RPC primarily acts for high-profile organisations and individuals including charities, publishers, newspapers and politicians. Lauded as an ‘outstanding partner in the media field’, Rupert Cowper-Coles heads up the team, offering his expertise in data protection, libel and malicious falsehood claims. Specialising in media and politics-related matters, Alex Wilson is skilled at handling harassment, data protection and libel claims. Keith Mathieson has recently been engaged in high-profile litigation representing news organisations. Samantha Thompson frequently assists on matters involving defamation, misfeasance and breach of GDPR issues, while Nadia Tymkiw specialises in media and entertainment matters. Mafruhdha Miah provides crucial support on matters concerning sexual harassment and assault, defamatory press statements and breach of GDPR issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘One of the market leaders in reputation management for defendants. A very good firm indeed. ’
‘Rupert Cowper-Coles is the leading lawyer in the country on media defence. He has excellent market knowledge and has a fantastic team behind him.’
‘RPC have an excellent profile and superb expertise in the reputation management field, particularly acting on behalf of media organisations. They have brilliant contacts within this sector and collaborate very well with clients and barristers.’
‘Rupert Cowper-Coles is an outstanding partner in the media field. He is very knowledgeable, experienced and cool under pressure who will fight extremely hard for his clients. Alex Wilson is very knowledgeable in this field, with excellent judgment, and Mafruhdha Miah is a superb senior associate, with unrivalled expertise in media law as well as brilliant tactical nous.’
‘The firm is simply the best defendant defamation team on the market.’
‘The team consists of specialist media law practitioners with real hands-on experience of newspaper, online and broadcast media issues as compared with other London law firms.’
'Without hesitation the firm of choice for defendants in complex defamation and privacy litigation. Tactically astute, first rate lawyers, but with the flexibility and commercial awareness needed to operate effectively in a challenging market.'
'Alex Wilson is a stand-out lawyer and will be a market leader.'
'RPC's media law team is second-to-none, particularly for media defendants.'
'Alex Wilson is an expert in the field of media and communications law. He is very approachable, has good strategic judgement, and really knows his stuff. Rupert Cowper-Coles is highly regarded in the field and an exceptional lawyer.'
Key clients
- Greenpeace
- Reach Plc
- Financial Times
- Associated Newspapers Limited
- Matt Hancock MP
- The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
- Soho Theatre
- Paul Staines
- The Spectator Magazine
Work highlights
Advised Greenpeace, Greenpeace International and nine Greenpeace activists against a claim in unlawful means conspiracy issued by Shell UK Limited and Fluor Limited seeking c.$1m in damages.
Defending the Financial Times in a libel claim brought by Crispin Odey, over two articles reporting on allegation that Odey sexually assaulted or harassed more than 20 women between 1985 and 2021.
Instructed by Matt Hancock in defence of a libel claim brought by Andrew Bridgen over a post on X in which he accused Mr Bridgen of spouting 'antisemitic, anti-vax, anti-scientific conspiracy theories.'
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.
Mafruhdah Miah
Samantha Thompson
Practice head
Rupert Cowper-Coles
Other key lawyers
Alex Wilson; Keith Mathieson; Samantha Thompson; Nadia Tymkiw; Mafruhdha Miah