Home to 'an excellent team of solicitors with exceptional knowledge of defamation and data privacy law', Carter-Ruck is distinguished for its claimant-focused work in reputation management, representing both organisations and individuals. The team excels in assisting those under investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and other regulatory bodies, and is particularly noted for its expertise in coordinating international strategic communications and legal media strategies. Practice head Nigel Tait, 'a legendary solicitor', has an impressive track record in securing public apologies, injunctions, and removals of defamatory content for his clients. Adam Tudor heads the commercial dispute resolution practice, focusing on preventing or mitigating the publication of inaccurate or defamatory material, often involving international or geopolitical elements. Claire Gill specialises in data protection rights, including the right to be forgotten under UK GDPR. Rebecca Toman is highly recommended for securing damages, apologies, and content removal across multiple jurisdictions, while Antonia Foster is noted for advising clients facing intrusive media inquiries, often leading to reduced or halted publications. Persephone Bridgman Baker works on a range of reputation management matters, boasting extensive experience in both pre-publication and post-publication issues. The 'strong, stoic and extremely trustworthy' Mathilde Groppo is also recommended for reputation management and data protection mandates.

‘One of the top firms offering claimant support in the reputation space‘, Harbottle & Lewis LLP is a leading firm in reputation management, covering defamation, privacy, breach of confidence, data protection, and information law. The firm operates on a global scale, advising talent and ultra-high-net-worth individuals across various industries, with a strong emphasis on preventative work. Co-head Gerrard Tyrell is highly experienced in representing UHNWIs, senior statespeople, global investment funds, and leading brands, while fellow co-leader John Kelly is known for his work with high-profile clients, particularly in relation to current affairs programmes. Amy Bradbury specialises in data protection, focusing on subject access rights. Louise Prince bolsters the team with significant experience providing advice on a range of reputational issues.

Regarded by clients as 'one of the best media defence practices in town', RPC  is a leading firm in defamation, privacy, data protection, and media law, with a broad client base that includes national and local newspapers, broadcasters, magazines, and freelance journalists. The practice is led by Rupert Cowper-Coles, who enjoys a strong reputation for his expertise in media, content, and data protection, advising clients on freedom of expression and content liability issues. Keith Mathieson brings extensive experience, having represented major news organisations in landmark defamation and privacy cases. Alex Wilson is a trusted adviser on defamation, privacy, and data protection matters, while Alex Vakil focuses on contentious issues, including data breaches and subject access requests. The team has been further strengthened by Lindsay Warwick, who brings valuable in-house experience from a leading global news publisher, particularly in pre-publication advice and media claims.

Schillings stands out for its expertise in advising global businesses on reputation management and defamation issues across sectors such as technology, media, consumer products, retail, financial services, and manufacturing. The firm also represents high-profile individuals, handling some of the most complex and sensitive defamation and privacy cases in the UK. Leading the practice is Rachel Atkins, who is regularly sought after by global corporates from the financial services and consumer products sectors. Jenny Afia is highly regarded for her work with high-profile individuals, particularly in the entertainment, technology, and financial industries. Rod Christie-Miller is known for his focus on privacy protection for businesses and global families. Joelle Rich has a niche in assisting private clients facing media scrutiny, while Ben Hobbs excels in crisis management for both corporates and individuals. Steven Hudson is noted for his work on contentious media disputes.

Chiefly advising on defendant-side work, the media and communications disputes practice at Simons Muirhead Burton represents some of the UK’s most prominent publishers and broadcasters. The firm also has a strong track record in defending major European publishing houses, NGOs, and trade unions. Team head Jeffrey Smele - a key contact for major publishers - has significant experience in pre-publication clearance, newsgathering issues and regulatory complaints. Louis Charalambous is recognised for his deep knowledge  of libel and privacy claims. Razi Mireskandari, who also leads the firm’s dispute resolution practice, brings extensive experience in media litigation. Stephen Shotnes specialises in pre-publication and dispute resolution matters concerning publishers, while Martin Soames focuses on publishing disputes. Dinah Shiloh is a seasoned litigator who acts for both claimants and defendants in libel, privacy, confidentiality and harassment cases. Emma Linch is another standout in the team, who concentrates on defamation and misuse of private information matters.

Bindmans LLP‘s media and information team is renowned for its expertise in representing both claimants and defendants in complex libel, privacy, data protection, and copyright disputes. The team has a growing reputation for advising whistleblowers, working closely with the firm’s employment and crime departments. Led by Tamsin Allen, a veteran in high-profile media cases, the team includes Kate Goold, a criminal lawyer known for defending journalists and media organisations. Monika Sobiecki brings deep expertise in data protection, while Axel Landin advises on privacy law and has particular experience in matters with a political dimension.

'A go-to firm for anyone facing a reputational crisis', Brett Wilson LLP fields a specialist media and communications department that is highly regarded for its expertise in defamation, malicious falsehoods, data protection, and harassment matters. Predominantly acting for claimants, the team excels in mandates involving online publications and ‘right to be forgotten’ work. Practice head Iain Wilson, represents a diverse clientele, including politicians, celebrities, and corporates, in defamation, privacy, and data protection matters. Max Campbell is noted for his work on privacy and harassment cases, particularly for high-net-worth individuals, while Tom Double excels in representing claimants across a broad spectrum of media and commercial litigation.

Bristows LLP’s media and data protection disputes team is especially sought out by leading tech and media companies seeking assistance with defamation, privacy, breach of confidence and data protection cases. Practice head Alex Keenlyside, who 'has quickly established himself as one of a select handful of genuinely top-tier solicitors acting in the field', is well versed in high-profile media and data protection litigation. Mark Watts, who heads the data protection sub-team, specialises in a wide range of privacy matters. Victoria Baron is noted for her expertise in advising tech and media companies on intermediary liability and privacy disputes. The team is further bolstered by the arrival of Tik Tok's former head of EMEA litigation Julian Darrall, who brings a wealth of experience in reputation management issues and related litigation in the UK and abroad.

With particular strength in the charity, arts, heritage, and education sectors, as well as in sports and publishing, Farrer & Co advises a number of high-net-worth individuals on complex reputation management matters. Julian Pike, who possesses over three decades of experience in crisis management and pre-publication matters - including ‘right to be forgotten’ and online abuse issues - oversees the department. In addition to his solid credentials in media disputes and reputation management, Thomas Rudkin is singled out for his expertise in data and contentious AI matters. Athalie Matthews leverages her previous experience in publishing to assist clients in this sector. Oliver Lock advises on a range of sensitive matters, including emerging tech-related reputational challenges.

Acting for a high-profile clientele of HNWIs and businesses, Mishcon de Reya LLP's reputation protection and crisis management practice collaborates closely with the firm’s white-collar crime, financial services, and employment teams to handle highly sensitive issues, including crisis management and cross-border litigation. Led by Emma Woollcott, an expert in defamation, privacy, and harassment cases, is particularly adept at dealing with crisis situations and hostile campaigns. James Libson is known for his work with prominent individuals, families and charities, while newly promoted partner Harry Eccles-Williams brings significant expertise in politically charged and often multijurisdictional disputes.

A key choice for UHNWIs and leading corporations alike, Payne Hicks Beach LLP is adept in matters related to reputational attacks, pre-publication issues, as well as defamation, privacy, and data protection mandates. ‘A great person to turn to in difficult circumstances’, Dominic Crossley is a leading authority on defamation and harassment cases. Hanna Basha, who brings deep knowledge of privacy and data protection issues, routinely advises on pre-publication matters, while Andrew Willan adeptly handles mandates at the intersection of cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection. Nick Grant excels in pre-publication and pre-broadcast work, and advises on related litigation.

Simkins LLP is recognised for its expertise in handling high-stakes crisis situations, particularly in the realms of digital and social media. The firm excels in defamation, privacy, and data protection mandates, with a strong focus on pre-publication and pre-broadcast advice. The team is led by Gideon Benaim, ‘a true expert on all facets of reputation law’ who is noted for his work with prominent clients in the financial services, technology, and television sectors. Jon Oakley has broad experience in reputation protection and crisis management, having acted for a number of high-profile clients, while Tom Iverson is experienced in representing individuals and corporations in defamation proceedings, including cases before the High Court. Jessica Welch is a key contact for national newspapers, search engines, social media platforms and international publications.

Taylor Wessing LLP’s technology, IP and information team acts for prominent clients across the tech, media, life sciences, and private wealth sectors in various reputation management matters, ranging from defamation, online harassment, unlawful data processing, and privacy issues. Led by Niri Shanmuganathan, who has extensive experience in preventing intrusive or false media stories, the team represents both claimants and defendants. Michael Yates specialises in advising individuals and companies on reputation management, information, cyber and media law disputes.

‘A powerhouse in the media sector’, Wiggin LLP‘s reputation management and content protection group is a leading force in defending prominent publishers in the UK and major film and TV companies in the US. The ‘well-resourced and hugely experienced team of media litigators’ – led by ‘standout partner’ Matthew Dando – is highly regarded for its expertise in managing high-profile libel and privacy cases. Robin Shaw primarily represents magazines, newspapers and publishers in defamation, breach of confidence and data protection matters. Elizabeth Wiggin advises on pre-action issues and regularly represents clients in court proceedings.

Withers LLP‘s media and reputation practice regularly works with international corporates, charities, and HNWIs, particularly in the art, entertainment, and sports sectors. Highlighted for its ‘excellent legal knowledge’, the ‘strongly practical’ and ‘professional’ team specialises in defamation, breach of confidence, and data protection cases. Co-led by Jo Sanders in London and Amber Melville-Brown in New York, the team offers robust expertise in privacy, blackmail, and harassment matters, often collaborating with the firm’s white-collar crime specialists. Caroline Thompson regularly engages with the media on behalf of her clients at the pre and post-publication stage.

ACK Media Law LLP is highly regarded for its expertise in defamation, privacy, and data protection matters, demonstrating extensive expertise in pre and post-publication issues. The firm represents a broad spectrum of publishers, producers, social media companies and individuals,  providing strategic counsel on media-related disputes. Co-founders Susan Aslan and Sue Charles lead the team, bringing deep experience in media litigation, crisis management, and compliance. Aslan is particularly noted for her work on social media-related crises, while Charles excels in advising major film and TV companies on defamation and privacy issues.

With the ‘unique ability to handle both large-scale commercial litigation while also offering bespoke reputation management advice‘, Addleshaw Goddard‘s team is skilled at acting for blue-chip corporates and HNWIs in privacy and data protection matters, collaborating closely with the firm’s litigation department. The ‘exceptionally clever, tactically astute and dedicated‘ David Engel brings extensive expertise in contentious privacy and data protection issues, including GDPR claims, ICO investigations, ‘right to be forgotten’ cases and matters concerning data subject access requests.

Bates Wells is noted for its expertise in handling media disputes for major newspaper publishers, charities, student unions, and faith-based broadcasters. The firm offers particular strength in sensitive matters involving harassment, moral rights, unfair commercial practices, and data protection. Rupert Earle, who leads the media disputes team, has a strong track record of representing major institutions, household brands, and high-profile individuals.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s reputation management team excels in both claimant and defendant work, and is adept at handling data protection, libel, breach of confidence, privacy and pre and post-publication matters for prominent HNWIs and corporates in the UK and internationally. Duncan Lamont, who brings extensive experience acting for newspapers, broadcasters, companies, and individuals in their reputation management matters, oversees the department.

Clintons is home to ‘an expert privacy and defamation team offering top-class services' to HNWIs and high-profile clients, covering the full spectrum of reputation management issues, such as defamation, malicious falsehood, misuse of private information and protection from harassment. The department is led by Roddy Chisholm Batten, who has significant expertise in privacy law and is actively involved in litigation related to the phone hacking scandal. Karim Bouzidi is noted for his work with prominent clients in the sports sector.

CMS is highly regarded for its 'great depth of experience and expertise' across the gamut of media and information law matters, acting for both claimants and defendants, with a strong focus on clients from the energy, finance, and media sectors, as well as HNWIs. Leading the practice is Dan Tench, who brings extensive experience in defamation, data protection, and privacy matters. He is supported by Tamsin Blow, who excels in investigations and provides reputation management, data incident and crisis management guidance to major corporates and their officers.

'Exceptionally strong in large-scale litigation', Hamlins LLP‘s media disputes department represents high-profile clients across print and digital media in significant defamation and privacy cases. The team also advises public and private figures on pre-publication issues, libel, and privacy law matters. The group is led by Christopher Hutchings, who is well regarded in the industry for his track record in precedent-setting libel actions, and praised for his 'fantastic judgement'. Callum Galbraith has significant experience in protecting the reputations and private lives of those in the public eye.

Howard Kennedy LLP is a go-to firm for HNWIs and large corporates from the sports, media, broadcasting, politics, and publishing sectors seeking advice on sensitive reputation management matters. With extensive experience in international free speech and privacy cases, the team is often instructed in matters where there are conflicts of law between jurisdictions. Practice head Mark Stephens CBE has a proven track record in managing significant and complex mandates for corporate and media clients. Key support is offered by Elizabeth Morley, who frequently advises media organisations and publications.

Strong in both claimant and defendant-side work, Lee & Thompson LLP provides comprehensive reputation management advice to an array of clients, with a focus on the entertainment sector. The group 'has a very broad depth of knowledge and experience', demonstrating expertise in not only defamation and privacy matters, 'but also related areas such as data protection and copyright law'. A key contact for 'heavily contested and hard-fought litigation', co-head Mike Brookes advises leading broadcasters and media insurers on complex defamation and privacy cases. Co-leader Leo Dawkins, noted for being 'a superb strategist', handles defamation and data privacy work.

Lewis Silkin‘s reputation management team excels in all aspects of media law, including defamation, privacy, malicious falsehood, data protection and harassment matters, representing both claimants and defendants. The team is also skilled in handling sensitive and high-profile employment investigations. Practice head Adam Glass,'an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced lawyer', specialises in crisis management for prominent publishers. Oliver Fairhurst advises clients on the entire range of reputation management and privacy mandates, with a focus on issues relating to social media.

Leveraging the firm's strong capabilities in private wealth, family, private client and employment matters, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's team 'provides excellent practical and strategic advice to clients in all areas of reputation management', demonstrating particular strength in defamation and privacy cases. The team is jointly led by Jeremy Clarke-Williams, who advises on defamation, breach of confidence, and misuse of private information mandates, and Adele Ashton, who has a robust track record in claimant and defendant-side work, covering privacy, defamation, and data protection issues.

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s defendant-focused data privacy and media disputes team offers representation to a wide range of clients - most notably traditional media organisations, technology companies, and media liability insurers - in sensitive reputation management matters. The team is led by David Barker, a leader in the field of data privacy litigation who has been increasingly focusing on regulatory investigations in the data space, particularly those with an international element. Emily Cox specialises in data privacy and media disputes and has extensive group action experience.

Thomson Heath Jenkins & Associates regularly advises individuals and organisations on urgent and complex media matters, both pre and post-publication, including defamation, malicious falsehood, breach of privacy, and reputation and crisis management. The team is bolstered by its specialist victims of crime unit, which assists victims of stalking and harassment, advising on criminal and civil legal options and arranging protection services. The team is led by Mark Thomson, James Heath, and Emily Jenkins, all of whom are well-regarded experts in their fields.

Vardags offers representation to various high-profile and high-net-worth clients in defamation, privacy, harassment, blackmail, and reputation protection cases. Highlighted for its ‘great expertise and background in the media coupled with a non-sensationalist approach to resolving disputes‘, the team is skilled in crisis management, frequently assisting with data breaches and online attacks. Libel and privacy specialist Alexandra McCready leads the practice, bringing extensive experience in both pre and post-publication matters, and online and offline reputation management issues. Gregory Monk acts for a predominantly international client base in claims concerning misuse of private information, harassment and defamation.

Bird & Bird LLP‘s defamation and reputation management team excels in handling online reputation matters. With strong credentials in media litigation, Phil Sherrell – ‘hugely committed, technically excellent, and commercial with strong client management skills’ – is active in pre-publication issues and defamation cases. Tom Moore represents both claimants and defendants in reputation and crisis management mandates, handling cases from pre-action through to litigation.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises individuals and corporates on mandates concerning crisis management and reputational risk, leveraging its strong dispute resolution capabilities. The group is led by Graham Shear, who has extensive experience acting for banks, corporates, governments and HNWIs in a breadth of reputational management issues, often with multijurisdictional considerations.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s defamation and reputation management team is renowned for handling complex and high-profile litigation, drawing on the firm’s strong disputes expertise. The group provides strategic advice on both pre-action issues and during proceedings, frequently representing global corporates in sophisticated reputational matters. Led by ‘formidable reputation lawyer’Alan Watts, the practice is ‘able to understand very well the specific nature and demands of a high-profile client and an extremely sensitive matter’.

Praised for its ‘responsiveness, industry knowledge and client-friendliness’, Kingsley Napley LLP‘s reputation and media practice is recognised for representing prominent HNWIs and multinational corporations. The team is highly adept at handling a range of reputational matters, including urgent pre-publication matters and takedowns, bolstered by its 24/7 crisis response service. Helen Morris spearheads the team and has an impressive track record in representing claimants and defendants in defamation, privacy and data protection matters.

‘Well known and respected in the fields of reputation and privacy management’, the practice at Russells Solicitors is renowned for representing high-profile and high-net-worth clients - particularly from the music industry - in libel, privacy, harassment, and data protection matters with the aim of avoiding publicity. Practice head Steven Tregear, who ‘brings fantastic judgement from his years of experience in resolving disputes’, is noted for his work in phone-hacking litigation. Recently promoted partner Dan Hoyle leverages his extensive experience in commercial litigation to advise on libel claims, pre and post-publication disputes, harassment and data protection issues.

High-profile clients from the sports and media sectors regularly turn to Liverpool-based Brabners LLP for assistance with  reputation management mandates. Paul Lunt - ‘an exceptionally skilled lawyer with great communication and expertise’ - has acted on a number of recent high-stakes proceedings, including the Wagatha Christie case, where he represented Coleen Rooney. Helen Otty is a seasoned commercial litigator who regularly handles matters concerning online defamatory attacks, while Colin Bell holds expertise in IP law and related reputation management issues.

Fieldfisher offers established corporations, HNWIs and public bodies expert guidance on online defamation matters. Co-led by Colin Gibson , John Linneker and Nathan Capone, the team has extensive experience in both pursuing and defending defamation claims, providing comprehensive support in high-stakes reputation management cases.

Freeths LLP takes a holistic approach to reputation management work, leveraging its strong expertise in IP and media matters. The group regularly advises corporate and individual clients on defamation and privacy mandates, demonstrating a strong track record in cases brought in the media and communications list of the High Court. Kishan Pattni offers a breadth of experience and is particularly skilled in cases concerning online publications and social media platforms.

Keystone Law is trusted by a diverse client base for defamation, privacy, and reputation management matters. Noted for ‘his great skill with client management’, Gerard Cukier brings extensive ‘expertise in all cases related to media, whether concerning reputational matters, contract issues or contentious media litigation’. Nicola Thatcher is recognised for her expertise in pre-publication work to minimise risk while maximising editorial freedom.

Harrogate-based McCormicks is well regarded for representing key organisations from the sports and entertainment sectors in defamation and reputation management matters. Practice head Peter McCormick OBE manages defamation and reputation management issues for high-profile sports clients, celebrities and leading business figures.

‘Highly focused on understanding and serving the needs of the client and providing measured advice in what is often a fast-developing crisis’, Michelmores LLP is known for representing corporates and high-net-worth individuals in defamation, privacy, and reputation management cases across the private wealth, education, and finance sectors. Jayne Clemens, who leads the team from both Exeter and London, is skilled at advising on injunctive relief for misuse of confidential information and breach of restrictive covenants, as well as managing press during High Court litigation.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP frequently handles high-profile, cross-border disputes involving reputation management. Part of the firm’s dispute resolution department, the team is led by Paul Baker, who is skilled at advising multinationals from the tech and financial sectors on defamation and malicious falsehood issues. Gregory Pantlin focuses on multijurisdictional commercial disputes, showcasing notable expertise in libel and privacy cases.

Drawing on the firm’s global footprint, Reed Smith LLP’s London-based team provides clients with comprehensive service and extensive international capabilities for reputation management matters. The team, which is jointly led by Carolyn Pepper and Michael Skrein, excels in handling cases of high public interest for clients across a range of industries, including entertainment, financial services, shipping, education and politics.

Squire Patton Boggs‘ reputation management team collaborates closely with the firm’s litigation department, offering comprehensive legal support in libel, defamation, and privacy cases at the national and international level. Manchester-based Peter Lees is skilled at advising individuals and corporate clients on crisis management during independent investigations. Lucy Webster acts for high-profile clients where reputational risk is a material factor in the strategic direction of disputes.