5RB ‘remains the undisputed leader in media and communications law’ as its members are often instructed by international newspaper companies, technology corporations, high-net worth private clients and public institutions. Ben Hamer acted for Watford Community Housing Trust in a mass data breach claim, while Aidan Eardley KC was instructed in TikTok Information Technologies UK Ltd v Information Commissioner, a First-tier Tribunal appeal against a multi-million pound fine. Jonathan Scherbel-Ball is instructed by various media organisations and has recently advocated in cases related to unlawful data accessing, right to be forgotten claims and FOIA exceptions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • '5RB remains the undisputed leader in media and communications law, with unrivalled strength in depth across all levels of seniority. Whether navigating urgent injunctions, pre-publication instructions or defamation and privacy disputes, 5RB’s barristers are excellent, responsive, commercially aware and genuinely helpful.'
  • '5RB are an excellent set of chambers. They have a breadth of expertise that is unrivalled, together with a great client approach.'
  • 'Great strength in depth in this area.'
  • '5RB are head and shoulders above any other media chambers. They are the firm's go-to choice for any reputational management matters, including Data Protection.'
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Lawyers

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

2
Aidan Eardley KC
‘Technically brilliant, very measured and composed both in his advice and advocacy. Excellent on the law and has a great insight into the media judges.’   

2025 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1
Jacob Dean KC

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.

2
Clara Hamer
‘Very hard working, with an eye for detail. She is a fearless advocate.’   
2
Jonathan Scherbel-Ball
‘Jonathan is a tenacious and committed barrister who works tirelessly for his clients. Extremely knowledgeable on data protection and defamation, he is clearly one of the leading senior juniors in these fields.’  
3
Ben Hamer
Ben is very bright. He has an impressive work ethic. He is brilliant under pressure and a great team player.’

Rising stars

Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.

1
Gemma McNeil-Walsh