Rupert Cowper-Coles > RPC > London, England > Lawyer Profile

RPC
TOWER BRIDGE HOUSE
ST KATHARINE'S WAY
LONDON
E1W 1AA
England

Work Department

Media

Position

Partner in the media team, specialising in media litigation, most often in the fields of defamation, privacy, data protection and harassment law.

Rupert predominantly advises publishers and intermediaries in defending claims and exercising their free speech rights, acting for a spectrum of well-known clients including national newspapers, magazines, book publishers and journalists. He is experienced in litigating complex and developing areas of law, including on foreign jurisdiction issues, intermediary liability and the impact of European law on domestic information rights. Prior to joining RPC in 2016, Rupert predominantly advised prospective claimants.

Career

Trained at Withers LLP from 2009, qualified 2011; solicitor at Withers LLP 2011 – 2016; joined RPC as an associate solicitor in 2016; promoted to senior associate in 2018.

Education

University of Edinburgh 2003 – 2007 (MA Political Science); BPP Law School 2007 – 2009 (GDL and LPC).

Lawyer Rankings

London > Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity

RPC counts major tech, social media, and newspaper companies among its impressive roster of clients, handling the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters for clients including Meta, Google, TikTok, and the BBC. Jon Bartley leads on data advisory matters, with a sector focus on retail and technology. Richard Breavington takes point on cyber matters, while Rupert Cowper-Coles and David Cran are the key names for data and tech disputes. Also in the core team is Oliver Bray, whose practice has a particular focus on data issues relating to digital media and online retail. The ‘oustanding’ Joe Lippitt was elevated to the partnership in May 2023 and is also recommended.

London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management

(Next Generation Partners)

Rupert Cowper-ColesRPC

As ‘one of the most experienced’ defendant-focused media teams, RPC comprises specialists in defamation, privacy and editorial advisory services; the firm acts for clients across all areas of the media, including national and local newspapers, broadcasters, magazines and freelance journalists. Practice head Keith Mathieson is experienced in advising on media content and defending matters pertaining to freedom of expression. Rupert Cowper-Coles has a strong track record defending leading media and tech organisations in data protection cases. Alex Wilson is regularly instructed by media organisations on matters surrounding defamation, privacy and data protection. Alex Vakil acts on behalf of broadcasters, online platforms and publishers in a variety of contentious reputation and data matters.

London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Digital content & social

RPC‘s comprehensive client roster – including major social media platforms and digital content publishers – benefits from the firm’s broader expertise in media, data protection, commercial, advertising, IP and litigation. Practice head Oliver Bray specialises in advertising and is a regular advisor to platform-based tech giants such as Meta (including all of its platforms) and Google; his workload further spans ecommerce, AdTech and regulatory investigations. Other recommended individuals include renowned media litigator Rupert Cowper-Coles, who represents a number of leading tech organisations and digital publishers, and data protection expert Jon Bartley.

London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Theatre, publishing and other media

RPC is a regular advisor to leading national and local newspapers, web and book publishers, broadcasters, magazines, tech and freelance journalists, and media liability insurers. Team head Keith Mathieson is an expert in defamation and privacy claims; he has notable expertise with regards to press regulation, having acted for Associated Newspapers throughout the Leveson Inquiry. Experienced litigator Rupert Cowper-Coles specialises in data protection disputes. Promoted to partner in mid-2022 alongside solicitor-advocate Alex Vakil, Alex Wilson is often instructed to provide pre-publication advice and has represented clients in cases before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.