Department profile
Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Defamation/Reputation Management

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Protecting the reputation and privacy of high-profile clients continues to be an area of work where we are most sought out and best known.

The Firm’s Media & Information Group provides high level strategic advice on a global basis to HNW clients, celebrities, family offices and corporations, including their boards, to protect their reputations. Around 90% of the work that we are involved with is preventative. We aim to work with clients on a strategic basis taking a long term view of what their aims are and then devising strategies with them as to how to achieve those aims.

The practice was developed over 30 years ago to advise clients in the area of Reputation Protection as we recognised that personal brand protection involves much more than Reputation Protection. It requires the ability to advise upon the creation, exploitation and protection of information. As the law and technology have come together to embrace the protection of Data and Information this has enabled the Firm to serve clients needs in this area with a particular expertise in Data Protection.

We do not actively publicise our work, as confidentiality and discretion are our core values.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Defamation/Reputation Management - UK-wide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Harbottle & Lewis has a superb defamation and privacy practice that is highly respected for its representation of claimants in libel actions against newspaper groups and media organisations. It has an enviable list of clients, including a number of A-listers and members of the royal family. The team is frequently successful in handling complaints before regulatory bodies and regularly involved in cases concerning breach of confidence, data protection and information law.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Harbottle & Lewis acted for a number of high-profile claimants in claims against News Group Newspapers Ltd and Mirror Group Newspapers Ltd arising from phone hacking.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are a fantastic media firm and hugely experienced. They are the first port of call for super-sensitive cases because they are great tacticians.

    Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
  • It is good to have a team with their skills and knowledge when dealing with a difficult, challenging and stressful matter. I trust them hugely.

    Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
  • Harbottle is one of the most impressive firms I have dealt with on defamation, privacy and reputation. I cannot speak too highly of them. A remarkable firm.

    Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
  • The Harbottles team are highly innovative and forward-thinking. They excel at quickly identifying a clear path forward, even in situations where the client may feel that no solution is possible.

    Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Star IndividualsGerrard Tyrrell
    Star IndividualsGerrard Tyrrell

    Gerrard Tyrrell

    Gerrard Tyrrell heads the media and information practice. He is widely recognised for his extensive experience in the fields of privacy and reputation management. He has an enviable client list of high-profile individuals.

    • Gerrard is trusted by clients, all of whom value his sharp intellect and ability to think clearly and calmly under pressure while consistently delivering outstanding results for them.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
    • Gerrard is the best I've ever worked with.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
    • Gerrard is one of the most experienced and capable practitioners out there in the media space. He can navigate challenging issues so easily.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
    • Gerrard is the best in the business by streets and miles. A joy to work with, nobody comes closes to him.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
    • Gerrard has clients across all spectrums. Clients love him and he's a good solid operator and trusted advisor.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
  • Band 1John Kelly
    Band 1John Kelly

    John Kelly

    John Kelly is highly experienced in handling complex privacy and defamation matters. He frequently acts on behalf of high net worth individuals, including prominent figures in the entertainment industry.

    • John is perfect in a crisis, when clients require immediate response, he will spring into action.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
    • John fights his client's corner and is very positive.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
  • Band 6Michael Yates
    Band 6Michael Yates

    Michael Yates

    Michael Yates is well regarded for his strength in advising on a range of critical reputation management matters. His practice covers defamation, reporting restrictions and breach of confidence claims.

    • Michael is a clever guy who is going places.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
  • Up and ComingAmy Bradbury
    Up and ComingAmy Bradbury

    Amy Bradbury

    Amy Bradbury is an up-and-coming partner in the team. She has particular expertise in data protection matters, including subject access requests. She represents a number of high net worth individuals and international clients.

    • Amy is highly skilled with an exceptionally detailed approach to her work. She is sensitive to client needs and can effectively deploy technical services to meet those needs.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK
    • Amy is an iron fist in a silk glove. She is completely lethal. I find her hugely impressive.

      Defamation/Reputation Management respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Harbottle & Lewis LLP (4)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Harbottle & Lewis LLP

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