Defamation/Privacy | UK Bar

5RB houses a deep bench of barristers who are noted for their expert handling of libel and privacy claims and related data protection matters, as well as emergency injunctions. The set is praised as "pound for pound the strongest at the bar for defamation". Its members are instructed by claimants and defendants in the most prominent cases at all levels, including in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Members continue to be instructed in the most high-profile cases in the market, with recent examples including the case brought against the Mirror by Sir James Dyson. They have defended media outlets including The Times, The Sun and the BBC, and have acted to protect the reputation and privacy of numerous high-profile individuals such as the Duchess of Sussex and Johnny Depp.

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: "It is rare not to find someone who can deal with bespoke issues," whilst 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 Jimmy Lai, who is detained in Hong Kong and facing trial by the Government of China. The barristers are also sought out to provide pre-publication advice.

Praised as "an absolute go-to", Matrix Chambers houses many of the Bar’s most highly esteemed defamation and privacy barristers whose "diverse expertise is unmatched." Members are highly experienced in disputes concerning privacy injunctions, freedom of expression, misuse of private information and libel claims. They have notable expertise covering questions of liability for information published on social media or online. Barristers from the set have recently appeared in such leading cases as Blake & Ors v Fox.

11KBW is a chambers which is well equipped to take on disputes concerning privacy and freedom of information, an area in which the set leverages its longstanding strength in data protection and public law. The barristers act in cases requiring knowledge of the online environment, such as cybersecurity breaches, as well as offering expertise in both UK and European law. The set is also home to barristers who specialise in more traditional defamation law. Practitioners are well versed in representing clients ranging from major news publications and social media companies to high-profile individuals.

Mark Dann is the Senior Clerk.