Defamation/Reputation Management: Best of the UK

Firms

Lawyers

Defamation/Reputation Management: Best of the UK (35)

Band 1Carter-RuckDavenport=20 LyonsDavid=20 Price Solicitors & AdvocatesFarrer=20 & CoOlswangReynolds=20 Porter Chamberlain LLPSchillings
Band 2Charles=20 Russell LLPHarbottle=20 & Lewis LLPSimons=20 Muirhead & BurtonWiggin=20 LLP
Band 3Bindmans=20 LLPFiners=20 Stephens InnocentFoot=20 Anstey SolicitorsRussell=20 Jones & WalkerSwan=20 TurtonTaylor=20 Wessing LLP
Band 4Addleshaw=20 Goddard LLPBrabners=20 Chaffe StreetClifford=20 Chance LLPDechert=20 LLPGoodman=20 Derrick LLPLee=20 & ThompsonLewis=20 Silkin LLPMishcon=20 de ReyaReed=20 Smith
Band 5Aslan=20 Charles Kousetta LLPAtkinsBest=20 & SoamesCobbetts=20 LLPEversheds=20 LLPGallant=20 Macmillan LLPM=20 LawPannone=20 LLPTeacher=20 Stern LLP

Defamation/Reputation=20 Management: Best of the UK (97)

Senior StatesmenRobert=20 Clinton (Farrer & Co)Martin=20 Kramer (Bates Wells & Braithwaite)
Band 1Kevin=20 Bays (Davenport Lyons)Caroline=20 Kean (Wiggin LLP)David=20 Price (David Price Solicitors & Advocates)Geraldine=20 Proudler (Olswang)Keith=20 Schilling (Schillings)Richard=20 Shillito (Farrer & Co)Nigel=20 Tait (Carter-Ruck)
Band 2Jonathan=20 Coad (Swan Turton)Philip=20 Conway (Davenport Lyons)David=20 Hooper (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP)Tony=20 Jaffa (Foot Anstey Solicitors)Keith=20 Mathieson (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP)Razi=20 Mireskandari (Simons Muirhead & Burton)Alasdair=20 Pepper (Carter-Ruck)Mark=20 Stephens (Finers Stephens Innocent)Andrew=20 Stephenson (Carter-Ruck)Mark=20 Thomson (Carter-Ruck)Gerrard=20 Tyrrell (Harbottle & Lewis LLP)
Band 3Susan=20 Aslan (Aslan Charles Kousetta LLP)Graham=20 Atkins (Atkins)Rod=20 Dadak (Lewis Silkin LLP)Andrew=20 Hearn (Dechert LLP)Duncan=20 Lamont (Charles Russell LLP)Rhory=20 Robertson (Steeles (Law) LLP)Niri=20 Shanmuganathan (Taylor Wessing LLP)Graham=20 Shear (Teacher Stern LLP)Cathryn=20 F Smith (Foot Anstey Solicitors)Simon=20 Smith (Schillings)Michael=20 Smyth (Clifford Chance LLP)Martin=20 Soames (Simons Muirhead & Burton)Dan=20 Tench (Olswang)
Band 4Tamsin=20 Allen (Bindmans LLP)Nicholas=20 Armstrong (Charles Russell LLP)Rachel=20 Atkins (Schillings)Magnus=20 Boyd (Carter-Ruck)Norman=20 Chapman (Eversheds LLP)Louis=20 Charalambous (Simons Muirhead & Burton)Rod=20 Christie-Miller (Schillings)Jeremy=20 Clarke-Williams (Russell Jones & Walker)Ruth=20 Collard (Carter-Ruck)Jonathan=20 Crusher (Farrer & Co)Korieh=20 Duodu (Addleshaw Goddard LLP)Simon=20 Gallant (Gallant Macmillan LLP)Rupert=20 Grey (Swan Turton)Christopher=20 Hutchings (M Law)John=20 Kelly (Schillings)Jaron=20 Lewis (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP)Mark=20 Manley (Brabners Chaffe Street)Jennifer=20 McDermott (Withers LLP)Maddie=20 Mogford (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP)Julian=20 Pike (Farrer & Co)Marcus=20 Rutherford (Reed Smith)Michael=20 Skrein (Reed Smith)Sarah=20 Webb (Russell Jones & Walker)Neil=20 White (Taylor Wessing LLP)
Band 5Hanna=20 Basha (Carter-Ruck)Mark=20 Bateman (Davenport Lyons)Benjamin=20 Beabey (Farrer & Co)Gideon=20 Benaim (Schillings)Monica=20 Bhogal (Charles Russell LLP)Mike=20 Brookes (Lee & Thompson)Sue=20 Charles (Aslan Charles Kousetta LLP)Cameron=20 Doley (Carter-Ruck)David=20 Engel (Addleshaw Goddard LLP)Claire=20 Gill (Carter-Ruck)Laurence=20 Harris (Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP)James=20 Libson (Mishcon de Reya)Amber=20 Melville-Brown (Withers LLP)Robin=20 Shaw (Davenport Lyons)Stephen=20 Shotnes (Simons Muirhead & Burton)Peter=20 Stone (Cobbetts LLP)Patrick=20 Swaffer (Goodman Derrick LLP)Adam=20 Tudor (Carter-Ruck)
Band 6Giles=20 Crown (Lewis Silkin LLP)Amali=20 de Silva (Wiggin LLP)Catherine=20 Fehler (Michael Simkins LLP)Bill=20 Lister (Pannone LLP)Kate=20 Macmillan (Gallant Macmillan LLP)Jason=20 McCue (H=C2=B2O Law LLP)Ramona=20 Mehta (Mishcon de Reya)Julia=20 Palca (Olswang)Mark=20 Summerfield (Solomon Taylor & Shaw)Gordon=20 Williams (Lee & Thompson)
Up and ComingFiona=20 Campbell (Finers Stephens Innocent)Antonia=20 Foster (Carter-Ruck)Jo=20 Sanders (Harbottle & Lewis LLP)
One to WatchJenny=20 Afia (Schillings)Phil=20 Gorski (Wiggin LLP)Denzil=20 Gunner (Atkins)Isabel=20 Hudson (Carter-Ruck)Ashley=20 Hurst (Olswang)Brid=20 Jordan (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP)Rosie=20 McKimmie (Swan Turton)Zoe=20 Norden (Davenport Lyons)James=20 Quartermaine (Charles Russell = LLP)

Defamation/Reputation = Management:=20 Best of the UK (35 Firms)

Band 1Carter-RuckDavenport=20 LyonsDavid=20 Price Solicitors & AdvocatesFarrer=20 & CoOlswangReynolds=20 Porter Chamberlain LLPSchillings
Band 2Charles=20 Russell LLPHarbottle=20 & Lewis LLPSimons=20 Muirhead & BurtonWiggin=20 LLP
Band 3Bindmans=20 LLPFiners=20 Stephens InnocentFoot=20 Anstey SolicitorsRussell=20 Jones & WalkerSwan=20 TurtonTaylor=20 Wessing LLP
Band 4Addleshaw=20 Goddard LLPBrabners=20 Chaffe StreetClifford=20 Chance LLPDechert=20 LLPGoodman=20 Derrick LLPLee=20 & ThompsonLewis=20 Silkin LLPMishcon=20 de ReyaReed=20 Smith
Band 5Aslan=20 Charles Kousetta LLPAtkinsBest=20 & SoamesCobbetts=20 LLPEversheds=20 LLPGallant=20 Macmillan LLPM=20 LawPannone=20 LLPTeacher=20 Stern LLP

Defamation/Reputation = Management:=20 Best of the UK (97 People)

Senior StatesmenRobert=20 Clinton (Farrer & Co)Martin=20 Kramer (Bates Wells & Braithwaite)
Band 1Kevin=20 Bays (Davenport Lyons)Caroline=20 Kean (Wiggin LLP)David=20 Price (David Price Solicitors & Advocates)Geraldine=20 Proudler (Olswang)Keith=20 Schilling (Schillings)Richard=20 Shillito (Farrer & Co)Nigel=20 Tait (Carter-Ruck)
Band 2Jonathan=20 Coad (Swan Turton)Philip=20 Conway (Davenport Lyons)David=20 Hooper (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP)Tony=20 Jaffa (Foot Anstey Solicitors)Keith=20 Mathieson (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP)Razi=20 Mireskandari (Simons Muirhead & Burton)Alasdair=20 Pepper (Carter-Ruck)Mark=20 Stephens (Finers Stephens Innocent)Andrew=20 Stephenson (Carter-Ruck)Mark=20 Thomson (Carter-Ruck)Gerrard=20 Tyrrell (Harbottle & Lewis LLP)
Band 3Susan=20 Aslan (Aslan Charles Kousetta LLP)Graham=20 Atkins (Atkins)Rod=20 Dadak (Lewis Silkin LLP)Andrew=20 Hearn (Dechert LLP)Duncan=20 Lamont (Charles Russell LLP)Rhory=20 Robertson (Steeles (Law) LLP)Niri=20 Shanmuganathan (Taylor Wessing LLP)Graham=20 Shear (Teacher Stern LLP)Cathryn=20 F Smith (Foot Anstey Solicitors)Simon=20 Smith (Schillings)Michael=20 Smyth (Clifford Chance LLP)Martin=20 Soames (Simons Muirhead & Burton)Dan=20 Tench (Olswang)
Band 4Tamsin=20 Allen (Bindmans LLP)Nicholas=20 Armstrong (Charles Russell LLP)Rachel=20 Atkins (Schillings)Magnus=20 Boyd (Carter-Ruck)Norman=20 Chapman (Eversheds LLP)Louis=20 Charalambous (Simons Muirhead & Burton)Rod=20 Christie-Miller (Schillings)Jeremy=20 Clarke-Williams (Russell Jones & Walker)Ruth=20 Collard (Carter-Ruck)Jonathan=20 Crusher (Farrer & Co)Korieh=20 Duodu (Addleshaw Goddard LLP)Simon=20 Gallant (Gallant Macmillan LLP)Rupert=20 Grey (Swan Turton)Christopher=20 Hutchings (M Law)John=20 Kelly (Schillings)Jaron=20 Lewis (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP)Mark=20 Manley (Brabners Chaffe Street)Jennifer=20 McDermott (Withers LLP)Maddie=20 Mogford (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP)Julian=20 Pike (Farrer & Co)Marcus=20 Rutherford (Reed Smith)Michael=20 Skrein (Reed Smith)Sarah=20 Webb (Russell Jones & Walker)Neil=20 White (Taylor Wessing LLP)
Band 5Hanna=20 Basha (Carter-Ruck)Mark=20 Bateman (Davenport Lyons)Benjamin=20 Beabey (Farrer & Co)Gideon=20 Benaim (Schillings)Monica=20 Bhogal (Charles Russell LLP)Mike=20 Brookes (Lee & Thompson)Sue=20 Charles (Aslan Charles Kousetta LLP)Cameron=20 Doley (Carter-Ruck)David=20 Engel (Addleshaw Goddard LLP)Claire=20 Gill (Carter-Ruck)Laurence=20 Harris (Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP)James=20 Libson (Mishcon de Reya)Amber=20 Melville-Brown (Withers LLP)Robin=20 Shaw (Davenport Lyons)Stephen=20 Shotnes (Simons Muirhead & Burton)Peter=20 Stone (Cobbetts LLP)Patrick=20 Swaffer (Goodman Derrick LLP)Adam=20 Tudor (Carter-Ruck)
Band 6Giles=20 Crown (Lewis Silkin LLP)Amali=20 de Silva (Wiggin LLP)Catherine=20 Fehler (Michael Simkins LLP)Bill=20 Lister (Pannone LLP)Kate=20 Macmillan (Gallant Macmillan LLP)Jason=20 McCue (H=C2=B2O Law LLP)Ramona=20 Mehta (Mishcon de Reya)Julia=20 Palca (Olswang)Mark=20 Summerfield (Solomon Taylor & Shaw)Gordon=20 Williams (Lee & Thompson)
Up and ComingFiona=20 Campbell (Finers Stephens Innocent)Antonia=20 Foster (Carter-Ruck)Jo=20 Sanders (Harbottle & Lewis LLP)
One to WatchJenny=20 Afia (Schillings)Phil=20 Gorski (Wiggin LLP)Denzil=20 Gunner (Atkins)Isabel=20 Hudson (Carter-Ruck)Ashley=20 Hurst (Olswang)Brid=20 Jordan (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP)Rosie=20 McKimmie (Swan Turton)Zoe=20 Norden (Davenport Lyons)James=20 Quartermaine (Charles Russell = LLP)

Defamation/Reputation Management: Best of the UK

1Carter-Ruck

Applauded as a =E2=80=9Cnationally unsurpassed libel = practice,=E2=80=9D this firm is=20 a major force for CFA and fee-paying claimant work, housing = =E2=80=9Csome of the most=20 hard-hitting experts for defamation and privacy.=E2=80=9D Widely = respected by its=20 competitors, it is especially renowned for defamation, reputation = management and=20 privacy, principally acting for claimants. The firm is also lauded for = its=20 =E2=80=9Ctop-notch advice=E2=80=9D to regulatory bodies and = governments. It won market=20 praise for its relentless work on behalf of Kate and Gerry McCann, which = resulted in Express Newspapers making a =C2=A3550,000 damages payout to = the McCanns,=20 in addition to a High Court apology and front-page apologies in the = Sunday=20 Express, Daily Star and Daily Star Sunday for publishing defamatory = stories=20 about the couple. The firm also acted for boxing promoter Frank Warren = in his=20 complaint against the Scottish Daily Record, winning a full apology, = substantial=20 damages and the payment of his legal costs. The practice is now = representing=20 Warren in an ongoing libel action against publisher Random House = concerning=20 allegations made in boxer Ricky Hatton's autobiography. Other notable = clients=20 include Tesco, Chelsea FC and Penguin Books, while high-profile = individuals=20 represented by the team include Ewan McGregor, Sienna Miller and Boris=20 Berezovsky. =E2=80=9CThere are not enough positive attributes to = describe the genius=20 of master litigator Nigel=20 Tait ,=E2=80=9D according to sources. Described as a fearless = litigator and=20 brilliant tactician, he =E2=80=9Cadds an enormous value to the libel = field with his=20 superb judgement and genuine charm.=E2=80=9D Clients also appreciate = his=20 =E2=80=9Csomewhat less formal approach that often helps defuse tense=20 situations.=E2=80=9D=20 Alasdair Pepper is a =E2=80=9Ctough, experienced litigator; he = gets completely=20 involved from the start and, as a partner, he is extremely = hands-on.=E2=80=9D Andrew=20 Stephenson is =E2=80=9Cexceptionally bright and = collected=E2=80=9D in even the most=20 tricky cases and is admired for his diligence. Sources explained: = =E2=80=9CHe does=20 not chase publicity, and concentrates on giving considered, = thought-through=20 advice.=E2=80=9D Mark=20 Thomson impresses interviewees in high-profile libel and privacy = actions,=20 thanks to his =E2=80=9Ccreative, passionate approach - he's always = looking at new=20 angles and arguments.=E2=80=9D The =E2=80=9Cexceptionally = intelligent=E2=80=9D Ruth=20 Collard is highly sought after because she=E2=80=99s = =E2=80=9Cincredibly organised and=20 efficient and provides top-quality advice.=E2=80=9D Clients describe = Magnus=20 Boyd as =E2=80=9Cphenomenally hard-working; he is calm and = thoughtful, and also=20 highly analytical and astute.=E2=80=9D Cameron=20 Doley impresses sources with his =E2=80=9Cconsistently diplomatic = approach that=20 always gets the needed results.=E2=80=9D=20 Hanna Basha concentrates on libel and privacy issues, and is singled = out for=20 her broad knowledge. =E2=80=9CSensible and diligent,=E2=80=9D=20 Adam Tudor played a key role in securing the front-page apology for = the=20 McCanns. He is commended for his assiduousness, and is said to be = =E2=80=9Ctough but=20 fair.=E2=80=9D Also involved in the McCann case, the = =E2=80=9Cindustrious and=20 talented=E2=80=9D=20 Isabel Hudson is a new entry to the tables, esteemed for her = proficiency in=20 libel matters. Claire=20 Gill, whose notable work includes acting for Boris Berezovsky, = =E2=80=9Cis=20 extremely pleasant to work with, stays calm in a storm and is sensitive = to the=20 matters at hand,=E2=80=9D interviewees said. The = =E2=80=9Ccompletely unflappable=E2=80=9D Antonia=20 Foster is making a name for herself in the sector, with clients = praising her=20 =E2=80=9Cdevotion and ability to put complex issues into = layman=E2=80=99s=20 terms.=E2=80=9D

1Davenport=20 Lyons

=E2=80=9CExcellent in terms of the quality of advice and value = for money,=E2=80=9D=20 this group has broad expertise spanning libel, privacy and = confidentiality=20 to contempt and other media-related issues. It also advises the print = media on=20 complaints to the PCC, and rates exceedingly highly for complex, = high-profile=20 defendant libel and privacy work. Sources enthuse: =E2=80=9CThe team = understands the=20 culture of the corporate client perfectly; the lawyers can follow = through an=20 agreed course of action without constantly referring back to the = client.=E2=80=9D=20 The team acted for HarperCollins in a libel claim by Everton FC = manager=20 David Moyes concerning allegations in Wayne Rooney=E2=80=99s = autobiography. In the libel=20 trial McKenna v MGN, the team obtained a favourable costs order on = behalf of=20 MGN; other clients include Penguin Books, Macmillan Books and Private = Eye. Kevin=20 Bays has an =E2=80=9Cincredibly good eye for detail and = commercial common=20 sense,=E2=80=9D clients say, with one source adding: =E2=80=9CHe = is the best litigation=20 lawyer I have ever come across: thorough, conscientious and perfect at = combining=20 tactics and judgement.=E2=80=9D Defamation lawyer Philip=20 Conway =E2=80=9Cis really insightful and quickly grasps the = strengths and=20 weaknesses of a case; he can be extremely firm when needed and finds = solutions=20 which are important from a commercial and practical point of = view.=E2=80=9D Mark=20 Bateman is celebrated for his input in libel and privacy-related = matters; he=20 is =E2=80=9Cexceptionally pragmatic and one of the partners who = really fights the=20 client=E2=80=99s corner.=E2=80=9D With expertise in defamation and = media law, Robin=20 Shaw =E2=80=9Chas a first-class legal brain and is also a = practical lawyer with a=20 relaxed style who knows exactly when he needs to be = tough.=E2=80=9D=20 Zoe Norden has a growing profile for her work in the libel field, = receiving=20 praise from both clients and peers.

1David=20 Price Solicitors & Advocates

This small, niche team represents both claimants and defendants in = areas=20 such as privacy, defamation and reputation management and wins effusive = praise=20 from the market. Notable work includes acting for Inspector Ian = Kibblewhite in a=20 successful defamation claim against the publisher of =E2=80=98Not One of = Us=E2=80=99 and its=20 author Chief Superintendent Ali Dizaei. The firm also represented The = Daily=20 Telegraph in its successful defence of an injunction application brought = by=20 Thomas Cook concerning an article about the deaths of two children on = holiday in=20 Corfu. Other well-known clients include uSwitch, The Barbican and = individuals=20 such as Samantha Janus and Ulrika Jonsson. =E2=80=9CDespite the fact = he is often on=20 the other side as a rival, I have to admit that what David=20 Price has achieved with his firm has been a brilliant = success,=E2=80=9D one=20 source commented. With an in-depth knowledge of libel and privacy laws, = Price is=20 an impressive operator favoured for his no-nonsense, straight-talking = style. One=20 interviewee remarked: =E2=80=9CHe is everything I need: a pragmatic, = excellent,=20 all-round tactical thinker with a personal touch.=E2=80=9D = Consultant Amber=20 Melville-Brown is renowned for her =E2=80=9Cclear thinking and = comprehensive=20 understanding of libel law.=E2=80=9D

1Farrer=20 & Co

One of the pre-eminent defendant practices in the country, this=20 =E2=80=9Ctremendously gifted team has simply flawless libel = expertise, together with=20 superb response times and highly practical advice.=E2=80=9D Despite = the departure of=20 esteemed Rupert Grey who joined Swan Turton, and Nick Alway who is now = at the=20 BBC, the firm continues to be one of the top choices for its vast = understanding=20 of defamation, new media, privacy and reputation management. The group=20 represents national newspapers, the regional press, and television and = radio=20 clients, in addition to well-known magazine publishers. In Lisa Jeynes v = NGN and=20 News Magazines, the team successfully represented the defendant = publishers and=20 had Jeynes=E2=80=99 libel claim struck out. Other prominent clients = include the=20 Financial Times, Haymarket and The Economist. Robert=20 Clinton specialises in reputation and issue management for = high-status=20 individuals, companies and institutions. =E2=80=9CHe is indisputably = one of the most=20 effective and assured operators in the field,=E2=80=9D according to = sources, with=20 one interviewee remarking: =E2=80=9CWith his 20 years or so of = expertise in media=20 law, I have not heard a single bad word against Robert. He is extremely = admired=20 and respected.=E2=80=9D=20 Richard Shillito is =E2=80=9Cat the top of his game,=E2=80=9D = and prized for his=20 technical brilliance and affable nature. He advises some high-profile = national=20 titles, but deals predominantly with regional newspapers and magazines = and trade=20 publications. Jonathan=20 Crusher is experienced in breach of confidence and privacy matters,=20 defamation, reputation management, contempt of court and reporting = restrictions.=20 He is =E2=80=9Calways reasonable and tenacious where he needs to = be.=E2=80=9D=20 Julian Pike is praised for his analytical skills and ability to get = straight=20 to the roots of a problem. Benjamin=20 Beabey, whose expertise includes libel, privacy, copyright and IP, = is =E2=80=9Can=20 intelligent, formidable opponent who is determined, thorough and really = knows=20 his stuff.=E2=80=9D

1Olswang

This top-rated media litigation department is lauded for its libel = practice=20 and its accessible lawyers, who =E2=80=9Cshow initiative, follow = things up and are=20 good communicators.=E2=80=9D Principally known for defendant work, = the firm also has=20 capabilities in large-scale claimant matters. It acts for the Financial = Times on=20 all of its litigation, and was instructed by the client to defend an = application=20 for an injunction for breach of confidence by Northern Rock. The = document at the=20 centre of the application was a leaked memorandum concerning the = proposed sale=20 of Northern Rock. The firm is quickly making a name as =E2=80=9Can = exceptional=20 force=E2=80=9D in Internet-related reputation management issues, = where it is praised=20 for its knack for tracking down and stopping anonymous Internet and = e-mail=20 attacks. Additional clients include Microsoft, eBay, ITV and Guardian = News &=20 Media. The =E2=80=9Cexceptionally authoritative=E2=80=9D=20 Geraldine Proudler is =E2=80=9Can absolute genius - we go to her = over anybody=20 else because she does everything to help her clients,=E2=80=9D = sources say. Dan=20 Tench is deemed to be one of the best defamation lawyers for=20 Internet-related matters. Julia=20 Palca has employment expertise and offers = =E2=80=9Csolutions-based advice and an=20 excellent understanding of client needs.=E2=80=9D Ashley=20 Hurst is "on the ball at all times." He is one to watch = following his=20 representation of Mathew Firsht in a Facebook-related libel and privacy=20 trial.

1Reynolds=20 Porter Chamberlain LLP

Among the leading defendant practices in the country, this outfit = has=20 =E2=80=9Cfantastic depth and breadth, good resources and brilliant = client=20 service.=E2=80=9D Clients also appreciate the team=E2=80=99s ability = to stay on top of all=20 the latest developments in the sector, and celebrate the = lawyers=E2=80=99 willingness to=20 take on highly complex cases. Its extensive clientele includes national = and=20 regional newspapers, trade and style magazines, television and radio=20 broadcasters, and literary agents and their insurers. The firm is also=20 distinguished by its international reach in areas such as defamation, = reputation=20 management and privacy. This is =E2=80=9Can experienced team = that=E2=80=99s prepared to take=20 risks in the interests of its clientele, and this is what makes it a=20 leader,=E2=80=9D clients note. It is also singled out for the = =E2=80=9Cterrific=20 associates coming through the ranks.=E2=80=9D In Lord Browne of = Madingley v=20 Associated Newspapers, the firm represented The Mail on Sunday in a = high-profile=20 privacy case, winning the first victory by a newspaper in a privacy case = in=20 recent times. The paper=E2=80=99s application to vary the injunction = obtained by Lord=20 Browne of Madingley to avert publication of information about his = conduct as=20 chief executive of BP and his lies to the Court was successful at first=20 instance, and on appeal to the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords, = which=20 refused leave to appeal. The firm is also working on Ivereigh v = Associated=20 Newspapers, defending a claim by the former spokesman to the Cardinal of = Westminster. The trial ended in a hung jury and is listed for retrial in = early=20 2009; according to sources, this would be the first ever retrial of a = libel case=20 with a hung jury. Other clients include Times Newspapers, The Spectator = and=20 Bloomsbury Publishing. David=20 Hooper is recognised internationally for his presence in the libel = field.=20 =E2=80=9CExceptionally sensible,=E2=80=9D he impresses US = publishing clients with his=20 encyclopaedic knowledge of reputation management and defamation. Keith=20 Mathieson =E2=80=9Chas his feet firmly on the ground, and always = handles things=20 with calm equanimity.=E2=80=9D He acts for an array of clients such = as broadcasters,=20 national and regional newspapers and media insurers. A former BBC = in-house=20 counsel, Jaron=20 Lewis is a =E2=80=9Cbrilliant litigator,=E2=80=9D with = expertise in copyright, libel,=20 privacy, reporting restrictions and production orders. He acts for = broadcasting,=20 newspaper and web publishing clients, among others. Consultant Maddie=20 Mogford has a =E2=80=9Ccalm, unruffled approach=E2=80=9D and = advises book, newspaper=20 and magazine publishers and the leading insurers of media risks. = =E2=80=9CA name to=20 keep on the radar,=E2=80=9D associate Brid=20 Jordan is =E2=80=9Cexceptionally talented=E2=80=9D and = recently joined the team from=20 Clifford Chance. Liz Hartley has left the firm to join Associated = Newspapers in=20 January 2009.

1Schillings

=E2=80=9CA Rolls-Royce claimant practice that is simply = unsurpassed,=E2=80=9D this=20 firm is known to pursue cases aggressively and is described by clients = as=20 =E2=80=9Calways on the ball; it doesn=E2=80=99t waste time and = recognises effortlessly that=20 there is often only one opportunity to get it right.=E2=80=9D The = group=E2=80=99s skills in=20 reputation management see it act on behalf of both corporations and = prominent=20 individuals in some of the highest-profile libel and privacy matters. = One client=20 reported: =E2=80=9CI chose it for its uncompromising and clear = stance. The=20 fact that it=E2=80=99s viewed with the utmost gravity as a tough = adversary by the media=20 is also an important factor.=E2=80=9D The firm successfully = represented Las Vegas=20 Sands chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson in his libel case against the = Daily Mail.=20 It also successfully represented Dr Neil Murray and his wife Joanne = Murray (the=20 author JK Rowling) in their Court of Appeal case against Big Pictures = (UK)=20 concerning unauthorised photographs of their son taken by Big Pictures = and=20 published in the Daily Express. The case established a privacy law for = children=20 that protects them from invasive photography by the paparazzi, and is = considered=20 to be the most significant privacy case since the House of Lords = decision in=20 Campbell v MGN, which established a right to privacy. The firm is = recommended=20 for its =E2=80=9Cextraordinarily gifted=E2=80=9D solicitors, = chief among whom is Keith=20 Schilling, =E2=80=9Ca quick-witted, insightful tactician with = awe-inspiring=20 knowledge.=E2=80=9D Noted for his celebrity clientele, he is also = said to be close=20 to achieving celebrity status in his own right. He continues to be a = pivotal=20 player in establishing privacy laws. Simon=20 Smith elicits glowing praise for his growing libel practice, with = one rival=20 saying: =E2=80=9CHe takes the abstract and makes it concrete, and is = able to think=20 laterally and creatively. He is so quick on the uptake that other people = are=20 always having to catch up.=E2=80=9D Skilled litigator Gideon=20 Benaim is =E2=80=9Ca pleasure to deal with, and can always be = relied on to do a=20 good job.=E2=80=9D=20 Rod Christie-Miller is =E2=80=9Ceffective and = fast-acting=E2=80=9D and admired for=20 his =E2=80=9Cfine judgement in deciding what the best approach should = be in each=20 case.=E2=80=9D=20 John Kelly has a considered approach and is good at constructing = arguments.=20 Sources say: =E2=80=9CHe is careful with his words and knows when to = smile, when to=20 bark and when to bite.=E2=80=9D=20 Rachel Atkins concentrates on all areas surrounding libel law, and = is=20 appreciated for her hard work and commitment to her clients=E2=80=99 = interests. Formerly=20 in-house with the Guardian, Korieh=20 Duodu impresses with his diligence, commitment and enthusiasm. = Associate Jenny=20 Afia is =E2=80=9Cfantastically smart and will go a long = way,=E2=80=9D according to=20 clients.

2Charles=20 Russell LLP

Advising extensively on privacy, reputation management and = defamation, this=20 group is also valued by clients for its top-drawer pre-publication = advice. It=20 recently acted for Channel 4, advising it on complaints made by the West = Midlands Police and the CPS about the programme =E2=80=98Undercover = Mosque=E2=80=99, and has=20 been instructed by the programme makers in their libel claim against the = police=20 and the CPS. Other clients include ITV News, the British Horseracing = Authority,=20 Popbitch and Fabio Capello. Libel expert Duncan=20 Lamont is =E2=80=9Ccommercial, sensible and a noteworthy = litigator,=E2=80=9D clients=20 say. Nicholas=20 Armstrong impresses =E2=80=9Cas a fantastic strategist who is = talented across the=20 board." Monica=20 Bhogal is =E2=80=9Cstraightforward, clear-thinking and good to = work with.=E2=80=9D=20 New to the tables, associate James=20 Quartermaine is admired for his dedication and hard = work.

2Harbottle=20 & Lewis LLP

Noted for its flexibility, resourcefulness and creativity in = finding=20 solutions, this team also benefits from a strong support team and = well-prepared,=20 technically accomplished associates. The lawyers advise authors, = publishers,=20 television companies and film producers on pre-publication matters. The = firm=20 recently acted on a successful privacy, breach of confidence and = infringement of=20 copyright claim made by HRH The Prince of Wales against the publishers = of The=20 Mail on Sunday following the paper=E2=80=99s publication of an extract = from the Prince=E2=80=99s=20 diaries. The newspaper paid damages and legal costs, gave undertakings = not to=20 repeat the material and returned the Prince=E2=80=99s diaries. The team = also represents=20 Kate Middleton against a range of media organisations and picture = agencies in=20 claims of infringement of privacy and harassment. A =E2=80=9Cpowerful = contender,=E2=80=9D=20 Gerrard Tyrrell gives pragmatic solutions and has expertise in = reputation=20 management, privacy and defamation, among other matters. Jo=20 Sanders =E2=80=9Creally comes up with solutions and is plainly = superb in her=20 dealings with clients,=E2=80=9D sources say. Louise Prince is = currently on maternity=20 leave.

2Simons=20 Muirhead & Burton

A proficient, results-oriented team noted for the seamless = co-operation=20 between its lawyers, this group acts for newspapers, magazines, = television=20 companies and book publishers on matters such as privacy, defamation, = reputation=20 management and pre-publication. =E2=80=9CIt can really hold its head = up with=20 pride,=E2=80=9D one client said about this flourishing practice. The = firm has been=20 involved in some of the most talked-about cases of the past year, = including=20 Adelson & Las Vegas Sands v Unite Here, in which it defended US = trade union=20 Unite Here against a claim by a US casino chain and its owner. The team = also=20 played a part in Charman v Orion, where it represented claimant police = officer=20 Michael Charman in a libel case involving allegations in a book called = =E2=80=98Bent=20 Coppers=E2=80=99 that he acted improperly. In Warren v Random House, it = is defending the=20 publishers of a book by boxer Ricky Hatton in defamation procedures = brought by=20 Hatton=E2=80=99s former promoter, Frank Warren. Razi=20 Mireskandari is =E2=80=9Cincredibly sensible and a pleasure to = litigate against=20 because he is not one to try and score points.=E2=80=9D Recommended = by clients for=20 his pragmatism and efficiency, litigator Louis=20 Charalambous is also knowledgeable about criminal matters. He = successfully=20 represented Robert Murat, a former suspect in the search for Madeleine = McCann,=20 who won libel damages of =C2=A3600,000 from 11 British national = newspapers. Stephen=20 Shotnes is a proficient lawyer who =E2=80=9Ccan take on any = issue, no matter how=20 complex.=E2=80=9D

2Wiggin=20 LLP

The firm scores highly for its pragmatism, astuteness and thorough=20 knowledge of libel and privacy laws. Clients report: =E2=80=9CIt is = responsive to our=20 tight deadlines and understands our needs, and its work is always of a = high=20 quality.=E2=80=9D The firm was successful in Charman v Orion, = defending libel=20 proceedings on appeal between former Flying Squad detective Michael = Charman and=20 Orion Publishing Group, Orion Books and author Graeme McLagan over a = book=20 entitled =E2=80=98Bent Coppers=E2=80=99. The Court of Appeal held that = the book was protected by=20 Reynolds qualified privilege, the first time that the courts have = afforded the=20 protection of this defence to a book. Other clients include Cond=C3=A9 = Nast=20 Publications, Emap, Trinity Mirror and Al Jazeera. Caroline=20 Kean is =E2=80=9Ca stunningly bright individual, who really knows = her onions.=E2=80=9D=20 She is instructed by media defendants in numerous headline-grabbing=20 disputes, and competitors report: =E2=80=9CShe is an exceptionally = tough opponent but=20 never unreasonable.=E2=80=9D=20 Amali de Silva =E2=80=9Ceasily gets to the heart of a problem, is = extremely=20 committed and has a good grasp of details on big cases,=E2=80=9D = clients say.=20 Commercially minded, Phil=20 Gorski provides spot-on advice and has a growing profile in the = libel=20 area.

3Bindmans=20 LLP

Described as =E2=80=9Ca well-ordered, smoothly running = engine,=E2=80=9D this=20 practice is skilled in defamation and reputation management, = specialising in=20 European human rights and libel, privacy, breach of confidence and = copyright.=20 The team has a broad remit and is praised by interviewees for its = =E2=80=9Ccapacity=20 to do almost anything in this field.=E2=80=9D It acts for both = claimants and=20 defendants, often on a CFA, and is experienced in freedom of information = and=20 expression cases. The firm=E2=80=99s clients include high-profile names = such as MP Emily=20 Thornberry , Brian Paddick, the New Statesman and the National Union of=20 Journalists. Tamsin=20 Allen has =E2=80=9Cwisdom and determination and is really easy to = talk to; she=20 always keeps her mind on the case at hand.=E2=80=9D

3Finers=20 Stephens Innocent

This highly creative and innovative team handles privacy, = defamation and=20 reputation management, among other matters. The group has seen an = increase in=20 libel and privacy work involving NGOs, as big companies try to prevent=20 whistle-blowers from making allegations of corrupt practices by = initiating libel=20 procedures against NGOs. The team=E2=80=99s large number of NGO clients = include Global=20 Witness, Greenpeace, International Alert and Human Rights Watch. Peers = praise=20 the firm's ingenuity and dedication, while clients hail its = international=20 presence: =E2=80=9CIt has captured a vast chunk of the US market = because of its=20 amazing resources and knowledge base.=E2=80=9D Other clients include = The Spectator,=20 Bloomberg and The Washington Post. =E2=80=9CThe charming and = clued-up=E2=80=9D=20 Mark Stephens is seen as the driver behind the team=E2=80=99s = success in US-based=20 libel instructions, and market observers say his presence gives the team = =E2=80=9Cthat extra kick - he has an incredible flair for networking = and a superb=20 understanding of US media.=E2=80=9D Fiona=20 Campbell is a rising star, recommended for her diligence and=20 responsiveness.

3Foot=20 Anstey Solicitors

This leading regional outfit receives strong market endorsement for = its=20 talents in a range of media-related matters, including copyright, = reporting=20 restrictions and Internet publication. The lawyers are esteemed for = their=20 =E2=80=9Cclear interpretation of cases and succinct assessment of all = the available=20 choices.=E2=80=9D Associated Newspapers, Which? and Newsquest Media = Group are some=20 of the names that feature in the client list. With a well-established = reputation=20 for libel matters, Tony=20 Jaffa is =E2=80=9Ca brilliant lawyer=E2=80=9D who clients say = is =E2=80=9Calways quick to=20 reply and does everything we ask to perfection.=E2=80=9D=20 Cathryn Smith is =E2=80=9Camazingly creative in finding solutions = to=20 problems=E2=80=9D and =E2=80=9Cprovides a great service every = time.=E2=80=9D

3Russell=20 Jones & Walker

In addition to its long-standing representation of the Police = Federation,=20 this firm has recently built a reputation for its advice to = institutional=20 clients, such as trade unions and officials and representative bodies. = Largely=20 claimant-based, the group flourishes not only in the traditional area of = defamation and privacy but also in breach of confidence, media handling = and=20 reputation management issues. Clients also include MPs, doctors, nurses, = police=20 officers, actors, musicians and sportspeople. It acts for barrister = Constance=20 Briscoe on matters relating to her books =E2=80=98Ugly=E2=80=99 and = =E2=80=98Beyond Ugly=E2=80=99, including=20 defending a claim brought by her mother over the contents of the former = book.=20 Clients are full of praise for Jeremy=20 Clarke-Williams, a =E2=80=9Ctough player and tireless = adversary=E2=80=9D who is also=20 admired for his efficiency, swift responses and encyclopaedic knowledge. = Sarah=20 Webb acts for claimants and defendants from a variety of sectors, = and is=20 appreciated by clients for her =E2=80=9Cintelligent and proactive=20 approach.=E2=80=9D

3Swan=20 Turton

With a tremendous knowledge of reputation management, libel and = privacy,=20 this boutique firm is described by clients as resourceful and = responsive, and is=20 staffed by =E2=80=9Cgifted solicitors.=E2=80=9D The team acted = for Paul McKenna on a=20 libel case involving defamatory material published in The Daily = Telegraph and on=20 a range of websites, obtaining a full published apology from the = newspaper. It=20 also advised Peaches Geldof and her then-boyfriend Fred MacPherson on = defamatory=20 and privacy-infringing material published in both the Daily Star and the = Daily=20 Mirror. Jonathan=20 Coad is =E2=80=9Ca true fighter on behalf of his clients, with an = innovative=20 approach that always finds a solution.=E2=80=9D Sources also drew = attention to his=20 articles on media-related subjects, and his role as a speaker at major=20 conferences on defamation and privacy matters. Rupert=20 Grey is an authority on libel and copyright issues, with many = fruitful=20 years=E2=80=99 experience. The =E2=80=9Cfantastically = committed=E2=80=9D=20 Rosie McKimmie has expertise in defamation, privacy, IP and = commercial=20 litigation.

3Taylor=20 Wessing LLP

This defendant-focused firm attracts unequivocal market approval = for its=20 =E2=80=9Cmagnificent group of lawyers=E2=80=9D and broad = expertise in defamation,=20 reputation management and privacy. The group defended the Evening = Standard in a=20 defamation case brought by an Air India pilot regarding an article = alleging that=20 four harassment claims had been brought against him. The team=E2=80=99s = clientele=20 includes names such as American Media, The Motley Fool and Jane's = Information=20 Group. Clients turn to Niri=20 Shanmuganathan for his results-oriented approach, describing him as = =E2=80=9Ca=20 determined lawyer who excels at providing ad hoc and well-structured=20 solutions. =E2=80=9D Partner Neil=20 White was widely commended for his =E2=80=9Cforesight, = responsiveness and=20 effective advice.=E2=80=9D Both lawyers rate highly for their = representation of=20 clients in cases concerning defamation, reputation management, privacy = and=20 Internet-related issues.

4Addleshaw=20 Goddard LLP

A large amount of the work undertaken by the firm=E2=80=99s media = group is for=20 corporate clients, with an increasing quantity of Internet-related = matters. The=20 firm suffered the departures of Jennifer McDermott, who is now with = Withers, and=20 Rupert Earle, who joined Bates Wells & Braithwaite. Clients include = Andrei=20 Lugovoy, The FA, Sainsbury's and Disney. David=20 Engel receives plaudits for his no-nonsense style and comprehensive=20 knowledge of the law.

4Brabners=20 Chaffe Street

In terms of confidence, privacy and defamation cases, this is = =E2=80=9Ca great=20 team to have on your side,=E2=80=9D clients report. The firm has = seen an increase in=20 defamation matters concerning the Internet and has successfully closed = down a=20 number of offending websites for various clients in the past year, = including=20 music promoter Chas Cole of CMP Entertainment. In addition to its = numerous=20 well-known media clients, such as Trinity Mirror, MGN and the Liverpool = Daily=20 Post and Echo, the team represents football clubs and celebrities from = the=20 sports and entertainment industries. It also notably acts for Emap = nationally,=20 including several of its radio stations such as Kiss FM and Key 103. = =E2=80=9CA=20 perennial favourite=E2=80=9D with clients, Mark=20 Manley is praised for his responsiveness, wealth of experience and = amenable=20 personality.

4Clifford=20 Chance LLP

This international powerhouse is =E2=80=9Ca superior = choice=E2=80=9D for complex=20 cases regarding reputation management, defamation, privacy and breach of = confidence, representing both defendants and claimants. It also offers=20 pre-publication advice for several high-profile clients, including = Reuters.=20 Noted for his good sense of humour and flexible approach, media and = public law=20 expert Michael=20 Smyth is well versed in commercial litigation and dispute = prevention. He=20 also receives accolades as the firm=E2=80=99s head of pro bono and = public policy=20 practices.

4Dechert=20 LLP

Dechert=E2=80=99s media team covers an array of issues, including = defamation,=20 reputation management and privacy. =E2=80=9CIts advice is always = clear,=20 matter-of-fact and commercially focused,=E2=80=9D clients say. = Commentators also=20 emphasise that =E2=80=9Cthe firm knows perfectly how to work with our = in-house=20 counsel, adding great value and not just taking over the = case.=E2=80=9D The group=20 advises both defendants and claimants and is particularly celebrated for = its=20 representation of newspapers, magazines and Internet-based companies. = Other=20 clients include Argos, Haymarket Publishing and Michael Heseltine MP.=20 =E2=80=9CHands-on litigator=E2=80=9D=20 Andrew Hearn is =E2=80=9Ca fantastic mediator and our number-one = choice for media=20 libel disputes,=E2=80=9D one client enthused.

4Goodman=20 Derrick LLP

Roundly praised for its =E2=80=9Chigh-quality work and excellent = visibility,=E2=80=9D this practice attracts top-drawer clients in = areas such as=20 defamation and privacy complaints. The media group also focuses on = contempt of=20 court, court reporting and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. Clients include = TV=20 companies, newspapers, major broadcasters such as Sky News, ITN News and = GMTV,=20 and publishers Random House. Clients praise Patrick=20 Swaffer as =E2=80=9Ca practical counsel who gets to the point = quickly=E2=80=9D in=20 contentious media work, such as pre-broadcast and publication clearance, = as well=20 as defamation and privacy issues.

4Lee=20 & Thompson

Repeatedly praised by clients for its excellent resources and broad = team of=20 highly qualified individuals, this practice stands out for its nuanced = and=20 academic understanding of media law. The team represented Katie Price = and Peter=20 Andre in disputes against a range of celebrity magazines, including = acting for=20 Price in a dispute with Heat magazine concerning its use of a sticker of = her son=20 Harvey, which saw more than 100 complaints from members of the public to = the=20 PCC. The team advises on defamation, reputation management and privacy, = among=20 other issues, and recently represented Isaac Ferry in his complaints = against=20 publishers News Group Newspapers and MGN concerning their unauthorised=20 publication of his photos of Sienna Miller. The team secured payment of = damages=20 and legal costs in this matter. Additional clients include David and = Victoria=20 Beckham, Sophie Anderton and Charlotte Church. =E2=80=9CProactive, on = the ball and=20 communicative,=E2=80=9D Mike=20 Brookes deals with pre-publication clearance work involving scripts = and=20 content for film and TV clients, and is also adept at sophisticated = claimant=20 work on behalf of celebrities. Interviewees appreciate that he is = =E2=80=9Calways=20 direct and quickly reaches the heart of the matter.=E2=80=9D Gordon=20 Williams attracts a loyal client following through his advice on=20 media-related issues.

4Lewis=20 Silkin LLP

This firm enjoys a fantastic reputation for its employment, = advertising and=20 marketing expertise, and is also commended for its comprehensive = claimant and=20 defendant libel knowledge. It advises on pre-publication, = clearance-related=20 matters and Internet privacy issues. Clients include Express Newspapers, = Asian=20 Trade Publications, Firedog Design and the Earl of Bradford. Offering=20 =E2=80=9Cseamless and consistent advice,=E2=80=9D=20 Rod Dadak was highlighted as =E2=80=9Ca well-rounded, intelligent = lawyer with a=20 successful track record.=E2=80=9D Giles=20 Crown =E2=80=9Cis charismatic and bright, and gives his = all,=E2=80=9D sources say. He=20 focuses on defamation and privacy, and advises brands and companies on=20 reputation issues, mainly in an advertising and marketing = context.

4Mishcon=20 de Reya

The firm=E2=80=99s media and public law group continues to grow in = this area,=20 ensuring an =E2=80=9Cadmired versatility=E2=80=9D and a = considerable increase in work,=20 especially involving corporate reputation management. It is regarded as = a key=20 player for matters concerning privacy, reputation management and = defamation.=20 Clients in the past year included Heather Mills, Airline Seat Company = and=20 Euromoney Publications. Head of department James=20 Libson is =E2=80=9Can excellent lawyer with a vast knowledge of = the market and=20 fine communication skills.=E2=80=9D=20 Ramona Mehta is another well-respected member of the = team.

4Reed=20 Smith

=E2=80=9CBecause of its excellent, uncomplicated approach and = strong libel=20 expertise, choosing this team to represent us is a = no-brainer,=E2=80=9D one client=20 enthused. The practice has proved time and again its talent at providing = detailed defamation and reputation management advice. It is also noted = for its=20 international work and =E2=80=9Cextraordinary skills in a wide range = of matters,=E2=80=9D=20 according to clients. Michael=20 Skrein is =E2=80=9Ca tough negotiator who is always willing to = fight for the=20 benefit of his clientele.=E2=80=9D Marcus=20 Rutherford is =E2=80=9Cimpressive, experienced and highly = effective,=E2=80=9D=20 according to sources.

5Aslan=20 Charles Kousetta LLP

This boutique has been set up by three former Howard Kennedy = partners,=20 following the dissolution of that firm's media practice. The successful = group=20 has a busy workload advising on post-publication complaints, ranging = from libel=20 and copyright to privacy and contempt of court. = =E2=80=9COutstandingly clever=E2=80=9D=20 media expert Susan=20 Aslan is "a long-standing and tremendously strong figure in the = market.=E2=80=9D=20 Interviewees respect Sue=20 Charles for her extensive media knowledge, describing her as = =E2=80=9Ca=20 solutions-oriented thinker who never disappoints.=E2=80=9D The = firm=E2=80=99s clients=20 include Channel 4, Working Title Films and Reed Business=20 Information.

5Atkins

Although considered a relatively young firm, this outfit has = =E2=80=9Creally=20 exceeded everybody=E2=80=99s expectations=E2=80=9D and shown its = ability to excel in even=20 the most intricate cases. In Marcucci and Marcucci v BBC, it is = representing the=20 Marcucci family, the owners of one of Italy=E2=80=99s chief = biopharmaceutical companies,=20 in a defamation case being brought against the BBC following a Panorama = TV=20 programme about the Marcuccis' business practices. This is anticipated = to be a=20 highly significant case in the coming year, dealing with a number of = questions=20 on media reporting practices. Claimant lawyer Graham=20 Atkins is renowned for his =E2=80=9Cunfailing ability to produce = positive=20 results.=E2=80=9D He advises on defamation and privacy, and handles = reputation and=20 brand management work for prominent individuals and companies. = =E2=80=9CClever and on=20 the ball,=E2=80=9D=20 Denzil Gunner enters the table following client = commendations.

5Best=20 & Soames

Clients appreciate =E2=80=9Cthe real energy and dedication of = each lawyer=E2=80=9D=20 here, as well as the group=E2=80=99s combination of =E2=80=9Castute = strategic counsel and a=20 straightforward approach to each case.=E2=80=9D The team acts for = leading London=20 publishers and their US offshoots, independent publishers, authors and = literary=20 agents. Noteworthy names on this front include Canongate Books, Faber = &=20 Faber, Granta and the London Review of Books. It also receives accolades = for its=20 expertise in new media and broadcast content matters. Martin=20 Soames inspires deep admiration from interviewees and is recognised=20 nationally for his =E2=80=9Clevel-headedness and fine = judgement.=E2=80=9D

5Cobbetts=20 LLP

Based in Manchester, this outfit has =E2=80=9Cone of the top = media groups=20 regionally, with the expertise and capability to deliver a significant = amount of=20 work to a tight deadline.=E2=80=9D It is acting for the Manchester = Evening News on a=20 wide range of issues, including defamation, privacy, contempt, copyright = and=20 Internet libel. =E2=80=9CThe fantastically smart=E2=80=9D=20 Peter Stone is a hit with clients and receives glowing = commendations. =E2=80=9CHe=20 marries together legal and commercial interests like nobody = else,=E2=80=9D one=20 client said.

5Eversheds=20 LLP

A leader at the practice with broad skills in the sector, Norman=20 Chapman continues to be at the forefront of interesting and complex = cases=20 that require =E2=80=9Cexceptional industry knowledge and = intelligence,=E2=80=9D clients=20 say. The team is adept at representing individuals and is sought after = for its=20 corporate reputation management expertise. In Dr Matthias Rath v = Guardian News=20 & Media and Ben Goldacre, the firm is acting for Dr Rath in an = intricate=20 libel claim concerning three articles published in the Guardian in early = 2007,=20 which accused Dr Rath of responsibility in the deaths of hundreds of = thousands=20 of people in South Africa through misleading claims about the = effectiveness of=20 micronutrients in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. Other clients include = Remzi=20 Gur, Yoko Ono and Transport for London.

5Gallant=20 Macmillan LLP

This relatively new firm, which recently changed its name from = Taylor=20 Macmillan following the departure of Daniel Taylor, is esteemed by the = market=20 for its partners=E2=80=99 skills in libel and privacy issues. The = leading individuals at=20 the boutique are the =E2=80=9Csupremely proficient=E2=80=9D Simon=20 Gallant, a former Mishcon de Reya partner, and =E2=80=9Creal = connoisseur=E2=80=9D=20 Kate Macmillan, who was previously with Carter-Ruck. The firm = advises many=20 high-profile clients, such as the Jerusalem Post and Tony = Murtagh.

5M=20 Law

With =E2=80=9Ca depth of talent, high-quality service and a = consistent level of=20 excellence,=E2=80=9D this media team wins widespread praise from = interviewees. It=20 advises on libel (including Internet-related libel cases), privacy and = IP=20 matters. Following the May 2007 House of Lords appeal in the Hello! = litigation,=20 the firm has maintained its relationship with the celebrity magazine and = continues to advise it on an array of defamation claims and privacy=20 pre-publication issues. Other clients include Hachette Filipacchi, = Habitat,=20 Tesco and IKEA. Christopher=20 Hutchings wins respect for his media work; clients appreciate his=20 =E2=80=9Cexcellent service and approachable manner,=E2=80=9D = while peers say he is =E2=80=9Ca=20 pleasure to see on the other side of a case.=E2=80=9D

5Pannone=20 LLP

This group advises both regional clients and national companies on=20 reputation management, libel, privacy and media-related matters. It = recently=20 acted for chemical company BASF in a case against solicitors Hill = Dickinson=20 concerning a defamatory press release alleging that BASF conspired with = other=20 chemical companies and DEFRA to maintain a cartel. The matter was = settled by way=20 of an apology and the payment of damages. Bill=20 Lister enters the tables following praise from both clients and = peers for=20 his =E2=80=9Cefficient, friendly and businesslike = manner.=E2=80=9D

5Teacher=20 Stern LLP

The lawyers here =E2=80=9Crespond speedily and methodically, = giving clear and=20 unambiguous advice,=E2=80=9D clients say. The team deals mainly with = reputation,=20 defamation and privacy, among other matters. It advises a number of=20 internationally renowned celebrities and sports personalities such as = Ashley=20 Cole, Piers Brosnan and Daniel Craig. It also acts for the likes of = Newcastle=20 United and Express Newspapers. Graham=20 Shear has a growing profile acting for well-known sports clients and = is=20 admired for his =E2=80=9Cgood brain and great = judgement.=E2=80=9D

Other Notable Practitioners

Rhory=20 Robertson at Steeles (Law) LLP advises on defamation, privacy and = reputation=20 matters, and is considered =E2=80=9Cone of the original players and a = nice guy with=20 it.=E2=80=9D =E2=80=9CThe exceptionally bright=E2=80=9D=20 Jennifer McDermott, who joined Withers LLP from Addleshaw Goddard in = July=20 2007, is applauded by clients for being =E2=80=9Camazingly = enthusiastic, hard-working=20 and optimistic.=E2=80=9D Commercial litigator Laurence=20 Harris at Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP is singled out = for his=20 in-depth knowledge of media libel issues. =E2=80=9CHighly = intelligent=E2=80=9D=20 Jason McCue at H2O Law LLP advises on defamation and reputation = management.=20 Catherine=20 Fehler at Michael Simkins LLP is =E2=80=9Csmart, pragmatic and = commercial,=E2=80=9D=20 according to sources. She acts for celebrity and media clients on = privacy,=20 defamation and reputation work. Mark=20 Summerfield of Solomon Taylor & Shaw wins attention for his role = in=20 Murray v Big Pictures, in which he advised photo agency Big Pictures in = one of=20 the most talked-about privacy cases of recent times. He is = =E2=80=9Cwell organised=20 and clear in his thinking and instructions,=E2=80=9D interviewees = note.=20 =E2=80=9COutstanding brain=E2=80=9D=20 Martin Kramer is =E2=80=9Cabsolutely top-notch=E2=80=9D for = issues relating to libel=20 and privacy. Previously with Addleshaw Goddard, Kramer is now at Bates = Wells=20 & Braithwaite and has boosted itsprofile for defamation and = reputation=20 management.

Chambers News

May 2009

Chambers to host =E2=80=99Meet the Editors=E2=80=99 = reception.

Our UK editorial team=20 will be hosting a reception in Birmingham. The reception will be a = chance for=20 everyone to put faces to names and for us to address any queries you may = have=20 about our guides or our process.

If you would like to attend, please email Catherine=20 McGregor

Calendar

May 2009
Launch of Chambers Associate 2009

4th June 2009
Chambers UK, Meet the Editors, = Birmingham.

11th June 2009
The Chambers USA Awards for Excellence, New = York=20

12th June 2009
Launch of Chambers USA 2009

10th September 2009
The Chambers Latin America Awards 2009, = Miami=20

11th September 2009
Launch of Chambers Latin America 2010=20 Edition

8th October 2009
The Chambers Bar Awards 2009, London

For more information contact=20 us

Saville House, 23 Long Lane, London EC1A = 9HL=20 Tel: +44 (0) 20 7606 8844 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7606 = 0906=20 2009 =C2=A9 Michael Chambers and Orbach & Chambers Ltd =