TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Hamlins LLP is highly regarded for its strength in representing high-profile individuals in defamation and privacy litigation. Described by clients as ‘a great strategist and fantastic with clients’, practice head Ellen Gallagher is a skilled litigator with extensive experience in cases involving privacy, misuse of private information, and defamation. Christopher Hutchings is an experienced litigator with particular expertise in overseeing false and defamatory allegation matters. Other key practitioners include Natalie Powers, who advises on both pre- and post-publication matters, and Daniel Shaw, who is recognised for his work on social media-related disputes.
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Profile
Work Department
Media and Entertainment/Reputation Management.
Position
Chris is a Partner in the Media Disputes team.
He has specialised in media law for 28 years, acting for individual and corporate clients both as claimants and defendants, in leading privacy and libel cases including Douglas v Hello! and recently Ali v Channel 5.
Chris has also a wealth of experience in pre-action reputation management, successfully preventing publication of damaging allegations or private information and data of his clients.
His team are increasingly instructed on issues concerning online publication, including social media, and have significant experience in persuading search engines to remove material based on the developing ‘right to be forgotten’.
Career
Trained Carter-Ruck (1990-2000), made associate and then partner; founded media team at Charles Russell 2000-03; co-founded Mlaw 2003-10; partner Hamlins LLP 2010 to date.
Education
Southampton University (BSc 2(1)); College of Law (LLB).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Hamlins' reputation practice punches above its weight, notably as lead solicitors in the phone-hacking litigation.'
‘Ellen Gallagher is excellent. She navigates complex, emotionally charged cases.'
Key clients
- Alan Carr
- Alfie Allen
Work highlights
Represented Lord Watson of Wyre Forest in his legal action against News Group Newspapers Limited.