RPC is a premier publishing firm known for its excellence in libel cases, acting for defendants, representing national newspapers and other publishers. Outside its defamation practice, the firm is well-versed in supporting media clients with publishing issues in the digital space, pre-publication, and novel media law issues. The practice is led by Rupert Cowper-Coles, an expert in SLAPPs, and he acts as a key adviser to news organisations, social media platforms, and journalists, advising on matters related to content liability, freedom of expression, defamation, privacy, and data protection. Keith Mathieson is an authority on defamation and privacy cases, while Alex Wilson assists with pre-publication issues, as well as defending clients in libel claims. They are supported by SLAPP litigation specialist Samantha Thompson, Mafruhdha Miah, who acts on defamation and data protection claims, and Nadia Tymkiw, who focuses on digital safety and regulation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘RPC are the pre-eminent defendant firm in the field of defamation and privacy.’
‘Rupert Cowper-Coles, Alex Wilson and Samantha Thompson have all instructed me on difficult defamation claims where legal knowledge, good judgement and strategic thinking were key. They demonstrated excellence in all those fields.’
‘RPC has exceptional depth at all levels. They come prepared with a practical mindset and clear instructions. As counsel, they are always a pleasure to work with.’
‘Rupert Cowper-Coles is a star partner. He is a safe pair of hands on any case and manages to wrestle the best outcome for his clients from the most difficult situations. Mafruhdha Miah demonstrates why so many publishers turn to RPC when difficult issues arise. She makes handling multiple lay clients at once look easy and is always in complete command of her cases. Samantha Thompson is clearly partner material.’
‘One of the strongest defendant practices in London. Involved in every big case.’
‘Rupert Cowper-Coles is pleasant, steely and unflappable. Alex Wilson is excellent on privacy and data protection. Mafruhdha Miah is outstanding.’
‘This is an excellent team - extremely experienced in their field of defendant media work. Always our first port of call.’
‘Keith Mathieson remains outstanding. Alexander Pollock is an exceptional and Alex Wilson is a promising young partner with a quick mind. Rupert Cowper-Coles has excellent client management skills.’
Key clients
- Associated Newspapers Limited
- The BBC
- Guardian News & Media
- ITN
- News Group Newspapers
- Telegraph Media Group
- Times Media
- Reach Plc
- MGN Limited
- Associated Newspapers Limited
Work highlights
Represented eight members of the national news media in successfully applying for the disclosure and publication of material before the court in historic Family Court proceedings concerning Sara Sharif and her siblings.
Represented MGN Limited in the civil claims relating to alleged voicemail interception and other unlawful information gathering activities.
Represented Associated Newspapers Limited in defending the GDPR claim brought by Dale Vince over an article published on 9 June 2023.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Mafruhdha Miah
Practice head
Rupert Cowper-Coles
Other key lawyers
Keith Mathieson; Alex Wilson; Samantha Thompson; Mafruhdha Miah; Megan Grew; Thomas Otter; Alexander Pollock; Nadia Tymkiw