UK Bar All Circuits Defamation/Privacy

Market commenters report: "There is no better set for libel and privacy than 5RB." The chambers 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. 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 ZXC v Bloomberg. 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.

Matrix Chambers houses many of the Bar’s most highly esteemed defamation and privacy barristers. 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. Members have appeared in some of the most high-profile matters in recent years including Rebekah Vardy v Coleen Rooney and ZXC v Bloomberg, and for Associated Newspapers in the privacy claim brought by the Duchess of Sussex. Market sources report: "They are top-notch in all respects."

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. Recent work highlights include high-profile matters such as Shahbaz Sharif v Associated Newspapers Limited.

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. The barristers 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. Standout recent work includes the high-profile privacy case HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum v HRH Princess Haya. The barristers are also sought out to provide pre-publication advice. Commenters described Doughty Street as "a brilliant chambers who can tackle complex and sophisticated matters."