LAWYER PROFILE

Rupert Cowper-Coles

UK 2026

RPC

Ranked in 1 practice area

Defamation/Reputation Management

UK-wide

9 years ranked

About

Provided by RPC

Practice Areas

Partner Rupert Cowper-Coles is an experienced litigator specialising in media and data disputes. Rupert defends a wide range of publishers and data controllers, including media organisations, online platforms, broadcasters, NGOs, book publishers, freelance journalists and charities.

He is an expert in defamation, data protection and privacy law as well as other media and information rights, including malicious falsehood, harassment and freedom of information.

He is well-versed in advising clients both pre and post publication and, where disputes cannot be resolved consensually, representing their interests before regulators and the courts.

Rupert has experience in litigating complex and developing areas of law, including interim non-disclosure injunctions, foreign jurisdiction issues, intermediary and website host liability, and the exercise of GDPR data rights.

Career

Trained at Withers LLP from 2009, qualified 2011; solicitor at Withers LLP 2011 – 2016; joined RPC as an associate solicitor in 2016; promoted to senior associate in 2018 and partner in 2021.

Professional Memberships

London Solicitors Litigation Association.

Publications

Rupert writes regularly about media law issues and is published in The Lawyer and The Law Society Gazette.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Defamation/Reputation Management - UK-wide

Band 4

Individual Editorial

Rupert Cowper-Coles is a partner and leads the media team at the firm. He is noted for his experience advising media outlets on a range of matters relating to defamation, privacy and data protection. He represents traditional media clients such as national newspapers as well as digital media platforms. He is also praised for his recent involvement in SLAPP cases.

Learn more about this team View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Rupert is a brilliant media lawyer. He works hard, has excellent judgement and is highly experienced in dealing with all privacy, defamation and data protection matters.
Defamation/Reputation ManagementChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
A skilled and trusted adviser who understands the nuances and sensitivities of our business and can adapt the advice accordingly. He is very commercial and responsive.
Defamation/Reputation ManagementChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Rupert is an incredible media lawyer and an excellent leader of RPC's media team.
Defamation/Reputation ManagementChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Rupert is a brilliant technical and commercial lawyer, who represented our best interests consistently taking into account a balance of changing complex and challenging factors.
Defamation/Reputation ManagementChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Rupert is thoughtful and meticulous, offering a comprehensive approach to any problem. He provides a considered and legally sound path to get you where you want to be.
Defamation/Reputation ManagementChambers Guide to the Legal Profession