About

Provided by Mishcon de Reya LLP

We advise and litigate on all aspects of media and communication law, for both claimants and defendants, including defamation, malicious falsehood, privacy, blackmail, harassment, reporting restrictions, and data protection breaches and compliance.

Never has it been truer that an honoured reputation can be ruined in moments. Shifting societal expectations and increased legal and regulatory obligations have made public scrutiny a reality, even for those who prefer to avoid the spotlight. In this digital era, almost anyone can achieve a global platform and audience, and the means to weaponise adverse content for their own agenda. Quick-fire opinions and misinformation are easy to spread – and difficult to contain.

We have been defending our clients' reputations for decades, both publicly and discreetly. We have wide expertise in tackling and preventing unwarranted attacks, including securing injunctions to prevent the misuse of private information and the spread of fake news, as well as challenging defamatory content and harassing behaviour, and defusing personal and corporate disputes.

We are fast to respond, but we are also keen to pre-empt challenges before they arise, and to ensure our clients' reputations are resilient to attack. We know that the best way to build and protect reputation is to be proactive, to anticipate future challenges and plan for them intelligently.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Defamation/Reputation Management - UK-wide

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Mishcon de Reya has a highly respected reputation management practice, underpinned by established private client and family practices. It acts increasingly for corporate entities on reputation management matters in addition to its traditional high net worth clientele. The firm offers specialist expertise in all aspects of defamation, privacy and harassment, from sensitive crisis situations to high-profile libel proceedings. The team possesses considerable experience in handling cross-jurisdictional disputes. The firm is experienced in dealing with social media risks and cyber brand protection.

Work Highlights

  • Mishcon de Reya acted for Paula Vennells, the former CEO of Post Office Ltd, in relation to the high profile Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, including on handling media coverage of the Inquiry.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

3
Emma Woollcott
Head of Defamation/Reputation Management
3
Band 3

Emma Woollcott is head of the firm's reputation protection team. She is highly regarded in the market for her significant expertise in acting for an array of high-profile clients on defamation matters.

Emma is a force to be reckoned with.

Emma is a first-rate adviser. Clients benefit from her wisdom, knowledge and vast experience. Her network of contacts is also incredibly useful.

6
Alexandra Whiston-Dew
6
Band 6

Alexandra Whiston-Dew is a partner in the reputation protection and crisis management team. She advises on crisis management and multi-jurisdictional disputes, and has significant subject expertise in data protection and regional expertise in Africa and Russia.

Alexandra is the billionaire whisperer. She takes clients through every difficult litigation experience. A priceless private client litigation specialist.

Alexandra has a really global vision.

6
Michael Frost
6
Band 6

Michael Frost is a partner in the firm's reputation protection and crisis management team. He is an expert litigator in media-related and commercial matters and works with high-profile clients in the UK and abroad. His practice encompasses commercial disputes and inquiries with reputational elements.

Michael is very bright indeed and has good client-handling skills.

Michael understands how to achieve a strategic victory for his clients and is realistic in approach while keeping clients out of court and using litigation to get results.

Ranked Lawyers at
Mishcon de Reya LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

Defamation/Reputation Management

3
Emma Woollcott
Head of Defamation/Reputation Management
3
Band 3
6
Alexandra Whiston-Dew
6
Band 6
6
Michael Frost
6
Band 6

Members

Provided by Mishcon de Reya LLP

Alexandra Whiston-Dew

Anthony Julius

Emma Woollcott

Head of Department

Harry Eccles-Williams

Humam Al-Jibouri

Isabella Piasecka

James Libson

Leyla Linton

Michael Frost