Carter-Ruck is the go-to firm for a number of notable individuals and organisations facing threats to their reputations and privacy on both a domestic and international stage. In addition, the team also acts for a series of internationally-focused publishers and broadcasters. Practice head and managing partner Nigel Tait has a strong track record in litigation, regularly securing front page apologies in national newspapers. Adam Tudor typically handles reputational matters for multinational corporations, as well as NGOs and high-profile politicians and celebrities. Persephone Bridgman Baker specialises in defamation, privacy and data protection, while Rebecca Toman is experienced in blackmail and harassment matters, as well as other forms of crisis management. Senior associate Mathilde Groppo is experienced in acting for both claimants and defendants, while senior associate Helena Shipman handles misuse of private information and data protection claims.

With a focus on preventative work, Harbottle & Lewis LLP‘s ‘best in class’ reputation management practice advises on all aspects of defamation, privacy, breach of confidence, defamation and information law. The team works on behalf of a range of corporates and UHNWIs across the entertainment, media and sports sectors. Senior partner Gerrard Tyrrell has over 35 years of experience working for some of the most influential people in the country, including members of the Royal Family and former prime ministers, as well as powerful industry names in the US tech sector. John Kelly deals with reputation protection for leading figures in the entertainment and sport arenas. Senior associate Louise Prince is known for her experience with privacy issues, while Amy Bradbury has a strong track record in data protection work.

As ‘one of the most experienced’ defendant-focused media teams, RPC comprises specialists in defamation, privacy and editorial advisory services; the firm acts for clients across all areas of the media, including national and local newspapers, broadcasters, magazines and freelance journalists. Practice head Keith Mathieson is experienced in advising on media content and defending matters pertaining to freedom of expression. Rupert Cowper-Coles has a strong track record defending leading media and tech organisations in data protection cases. Alex Wilson is regularly instructed by media organisations on matters surrounding defamation, privacy and data protection. Alex Vakil acts on behalf of broadcasters, online platforms and publishers in a variety of contentious reputation and data matters.

Schillings handles reputation and defamation issues for a wide array of prominent global businesses across the retail, financial services, manufacturing and healthcare sectors. The team also regularly represents UHNWIs, including the Duke of Sussex, in cases concerning privacy and defamation. Rachel Atkins spearheads the team and is instructed by a variety of individuals, business owners and corporates in the financial services and retail sectors. Jenny Afia has represented some of the most high-profile individuals in the world in the entertainment, technology and finance sectors, while Joelle Rich supports private clients currently under media scrutiny with their right to privacy issues. Ben Hobbs is experienced in crisis management for corporates and individuals, and recently-promoted partner Sam Ahuja is experienced in defamation matters across multiple jurisdictions. Steven Hudson is another key name.

Simons Muirhead Burton is seen as the go-to practice for defendant work by some of the largest publishers and broadcasters in the country, including MGN and Channel 4. In addition, the team has a strong track record defending some of Europe’s largest publishing houses, NGOs and trade unions. Department head Jeffrey Smele advises news organisations on defamation, privacy, data protection and regulation and confidentiality issues, particularly during pre-publication clearance. Louis Charalambous is an expert in the content aspects of journalism, including libel, privacy and contempt. Razi Mireskandari, who brings his exerience as dispute resolution team head to the group, is skilled in media litigation. Stephen Shotnes is skilled in litigation and pre-publication clearance issues, while Martin Soames specialises in publishing disputes. Senior associate Emma Linch is another key name, specialising in defamation and misuse of private information work.

The reputation and crisis management team at Bindmans LLP represents both claimants and defendants in cases concerning libel, privacy, data protection and copyright issues. The team has a growing specialism in reputation and media management for whistleblowers, where it works closely with the firm’s employment and crime departments. Tamsin Allen leads the team with over 20 years of experience handling some of the most significant media cases before courts of all levels, particularly on behalf of individuals making libel claims against the media. Criminal lawyer Kate Goold deals with crime-related matters for journalists and media organisations. Monika Sobiecki is an expert in data protection and information law.

The media and communications law department at Brett Wilson LLP has a strong track record in matters surrounding defamation, malicious falsehoods, data protection and harassment. While primarily a claimant practice, the team also has a growing level of expertise in defendant work. Managing partner Iain Wilson leads the team, handling defamation, privacy and data protection matters for a varied client roster, including politicians, celebrities and corporates. Max Campbell handles privacy and harassment matters for HNWIS, while Tom Double acts for claimants in a wide array of media and commercial litigation.

The media and data protection disputes team at Bristows LLP has acted for a number of household names in the tech and journalism sectors, including Google, Meta and ITV. In particular, the firm has a strong track record in disputes surrounding defamation, misuse of private information, and data protection. Practice head Alex Keenlyside has considerable experience in media and data protection litigation, particularly for tech companies. Mark Watts leads the firm’s data protection sub-team and acts on a wide range of privacy issues. Senior associate Victoria Baron has experience advising tech and media companies on intermediary liability and misuse of private information.

CMS has a strong track record across the full range of issues surrounding media and information law, particularly for clients in the energy, finance and media sectors, as well as for HNWIs. Dan Tench became team leader in 2022, following the retirement of former practice head Geraldine Proudler ; he brings experience in defamation, data protection and privacy matters to the role. He is supported by Tamsin Blow, who has significant investigations experience.

Farrer & Co is experienced in advising HNWIs on a range of complex reputation issues, particularly those in the fields of charity, arts and heritage, and education. The team also includes a strong defendant practice for publishers. Julian Pike leads the team, with over 30 years of experience advising individuals, corporations and institutions on crises and pre-publication issues. Tom Rudkin advises on all aspects of reputation and risk management, as well as handling media disputes, including information theft, defamation and harassment claims.

Mishcon de Reya LLP handles all aspects of reputation management for a high-profile client base of HNWIs and businesses. Working closely with the firm’s white-collar crime, financial services and employment departments, the practice is equipped to deal with extremely sensitive matters, including crisis management and litigation both domestically and internationally. The team is led by Emma Woollcott, who is an expert in defamation, breach of confidence, invasion of privacy and harassment matters. Managing partner James Libson acts for a number of high-profile individuals and charities. Managing associate Harry Eccles-Williams has particular experience in politically-driven disputes.

Payne Hicks Beach LLP has a broad range of expertise, regularly advising on issues relating to reputational attacks, pre-publication matters, defamation and unwanted media attention. This work is done on behalf of a series of prominent UHNWIs, as well as leading corporates. Dominic Crossley is an expert in breach of confidence, defamation and harassment matters, regularly acting for victims of crime and press misconduct. Hanna Basha has extensive experience in defamation, privacy, harassment and data protection, with particular expertise in pre-publication situations. Andrew Willan specialises in the crossover between cybersecurity, privacy and data protection matters.

Simkins LLP acts for clients in crisis situations, especially those involving digital and social media issues in the defamation, privacy and data protection spaces. In addition, the team is heavily involved in pre-publication and pre-broadcast work. Gideon Benaim leads the team, representing leading clients in the financial services, technology and television sectors. Tom Iverson supports clients with matters concerning data protection, defamation, privacy and copyright law. Associate Jessica Welch is another key name, with experience in defamation, privacy, harassment and data protection.

As a defendant-based practice, Wiggin LLP‘s reputation management and content protection team acts for many of the leading publishers in the UK, as well as film and TV companies in the US. Matthew Dando leads the team with particular experience handling publication disputes in the media industry, as well as libel and privacy litigation. Caroline Kean regularly undertakes complex cross-jurisdictional media matters. Senior associate Adelaide Scardino Lopez is experienced in breach of confidence claims, as well as cases relating to defamation, privacy, data protection and copyright. Senior associate Elizabeth Wiggin advises clients on pre-action issues, as well as appearing before courts.

The media and reputation team at Withers LLP supports an array of international corporates, charities and HNWIs, particularly those active in the art, entertainment and sports sectors. Data protection, defamation, breach of confidence and blackmail are particular focus areas. Jo Sanders and Amber Melville-Brown jointly lead the team; the former regularly handles privacy, blackmail and harassment matters in concert with the white-collar crime team, while the latter splits her time between London and New York.

ACK Media Law LLP is best known for its work concerning defamation, pre-publication advice, privacy, copyright and data protection, where it acts for a range of publishers, producers and broadcasters.  Susan Aslan is experienced in all aspects of media litigation and regularly advises clients on crisis management issues, including those relating to social media. She co-leads the team with fellow founding partner Sue Charles, who handles defamation, privacy and compliance issues for major film and TV companies.

The reputation and information protection team at Addleshaw Goddard acts for a range of international blue-chip corporates and HNWIs, working closely with the firm’s litigation department. David Engel leads the team with considerable experience in privacy and data protection claims. Neil O’Sullivan left the team to join Osborne Clarke LLP in 2022.

Archerfield Partners LLP has considerable experience acting for HNWIs and corporates on both the claimant and defendant side on matters concerning defamation, privacy and reputation management. Matthew Dowd leads the team, handling privacy and reputational issues in the UK and internationally. Mark Bateman specialises in defamation, privacy and harassment matters, while Kevin Bays is experienced in copyright and data protection work.

Bates Wells has experience working for major newspaper publishers, charities, student unions and faith-based broadcasters on matters relating to harassment, moral rights, unfair commercial practices and data protection, with a particular emphasis on matters involving social media. Rupert Earle  acts as head of media disputes, with a strong track record acting for major institutions, household name brands and famous individuals. Alex de Jongh is particularly experienced in advising campaigning groups on defamation matters.

Experienced in both claimant and defendant work, the reputation management team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP handles defamation and libel matters for a range of prominent HNWIs in the UK and internationally. In addition, the team frequently handles pre-publication advice, data protection and breach of confidence matters. Department head Duncan Lamont has over 30 years of experience acting for newspapers and broadcasters on all aspects of media law, including in matters relating to the phone hacking scandal.

Clintons acts for HNWIs across the whole range of reputation management issues, including defamation, malicious falsehood, misuse of private information and data protection. Roddy Chisholm Batten leads the department with particular experience in privacy law, as highlighted by ongoing involvement in litigation concerning the phone hacking scandal. Karim Bouzidi acts for a number of prominent clients in the sports sector. Hayley Dilks and Caroline Hrabi are also key names, both of whom are involved in the firm’s phone hacking work.

The media dispute department at Hamlins LLP works for a range of high-profile clients across print and digital media, where it is instructed in precedent-setting defamation and privacy cases. In addition, the team advises public and private figures on pre-publication issues, as well as libel and privacy law. Practice head Christopher Hutchings has over 30 years of experience in media litigation, particularly in regard to libel and privacy cases. Callum Galbraith is an expert in supporting high-profile individuals with defamation and privacy issues.

Howard Kennedy LLP advises HNWIs and large corporates across the sport, media, broadcasting, politics and publishing sectors on highly sensitive defamation and reputation management issues. Additionally, the team handles cases surrounding social media and international free speech and privacy issues. The practice is led by Mark Stephens, who has a strong track record handling some of the most sensitive matters on behalf of corporate and media figures. He is supported by Elizabeth Morley, who provides defamation and reputation management advice to high-profile brands and businesses.

With considerable expertise in the entertainment industry, Lee & Thompson LLP acts for a diverse range of globally recognised individuals across the full spectrum of reputation management issues on both the claimant and defendant side. The team is jointly led by Mike Brookes, who works for leading broadcasters and media insurers, offering advice on defamation, privacy and pre-publication issues, and Leo Dawkins, an expert in defamation and data privacy work.

The reputation management team at Lewis Silkin covers all aspects of media law, including defamation, privacy, malicious falsehood, data protection and harassment, on behalf of both claimants and defendants. Sensitive and high-profile employment investigations are another area of expertise. Adam Glass handles crisis management for prominent publishers, as well as advising on a range of complex pre-publication issues. Managing partner Giles Crown has previous experience as a media barrister and is well placed to act on defamation, privacy and data protection matters.

Osborne Clarke LLP acts for a variety of household names, both corporates and HNWIs, in regard to adverse and intrusive media coverage. The team is experienced in both claimant and defendant work, with experience in data protection work and issues concerning online platforms. Practice head Ashley Hurst is an expert in assisting major tech and media clients with data privacy and cybersecurity matters. Neil O’Sullivan joined the team from Addleshaw Goddard in 2023, and specialises in defamation, privacy and intellectual property disputes.

The reputation management and privacy team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP encompasses a wide range of focus areas, including defamation, misuse of private information, harassment and data protection. Social media is another growing area of expertise. Jeremy Clarke-Williams advises on defamation, breach of confidence and misuse of private information matters, and co-leads the team with Adele Ashton, who has a strong track record acting for both claimants and defendants on issues concerning privacy, defamation and data protection.

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s defendant-focused data privacy and media disputes team acts for traditional media clients, liability insurers and tech giants. David Barker leads the TMT disputes practice with considerable experience in contentious data protection matters and is increasingly involved in regulatory investigations in the data space. He is supported by Caroline Henzell and Toby Coughlin, who have experience defending household names from the technology sector in the Supreme Court.

The IP and media team at Taylor Wessing LLP acts for a range of prominent clients across the technology, media, life sciences and private wealth sectors. The cross-departmental group handles reputation management issues surrounding defamation, online harassment, unlawful data processing and privacy. Practice head Niri Shanmuganathan is experienced acting for both claimants and defendants, with much of his work concerning the prevention of intrusive or false stories being published in the media. Michael Yates is an information litigator who is typically instructed by individuals and companies on defamation, privacy, data protection and breach of confidence matters.

Vardags acts for a number of high-profile and high-net-worth individuals on issues surrounding the protection of reputations currently under threat, as well as all elements of defamation, privacy, harassment and blackmail. A significant portion of the team’s work concerns crisis management, where it is regularly called upon to support clients facing media disputes. Alexandra McCready leads the team with experience in libel and privacy issues both pre- and post-publication. She is supported by Gregory Monk, who represents an international client base in matters concerning misuse of private information.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner acts for both individuals and corporates across a variety of sectors in issues relating to crisis management and reputational risk, taking advantage of the firm’s dispute resolution capabilities. Graham Shear leads the team and acts as co-head of the firm’s global business and commercial disputes practice, representing a range of corporates and individuals in the sport and entertainment industries. Joby Davies handles all aspects of media and sports litigation, as well as defamation and privacy matters.

The reputation management and media litigation practice at Kingsley Napley LLP represents an number of prominent HNWIs and multi-national corporations. Sue Thackeray acts for major sports and entertainment stars on crisis management issues, as well as on extortion and blackmail claims. Helen Morris is experienced in acting for claimants and defendants in defamation, privacy and harassment claims. Former practice head Charlotte Harris left to join Brown Rudnick LLP in June 2023.

Russells Solicitors is best known for acting on behalf of claimants in matters concerning libel, privacy, harassment and data protection; this work is typically done on behalf of high-profile and high-net-worth individuals in the entertainment industry, with phone hacking matters standing out as a particular area of expertise. Steven Tregear leads the team, specialising in litigation within the entertainment, media and sports sectors. Henry Priestley joined the team from RPC in December 2022, with experience in dispute resolution for labels and publishers.

Brabners LLP acts for a wide array of high-profile businesses and individuals across the sports and media sectors. Paul Lunt leads the commercial litigation team with a particular focus on media and sports disputes; recent highlights include representing Coleen Rooney in the Wagatha Christie litigation. Helen Otty handles defamation and reputation disputes, while Colin Bell is experienced in data protection matters.

Fieldfisher provides expert advice concerning online defamation issues for its established clients and HNWIs. With extensive experience pursuing and defending defamation claims, Colin Gibson and John Linneker jointly lead the team.

Keystone Law is instructed by a sizeable and varied client base to handle a range of issues relating to defamation, privacy and reputation management. Gerard Cukier has extensive experience managing high-profile clients’ affairs, as well as acting in defamation, intellectual property and libel cases. Nicola Thatcher is noted for her expertise at the pre-publication stage .

Kobre & Kim LLP‘s reputation management and defense strategy department boasts an impressive client list of UHNWIs, who trust the team of experienced lawyers to handle cross-border civil and commercial litigation. Polly Wilkins - who leads the firm's international private client practice - is the key contact.

McCormicks regularly acts for some of the most significant organisations in the sports and entertainment sectors on defamation and other aspects of reputation management. Splitting his time between Harrogate and London, practice head Peter McCormick handles defamation issues for prominent sports clients, including Leeds United and The Premier League.

Michelmores LLP is experienced in acting for high-profile and high-net-worth individuals in cases regarding defamation, privacy and reputation management in the private wealth, education and finance sectors. Team leader Jayne Clemens splits her time between Exeter and London, and is supported by Charlotte Bolton, who specialises in brand protection.

The team at Mills & Reeve LLP is trusted by its clients to handle defamation, privacy, and media dispute cases in a discrete and confidential manner, with some of the firm's key areas of practice being libel, slander, and online harassment. Richard Dawson-Gerrard handles a wide range of issues related to crisis management.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP regularly acts on high-profile and cross-border disputes concerning a range of reputation management issues. Acting as part of the firm’s dispute resolution department, the reputation management sub-team is led by Paul Baker, who is experienced in advising multinational corporates in the technology and finance sectors on defamation and malicious falsehood concerns. Gregory Pantlin regularly handles multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes, advising on libel and privacy issues across the media sector. Founding partner Richard East remains another key contact.

Squire Patton Boggs' reputation management department works closely alongside the firm’s litigation team, and their combined knowledge allows the firm to provide in-depth expertise across libel, defamation, and privacy cases in both national and international settings. Director Peter Lees advises individuals and corporate clients during independent investigations on crisis management, while senior associate Mariyam Harunah consults in defamation cases and advises on adverse social media posts and press articles.