reputation matters. Joint team lead Jo Sanders has considerable expertise dealing with reputation crises and major data breaches, particularly focusing on clients who tend to avoid publicity such as UHNWIs. Senior associate Andrew Fremlin-Key is also recommended for his specialisms in contentious tax litigation and multi-jurisdictional investigations, including Unexplained Wealth Orders.

Practice head(s):

Amber Melville-Brown; Jo Sanders

Other key lawyers:

Andrew Fremlin-Key; Laura Mattar; Chloe Flascher; Caroline Thompson

Testimonials

‘The team at Withers is extremely professional and so on top of the law (global, EU and UK). Whether it was the unique circumstances they were helping me navigate, or advise on managing social media, or the EU ‘right to be forgotten’, I felt I was in very good hands – from both an expertise and strategy perspective. In contrast, the UK magic circle law firm on the other side seemed very naive about reputation management – as such I felt I had an advantage since I had hired specialists to help me through my case.’

‘Amber Melville-Brown as the leader of the practice was working directly on my case and she is outstanding. She is a true expert in the field, she was always quick at responding, she is very detailed leaving no room for gaps in understanding the law, she is well versed with US, UK and EU law, and most importantly she has a high level of empathy with her clients. For me the mix of law and objectivity with empathy and understanding was what gave me the confidence day after day for the entire time that Amber was engaged by me.’

‘Jo Sanders is phenomenal and provides a fantastic service on behalf of her team. Approachable and precise in her advice.’

‘International depth and range. Ability to steer clients through complex cases including multi-market litigation with multiple international stakeholders.’

‘Amber Melville Brown is absolutely who you want in your corner to navigate difficult and turgid media coverage in the US. She has great judgement, is outstanding with clients, completely committed to getting a result for them and succeeds in doing so. Jo Sanders is an extremely tough and well regarded lawyer. She is also someone who provides pragmatic and highly commercial advice in order to resolve matters for her clients.’

‘A large team with excellent experience across the board and who all work well together to deliver excellent results for their clients.’

‘Jo Sanders – exceptional lawyer, strategic thinker and a superb understanding and knowledge of the law in this area. Brilliant with her team and leads it well. Would make a superb barrister as she argues her cases for her clients with skill and very persuasively.’

‘Andrew Fremlin-Key – An excellent lawyer. Very efficient and effective. Excellent at drafting legal documents and had a very good manner with clients.’

Key clients

Novak Djokovic

Aston Martin Racing (formerly Racing Point)

Paulo Dybala

Mary Katrantzou

Members of the Javanshir family

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Metigen Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for Raffaele Mincione (founder of WRM Group, a leading investment firm) in libel proceedings against two Italian newspapers (RCS MediaGroup S.p.A. and GEDI Gruppo Editoriale S.p.A.) regarding false allegations of fraud arising from the client’s high-profile dispute with the Vatican.
  • Defended Metigen Limited, a PR company accused of breaching confidence in its disclosure of a regulatory report into the activities of Credit Suisse. The action was part of a major dispute involving the PR firm’s client and the Swiss bank.
  • Succeeded in overturning an application by the National Crime Agency for Account Forfeiture Orders over various UK bank accounts held by the family members of Dr Feyziyey (a prominent independent Azerbaijani politician, chairman of the UK-Azerbaijan All Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, co-chair of the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Co-operation Committee and successful businessman).

ACK Media Law LLP

Niche media and reputation protection firm ACK Media Law LLP specialises in a range of litigation, defamation advice, pre-publication clearance, post-publication analysis of media content, and data protection advisory services. 'Outstanding media lawyer' and practice co-head Susan Aslan has a wealth of experience in media litigation, regularly advising major national broadcasters, production companies, newspapers, and publishers. Joint team lead Sue Charles helps numerous high-profile clients navigate long-term and complex legal situations, such as mass copyright infringement claims.

Practice head(s):

Sue Charles; Susan Aslan

Testimonials

‘Very client friendly and focused. Able to provide bespoke advice to individuals and companies in the sector and draw on substantial legal experience.’

‘Susan Aslan is a well-respected and experienced litigator who is completely trusted by her clients to steer them through even the trickiest case.’

‘It is a niche practice led by extremely experienced media lawyers. Such practices are increasingly rare. The fees are reasonable and not weighted by hours worked by unnecessary numbers of fee earners. They respond rapidly, thoughtfully and efficiently to urgent and non urgent matters.’

‘Susan Aslan is an outstanding media lawyer with great depth of knowledge, common sense and extremely good instincts.’

‘Sue Charles has always provided us with an excellent service. She has helped with a number of copyright infringement claims and is very approachable and knowledgeable and very efficient at dealing with the key issues of each claim. She is also a real pleasure to work with and manages to explain key legal issues in a way that people who aren’t lawyers can understand.’

Key clients

Associated Newspapers Limited

Channel Four Television

DVV Media Group

E.L. James/Fifty Shades Limited

ITV

Netflix

Reddit

New Year Film Limited

LNRS Data Services Limited

Rise Films

Vertigo

Hoxton Mini Press Limited and Hoxton Productions Limited

Avali Film Limited

Maurice Media Limited

Blast! Films Limited

Story Films Limited

Work highlights

  • Providing ongoing advice relating to Fifty Shades Trilogy and subsequent E.L James publications.
  • Providing ongoing advice on a wide range of claims including defamation, privacy, data protection and copyright. In particular, defending a libel claim brought by Teal Swan, a spiritual adviser, which involved locating and taking statements from witnesses across the USA who had been followers or family of followers of hers and concluding a resolution in which Associated Newspapers paid no damages or costs and gave no apology or undertaking not to repeat.
  • Providing ongoing advice to DVV Media in relation to pre and post publication of articles for FlightGlobal, Personnel Today and the Road Transport Group.

Archerfield Partners LLP

Advising both claimants and defendants, Archerfield Partners LLP‘s reputation management practice services a broad client base of publishing houses, Hollywood actors, and international businesses. Consultant Mark Bateman heads up the practice with specialisms in defamation, brand protection, and harassment issues. Matthew Dowd represents corporate clients and numerous HNW individuals who have found themselves in the public eye, while Kevin Bays draws on over 40 years’ experience as a commercial litigator when taking on significant international cases.

Practice head(s):

Mark Bateman

Other key lawyers:

Matthew Dowd; Kevin Bays

Testimonials

‘Archerfield take on difficult cases for demanding clients and pursue them with great energy and imagination.’

‘Mark Bateman is what makes this team so amazing. Mark is highly skilled and pragmatic, he is on my speed dial. I refer issues to him that I would not trust anyone else to deal with.’

‘The team at Archerfield Partners were a delight to work with – proactive, respectful, highly professional and insightful. It pulled on required resources internally and externally, and were transparent about processes at all times.’

‘We have found our contacts to be engaged, knowledgeable, flexible and available throughout the process.’

Key clients

GEDI Gruppo Editoriale S.p.a

Sixt Rent a Car Limited

Molly-Mae Hague

Max Clark

Paul Burrell

Pan Macmillan Books

Henry Cavill

Ganapati Plc

Bayleaf Facilities Limited

Ferne McCann

Work highlights

  • Advising GEDI Gruppo Editioriale S.p.a (“GEDI”), the publisher of Italian national daily newspaper la Repubblica and L’Espresso magazine, in relation to two High Court libel claims.
  • Advising Henry Cavill and Kensington Films Limited in relation to a High Court data protection claim against the publishers of “Healthy For Men” magazine.
  • Advising Molly-Mae Hague generally on reputational management issues, including in relation to issues with Elena Katerova and the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA).

Bates Wells

Bates Wells advises a wide-ranging client base on the full spectrum of reputation management law including data protection, harassment, and defamation on social media. Practice head Rupert Earle regularly acts on groundbreaking cases for institutions of national significance, household name media companies, and high-profile individuals. Senior associate Alex de Jongh is an experienced commercial litigator and has particular expertise in advising campaigning groups on sensitive defamation issues.

Practice head(s):

Rupert Earle

Other key lawyers:

Alex de Jongh

Testimonials

‘We often contact Bates Wells with ‘thorny’ issues and invariable with a tight timeframe. The team are always empathetic and understanding, and support us to work through the challenges we may present. They are able to assimilate the information we provide quickly and effectively, presenting us with solutions and options to progress a matter. We feel as though we are in safe hands.’

‘Rupert Earle is particularly supportive and is our key contact. He is responsive, timely, considered and empathetic. His professional approach provides confidence that we will achieve a good outcome whatever the issue may be that we present. He responds quickly and has often provided written responses and guidance within days, and sometimes hours.’

Key clients

Times Newspapers Limited

Hymns Ancient & Modern (publisher of Church Times)

Brett Wilson LLP

Brett Wilson LLP's reputation management practice is 'exceptional in every regard,' offering expert advice on defamation, data protection, harassment, and a broad range of privacy issues. Managing partner Iain Wilson leads the team, regularly acting for high-profile claimants such as politicians, celebrities, and athletes. Solicitor advocate Max Campbell has extensive litigation experience, successfully defending numerous complex libel claims. The team was further bolstered by the the return of specialist media litigator Tom Double from Clyde & Co in 2021.

Practice head(s):

Iain Wilson

Other key lawyers:

Max Campbell; Tom Double; Adham Harker; Elisabeth Mason

Testimonials

‘Brett Wilson were absolutely incredible not only in handling my case but also being a support network. They showed the upmost professionalism and helped me keep my dignity and identity in a case where that had been taken. Their communication was amazing via email and also via phone to update and explain case updates. If I hadn’t gone in for a consultation with the firm I would not have progressed as none of the other legal businesses I went to make me feel at ease and looked after. Their billing was on time and very informative as to hours spent and the members of the team were all up to date on all developments throughout the case.’

‘Iain Wilson treats you like a person not just a client. He has a great balance between professionalism to do his job but also being considerate to the emotional impact of it all. He was the first person to actually listen and take into account how difficult it was at every step. I really cannot ever thank him enough.’

‘Ideal firm for privacy and reputation management. Experts in their field, calm, friendly and on top of the case! Communication was excellent!’

‘Max Campbell is a stand-out lawyer who provides expert advice not only efficiently, diligently and on-time but also has an extremely good client manner and reassuring way of handling cases. He went the extra mile in answering questions and was efficient like no other lawyer I’ve worked with before in keeping us updated. I couldn’t recommend him more!’

‘Adham Harker and Max Campbell were incredible to work with. Supportive, sympathetic, kind, good listeners, and cared, which was what I needed for an extremely personal case. Their attentiveness to detail was astounding. I never felt pressured in any decision-making, and their subject knowledge and attention to my case made me feel extremely comfortable in trusting any professional opinions they gave me. I truly could have not asked for a better team.’

‘Iain and his team are upfront, transparent, and communicative regarding the steps that need to be taken in the case. Additionally their team is very technologically capable.’

‘Tom Double is very capable and is a very able and conscientious lawyer.’

‘One of the most talented teams in the libel and reputation management. Very good judgment from top to bottom tactics and legal analysis. This is the firm I would pick if I ever had a libel issue. Exceptional in every regard.’

Work highlights

  • Successful High Court libel/data protection claim by Mehmet Baltaci against Refinitiv (global provider of financial market data and infrastructure) arising from statements published concerning the claimant on its World-Check compliance database.
  • Successful High Court privacy/harassment claim. Obtained an interim anonymised injunction for a businessman being harassed and blackmailed by a sex worker (threatening to release private information). Other orders obtained included permission to serve all the documents in the proceedings by WhatsApp.
  • Successful High Court libel/data protection proceedings brought by an academic against an anonymous blogger who had made false allegations of sexual assault/misconduct against a senior academic. First ever ‘non-party’ order against Google requiring it to remove content.

Bristows LLP

The ‘outstanding’ team at Bristows LLP is notable for providing extensive reputation advisory services to high-profile tech and media clients. Practice head Alex Keenlyside has a wealth of media and data protection litigation experience, regularly acting for the largest players in the tech space including Google and Meta. Specialist Mark Watts leads the firm’s data protection team and handles a range of data and privacy matters for numerous multinational traditional media publishers. Associate Victoria Baron is also recommended for her experience advising on intermediary liability, defamation, misuse of private information, and data protection.

Practice head(s):

Alex Keenlyside

Other key lawyers:

Mark Watts; Victoria Baron; Toby Headdon

Testimonials

‘One of the very few firms able to offer legal advice across the entire reputation management spectrum, from defamation to data privacy. An established player in the data protection sector, the addition of Alex Keenlyside as a partner gives them real weight in the reputation management field.’

‘Alex Keenlyside has rapidly established himself as a star partner in this sector. He has unparalleled experience of acting for both major tech companies and is also trusted and admired by major clients and actors in the media sector. Hugely liked by clients, he gives impeccably judged and commercially savvy advice across the board’

‘An outstanding team led by Alex Keenlyside. Outstanding technical ability coupled with first rate people skills and exceptional practical outcomes. This is a rare team with quality from top to bottom. The associates and trainees are as outstanding as the partners at the very top. This means cases can be run practically and sensibly leading to excellent results. Definitely one of the go to firms for organisations in the media and tech field facing complex and challenging litigation in the reputation management area.’

‘Alex Keenlyside is a brilliant leader who is always popular with clients. Very clear, very precise, very calm, he has brilliantly astute knowledge and always thinks 360 degrees through a problem. Highly recommended.’

‘Victoria Baron is an outstanding associate. Switched on, very focussed and strong attention to detail. Always a plesaure to work with. Definitely one to watch.’

‘Excellent depth of technical and market knowledge in relation to new media eg online platforms, search engines etc make Bristows an obvious choice for online reputation management issues.’

‘The Bristows reputation management team is small but experienced and has the advantage of being able to offer cross-expertise to other Bristows specialist departments such as data protection, copyright and IT generally. In the internet age that is very valuable.’

‘The two members of Bristows I dealt with, Toby Headdon and Alex Keenlyside, were very experienced, professional and very calm (without being detached). They gave clear analysis of the facts and always offered solutions. They were very quick with any required follow up work.’

Key clients

Google

Meta (Facebook)

Twitter

Thomson Reuters Foundation

Twofour Broadcast (an ITV subsidiary)

LSE

Raedas

Xandr

British Airways

Park Now

Yell

PRI Association (UN-backed ethical investment advisory body)

ITV

British Psychological Society

Work highlights

  • Acting for Google in two highly complex claims brought by an Iranian billionaire, Ali Ansari, in separate divisions of the High Court.
  • Advised Google Ireland Limited in relation to a threatened claim by an MP regarding allegedly defamatory content appearing in an Ad.
  • Advising new client Raedas in respect of a contentious subject access request made by a high net worth individual and political figure in the context of a series of complicated international disputes.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Specialist media lawyer Duncan Lamont leads the defamation and reputation management practice at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP which acts for clients in the ongoing phone hacking litigation against News Group Newspapers and Reach plc, as well as providing a broader libel and data protection services to major media production companies and businesses. Lamont is supported by associates Gabrielle Shovlin, who has expertise advising large corporations on the misuse of private information as, and Hannah Gornall, who works with both private individuals and commercial entities.

Practice head(s):

Duncan Lamont

Other key lawyers:

Gabrielle Shovlin; Hannah Gornall

Testimonials

‘Duncan Lamont – really responsive and pragmatic.’

Key clients

ITV News

Channel 4 News

Ingrid Dupre

Fern Britton

Nikki Sanderson

Garland

wagamama

Samaritans

Hampden

Work highlights

  • Advised television personality Fern Britton in respect of the unlawful obtaining of her private information by national newspaper group MGN Limited
  • Representing four well known individuals in respect of an application by MGN Limited to strike out their claims for unlawful voicemail interception, on the basis of section 2 and/or section 36 Limitation Act 1980.

Clintons

Clintons advises clients across the full range of privacy and reputation management issues 'with fantastic expertise and strength in depth.’ The practice is headed up by Roddy Chisholm Batten, and has specialist expertise in defamation, malicious falsehood, misuse of private information, breach of confidence, data protection, and protection from harassment matters. Karim Bouzidi advises high-profile clients in the sports sector, and associates Hayley Dilks and Caroline Hrabi are recommended for their support on the firm's growing phone-hacking practice.

Practice head(s):

Roddy Chisholm Batten

Other key lawyers:

Karim Bouzidi; Hayley Dilks; Caroline Hrabi

Testimonials

‘The Clintons team are easily accessible, professional and extremely knowledgeable. These are factors that are vital when you are seeking updates and reassurance on particularly difficult issues. Clintons brought years of experience to bear on my case, which made me feel that I was always being given the best possible advice. Clintons are by far the best media law firm that I have dealt with in my 26 years in the entertainment industry, providing excellent value for money.’

‘Roddy Chisholm Batten is an extremely personable, bright and experienced lawyer who genuinely cares about his clients. He meticulously guided me through my case with a calm assurance that ended with a successful conclusion. I would highly recommend Roddy to any of my industry colleagues who are looking for the highest quality service, delivered with skill and class.’

‘A strong media team which provides a great product in high-profile matters.’

‘Roddy Chisholm-Batten is a highly respected partner in this field, with a very impressive client list, particularly for musicians and actors.’

‘Very adaptable and approachable with fantastic expertise and strength in depth.’

‘Roddy Chisholm Batten – very client focused, dependable and authoritative air – gets solutions.’

Key clients

HRH The Duke of Sussex

Lily Allen

Mary Nightingale

Lisa Riley

Sir Norman Lamb (former Liberal Democrat MP)

Kings Fine Food Limited

Danny Cipriani

David Walliams

Jessie Wallace

Daniel Caltagirone (actor)

Hamlins LLP

The 'top-quality team' at Hamlins LLP is led by media specialist Christopher Hutchings and provides a comprehensive reputation management service, advising a broad client base on defamation, pre-publication libel, and privacy law. Callum Galbraith has considerable expertise resolving complex pre-publication disputes, and manages the firm's position as lead solicitor in the phone hacking litigation against News Group Newspapers. Privacy specialist Alex Cochrane is also recommended for handling claims of misuse of private information arising out of the broadcast of highly intrusive fly-on-the-wall documentaries.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Hutchings

Other key lawyers:

Callum Galbraith; Alex Cochrane; Ellen Gallagher

Testimonials

‘Alex Cochrane and the team are exceptional on a one to one basis, making me feel completely secure and confident in their abilities on not only a completely professional level, but also, giving me the security that they really do have my best interests at heart. They are a joy to work with even in sometimes the most uncomfortable of circumstances. I cannot recommend them highly enough. It’s not always easy discussing some of the most personal and unpleasant aspects of one’s life, they make the process comfortable and very easy.’

‘The team were knowledgeable in their field, but made the service I received person-centred and easy to follow.’

‘Alex Cochrane has shown great leadership skills in spearheading privacy claims.’

‘Hamlins have a top-quality team. Among the best of claimant firms, they are lead solicitors in the mobile telephone voicemail interception litigation against News Group Newspapers.’

‘Callum Galbraith is superb, and the partner behind the unparalleled success of the claimants in the mobile telephone voicemail interception litigation, securing millions of pounds of damages for celebrities who had their phones hacked and information otherwise unlawfully gathered. He is particularly good at strategy, and an all-round superstar. Ellen Gallagher is an exceptional senior associate: hard working, clever and with a keen tactical nose.’

‘One of the largest rep management teams in this area and acts predominantly for claimants. Highly efficient and effective in delivering results.’

‘Callum Galbraith – a superb lawyer who knows the law in detail, has a strategic eye and understands the big picture. Very impressive when dealing with massive group litigation and staying calm and in control under extremely stressful situations.

‘Ellen Gallagher – a brilliant lawyer and advocate. She has an eye for detail and can spot points that many others miss. Knowledge of the law is excellent. Highly efficient and great manner with clients.’

Key clients

Moderna Inc

Sadie Frost

Melinda Messenger

Melanie Chisholm (‘Mel C’)

Melanie Brown (‘Mel B’)

Rafferty Law

Ronan Keating

Sharleen Spiteri

Jamie Carragher

Justin Lee Collins

Nicki Chapman

Work highlights

  • Continued to act as lead solicitor in the long-running and high-profile unlawful information gathering litigation against News Group Newspapers Limited. Work included preparing and serving over 30 witness statements for a trial which settled on its eve in the autumn of 2021.
  • Instructed by Moderna Inc, U.S manufacturer of COVID vaccine, to advise in anticipation of the broadcast on BBC1 TV of a Panorama special concerning the vaccines.
  • Successfully concluded a number of high profile and widely reported privacy claims against Channel 5 arising out of broadcasts of the controversial television programme ‘Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away!’, settling claims involving substantial damages and public apologies.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s multidisciplinary team tackles a range of defamation and reputational issues including the unlawful disclosure of confidential information, media harassment, and regulatory investigations. Practice head Alan Watts has considerable expertise advising on pre-publication regarding sensitive issues, Neil Blake has experience advising high-profile clients in active proceedings and reputation crises. Senior associates Christopher Cox and Angela Liu are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Alan Watts

Other key lawyers:

Neil Blake; Angela Liu; Christopher Cox

Testimonials

‘Chris Cox and Angela Liu are both outstanding associates in this field.’

‘Excellent strategic advice, very hands-on, proactive. Small, dedicated team.’

‘This team is extremely business focused and understands what is and isn’t, important to a corporate client. Being able to provide support and equally skilled professionals from other jurisdictions and provide a seamless service is a huge strength of this team, as is their ability to collaborate not just with other lawyers but with other specialist, such as PR professionals etc. Safe hands.’

‘Neil Blake is not only extremely approachable and amiable, but he is also a lawyer who I would always want on my team in any dispute. He is not just experienced but approaches the task in a very open minded way in order to examine all angles and aspects of a matter.’

‘Investing the time in getting to know and understand the business and its unique business practices as a means of ensuring that the advice and guidance provided is not limited to a regurgitation of the law.’

‘The bespoke nature of the service provision. Ensuring that their is alignment and cooperation between their advice and the communication experts (PR companies), the ability to react quickly and understanding the specific needs and interests of the client.’

‘A very strong team led by the very strong Alan Watts. Able to think tactically to get the right result for the client.’

‘Alan Watts is one of the best. A great tactical mind which is essential in reputation management.’

Work highlights

  • Acting for certain directors and former directors of the Stobart Group in relation to proceedings brought against them – the client’s appeal was therefore one of first (if not the first) to apply the Stocker v Stocker test at Court of Appeal level.
  • Acted for the third defendant in proceedings brought by Ocado PLC (and a related party) against Jonathan Faiman, Project Today Holdings Limited and Jon Hillary. The claim is for breach of confidence and for breach of the third defendant’s contractual duties to Ocado.
  • Advising the directors of Carillion in relation to the press coverage emanating from the collapse of the company including in relation to the announcement by the Secretary of State that he would pursue disqualification proceedings against certain directors.

Howard Kennedy LLP

Howard Kennedy LLP's media and reputation management litigation team specialises in privacy and harassment matters, data protection, blackmail, and lawfare. The practice is led by the 'extremely experienced' and high-profile Mark Stephens CBE who works with an array of corporations, media production companies, and high-profile individuals, and is notable for providing consultations regarding libel reform to both policy makers and media companies. Stephens is supported by Elizabeth Morley  who is particularly skilled at providing pre-publication advice and acting for a range of defendants including NGOs and charities

Practice head(s):

Mark Stephens CBE

Other key lawyers:

Elizabeth Morley

Testimonials

‘Howard Kennedy have great strength in depth, they fight hard for the clients and they are able to manage complex and fast moving litigation. At the partner level Howard Kennedy boasts a number of highly capable lawyers who are equally adept dealing with legal issues as their clients broader strategic goals. The partners are supported by hard working and reliable associates. The firm has extensive experience working with and against high profile sportspeople and celebrities. That experience of fighting cases on “both sides” gives it a real knowledge of the pressure points in litigation, something that can prove invaluable in high value and high cost litigation.’

‘Mark Stephens is an extremely experienced lawyer who is not afraid to roll up his sleeves, and who gives bold advice where needed. Mark’s commitment to his clients is unsurpassed.’

‘Elizabeth Morley – Delightful and brilliant. Liz is a pleasure to work with and has added real value on every case on which I have worked with her. She gets clients on side and manages them throughout litigation, and she is excellent at managing a claim.’

‘Mark Stephens – Very talented individual with the ability to speak well, with extensive knowledge about current legal issues and a particular interest in human rights law, media law and freedom of speech, first amendment issues.’

‘Having worked with entertainment lawyers for over thirty years the lawyers I worked with at Howard Kennedy were without doubt the smartest professional and most user friendly and personable I have come across. I couldn’t recommend them more highly’

‘I think the one thing that stands out for me is that when you are working with high-end A-list clients the most important thing is the availability of the lawyers. Their availability to become part of a team. It’s not always as simple as just doing a deal. Howard Kennedy were exemplary with exactly the right blend of knowledge accessibility and knowledge.’

Work highlights

  • Advising Yorkshire County Cricket Club on the reputational issues arising from the allegations of racism made by cricketer Azeem Rafiq and advising on the ongoing rehabilitation of the club in partnership with new Chairman Lord Kamlesh Patel.
  • Advising and acting for CBS in a claim for misuse of private information, breach of confidence and breach of data protection legislation that has been brought against them by Dillian Whyte, one of the world’s highest ranked professional heavyweight boxers.

Kingsley Napley LLP

Kingsley Napley LLP's 'highly strategic and discreet' reputation management and media litigation practice has a key focus on representing private HNW individuals and multi-national corporations. Practice head Charlotte Harris primarily acts for claimants, most notably handling Rebekah Vardy's defamation claim against Collen Rooney. Helen Morris provides pre-publication advice to HNW individuals and supports them with upholding their privacy particularly in relation to harassment, revenge porn, and blackmail. Sue Thackeray has considerable expertise in crisis management for high-profile sports stars, and associate Siân Akerman handles anti-harassment and privacy injunctions.

Practice head(s):

Charlotte Harris

Other key lawyers:

Helen Morris; Sue Thackeray; Sian Akerman

Testimonials

‘The grim reaper should use this firm – they have the ability to make even bad news palatable. They are logical, without emotion and make the most complicated parts of law understandable. A team of highly intelligent individuals with exceptional empathy and understanding of issues large and small, and even if you have the smallest most inconsequential case the team make you feel like it’s the most important case in the world. In the four years I have had dealings with them I’ve never felt I was just another customer – the entire firm makes you feel part of the firm.’

‘In adversity you need more than just a good lawyer who understands the law. Each one of the team I have dealt with has the ability to speak fluent human. They have a sense of humour and instinctively know when to apply it. They also walk through every aspect of complicated bits of law to ensure you understand it, just being able to do that is an incredible skill.’

‘Excellent people and talented female-led team. Highly strategic and discreet. Sound commercial advice.’

‘Sue Thackeray – incredibly impressive lawyer. She sees and addresses the issues with the long-term goal in mind. Her drafting is superb. She has a great manner with clients and is able to ensure that the team all works together in the most efficient and cost effective way to get tasks done on time.’

‘The reputation management team is experienced and has a market-leading advantage of being able to draw off the wide range of other specialists in the firm such as crime, employment, data protection for those cases with more than one legal angle. The team offers a hands-on service which is both commercial and client-friendly.’

‘Helen Morris is a relatively newly made partner and is excellent with clients, has great strategic sense and works very well as a part of a solicitor/counsel team. She has years of experience of libel and privacy claims and brings an unusual perspective of having worked for both defendants and claimants.’

‘Charlotte Harris is charismatic, fiercely proactive on behalf of clients and focuses on winning.’

Key clients

Rebekah Vardy

Arron Banks

Lee & Thompson LLP

Lee & Thompson LLP acts for a diverse mix of well-known names including Hollywood actors, platinum-selling musicians, reality TV stars, and sports personalities. Practice co-head Mike Brookes provides extensive pre-publication advice, and primarily supports defendants including two leading national broadcasters. Joint team lead Leo Dawkins has considerable media litigation and data protection experience, enabling him to provide a broad service to high-profile celebrities seeking to protect their privacy from the tabloids, while libel expert Mark Stafford handles media clearance work for a number of the UK's top production companies.

Practice head(s):

Mike Brookes; Leo Dawkins

Other key lawyers:

Mark Stafford

Testimonials

‘Leo Dawkins – I have known Leo throughout his career and have found him to be an excellent solicitor, thoughtful on the law and excellent with clients and barristers alike.’

‘Mike Brookes and Leo Dawkins are highly experienced media lawyers who have acted for claimants in the past but now act mainly for defendants – poachers turned gamekeepers. also very astute on costs (a key issue in media litigation).’

‘Mike Brookes – seasoned, calm, experienced. Leo Dawkins – new partner with a bright future.’

‘Mike Brookes is an outstanding media litigator: not just a great lawyer but tactically very astute and always focused on getting the best outcome for the client. He is ably supported by Leo Dawkins, Mark Stafford and other members of the team.’

‘A small but high-quality reputation protection team with the ability to handle complex and high profile litigation.’

Key clients

Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited

AC Grayling CBE

Paul Hollywood

Jude Law

Little Mix

Ant McPartland

Liam Payne

Harry Styles

Various high-profile Film and TV Production companies and broadcasters

Lewis Silkin

Lewis Silkin‘s reputation management practice was recently strengthened by the firm’s merger with Northern Ireland’s Forde Campbell in 2021, broadening the team’s established expertise. The practice provides a cross departmental service to a range of media companies, film studios, and HNW individuals. Specialist Adam Glass heads up the practice, drawing on a wealth of knowledge to lead on numerous landmark cases. Joint managing partner Giles Crown specialises in defamation, and Mathew Forde handles complex reputational issues stemming from regulatory and data breaches. The team is supported by highly experienced associates Lucinda Murphy and Oliver Fairhurst.

Practice head(s):

Adam Glass

Other key lawyers:

Giles Crown; Mathew Forde; Lucinda Murphy; Oliver Fairhurst

Testimonials

‘Lucinda Murphy has an excellent knowledge of the law within reputation management issues and combines this with fast, responsive communication and diligent attention to the wider commercial and personal issues. She is always calm, friendly and enthusiastic even under pressure. She is tuned in to our business and a pleasure to work with, along with the rest of the reliable and dedicated Lewis Silkin team.’

‘Lucinda Murphy is incredibly experienced and a leading associate in the reputational management team at Lewis Silkin. She provided calm and commercial advice on complex matters. Lucinda is a ray of sunshine.’

‘I dealt with Mathew Forde and his team. Our case was complex in terms of the convoluted structure of our association and affiliated branches internationally, however Mathew sifted through this and got to grips with it very early. I had 100% confidence in him at all times. He is very self-assured and that comes with the experience of having many successes over the years. During the covid restrictions, the team set up zoom meetings so we could continue communicating and their correspondence was always timely and accurate.’

‘Mathew Forde is extremely competent in the area of IP. He remains very calm in all situations but targets specifically the key points of a case and deals with them swiftly and effectively. I really appreciated the sensitivity and empathy with which we were treated.’

Key clients

Marc Bola

Resident Advisor Limited

Ayanda Capital Limited

Match.com / Tinder

Middle East Online

Mandy McNeil International

Twitter

Tortoise

Work highlights

  • Advise Tortoise Media (one of the fastest growing news media platforms in the UK) on a number of high-profile podcast and investigatory media production publications, including providing extensive pre and post publication advice on libel, privacy, data and confidential information matters.
  • Provide advice to Twitter in relation to a broad range of litigation matters including Norwich Pharmacal Orders, defamation claims, harassment claims and breach of privacy claims, both where Twitter is the named Defendant/Respondent and where Twitter is a third party.

Osborne Clarke LLP

Osborne Clarke LLP's diverse reputation management practice is regularly instructed by leading companies in the tech space, HNW individuals, and well known multinational corporations. Team lead Ashley Hurst is a data privacy and cybersecurity expert who provides a comprehensive reputation management service to leading clients in the tech and media sectors. Hurst is supported by Bristol-based Charlie Wedin, a privacy specialist with a particular focus on data security crises. Associate Henry Fox is also recommended for his expertise in reputation and defamation law.

Practice head(s):

Ashley Hurst

Other key lawyers:

Charlie Wedin; Henry Fox

Testimonials

‘A great team who have a specialism in online reputation management.’

‘Ashley Hurst – one of the best legal minds in this area. He understands the legal issues, has attention to detail and strategic vision. A superb lawyer.’

‘Henry Fox works very hard to deliver great results for his clients. Has a great deal of experience in this field and put that to great use. Very good at drafting and preparing last minute applications.’

‘They have a strong reputation and privacy team, led by Ashley Hurst who is well known and respected in that field. The fact that they can also bring in colleagues from other teams with relevant experience in regulatory matters, crime etc, is of value.’

‘Henry Fox is a fantastic asset to the team and a high calibre hire for Osborne Clarke. His experience in all manner of reputation and privacy matters, and the way he calmly and clearly navigates through a crisis, is very reassuring. He’s definitely someone you want on your side.’

‘We work with Henry Fox for quick and practical advice. Good knowledge of the media landscape and focused on getting good results.’

Key clients

S-RM Intelligence and Risk Consultancy Limited

Wise Payments Limited

World Compliance, Inc and LexisNexis Risk Solutions UK Limited

Qatar Airways Group

LOQBOX Savings Limited

Boeing Distribution Services III Limited

Ascential

Kantar

Work highlights

  • Continue to act for Qatar Airways in relation to malicious falsehood proceedings brought against the Saudi Arabian news organisation, Al Arabiya Group. In 2021, Al Arabiya disengaged from the proceedings, and default judgment has now been entered for $38 million, the largest ever judgment for a malicious falsehood claim.
  • Instructed to defend claims for data protection breaches, misuse of private information and negligence brought by a former Boeing employee.
  • Aacted for World Compliance Inc and LexisNexis Risk Solutions (UK) Limited (as joint client in Sanso Rondon v LexisNexis Risk Solutions UK Limited [2021] EWHC 1427 (QB) in what is the leading judgment on representative liability under the GDPR.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

The reputation management and privacy practice at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP supports both claimants and defendants with libel claims, harassment, and data protection breaches. Head of litigation Clare Arthurs and reputation specialist Jeremy Clarke-Williams co-lead the team, having acted on numerous high-profile libel cases and matrimonial disputes. Adele Ashton has over 20 years’ experience handling complex malicious falsehood and libel claims against major national news outlets, and is leading a number of large data breach claims. The team is supported by associate Eva McHale, who is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Clare Arthurs; Jeremy Clarke-Williams

Other key lawyers:

Adele Ashton; Eva McHale

Testimonials

‘Jeremy Clarke-Williams is simply of the best libel lawyers in the field. Experienced, thorough and considerate he is well liked by clients and those that work with him. A superstar at tactics.’

‘Very long-standing expertise in defamation and related fields.’

‘Jeremy Clarke-Williams – always enthusiastic and approachable. Inspires great trust in his clients without inflating their expectations unrealistically.’

‘Jeremy Clarke-Williams and Adele Ashton lead a great team. We have referred work to them in the past to very good effect.’

‘Excellent reputation management team with wide range of other resources from departments within the firm.’

‘Jeremy Clarke-Williams is excellent. A respected figure within the reputation management field. He has done some of the ground breaking cases and is able to see the wider picture when advising clients.’

‘Adele Ashton is also highly regarded. She has great attention to detail and is highly efficient. She is great with clients – ensuring that all avenues are explored and their interests protected.’

‘Jeremy Clarke-Williams has huge experience which he brings to bear to assist clients resolve problems promptly. Clients appreciate his sympathy with their positions and his realistic advice about how to solve their problems. Adele Ashton is smart and good at privacy claims and managing large groups of clients. Eva McHale is impressive.’

Key clients

Christ Church, Oxford

Police Federation of England & Wales

TWI Ltd

Work highlights

  • Instructed by Emily Andrews, previously Royal Editor for the Mail on Sunday, in relation to an article published in Private Eye.
  • Provided data protection support to TWI Ltd, including assisting with data transfer impact assessments with various overseas offices, drafting a data sharing agreement with overseas offices, preparing an employee privacy notice and supporting the company in responding to data protection queries from staff (and data subject access requests).
  • Provided ongoing (and often urgent) reputation management advice to Christ Church, Oxford concerning the ongoing media interest in its activities; and, where publication has been threatened, dealing with publishers in order to minimise the private / confidential / defamatory material concerning the client, its employees and its students.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP's data privacy and media disputes practice primarily acts for large traditional media clients, well-known tech giants, and media liability insurers. David Barker heads up the practice and regularly acts for Google on a number of defamation, data protection, and privacy issues, most recently successfully defending the client in the Supreme Court. Barker is supported by associates Caroline Henzell and Toby Coughlin who have considerable experience with misuse of private information claims, data breaches, and the right to be forgotten.

Practice head(s):

David Barker

Other key lawyers:

Caroline Henzell; Toby Coughlin

Key clients

Google

BBC

Reuters

Hiscox

Currys

Work highlights

  • Successfully defended Google in the Supreme Court in Richard Lloyd v Google, a landmark £3 billion+ case in the field of data privacy class action. Successfully defended YouTube in relation to another multi-billion-pound claim brought on the same basis.
  • Defending providers of research and due diligence services from HNWs threatening a variety of claims in an attempt to remove material from their services, including claims in defamation, misuse of private information and data protection.
  • Acting for Splash News and Media in the defence of a privacy claim brought by the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, and her son in relation to photographs taken of them in Canada.

Taylor Wessing LLP

Taylor Wessing LLP's cross-departmental practice has expertise in a range of reputation management matters including defamation, online harassment, unlawful data processing, and privacy in divorce proceedings. Highly experienced media litigator Niri Shanmuganathan leads the team, and advises clients across the publishing, sport, and film sectors. Richard Viegas provides defamation and data protection advisory services to UHNWIs and market leading corporates, while reputation management specialist and senior counsel Michael Yates handles a range of contentious information and media law issues.

Practice head(s):

Niri Shanmuganathan

Other key lawyers:

Richard Viegas; Michael Yates; Adam Rendle

Vardags

The specialist reputation management practice at Vardags has considerable expertise in defamation, harassment, privacy, and blackmail, as well as assisting clients with crisis management. Practice head Alexandra McCready advises a number of private family offices, prominent individuals, and international companies on pre and post publication issues of libel. Additionally, McCready has experience dealing with online threats and regularly secures the removal of sensitive or confidential content.

Practice head(s):

Alexandra McCready

Other key lawyers:

Tessa McKeown; Gregory Monk

Testimonials

‘Alex McCready is an excellent reputation management specialist; calm, realistic and effective.’

‘Brilliant team- excellent cases, very knowledgeable, hard working and hands on.’

‘Alexandra McCready is a complete joy to work with- very clever but also practical and hands on, excellent with clients.’

‘The Vardags reputation management team is a powerful all-rounder team. From fast-paced crisis-driven work, from defamation to slander, the Vardags team is able to pull together the right advisors, put together a holistic strategy, and then drive forward impactful outcomes. They are at their best when handling multi-jurisdictional complex cases: operating across borders, pulling together different advisors, to come up with innovative solutions to never before-seen problems.’

‘Alex McCready is the sort of lawyer you want on your side in the midst of a crisis; cool, calm, collected and fun. She works hard to understand a client’s context, thinks outside the box about how to achieve a particular objective, and then pursues the desired outcome ferociously.’

‘The team was responsive, experienced and professional. They were up-to-date with all of the the new age social/professional platforms and handles, across the larger jurisdictions.’

‘The leader of the team, Alexandra McCready is an experienced professional. She was prompt and responsive and invests the time to understand the multiple perspectives and complexity involved. Is good at conceptualising & discussing Strategy, aligning tactical initiatives and has the team/bandwidth to manage the operational delivery. Others that have been referred to her team, have also had excellent feedback.’

Brabners LLP

Brabners LLP acts for a broad range of high-profile businesses and individuals across the sport and media sectors. Drawing on over 20 years' experience, Paul Lunt regularly handles complex defamation and privacy claims and has recently been in the public eye, leading Coleen Rooney's defence against libel proceedings brought by Rebekah Vardy. Colin Bell advises clients on contractual matters, such as broadcasting agreements, and trademark infringement, while director Helen Otty is a litigator particularly skilled at privacy and harassment claims.

Practice head(s):

Paul Lunt; Helen Otty; Colin Bell

Key clients

Lynn Cannell and LCA Jobs Limited

Coleen Rooney

Ben and Deborah Stokes

Sale Rugby Club (Sale Sharks)

Wayne Rooney

Dr Riccardo Frati

Regatta Limited

Craghoppers Limited

Hawkshead Outdoor Limited

TJ Morris Limited (t/a Home Bargain)

Work highlights

  • Instructed by Coleen Rooney, television personality and wife of former England international footballer Wayne Rooney, in connection with libel proceedings that have been issued against her by Rebekah Vardy, wife of former England international footballer Jamie Vardy.
  • Instructed by Ben Stokes, England international cricketer, and his mother, Deborah Stokes in connection with their invasion of privacy claim against News Group Newspapers Limited (“The Sun”).
  • Instructed by both Lynn Cannell and LCA Jobs Limited in a defamation claim.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP acts for both corporate clients and private individuals seeking to maintain and protect their reputations in the public eye. The practice is jointly led by Graham Shear and Joby Davies, and regularly advises clients on ESG and greenwashing, data protection, and media strategy. Shear and Davies are supported by Sarah McAtominey, who has a particular focus on advising HNW individuals and institutions.

Practice head(s):

Graham Shear; Joby Davies

Other key lawyers:

Sarah McAtominey

Testimonials

‘In all great businesses you need leaders – Graham Shear is just that.’

‘They are efficient and very capable of holding small, medium and big projects with a wide experience in staff.’

‘Grahams Shear is the main lawyer in the practice – he is able to make quick decisions.’

Russells Solicitors

Russells Solicitors notably acts for well-known celebrity claimants seeking advice on libel, privacy, data protection, and harassment in the media. Practice head Steven Tregear specialises in media litigation and represents a range of major record companies, artists, and talent managers. 'Go-to claimant lawyer' John Reid covers a range of privacy disputes assists clients with litigation avoidance strategy. Senior associates Dan Hoyle and Jay Joshi support the team on phone hacking litigation.

Practice head(s):

Steven Tregear

Other key lawyers:

John Reid; Dan Hoyle; Jay Joshi

Testimonials

‘The team is recognised as one of the top firms in this area.’

‘Dan Hoyle – excellent and skillful lawyer. He has very good judgement. He is very good with clients – offering them excellent advice and ensuring that they achieve the best result possible.’

‘A strong firm with great clients and a very experienced, intelligent and knowledgeable team.’

‘Steven Tregear is highly experienced, fearless, efficient and extremely shrewd.’

‘Among the top firms for reputation management in libel and privacy matters, they are used to acting in high profile celebrity matters and phone hacking claims. A very strong team which provides a fast and robust service.’

‘John Reid and Steven Tregear have a strong reputation in the sector in media claims. John Reid is a go-to claimant lawyer, with great experience and tactical insight.’

‘Jay Joshi is an excellent senior associate who is very good with clients.’

Key clients

Chris Martin

Cheryl (Cheryl Tweedy)

The Estate of George Michael

The Estate of Amy Winehouse

Dua Lipa

Andrew Neil

Ian Wright

Carl Barât

Natalie Imbruglia

Nicola Roberts

Kimberley Walsh

Kay Burley

Mitchell Winehouse

Work highlights

  • Handled substantial phone hacking claims for a number of well-known actors, singers, models, music professionals and others against both NGN and MGN, achieving some of the largest settlements on record.
  • Instructed by Mitch Winehouse to commence legal proceedings against Macmillan and Tyler James for defamation following the publication of a book titled My Amy: The Life We Shared. The book made several defamatory statements about Mitch Winehouse, the father of the late Amy Winehouse.
  • Represented the claimant, Jagtar Rai, in seeking an injunction and damages for libel, malicious falsehood and harassment in relation to publications made on Facebook and WhatsApp. The defendant also issued a counterclaim seeking similar relief for defamation, and (more unusually in the context of a counterclaim) harassment.

Burges Salmon LLP

Burges Salmon LLP‘s reputation management practice is notable for advising major government bodies, high-profile corporates, and public figures on both litigation prevention and dispute resolution. Joint team lead Jeremy Dickerson has extensive expertise supporting clients with brand protection, reputation issues, and online and offline defamation. Practice co-head Richard Binns has a particular focus on reputation issues with a digital element, including harassment and defamation on social media.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Dickerson; Richard Binns

Work highlights

  • Advised the Cayman Islands Government on defamation, media and reputation management related issues in the UK.
  • Advised the Met Office on reputation management issues.

Keystone Law

The bench of advisors at Keystone Law handle matters concerning defamation, privacy, misuse of confidential information, and reputation management for claimants and defendants across a range of sectors. Gerard Cukier has experience advising religious organisations facing sensitive and defamatory claims regarding possible cult involvement, and has expertise in filing claims for removal of defamatory material from media channels. Employment lawyer Sofia Syed supports HNW families and individuals, with a particular focus on reputational issues arising in light of contentious termination.

Other key lawyers:

Gerard Cukier; Sofia Syed; Nicola Thatcher

Key clients

Dame Shirley Bassey

Barry Silkman

Lady Colin Campbell

Ildar Uzbekov

Connected Innovations Limited

Hachette Book Group

Pan Macmillan

Work highlights

  • Acting for the well-known football agent, Barry Silkman, in respect of a story appearing in the Daily Mail stating that a Plymouth Argyle Supporters club event, An Evening with Barry Silkman, that he was due to address was cancelled at the last minute because the Supporters club found out that he had not been vaccinated. The matter was resolved with publication of a suitable correction in The Daily Mail and legal costs.
  • Instructed to advise an Indian billionaire who is settled in the UK and is well-known within the UK and India. It is crucial to the family that their family affairs are kept private and confidential and that all staff members are signed up to an NDA and sufficiently robust agreements.
  • Advising long-standing client Lady Colin Campbell, who issued proceedings for defamation against MGN Ltd, the publishers of the Daily Mirror arising from an article appearing in the Daily Mirror in November 2019.

Kobre & Kim LLP

Kobre & Kim LLP represents numerous UHNW individuals facing complex reputational issues, including defamatory publications and public investigations. Practice co-head and barrister Robin Rathmell is dual qualified in Washington DC, regularly providing reputational management and crisis communication services to high-profile individuals experiencing international litigation involving allegations of fraud, money laundering, and other forms of misconduct. Joint practice head Polly Wilkins has considerable experience working with private family offices and their trusted advisers to formulate holistic strategies to preserve reputation and mitigate privacy risks.

Practice head(s):

Robin Rathmell; Polly Wilkins

Testimonials

‘Fantastic at client management.’

‘Rob Rathmell is excellent.’

Work highlights

  • Representing Princess Corinna Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, a high-net-worth international businesswoman and strategy consultant, in relation to the jurisdiction challenge to her harassment.
  • Acting as counsel in a multi-jurisdictional role for a leading offshore trusts and professional services provider in relation to the significant and continued media attention arising from the ‘Pandora Papers’.
  • Representing Jho Low, an international business executive; navigating international reputational challenges for the client arising out of multijurisdictional financial crime allegation and related investigations.

McCormicks

With a focus on advising clients in the sports sector, McCormicks offers a broad range of reputation management services including defamation and privacy protection. Practice head Philip Edmondson has expertise advising clients on sensitive defamatory publications, including allegations of misconduct and breach of regulations. Peter McCormick OBE has a wealth of experience working with leading sports organisations, and leads the practice in advising the Premier League on all potential reputational issues.

Practice head(s):

Philip Edmondson

Other key lawyers:

Peter McCormick OBE

Testimonials

‘Massive strength in its industry knowledge and understanding.’

‘A strong team with fee earners at the correct level for all work and a full team if needed . The firm is aware of the need to balance the level of lawyer to the needs of the client and his/her finances.’

‘Peter McCormick himself is head and shoulders above the competitors in this field. Shrewd advice keeps his clients safe. I have been very impressed with Phil Edmondson and his ability to understand clients’ sensitivities.’

Key clients

The Premier League

Leeds United FC

Professional Game Match Officials Ltd

Harrogate International Festivals

Jamboree Entertainment Ltd and JWTC Ltd

Rudding Park Limited

Wycombe Wanderers Football Club

Work highlights

  • Continue to advise the Premier League on defamation and reputation management issues including confidential advice on remarks made in a number of newspapers and the press.
  • Advised client in relation to an article published by a prominent tabloid newspaper seeking to cast doubt on the client’s good faith towards its own fans, reaching a resolution of having the defamatory material altered within a matter of days.
  • Permanent retainer from PGMOL in respect of defamation and reputation management work, often allied with employment.

Michelmores LLP

Michelmores LLP acts for clients across the finance, education, and charity sectors, often working in collaboration with the wider firm's other departments. Practice head Jayne Clemens has a particular focus on defamation, and regularly secures the removal of libellous material from websites and social media. Senior associate Charlotte Bolton is also recommended for her specialisms in brand protection and international reputation management.

Practice head(s):

Jayne Clemens

Other key lawyers:

Marie-Louise King; Charlotte Bolton

Testimonials

‘Very good regional profile and broad range of clients’

‘Jayne Clemens’ legal and industry knowledge is excellent, combined with strategic sense and sound client management.’

‘The team is very experienced in representing HNW individuals in reputation management matters as part of the strong international private wealth offering of the firm as a whole. They also act for campaigning organisations. The team’s key capability is their expertise in ‘under the radar’ representation, with the meaning that often their work is not public, which is consistent with the clients’ objectives.’

‘Marie-Louise King – I worked with Marie-Louise in advising and representing a very high profile public figure in a privacy claim. What stood out was her mature and measured approach, that focussed on achieving the client’s objectives and avoided unnecessary drama.’

‘Well-connected to other practices, which all fit well together under an overarching private client umbrella.’

‘Jayne Clemens was super-responsive, empathetic and carried that empathy well into exploring win-win solutions with the other side. She was sure-footed and pragmatic in an urgent situation and got us the result we needed.’

Key clients

PETA Foundation UK Ltd

Fintellect Ltd

Succession Group

The Forestry Commission

Work highlights

  • Advising the Succession Group on a range of press articles and reputation management matters.
  • Advising Mr X, a very high net worth individual, on three high court defamation, privacy and harassment claims.
  • Advising Peta UK Limited, Peta US and Peta Asia on a range of defamation and privacy matters.

Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP handles a range of defamation, privacy, and media dispute work, with a focus on providing a discreet service in crisis situations. Joint team lead Richard Dawson-Gerrard, who is based in Manchester, specialises in crisis management, and has expertise planning and coordinated publicity tactics with external professionals. He jointly leads the practice with principal associate Rachael Somerset, who represents a number of celebrities and athletes, and has a wealth of experience implementing preventative strategies to mitigate reputational harm. Senior associate Ben Reeves is also based in Manchester and is recommended for his work with high-net-worth individuals, corporates and NHS bodies.

Practice head(s):

Richard Dawson-Gerrard; Rachael Somerset

Other key lawyers:

Ben Reeves

Testimonials

‘Mills & Reeve have a solid reputation management team. They keep across the details and have a thorough approach.’

‘Rachael Somerset provides good legal analysis and a detailed approach.’

‘Rachael Somerset is excellent. She is easy to deal with, very client-focused and her advice is sensible and well-judged.’

‘One of the higher-quality firms practising in reputation management outside of London, particularly via its Manchester office.’

‘The team’s practical and sensible approach to complex matters is extremely reassuring and helps to navigate sensitive issues with ease.’

‘Rachael Somerset in particular is excellent; Rachael is very approachable and friendly and clients benefit from her wealth of experience in this area.’

Key clients

James Milner (Professional footballer, Liverpool Football Club)

Sussex Healthcare Group Limited (Parris v Ajayi Reported case)

Coronation Street / ITV

England Golf

Steph Houghton (Professional footballer, Manchester City FC)

Kieran Trippier (England International footballer and Atletico Madrid FC)

The Professional Footballers’ Association and its members

The James Milner Charitable Foundation

The Martin James Group (International Charity)

Phoenix Group

Work highlights

  • Acted for one of the year’s leading and reported cases, on behalf of Ajayi and Others, and succeeded in their application to strike out a significant six figure malicious falsehood claim in the High Court.
  • Advised international football stars James Milner and Kieran Trippier in relation to reputation management and media issues, including dealing with right of reply media enquiries and assisting with statements pre-publication reported by international media in print and online to millions.
  • Advised new client the Martin James Foundation, which champions children’s rights across the world, in relation to reputational work.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP's reputation management practice is jointly led by senior partner Richard East and Paul Baker, who joined the firm from Simmons & Simmons in 2021. The firm issues and defends complex defamation and malicious falsehood claims for clients in the finance and technology sectors. East and Baker are supported by Gregory Pantlin who specialises in multi-jurisdictional commercial dispute resolution, advising on libel and privacy issues in the media space.

Practice head(s):

Paul Baker; Richard East

Other key lawyers:

Greg Pantlin

Testimonials

‘Quinn’s reputation management practice is run by experienced, world-class litigators who are experts in their field. They are known to work on the most complex and high-profile international matters, and this experience is evident in the advice they give. They are responsive, proactive and calm under pressure – they have seen it all, and nothing fazes them.’

‘Quinn’s reputation as a leading litigation powerhouse is itself very helpful when dealing with vexatious issues and the collaborative approach to cross-border matters means that you receive relevant, impactful and actionable advice from the right person.’

‘Working with Quinn, you know that every individual will be highly talented, bright, proactive and incisive. There are no passengers on the team and each member clearly adds value – in contrast to some other firms.’

‘Paul Baker has been fantastic; clear advice effectively communicated combined with strategic understanding of our matter and the ability to pivot from one urgent issue to another. He works incredibly hard under pressure and invariably comes up with solutions that not only protect us but enhance our position in the market.’

‘Greg Pantlin is clearly a rising star, new to partnership, and has given invaluable input when called upon.’

Key clients

Lightsource BP

Valdimir Chernukhin, Lubov Chernukhin, and Navigator Equities Limited

Farid Saab and Fadi Saab

Alvarez & Marsal as Joint Administrators to NMC Health PLC (in administration) and NMC Healthcare LTD (in administration) and the other 35 NMC group companies in administration

Barrick TZ Limited

Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP's reputation management practice is jointly led by Gregor Pryor and Steve Sessa, acting for both claimants and defendants on pre-publication clearance matters, defamation, and privacy. Michael Skrein acts for clients both nationally and internationally, and is described by one client as the 'doyen of the media law world.' Carolyn Pepper is also recommended for her work in the publishing, investigative journalism, and financial services sectors.

Practice head(s):

Gregor Pryor; Steve Sessa

Other key lawyers:

Michael Skrein; Carolyn Pepper

Testimonials

‘Reed Smith are a pre-eminent firm for the conduct of heavy and complicated media law cases and investigations’

‘Michael Skrein is the doyen of the media law world – his wisdom, judgment and expertise are invaluable on any case.’

‘Strong on industry knowledge and connections.’

‘Michael Skrein – doyen of London media litigation.’

‘Carolyn Pepper – tenacious effective litigator.’

‘Excellent litigators. Good knowledge of the law and practical advice.’

‘Michael Skrein is quite simply one of the best litigators in the country.’

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs provides a cross-departmental reputation management practice which has libel, defamation, and privacy expertise. Practice head director Peter Lees acts for a range of well-known individuals and corporate clients with a particular focus on environmental issues and internal governance. Lees is supported by senior associate Mariyam Harunah, IP specialist Carlton Daniel  and litigator Stephen Sampson.

Practice head(s):

Peter Lees

Other key lawyers:

Carlton Daniel; Stephen Sampson; Mariyam Harunah

Testimonials

‘Peter Lees is friendly, approachable and sensible in the advice he provides. Mariyam Harunah is extremely hardworking, available at all times, creative and approachable.’

‘The team has a number of highly effective lawyers, who combine to deliver good results for their clients. They were legally sure-footed and had excellent industry knowledge in that sphere.’

‘Carlton Daniel is very cerebral and thorough, but still warm and friendly. He will not miss anything. Peter Lees is hard-working and capable.’

‘Friendly, commercial.’

‘Peter Lees – pragmatic, trusted his advice, sensible.’

‘We have worked with them for a good while now as our preferred supplier for many of our divisions. They have learned the business and brands and how they operate which is a bonus for us, they have build up some solid relationships.’

‘We know if we call for advice it will be straightforward and if we have risks they will let us know, and help to put in place a strategy to minimise said risks and the business reputation. They are easy to approach and we know we will get good advice and we have a team that is allocated to support on our cases as needed.’

‘They are all great to work with, no issues have ever been noted with their advice – they are approachable and don’t judge on the cases we have or the queries and questions we have to ask’