5RB > London, England > Set Profile

Chambers of Adrienne Page KC and Jane Phillips
5RB
5 GRAY'S INN SQUARE
LONDON
WC1R 5AH
England

London Bar > Defamation and privacy Tier 1

5RB is a ‘dominant set for defamation and privacy’, with its barristers relied upon ‘to produce first class work‘. Adrienne Page KC and Andrew Caldecott KC were for the claimant and defendant respectively in Sharif v Associated Newspapers Ltd, a trial concerning the meaning of a Mail article accusing the Pakistani prime minister of various fraud-related schemes. In Attorney General v BBC, Adam Wolanski KC is representing the BBC in a case brought by the government seeking to prevent the identification of an MI5 covert human intelligence source (CHIS) accused of abusing women. In addition, ‘excellentDavid Sherborne acted alongside Julian Santos, representing the defendants and going up against Kate Wilson in IS Prime Ltd v Siddiqui and TF Global Markets (UK) Limited, a malicious falsehood claim stemming from messages shared between the defendants in relation to separate proceedings the claimant was a party to.

Rising stars

Ben Gallop5RB 'Ben is extremely knowledgeable, brilliant with clients and always goes out of his way to assist his instructing solicitors and lay clients. His knowledge of media law is second to none.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Ben Hamer5RB ‘Ben is one to watch- great at detail and excellent drafting skills.
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Ranked: Tier 1
Adrienne Page KC5RB 'Adrienne is a brilliant advocate, as solicitors have seen both with her on their side and against. She is excellent on paper and has outstanding in-depth knowledge of the law and procedure. '
Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 2
Adam Wolanski KC5RB 'Adam has particular expertise in reporting restrictions, and principles of open justice. He is compellingly charming, which obviously works well with everyone: lay clients, instructing solicitors, and judges. '
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 2
Adam Speker KC5RB 'Adam is very calm and assured - he is hugely experienced and has a good sense of what will work in court and what won't.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Jonathan Barnes KC5RB 'Jonathan has very strong advocacy and strategic skills. He is frank in his assessments, always from a place of what is best for the client.'
Ranked: Tier 3

2022 Silks

Leading Juniors

Jacob Dean5RB 'Jacob is very good on the law and very thorough and easy to work with. His advocacy is very accomplished.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Clara Hamer5RB 'Clara is exceptionally organised and hardworking. She has a phenomenal grasp of the facts and understanding of the law involved in the case.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Jane Phillips5RB 'Jane cuts through the issues and provides advice that is spot on and incredibly practical. She also makes herself available at short notice and turns round advice to short deadlines.'
Ranked: Tier 1
David Sherborne5RBDavid is excellent – the leader in terms of privacy law. He is popular with every client he is in front of.
Ranked: Tier 1
Kate Wilson5RB 'Kate's written advice and evaluation of strategy is excellent. Her written work is superb. Kate is an absolute joy to work with - razor-sharp and extremely good with clients.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Richard Munden5RB 'Mr Strike Out. If you want an early end to a case you are defending, then use Richard. He will persuade the judge why the case should stop now!'
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 2
David Hirst5RB 'David is an advocate of the highest quality; his preparation and commercial sense is second to none. David is also great with clients, able to explain matters in a straight forward and thinking manner and nothing is too much trouble. Always quick to respond and no question is too small. '
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3
Julian Santos5RBJulian is great. A pleasure to deal with and excellent at strategy.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3
John Stables5RB 'He has a natural feel and creates clever technical arguments.'
Ranked: Tier 4
Ranked: Tier 4
Ranked: Tier 4
Felicity McMahon5RB 'A go-to junior on media matters - she is encyclopaedic but also practical and a pleasure to deal with.'
Ranked: Tier 4
Victoria Simon-Shore5RB 'Victoria combines an approachable and down to earth manner with clients with real steel in the court room. A strong tactician who steers the case from the front. A strong advocate with good rapport with the judges. '
Ranked: Tier 4
Ranked: Tier 4

Testimonials

Set

5RB is the dominant set for defamation and privacy, and their barristers can be relied on to produce first class work.

5RB of course top defamation/privacy/reputation management set.

5RB leads the field because it is solely focused on the media torts/defamation and privacy.’

London Bar > Data protection Tier 2

As a ‘main set in this area‘, members of 5RB appear in a range of FOIA request, appeals, ICO investigations, and data protection regulatory matters.  Jonathan Barnes KC represented the Duchess of Sussex in Duchess of Sussex v Splash, a privacy and data protection claim arising from the syndication of paparazzi photographs taken of the Duchess and her son. Jonathan Scherbel-Ball represented Newsquest Media Group in judicial review proceedings concerning a purported anonymity and privacy order in relation to a dismissed police officer. In ZXC v Bloomberg LP, Clara Hamer acted on behalf of Bloomberg in the Supreme Court in a high-profile privacy and data protection claim.

Rising stars

Ben Hamer5RB 'Ben has a depth of knowledge that is years beyond his call and an ability to demonstrate his expertise through written work and advocacy of the highest standard. He combines this with being unwaveringly calm, personable and courteous.'
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Ranked: Tier 1
Adam Speker KC5RB 'Adam provides commercial and practical advice.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 2

2021 Silks

2022 Silks

Leading Juniors

Ranked: Tier 1
Clara Hamer5RB 'Clara is exceptionally high quality. Her tactical acumen, attention to detail, analysis and communication skills are absolutely outstanding - she never misses anything. And her oral advocacy is excellent.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3
Felicity McMahon5RB 'Very bright and knowledgeable, but what is particularly appealing is her down to earth nature and teamwork.  She tells it how it is but always in a clear and client friendly manner. Felicity is a calm and collected advocate, particularly notable when dealing with opponent litigants in person.'
Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

Set 

Great defendant-oriented set for public law and information law.

5RB is a main set in this area.

Work highlights

    London Bar > Media and entertainment Tier 3

    The barristers at 5RB handle work for a variety of celebrities and outlets, acting in high-profile matters relating to the media and entertainment sphere. Taking silk in 2022, Aidan Eardley KC acted in defence of Italian publisher Gedi Gruppo Editoriale in a challenge to the court’s jurisdiction in relation to the granting of an injunction against foreign defendants. Elsewhere in chambers, other notable figures include Andrew Caldecott KC, Christina Michalos KC, and Justin Rushbrooke KC.  

    2022 Silks

    Leading Juniors

    Ranked: Tier 1
    Ranked: Tier 4
    Ranked: Tier 4

    5RB is widely acknowledged and respected as a leading set specialising in media, entertainment and information law, in particular, defamation, privacy, breach of confidence, malicious falsehood, contempt of court, data protection, reporting restrictions and harassment.

    The set: There are presently 33 members, including eight silks and one Australian SC. Members of chambers have wide experience in all divisions of the High Court and in the appellate courts. They also appear regularly in the criminal and family courts, usually in reporting restrictions matters, and before domestic tribunals, such as Ofcom and the ICO. Chambers regularly receives instructions from overseas. Most members of 5RB undertake public access work. In addition to litigation, members of chambers provide pre-publication advice, usually to newspapers, book publishers, media organisations, public authorities and companies.

    Types of work undertaken: 5RB enjoys a pre-eminent reputation in cases where there is or may be a clash between freedom of expression and other rights. Members of chambers specialise in defamation, malicious falsehood, privacy, breach of confidence, contempt of court, reporting restrictions, data protection, harassment, blackmail and other related causes of action. They are regularly called upon to advise in cases of publication online and on social media, particularly where the identity of a publisher is unknown, and to seek disclosure or apply for Norwich Pharmacal orders. Some members of chambers specialise across a broader spectrum of media, entertainment, IP and sports law, including copyright, passing off, broadcasting regulatory work, advertising, and sports tribunal work.

    Members of 5RB have appeared in many of the most significant media and communications cases, including PJS v News Group Newspapers (SC); OPO v MLA (SC); Pinar-Byrne v Linton (PC); Gulati and ors v MGN (CA) (Mirror phone-hacking); Weller v ANL (CA); Serafin v Malkiewicz and others (SC); Murray v ANL (CA); Khuja v Times Newspapers (SC); Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd (SC); Sobrinho v Impresa; Cliff Richard v BBC; Yeo v Times Newspapers Ltd; the News Group phone-hacking litigation; Attorney General v Conde Nast. Recent cases include: Vardy v Rooney; Riley v Murray (CA); Duchess of Sussex v Associated Newspapers (CA); Attorney General v BBC; ZXC v Bloomberg (SC); Soriano v Forensic News LLC & ors (CA).

    Members of the set write or contribute to the principal textbooks in their field: Gatley on Libel and Slander; Duncan and Neill on Defamation; Clerk & Lindsell on Torts; The Law of Privacy and the Media; Blackstone’s Guide to the Defamation Act; The Law of Photography and Digital Images; Borrie & Lowe: The Law of Contempt; Arlidge, Eady & Smith on Contempt.

    Frequently 5RB’s barristers are called upon to advise out-of-hours or to seek or oppose emergency injunctive relief. There are out-of-hours contact arrangements and an on-call rota for advice over weekends and public holidays. 5RB is sensitive to the fact that, as a leading specialist set, different members are often instructed on opposing sides of the same dispute. There are robust arrangements in place to preserve client confidentiality.

    DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
    Senior clerk LOVE, Andrew
    Members of Chambers PAGE KC, Adrienne (1974) (KC 1999)
    Members of Chambers PHILLIPS, Jane (1989)
    Members of Chambers RUSHBROOKE KC, Justin (1992) (KC 2013)
    Members of Chambers MICHALOS KC, Christina (1994) (KC 2019)
    Members of Chambers BENNETT KC, William (1994) (KC 2019)
    Members of Chambers WOLANSKI KC, Adam (1995) (KC 2019)
    Members of Chambers SPEKER KC, Adam (1999) (KC 2020)
    Members of Chambers BARNES, Jonathan KC (1999) (KC 2021)
    Members of Chambers EARDLEY, Aidan (2002) (KC 2022)
    Members of Chambers BLACKBURN SC, Tom (1988) (SC 2003 Australia)
    Members of Chambers MARZEC, Alexandra (1990)
    Members of Chambers SHERBORNE, David (1992)
    Members of Chambers BUSUTTIL, Godwin (1994)
    Members of Chambers DEAN, Jacob (1995)
    Members of Chambers MUNDEN, Richard (2003)
    Members of Chambers HIRST, David (2003)
    Members of Chambers SIMON-SHORE, Victoria (2005)
    Members of Chambers JOLLIFFE, Victoria (2005)
    Members of Chambers WILSON, Kate (2005)
    Members of Chambers SCHERBEL-BALL, Jonathan (2010)
    Members of Chambers McMAHON, Felicity (2008)
    Members of Chambers SANTOS, Julian (2008)
    Members of Chambers STRONG, Chloe (2010)
    Members of Chambers DE WILDE, Gervase (2012)
    Members of Chambers CALLUS, Greg (2012)
    Members of Chambers HAMER, Clara (2013)
    Members of Chambers STABLES, John (2012)
    Members of Chambers GALLOP, Ben (2017)
    Members of Chambers HAMER, Ben (2017)
    Members of Chambers WALKER-PARR, Lily (2018)
    Members of Chambers BROWNE, Luke (2017)
    Members of Chambers MCNEILL-WALSH, Gemma (2018)
    Members of Chambers WILLIAMS, Hope (2021)
    Associate Member BROWNE KC, Desmond (1969) (KC 1990)
    Associate Member CALDECOTT KC, Andrew (1975) (KC 1999)
    Associate Member MCCAFFERTY KC, Patrick (2005) (KC 2018)
    Associate Member SMITH, Professor Tony (1992)
    PhotoNamePositionProfile
    Jonathan Barnes KC photo Jonathan Barnes KCSpecialises in media and commercial litigation, including defamation, malicious falsehood, contract, agency,…
    Jonathan Barnes KC photo Jonathan Barnes KCSpecialises in media and commercial litigation, including defamation, malicious falsehood, contract, agency,…
    William Bennett photo William BennettWilliam originally practised in criminal law before moving into defamation in 1996,…
    Tom Blackburn SC photo Tom Blackburn SCDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    Desmond Browne photo Desmond BrowneSpecialises in media law, privacy and defamation. Recent cases include: Berezovsky v…
    Luke Browne photo Luke BrowneDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    Godwin Busuttil photo Godwin BusuttilSpecialises in media work generally: defamation; malicious falsehood; privacy/confidence; data protection; contempt…
    Andrew Caldecott photo Andrew CaldecottDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    Greg Callus photo Greg CallusDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    Jacob Dean photo Jacob DeanJacob specialises in defamation and privacy, media and entertainment and sports law.…
    Aidan Eardley KC photo Aidan Eardley KCDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    Ben Gallop photo Ben GallopDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    Ben Hamer photo Ben HamerDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    Clara Hamer photo Clara HamerDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    David Hirst photo David HirstAreas of work include defamation, privacy, malicious falsehood, contempt, reporting restrictions, copyright,…
    Victoria Jolliffe photo Victoria JolliffeSpecialises in defamation, privacy, malicious falsehood, harassment and other media related matters.…
    Alexandra Marzec photo Alexandra MarzecBarrister dealing with libel and slander; misuse of private information and breach…
    Felicity McMahon photo Felicity McMahonMedia law barrister practising in defamation, privacy and confidence, data protection, harassment,…
    Christina Michalos KC photo Christina Michalos KCSpecialises in copyright, breach of confidence, privacy, passing off, trade marks and…
    Christina Michalos KC photo Christina Michalos KCSpecialises in copyright, breach of confidence, privacy, passing off, trade marks and…
    Patrick Milmo photo Patrick MilmoDefamation, abuse of private information, breach of confidence, horse racing and professional…
    Richard Alexander John Munden photo Richard Alexander John MundenSpecialises in the areas of defamation, private and confidential information, harassment, data…
    Adrienne Page photo Adrienne PageSpecialises in defamation, privacy and related media law generally. For recent cases…
    Jane Phillips photo Jane PhillipsDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    Justin Charles Neil Rushbrooke KC photo Justin Charles Neil Rushbrooke KCSpecialises in media and entertainment law, in particular libel (including corporate and…
    Julian Santos photo Julian SantosSpecialises in defamation, privacy, harassment and data protection. Provides pre-publication advice to…
    Jonathan Scherbel-Ball photo Jonathan Scherbel-BallDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    David Alexander Sherborne photo David Alexander SherborneDavid is a media and entertainment barrister practising at 5RB who specialises…
    Victoria Simon-Shore photo Victoria Simon-ShoreSpecialises in media law, including defamation, breach of confidence and privacy. For…
    Adam Samuel Edward Speker photo Adam Samuel Edward SpekerSpecialises in defamation, privacy and media law; for recent and important cases…
    John Stables photo John StablesDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    Chloe Strong photo Chloe StrongChloe practises across the range of Chambers’ specialties, with a particular focus…
    Lily Walker-Parr photo Lily Walker-ParrDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    Kate Wilson photo Kate WilsonDefamation and Malicious Falsehood; Privacy and Confidence; Data Protection and Information Law;…
    Adam Wolanski photo Adam WolanskiSpecialises in media law, including defamation, breach of confidence/privacy and reporting restrictions.…
    Gervase de Wilde photo Gervase de WildeGervase joined 5RB in October 2013 following the completion of his pupillage…