Withers LLP

Litigation and Arbitration

Partner

Amber is a media law specialist operating wherever there is an interface, be it welcome or unwanted, with the media or other organisations and individuals, where she works to protect the reputation and brand, privacy and confidential information of our clients, advising on: defamation, data protection (including ‘the right to be forgotten' and voicemail interception (i.e. phone-hacking)), harassment and blackmail. She is experienced in making applications for interim injunctive relief where necessary and assists clients through pre and post-publication situations, in negotiation and litigation.

In Spring 2019, Amber was admitted as a New York attorney, having qualified at the New York Bar and obtaining a Masters in US law, specializing in media law and graduating in the top 10% of her law school, magna cum laude. Amber is uniquely placed as a dual-qualified media-specialist and crisis management lawyer, able to practice in both the courts of England and Wales, and New York, to offer our global clients a worldwide service.

Amber's expertise extends well beyond black letter law and incorporates a more holistic approach, factoring in all aspects of communications and messaging, whether to the media or to her clients, their employees, shareholders, customers or to the public at large. In addition, she provides a 24/7 crisis management service, which enables clients to feel ‘very supported...at this choppy time'.

Amber is the Spear's Wealth Management Defamation & Reputation Management Lawyer of the Year, 2017. In 2016, she was rated in The Spear's 500 directory as ‘outstanding in field' and rated as one of the top UK reputation management lawyers. Chambers and Partners directory 2015 quote clients as saying of her, she is "very supportive and extremely dedicated", she "knows the business inside out" and is praised for her commitment to her clients' needs. Clients revere Melville-Brown for her empathy, availability and tactfulness, labelling her ‘absolutely outstanding'. Chambers and Partners 2014 describe Amber as ‘friendly and welcoming' - one client comments 'you are the lady I look up to' - ‘incredibly sensible and practical' and she is praised for her ability to ‘translate difficult legal concepts and then convey them to clients.' Amber is described by Legal 500 2013 as ‘intelligent, solid, sensible and practical.'

Amber's clients include heads of state, members of Parliament, high profile individuals in the arts, sports and music industries, professionals and entrepreneurs, family offices, charities and companies. Increasingly her clients are seeking advice on online publications, including on social media sites including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. That said, the nature of Amber's work in privacy and reputation means that she and her team are discreet with our clients' identities information as you would expect.

Amber is a respected author on media matters. She was one of the longest standing columnists for the professional magazine, the Law Society Gazette and has gone on to write articles and provide commentary for national and international newspapers as well as specialist titles and online sites where she is regularly invited to comment on media law issues. She is also regularly invited to speak at events on social media and traditional media, reputation and privacy related matters.

During her time as deputy head of the litigation and arbitration team, assisted in the management of the department through its most significant period of growth, as it broadened its international reach and range of services.

Amber is Withers' corporate social responsibility partner, responsible for overseeing the firm's CSR activities, initiatives and policies.

The Law Society of England and Wales

New York State Bar

New York City Bar

Fordham University Law School Masters in American Law (specialising in media law), graduating magna cum laude, May 2018.

Uniform Bar Exam, February 2019

New York State Bar Exam, June 2019.

College of Law, Law Society Finals Exam and Common Professional Exams

University College London, B.A. (Hons) French