THE FIRM According to clients, this top-class specialist firm has deep knowledge and expertise in the media sector, in addition to being very sensitive to client requirements and adopting a sensible approach to costs. Acting mainly for claimants, the sizeable team undertakes work on both a fee-paying and a CFA basis, with recent notable matters including securing a front-page apology, damages and costs for Tesco in its widely reported libel action against the Guardian.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Nigel Tait receives widespread praise for his practice: "His experience makes you feel incredibly safe." Alasdair Pepper is identified for his tactical skill and was also a key force in implementing the firm's CFA scheme. Andrew Stephenson heads up the department and offers vast experience of defamation on both the claimant and defendant sides, with recent successes including obtaining apologies for Alan Duncan MP from both The Sunday Times and the News of the World. Hanna Basha enjoys an excellent reputation for her measured advice and first-class judgement. Adam Tudor recently secured damages and costs for the 'Tapas 7' as well as a full apology and damages from the News of the World and the Evening Standard on behalf of Kate and Gerry McCann. Magnus Boyd "relishes getting his teeth into a case" and "pushes hard to keep the momentum going." Ruth Collard is another highly regarded member of the team for her defamation and media litigation practice, with a client base comprising claimants and defendants. Cameron Doley specialises in media cases involving Arab and Middle East factors. Claire Gill is appreciated for her firm and sensible approach, with substantial experience of international as well as domestic cases. Antonia Foster acts for potential claimants across a spectrum of industries, and "rising star" Isabel Hudson is "really growing into the role and adding to the team," due to her concise and efficient approach. Mark Thomson has recently left the team to join Atkins Thomson as a named partner.
THE FIRM Highly regarded for its defendant media practice, this team's areas of expertise include defamation claims, pre-publication advice, privacy, breach of confidence, data protection and digital and online publication issues on both an international and a domestic basis. Its print media clients range from MGN and Express Newspapers to Private Eye and Macmillan Books.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Kevin Bays heads up the contentious rights and dispute resolution department and is recognised for the impressive experience he brings to the work. Current highlights for him include representing the Daily Mirror in the Naomi Campbell privacy case, which is being considered by the ECHR. Philip Conway regularly acts for Express Newspapers and MGN, and "always fights his clients' corner." Mark Bateman is head of the digital rights group and appreciated for his careful and studious approach to matters. In addition to advising generally on defamation and privacy matters, he offers focused expertise in user-generated content policies and issues. Clients say they can always rely on Robin Shaw to provide commercial advice. He mainly acts for Private Eye, MGN and Penguin Books, advising on issues ranging from online-related matters to the currently evolving privacy laws. Assistant solicitor Zoe Norden remains an asset to the team, with interviewees remarking that she "just gets better and better – she's one of the best new picks."
THE FIRM This boutique firm offers niche expertise in media law, regularly representing both claimants and defendants in defamation, breach of confidence, privacy and reputation management matters.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner David Price is a solicitor advocate and able to represent clients throughout the entire lifespan of a case. Recent work has included obtaining an apology and damages from Richard Desmond for several fund managers and Pentagon Capital Management. Described by interviewees as a class act, Price is "an inventive, tenacious lawyer." In addition, "he gets good deals for clients and offers excellent value for money." Amber Melville-Brown recently left the firm to join Withers LLP.
THE FIRM This firm offers a well-established defendant practice and a growing claimant one. In addition to an impressive portfolio of media clients, it acts for claimants ranging from individuals to national institutions and corporations. Recent notable matters include representing the News of the World in the extremely high-profile Max Mosley privacy case, and advising The Sun and the Daily Mirror in a privacy claim being brought by Ashley Cole.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees agree that "no client will go wrong in instructing Richard Shillito," who acts for a mix of national and regional newspaper clients. Julian Pike is head of the defamation and reputation management team. He is "highly committed to his clients and has an excellent tactical awareness of cases." He acts for a number of big-ticket media clients, such as the News of the World, The Sun, Emap and Haymarket. In addition to being a defamation and privacy lawyer, Benjamin Beabey has particular expertise in data protection and freedom of information issues. Sources agree he "has a wise head on young shoulders and can handle tricky situations deftly." Robert Clinton enjoys "an incredibly high level of seniority and respect – he is a charming man, with immense experience, sound legal knowledge and a creative, tactical mind." The tragic passing of Jonathan Crusher is a sad loss for the team.
THE FIRM This 11-strong team acts exclusively for defendants, representing clients who operate across the full range of media sectors including publishers, national and local newspapers, broadcasters and online publications. It is representing the Daily Mail in the libel retrial being brought by Austin Ivereigh, the former adviser to the Archbishop of England and Wales, after the original trial ended with a hung jury.
Sources Say: "The group is very well put together to provide clients with the optimum skills and support.”
KEY INDIVIDUALS David Hooper has "an impressive ability to grasp a case from a publishing point of view." He is highly regarded on an international basis for his practice, which involves acting for a significant number of US-based media companies as well as domestic clients. Keith Mathieson "is very much considered by the media to be on their wavelength," as evidenced by his recent joint instruction by MGN, News Group Newspapers, Associated Newspapers and Express Newspapers to represent them in the Robert Murat libel case. Jaron Lewis has recently taken over as head of the group, and remains highly sought after for his media expertise. Interviewees remark that "he is thriving in his current position and he has a sense of business acumen that really excels." According to clients, Maddie Mogford "deals with matters sensitively and with a mind to keeping costs under control –and we have always had the desired outcome when working with her." Her practice is based around advising book-publishing clients and media liability insurers. Senior associate Brid Jordan is "seriously thorough." The majority of her work comprises acting for newspaper publishers, with specific interest in Internet libel.
THE FIRM This outfit acts for a mixture of celebrity, corporate and high net worth individual clients in defamation, privacy and reputation management matters, with an excellent profile that continues to attract a steady stream of new clients. Of late, it has obtained damages, an apology and a statement in court for Kaupthing Bank in its claim against a Danish newspaper. It is also representing JK Rowling's son in a ground-breaking privacy claim brought against Big Pictures.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Keith Schilling is "the scourge of newspapers – he has a big practice and a phenomenal reputation." Clients say that Simon Smith "has a wonderfully incisive mind, and is incredibly fast at getting hold of the issues." He has recently acted as lead partner representing Nicolas Cage in a libel claim against Kathleen Turner and the Daily Mail. Interviewees compare Gideon Benaim to "a sparky Catherine wheel of ideas, who is always trying to find clever, new ways of doing things." Rachel Atkins is another highly regarded member of the team. Her litigation practice focuses on reputation management on behalf of corporate entities and high-profile individuals. Rod Christie-Miller "has absolutely top-notch technical knowledge and is always very up to date, which he combines with a great ability to explain things to clients and put them at their ease." John Kelly impresses interviewees with his reputation management practice, having recently acted for clients as high-profile and diverse as Northern Rock and Madonna. Jenny Afia remains a favourite with clients for her work on both pre and post-publication matters. Clients identify Chris Scott as an up-and-coming associate due to his strong eye for tactics and detail.
THE FIRM The team at this full-service firm offers advice and representation on a range of defamation, reputation management, privacy and pre-publication and broadcast matters. It recently obtained substantial damages for Austen Ivereigh in his libel claim against Associated Newspapers. In addition, it won a place on the reduced panel of firms that are retained by ITV to advise on issues such as reputation management, compliance and content.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Duncan Lamont has "a brilliant analytical mind, superb judgement and a great feel for the issues that is more than just intuition." Nicholas Armstrong is a highly regarded media lawyer, with expertise in content clearance, defamation, confidentiality and privacy, and malicious falsehood. Monica Bhogal offers "brilliant attention to detail and an ability to make sure that every flank is covered." Interviewees predict that associate-to-watch James Quartermaine "has a brilliant career ahead of him" with his media dispute resolution practice.
THE FIRM This firm is highly regarded for its privacy, reputation management and defamation work, which often has an international angle. It is currently acting for the Wall Street Journal in a claim against a hedge fund, and defending The New York Times against defamation allegations. Other significant clients include Associated Press and International Herald Tribune.
KEY INDIVIDUALS The high-profile and highly regarded Mark Stephens "has a flair and ability to handle the media, which is what you really need in a media lawyer." He is also praised for being incredibly well versed in US libel law. Fiona Campbell has a well-respected media and defamation law practice, with particular interest in international disputes.
THE FIRM The team here is well known for its impressive celebrity client base, including individuals such as David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and Roman Abramovich. Recent notable work has included obtaining an apology and retraction from the Evening Standard after it published untrue claims that the Duke of Edinburgh had cancer. In addition, it has particular expertise in matters that relate to online issues.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Regarded as "one of the best in the business," senior partner Gerrard Tyrrell heads the firm's litigation practice and is well known and well regarded for his defamation work. Jo Sanders is "pragmatic and articulate – she really holds her own when dealing with complex matters."
THE FIRM The team at this full-service firm acts on a mixture of traditional defamation claims, Internet-related cases and general reputation management matters. Of late, it has defended the Guardian against high-profile libel and malicious falsehood claims made by Tesco, and successfully represented the Guardian and journalist Ben Goldacre in the libel case brought by Matthias Rath. In terms of online work, it obtained substantial damages for Mathew Firsht and Applause Store Productions in a ground-breaking libel and misuse of information action against an individual who had created a false profile of Mathew Firsht on Facebook.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Geraldine Proudler "is the doyenne of this area – she really is one of the leading figures." She is "extremely intuitive when dealing with clients, as well as adaptable and incredibly successful." Dan Tench is "technically switched on and always looks to win the case in the most effective way." He has particular interest in Internet-related disputes. Associate Ashley Hurst is "absolutely outstanding – he makes clients feel very safe."
THE FIRM Working on an even split of claimant and defence work, Simons Muirhead & Burton is widely recognised as a growing force in the area, with an impressive recent run of highly significant work, such as securing damages for Robert Murat. Other notable clients include Channel 4, Dennis Publishing and Random House. Interviewees comment favourably on the firm's impressive approach and wide range of expertise and experience.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Razi Mireskandari "has that strategic ability that you want in a lawyer, and is incredibly shrewd." The team has undoubtedly been bolstered by the arrival of Martin Soames, who enjoys a significant publishing practice with particular emphasis on litigation and complex content clearance. Louis Charalambous works on a mixture of defamation, privacy and breach of confidence as well as criminal cases. He led the recent Robert Murat victory and is described as being "absolutely committed and dedicated – if you have a good point, he's ceaseless in his energies in pressing it on." Stephen Shotnes is another well-respected member of the team and continues to act for US trade union Unite Here in the widely reported and ongoing Adelson & Las Vegas Sands v Unite Here case.
THE FIRM This dedicated and immensely client-centred team mainly focuses on defending claims, advising clients such as Associated Newspapers, American Media Inc and The Motley Fool. In addition, it is regularly involved in Internet libel matters, political campaigning and lobbying work and reputation management for corporate and private clients. Recent noteworthy matters include advising Associated Newspapers in the breach of privacy and copyright infringement claims brought by Madonna.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Niri Shanmuganathan "has excellent personable and negotiating skills as well as formidable forensic eyes in dealing with vast amounts of detail." He leads the trade marks, copyright and media group. Neil White "never loses his commercial and common-sense approach." He has decades of experience advising long-standing clients such as Associated Newspapers, Macmillan and Nature magazine on defamation and privacy matters.
THE FIRM The defamation/reputation management group here focuses solely on working for defendants. A sizeable chunk of its workload is made up of pre-publication advice, which it provides to magazine titles, periodicals, online and book publishers, newspapers and broadcasters. In addition, it regularly advises on defamation and privacy claims, and is currently defending Grazia against a privacy action being brought by Victoria Beckham.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients say that Caroline Kean is "just outstanding." She understands the technical and commercial needs of her clients. Amali de Silva brings "clarity of thought and an ability to undo knotty problems" to her work.
THE FIRM This outfit maintains a substantial practice advising national and regional newspapers. It has recently been appointed as editorial adviser for Johnston Press's work throughout England and Wales, and has also been representing a national newspaper in a defamation claim being brought by a teacher over a combination of print and online articles.
Sources Say: "The defamation group is fantastic – it's a neat team and someone is always available to handle your emergencies."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Tony Jaffa is "totally committed to getting the right result for you." He leads the firm's media and publishing department, and is handling an increasing amount of Internet publishing and IP rights protection work. Cathryn Smith regularly acts for a mixture of regional and national newspapers. Clients praise her knowledge of the sector and note how enjoyable she is to work with.
THE FIRM Described by interviewees as housing impressively high-quality lawyers, this outfit regularly acts in claimant libel and privacy actions, as well as advising on reputation management. The team recently successfully acted for Hodder & Stoughton and Constance Briscoe in a libel claim arising from Briscoe's mother disputing events described in Briscoe's autobiography.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeremy Clarke-Williams is held in high regard by clients: "He has a warm and easy-going style which makes you feel relaxed, and he can think tactically and see his way around things." As head of the firm's institutional client defamation group, he advises professional organisations, such as the Police Federation and various trade unions, and their members. Interviewees praise Sarah Webb for the strength of her private client defamation practice; she acts for claimants and defendants in a wide spectrum of industries, and recently led the Constance Briscoe trial mentioned above.
THE FIRM This boutique acts for a wide-ranging client base, including high-profile individuals such as Peaches Geldof, Paul McKenna and Michael Essien.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Jonathan Coad is "enormously well respected and certainly knows his stuff." In addition to defamation and privacy, his media litigation practice covers copyright and passing off matters. Rupert Grey is a litigation consultant for the firm. He has impressive experience of working on defamation and privacy matters and offers expertise in pre-publication advice for regional and national newspapers, and in copyright and photography law.
THE FIRM This relatively new boutique firm offers niche expertise and a good mix of talents. It is involved in a significant number of post-publication complaints, representing both claimants and defendants in defamation litigation. In addition, it advises individuals and organisations on reputation management and privacy issues. Clients include Channel 4, Working Title Films, Universal Pictures and Trust Property Management.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Susan Aslan is highly regarded by interviewees, who note her years of experience and impressive client base. Sue Charles maintains a well-respected media litigation practice, advising on issues such as libel, privacy, breach of confidence and film, TV and publishing compliance.
THE FIRM This is a small firm, but one that interviewees find impressive in terms of the quality and calibre of its work. The team mainly represents claimants, with recent matters including successfully securing an apology and damages for Cherie Blair from the News of the World following reports of a feud with Sarah Brown. It also has an active privacy practice, advising high-profile clients such as Sean Bean.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Graham Atkins is "a great litigator and a very engaging character who's a real fighter for his clients but will equally negotiate when necessary." The bulk of his practice comprises acting for individuals although he does also represent companies. Mark Thomson has recently joined as a named partner, which will undoubtedly prove a major boost to the team. He is widely recognised as one of the foremost practitioners in the area, and is praised as "someone who knows his stuff inside out." Denzil Gunner is noted for the impressive efficiency that he brings to his dispute and reputation management practice.
THE FIRM This outfit combines defamation and reputation management expertise with in-depth knowledge of freedom of expression and other human rights issues.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Tamsin Allen spearheads the firm's work in this area, and has advised the NUJ on various libel, privacy and relevant publishing matters. Allen acts for politicians such as David Blunkett MP and Emily Thornberry MP and interviewees describe her as "no-nonsense and able to get to the heart of a case quickly." "She is someone that I would not hesitate to recommend," declared one client.
THE FIRM Clients say this team with offices in Manchester and Liverpool provides excellent value for money whilst taking a personal approach to helping and advising clients. It acts for both plaintiffs and defendants, with recent notable matters including representing five Manchester United players in a privacy claim against the Daily Star, and defending Radio City FM against a claim made by Iceland and Kerry Katona. It has also been taking on an increasing amount of claimant work against universities, such as acting for Tom McMaster in his widely reported libel action against Salford University.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Manley is an expert in defamation. Clients say: "His excellent advice and years of experience really help us pick our way through the legal minefield."
THE FIRM The bulk of this outfit's practice comprises acting for major broadcasters and independent producers, and it has recently won a place on the newly reduced ITV panel. In addition to advising on defamation and privacy matters, it is also able to provide expertise in clearance and compliance issues to clients such as GMTV and Sky.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Patrick Swaffer has a practice that focuses on contentious media work including defamation, privacy, contempt and copyright, and providing clearance advice.
THE FIRM This specialist media and entertainment firm offers defamation and privacy representation and pre-publication clearance expertise. It advises a significant number of high-profile individuals, including long-standing clients David and Victoria Beckham, as well as film and television production companies such as Kudos.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Mike Brookes is appreciated for "always giving a definitive response – he doesn't hedge it." Gordon Williams regularly advises on defamation and privacy for individuals in the music industry, such as his recent work for Geri Halliwell regarding a privacy matter with The Mail on Sunday.
THE FIRM The team here provides pre-publication clearance, defamation and privacy advice, and offers complementary expertise in areas such as advertising and marketing and employment. It is currently representing Stuart Bray in his libel claim against Deutsche Bank, and has recently obtained an apology and substantial damages from the Evening Standard in a libel action brought by Max Ziff.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients say that Rod Dadak "has real commitment to the cause and looks out for fee efficiency wherever possible whilst remaining diligent and vigilant." He heads up the defamation group and acts for clients ranging from Express Newspapers to the Earl of Bradford and Melvyn Bragg. Giles Crown is praised for his work on advertising and marketing-related matters.
THE FIRM The defamation practice at this specialist media and IP firm continues to grow, providing a combination of claimant and defence expertise. It recently successfully obtained damages, costs, an apology and a statement in open court for Hachette in a libel claim it brought against Media Week. It is also retained by Hello! to advise on all media law matters and is significantly expanding its individual and corporate claimant client base.
Sources Say: "M Law seems to really care about its clients and it makes every effort to always ensure that we are happy."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Hutchings is "an expert in his field and communicates his advice very well."
THE FIRM The bulk of the defamation/reputation management work at this full-service firm is made up of acting for corporate clients such as GlaxoSmithKline and British Airways, and it continues to offer expertise in Internet-related libel matters, as well as more traditional defamation actions. Recent work has included defending ASDA against a defamation claim brought by aspartame manufacturer Ajinomoto.
KEY INDIVIDUALS David Engel offers expertise in reputation management and media-related litigation for both individuals and companies. Korieh Duodu is a new addition to the team and has a practice that focuses on defamation and privacy, in addition to copyright, passing off and commercial and contractual issues.
THE FIRM The lawyers here are full of constructive ideas, according to interviewees. In addition to providing a considerable volume of pre-publication advice to clients including magazines, film producers and charities, it is active in a number of defamation litigations. It successfully secured damages, costs and an apology for the footballer Marco Materazzi in three separate claims against The Sun, the Daily Mail and the Daily Star.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Heading up the team, Steven Heffer "is a real breath of fresh air." Clients applaud his sensible and effective approach and substantial experience in the area. New arrival Rhory Robertson is expected to make an impact. He is held in high esteem for his former practice at Steeles Law LLP where he acted for broadcasters, newspapers and publishers and individuals.
THE FIRM This team focuses on representing individual claimants in defamation and privacy cases, mediating in media disputes, and handling commercial libel matters. Recent work highlights include advising a fund in a libel action against a real estate magazine and representing a major retailer in malicious falsehood claims against a rival retailer.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Hearn is a commercial litigator with particular expertise in media defamation matters. He is also an experienced mediator and has recently managed to resolve libel proceedings between a national newspaper and a politician.
THE FIRM Over the last year, this group has acted in numerous privacy, defamation and corporate reputation management issues. In addition, it continues to provide reputation advice to a foreign government. It is currently acting for Dr Matthias Rath in his defamation claim against the Guardian and has been advising a well-known TV presenter on a number of privacy matters.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients mention Phil Sherrell's calming presence and pragmatic advice. He focuses on reputation management issues. Senior associate Patrick Charnley is highly recommended for his attentive approach.
THE FIRM This team handles work for Hachette Livre UK and its subsidiaries, which include Hodder & Stoughton, Headline and John Murray. Of late, it has represented Headline Book Publishing in a libel dispute brought by Nicolas Cage against Kathleen Turner, and advised Hodder & Stoughton in numerous libel actions sparked by misery memoirs such as Mummy's Witness and Our Little Secret that were published by the company.
KEY INDIVIDUALS The key contacts are Sarah Byrt and Stephen Gare.
THE FIRM Based in Manchester, this team acts for regional and national clients in reputation, privacy, defamation and media-related issues. Clients include Brent Sadler, Manchester University Students Union and CYC Marketing, as well as a number of individuals involved in widely reported news stories such as the Diana, Princess of Wales inquest.
KEY INDIVIDUALS According to clients, Bill Lister "provides good-quality advice that allows us to make an informed decision rather than rushing into anything."
THE FIRM The defamation and reputation management group here acts for clients in a broad range of industries, and also has excellent multi-jurisdictional capabilities. It successfully defended Express Newspapers in a defamation claim made by Benjamin Pell, and obtained an apology and retraction for Stemedica Cell Technologies in a libel claim it brought against a number of newspapers based in Bermuda.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Marcus Rutherford is a well-known and respected name in the marketplace with substantial experience in defamation, media and press freedom and reputation management matters. With a practice that is increasingly international, Michael Skrein "has a fine legal brain combined with a practical and down-to-earth attitude." Clients recommend Emma Lenthall for her practical and astute approach to work.
THE FIRM This firm was involved in one of the most significant and high-profile privacy trials of the year, acting for Max Mosley in his claim against the News of the World. Other matters have included advising the British Chiropractic Association in its libel claim against Simon Singh as a result of an article that he wrote for the Guardian. Rhory Robertson's departure is expected to be a blow to the firm.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Dominic Crossley led the Mosley claim and is head of the firm's litigation department. He impresses clients with "a solid command of situations and an organised and intelligent approach to litigation." In addition, "he can give pragmatic advice that cuts through the legal mist, which is helpful for clients."
Timothy Smith of Berrymans Lace Mawer acts for a mixture of claimants and defendants, and has recently successfully represented the City of London Police in defamation proceedings brought by an ex-employee. Clients appreciate that
Catherine Fehler of Michael Simkins LLP
"makes very difficult processes bearable, and achieves great results." She acts for a mix of celebrity and other media clients.
Laurence Harris of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP is lauded by clients for his meticulous approach to work. He continues to act for Sheikh Khalid Bin Mahfouz and his family in numerous proceedings.
Jason McCue of H²O Law LLP is recognised for his expertise in reputation management as well as in human rights, counter-terrorism and restorative justice. His clients include numerous celebrities, businesspeople and politicians.
Peter McCormick of McCormicks receives regular defamation-related instructions from Leeds United FC, and has recently acted for the Premier League, Harrogate International Festivals and Lunchbox Theatrical Productions.
Mark Summerfield of Solomon Taylor & Shaw acts mainly for photographic agencies, and has recently been representing Big Pictures in JK Rowling's privacy action on behalf of her son.
Rupert Earle of Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP is noted for his experience and ability to deal with clients effectively.
Graham Shear recently moved to Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP from Teacher Stern. He is
"the big-picture man who also has a very engaging, can-do attitude." He has traditionally acted for a large celebrity client base and advised numerous journalists and editors on pre-publication issues.