Department profile
A&L Goodbody

Defamation/Reputation Management

UK Guide 2026 : Northern Ireland

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A&L Goodbody

Rankings

About

Provided by A&L Goodbody

A&L Goodbody is know

n for handling complex and sensitive matters for clients in Northern Ireland. 


  • High profile clients: We handle defamation matters for national and global media organisations and internet intermediaries. In addition, we act for a range of confidential corporate clients in providing defamation advice.
  • Defamation: The team is renowned for its work in the defamation field in Northern Ireland. We continue to act for News Group Newspapers (NGN) in a number of high profile cases and are currently acting for News UK in multiple sets of High Court proceedings for defamation brought by separate law firms and their partners. The team continues to advise internet intermediaries on defamation and privacy matters as well as take-down notices and content litigation. 
  • Go to firm for "crisis"  instructions The team regularly provides reputation management advice to corporate clients. 
  • Pre-publication advice and reporting restrictions: The team provides a round-the-clock service to media clients including on time sensitive matters such as crisis management, reporting restriction orders and pre-publication advice. We offer a full pre-publication service to clients advising on defamation, privacy and contempt of court. We ensure to maintain the appropriate balance for clients between risk management and editorial freedom. 

The team regularly publishes on updates to the law, including the upcoming defamation law reviews in Northern Ireland and RoI. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Defamation/Reputation Management - Northern Ireland

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

A&L Goodbody is a well-regarded firm offering expertise on a wide range of issues, including libel, breach of privacy, data protection and reporting restrictions. The firm is adept at providing pre-publication advice as well as handling high-stakes litigations. The team represents high-profile clients in the traditional and digital media industries.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • A&L Goodbody acted for Bray Leino Ltd in the defence of over 100 defamation claims advanced by directors and drivers of “Black Cab Tours” in Northern Ireland.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The department consistently delivers a high level of service, demonstrating expertise, responsiveness and a strong understanding of our needs.

    Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK

  • The team at A&L has been attentive to our concerns and needs, while guiding us calmly and expertly through stressful times.

    Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK

  • They are proactive and effective, providing strong commercial and legal advice, and consistently excellent levels of client service.

    Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK

  • The team at A&L is a true specialist in this field. The defamation team has handled the most complex libel cases in the Northern Irish legal system.

    Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Ciaran O'Shiel
    Ciaran O'Shiel

    Ciaran O'Shiel

    Ciaran O'Shiel is a partner who leads the firm's defamation and reputation management team in Belfast. He has experience advising major newspapers and digital media companies on complex reputation management, data protection and defamation matters.

    • Ciaran is a very dynamic and personable lawyer, a force of nature and clients love him.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK

    • Ciaran is a litigation strategist who is head and shoulders above his peers. He plans a case like a military campaign and sources the expertise he needs to deliver for clients. A top-class lawyer.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK

    • Ciaran is very intelligent and commercially aware.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK

    • Ciaran consistently provides clear, well-structured advice, ensuring that challenges are addressed efficiently and with confidence. The level of support he provides is truly exceptional.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK

    • Ciaran is very responsive and extremely knowledgeable.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at A&L Goodbody (1)

Northern Ireland

Members

Provided by A&L Goodbody

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