Department profile
Doughty Street Chambers

Defamation/Privacy

UK Bar Guide 2026 : All Circuits


Doughty Street Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

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Defamation/Privacy - All Circuits

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Doughty Street Chambers is recognised for its wide-ranging expertise in the defamation and privacy field. The set's practice covers libel and malicious falsehood, harassment and breach of confidence claims. One commentator praises the depth of the set, saying: "They give you every confidence they can deal with any variety of regulatory work which can vary enormously," while another praises the barristers as "incredibly supportive". Members bring to bear their strong experience in human rights and international media law, and the set possesses deep knowledge of privacy matters relating to open justice. Particular highlights in the last year include representation of Maria Ressa, who is facing charges of defamation from the Government of the Philippines. The barristers are also sought out to provide pre-publication advice.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks at Doughty Street Chambers are awesome, especially Melvin Warner and Ben Davis.

    Defamation/Privacy respondentUK Bar
  • I have always found the clerks to be good to work with, they tend to know what they are doing.

    Defamation/Privacy respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Jude Bunting
    Band 2Jude Bunting

    Jude Bunting

    Jude Bunting KC runs a busy public law practice and is well respected for his knowledge of open justice and reporting restrictions. His experience includes appearances before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

    • He is really affable and breaks things down in a clear and simple way.

      Defamation/Privacy respondentUK Bar
    • Jude is exceptionally bright and turns matters around quickly.

      Defamation/Privacy respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Sarah Palin
    Band 2Sarah Palin

    Sarah Palin

    Sarah Palin is a well-regarded barrister known for her strong defendant media practice, aided by her former experience in-house at Associated Newspapers. She handles high-profile privacy and defamation cases on behalf of numerous leading titles including the Times, Guardian, Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail.

    • She is extremely detail-oriented and her memory is like an encyclopaedia.

      Defamation/Privacy respondentUK Bar
    • Palin's recall of detail & ability to draw it altogether is phenomenal.

      Defamation/Privacy respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Beth Grossman
    Band 3Beth Grossman

    Beth Grossman

    Beth Grossman is a talented barrister gaining strong recognition in the defamation and privacy field. She acts for both claimants and defendants in litigation, as well as pre-publication advice and international matters. She has particular expertise representing public individuals.

    • Goes absolutely above and beyond.

      Defamation/Privacy respondentUK Bar
    • She is really good and always gives very incisive advice.

      Defamation/Privacy respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Claire Overman
    Band 3Claire Overman

    Claire Overman

    Claire Overman continues to gain increasing recognition for her media practice, representing high-profile individuals and organisations in a range of claims in defamation and privacy. She has experience in the Supreme Court.

    • Claire is very effective, she writes very well with a crisp, persuasive style.

      Defamation/Privacy respondentUK Bar
    • I am impressed by her advocacy; she is dependable, sensible and knows libel law inside and out.

      Defamation/Privacy respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Jennifer Robinson
    Band 3Jennifer Robinson

    Jennifer Robinson

    Jennifer Robinson is particularly active at the interface of media law with equality and human rights. Her practice has an international focus and she is a noted authority on issues of press freedom and privacy in various jurisdictions.

  • Band 3Mark Henderson
    Band 3Mark Henderson

    Mark Henderson

    Mark Henderson is frequently instructed by high-profile individuals and groups, including trade unions and newspapers, in high-stakes libel actions. He also has noted expertise in freedom of expression disputes.

    • Absolutely brilliant.

      Defamation/Privacy respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Caroline Addy
    Band 4Caroline Addy

    Caroline Addy

    Caroline Addy is an experienced barrister who represents both claimants and defendants in cases concerning libel, privacy, breach of confidence, contempt and freedom of information, as well as human rights law. She has particular expertise in search engine and ISP liability issues.

  • New SilksJonathan Price
    New SilksJonathan Price

    Jonathan Price

    Jonathan Price KC is a highly regarded barrister with a specialism in cases involving social media and online libel and privacy. He has appeared in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in cases concerning defamation and data and information law.

Ranked Barristers at Doughty Street Chambers (8)

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