Called to the Bar in 1999, Adam took silk in 2020 having been rated as one of only two ‘star individual‘ juniors in defamation and privacy in the Chambers & Partners UK Bar Guide.
Adam specialises in all aspects of media and communications law including defamation, privacy, breach of confidence, harassment and data protection. Many of these cases involve the Human Rights Act and the interplay between articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention. Adam is regularly instructed in libel cases in other jurisdictions including in the Commonwealth of Dominica, Bermuda, Trinidad & Tobago, Malaysia and Singapore.
He has considerable experience obtaining interim injunctions, often at short notice, in cases involving data breaches and blackmail and in harassment, particularly on behalf of local and public authorities.
RECENT AND IMPORTANT CASES
Appellate Courts
- Iqbal v Geo TV Limited[2024] EWCA Civ 1566 for the appellant. Successful on the appeal in the CA (leading Richard Munden) concerned with the proper interpretation of s15, Defamation Act 1996, the statutory reporting defences;
- Bermuda Press Holdings Ltd v Evatt Tamine [2023] CA (Bda) 28 Civ, for the respondent. Successful on an appeal in the CA in Bermuda concerned with whether an interim injunction in breach of confidence and/or misuse of private information should have been granted;
- Guardian News & Media v Executor of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh (Deceased) & Her Majesty’s Attorney-General [2022] EWCA Civ 1081 for the first respondent on an appeal concerned with open justice. CA upheld the decision of the President of the Family Division to hold the hearing in private and not to inform the media.
- Greenstein v Campaign Against Antisemitism [2021] EWCA Civ 1006, for the Respondent/ Defendant. Appeal in the CA, concerned with the pleading of malice in the context of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, was dismissed;
- Simon v Lyder [2019] UKPC 38; [2020] AC 650, for the successful media Appellants and Defendants in the Privy Council on an appeal concerned with reference innuendoes in libel;
- DSM SFG Group Holdings v Kelly [2019] EWCA Civ 2256; [2020] EMLR 10, for the successful Appellants and Claimants on an appeal to the CA concerned with whether an individual who has obtained confidential information illicitly could use the information before establishing a right to do so;
- Brevan Howard Asset Management v Reuters [2017] EWCA Civ 950; [2017] EMLR 28 for the successful Respondent and Claimant, led by Desmond Browne CBE KC, on an appeal to the CA concerned with whether Reuters were correct to contend that information leaked to them was not confidential, alternatively was in the public interest;
- Mionis v Democratic Press SA [2017] EWCA Civ 1194; [2018] QB 662, for the Respondents and Defendants in the CA, led by Andrew Caldecott KC, on whether wide undertakings given by media defendants as part of an agreement to settle libel proceedings between the parties, were a disproportionate interference with their freedom of expression rights;
- PJS v News Group Newspapers [2016] UKSC 26; [2016] AC 1081, for the successful Respondent and Claimant, led by Desmond Browne CBE KC in the Supreme Court, on the leading decision on injunctions in cases of misuse of private information;
- Pinard-Byrne v Linton [2015] UKPC 41; [2016] EMLR 4, for the Appellant and Claimant before the Privy Council on an appeal concerned with the Reynolds defence;
- OPO v MLA, [2015] UKSC 32 [2016] AC 219 for the Respondent and Claimant in the Supreme Court, led by Matthew Nicklin KC, on an appeal concerned with the scope of the tort in Wilkinson v Downton;
- Crawford v Jenkins [2014] EWCA Civ 1035; [2016] QB 231, for the successful Respondent and Defendant in the CA on an appeal holding that the witness immunity rule covers the torts of false imprisonment, malicious procurement of arrest and harassment.
High Court Trials
- Clarke v Guardian News & Media Ltd (Re: Preliminary Issues) [2023] EWHC 2734 (KB) for the Claimant on a preliminary issue trial on meaning.
- Ashley v Times Newspapers Ltd [2021] EWHC 2082 (QB) leading Victoria Jolliffe for the Claimant on a preliminary issue trial on meaning and fact/opinion in a libel action where an offer of amends has now been made;
- Scarsdale Grange LLP t/a Scarsdale Grange Nursing Home v JPIMedia NSMY Limited [2020] EWHC 1988 (QB) leading Victoria Jolliffe for the Claimant on a paper preliminary issue trial on meaning and fact/opinion in ongoing libel action;
- Triplark Ltd v Northwood Hall (Freehold) Ltd v others [2019] EWHC 3493 (QB), for the Defendants on a preliminary issue trial on meaning and fact/ opinion in an ongoing libel action;
- Burgon v News Group Newspapers [2019] EWHC 195, for the Claimant, the then shadow Lord Chancellor, in the only full trial against the national media in 2019. Mr Burgon was awarded £30,000 damages for libel and an injunction;
- HM Attorney-General v Tina Malone [2019] EWHC 3726, leading Greg Callus for Tina Malone on an application before the Divisional Court (LCJ and Warby J) for committal for contempt of court for breach of the Venables & Thompson injunction, avoided a prison sentence for Ms Malone;
- AXB v BXA [2018] EWHC 588 (QB) for the Claimant, led by Adrienne Page KC, at the trial of claims for deceit, misuse of private information and harassment;
- Thompson v James & Carmarthenshire County Council [2013] EWHC 515 (QB), for the Defendants and counter-Claimant (Mr James) in a high-profile 5 day trial, also successful on an interim application to strike out a malice plea and on an appeal on meaning before the Court of Appeal: [2014] EWCA Civ 600. Mr James was awarded £25,000 damages.
Injunctions/ Applications
- University & College Union v Person(s) Unknown [2024] EWHC 1998 (KB) for the Claimant, leading Ben Gallop, on a data breach injunction;
- Davidoff & others v Hargrave [2023] EWHC 1825 (KB) for the defendant at a hearing concerned with hyperlinks in libel cases;
- Armstrong Watson v Persons Unknown [2023] WHC 762 (KB), [2023] 4 WLR 41 for the Claimant company on a data breach injunction application involving allegations of blackmail;
- Pendragon plc v Persons Unknown [2022] EWHC 2985 (KB), for the Claimant company on a data breach injunction application involving allegations of blackmail leading Ben Hamer;
- BW Legal Services Ltd v Glassdoor Inc [2022] EWHC 979 (QB), for the Defendant in a Norwich Pharmacal claim establishing that service had not been properly effected here and an exclusive jurisdiction clause was engaged, leading Andrew Feld of 20 Essex;
- Ince Group plc v Person(s) Unknown [2022] EWHC 808 (QB), for the Claimant company on a data breach injunction application involving allegations of blackmail, leading Felicity McMahon;
- V v Persons Unknown, 2021-2, for the Claimant company on a data breach injunction application involving allegations of blackmail, leading Clara Hamer;
- N v Persons Unknown, 2021, for the Claimants on a data breach injunction application involving allegations of blackmail, leading Felicity McMahon;
- O v N, 2021 for the Claimant companies on a commercial breach of confidence injunction application concerned with customer lists, leading Chloe Strong;
- Santi v Santi [2021] EWHC 388 (QB) for the Claimant on a breach of confidence and misuse of private information injunction application in the context of a marital breakdown;
- Wan-Bissaka v Bentley [2020] EWHC 3640 (QB) for the Claimant on a misuse of private information and harassment injunction application leading Luke Browne;
- City Football Group Ltd v T, 24 February 2020 for the Claimant on a commercial breach of confidence case leading Victoria Jolliffe;
- Re Al M (Factfinding) [2019] EWHC 3415 (QB); Re Al M (Publication) [2020] EWHC 122 Fam; Re Al M (Assurances and Waivers) [2020] EWHC 67 (Fam), junior counsel on publication and privacy issues for the Applicant at first instance, led by Desmond Browne CBE KC, in these high-profile family proceedings between HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum v HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein;
- SOJ v JAO [2019] EWHC 2569, for the Claimant obtaining an interim injunction in misuse of private information involving allegations of blackmail.
- PML v Persons Unknown [2018] EWHC 838 and Clarkson v Persons Unknown [2018] EWHC 417, obtaining injunctions in breach of confidence for the Claimant companies that suffered similar data breaches and had been the subject of blackmail threats, included novel derogations from open justice relied upon in later cases;
- NPV v QEL [2018] EWHC 703, for the Claimant on a misuse of private information injunction application involving blackmail;
- Bains v Moore [2017] EWHC 242, for the Defendant, K2, a firm of private investigators, led by Desmond Browne CBE KC, in a long-running breach of confidence, data protection and misuse of private information claim (now settled) including two hearings on Norwich Pharmacal relief and disclosure;
- Blue v Ashley [2017] EWHC 1553 (Comm), for the Defendant opposing an application by publishers of The Times for disclosure of witness statements before trial;
- Cheshire West & Chester Council v Pickthall [2015] EWHC 2141 (QB), for the Claimants obtaining an interim injunction to prevent the Defendant harassing the Claimants and others through the publication of allegations of criminality and abusive remarks. Subsequent hearings on summary judgment and committal for contempt of court.
Adam was junior Counsel for the Telegraph at the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the British Press and one of four panel counsel for applicants on the News International Voicemail Interception Compensation Scheme.
He is the joint editor of the fourth edition of The Law of Privacy and the Media (published 2024, OUP), with Professor Nicole Moreham and contributed to the first three editios. He is also a contributing editor of several editions of Gatley on Libel and Slander.
Adam is public access accredited.
Called
1999 Called to the Bar of England and Wales
2020 Silk
Education
Bristol University (BA History (Hons): First Class) - 1994-1997
Common Professional Examination at College of Law, London - 1997-1998
Inns of Court School of Law (Bar Finals: Very competent) - 1998-1999
Qualifications
Areas of work
Defamation and Malicious Falsehood
Privacy and Confidence
Harassment
Human Rights
Data Protection and Information Law
Injunctive Relief
Pre-publication Advice
Reporting the Courts and Contempt
Blackmail
Testimonials
Recommended in the leading directories as a specialist defamation and privacy junior.
“Adam has an excellent grasp of the law, exhibiting a calm authority. He has excelled since taking silk and is a go-to counsel.”
“An excellent strategist: he reads cases and court rooms brilliantly.”
[Legal 500 2024]
“A very experienced, solid and committed junior, and a pleasure to work with.”
“He’s very client-friendly and bright, and is a tough opponent.”
[Chambers & Partners 2020]
Star individual in defamation and privacy
[Chambers & Partners 2019]
a “cool, calm favourite”
a “brilliant strategist”
“very good on the law and well able to take on senior silks.”
[Legal 500]
“He is straight-talking, accessible and a safe pair of hands.” “He’s incredibly user-friendly, hard-working and a delight to work with. He has a forensic knowledge of the facts.” “He is phenomenally bright and really at the top of his game.”
[Chambers and Partners 2016]
Jointly short-listed (with Adrienne Page KC and Richard Osborne, then of SJ Cornish) for Liberty/Justice Human Rights Lawyer of the Year 2003 for his role as junior Counsel to the Claimants in the 79 day trial Lillie & Reed v Newcastle City Council [2002] EWHC 1600 where Eady J said, “Had it not been for the introduction of [conditional] fee arrangements a few years ago, and the courage and dogged determination of their various legal advisers…. a significant injustice would.. have gone unnoticed”
Memberships
Bencher of Middle Temple since 2023
Justice
Featured cases
Simon v Lyder
[2019] UKPC 38 29/07/2019
Pinard-Byrne v Linton
[2015] UKPC 41 12/10/2015
DSM SFG Group Holdings Limited v Kelly
[2019] EWCA Civ 2256 19/12/2019
Mionis v Democratic Press SA
[2014] EWHC 4104 (QB) 04/12/2014
Richard Burgon MP v News Group Newspapers Limited and Thomas Newton Dunn
[2019] EWHC 195 (QB) 06/02/2019
Thompson v James and Carmarthenshire County Council
[2013] EWHC 515 (QB) 15/03/2013
Cheshire West and Chester Council v Pickthall
[2015] EWHC 2141 (QB) 23/07/2015
All cases
Defamation and Malicious Falsehood
BW Legal Services Limited v Glassdoor Inc
[2022] EWHC 979 (QB) 29/04/2022
Ashley v Times Newspapers Limited
[2021] EWHC 2082 (QB) 23/07/2021
Greenstein v Campaign Against Antisemitism
[2021] EWCA Civ 1006 09/07/2021
Greenstein v Campaign against Antisemitism
[2020] EWHC 2951 13/11/2020
Simon v Lyder
[2019] UKPC 38 29/07/2019
Greenstein v Campaign against Antisemitism
[2019] EWHC 281 (QB) 15/02/2019
Poulter v Times Newspapers Limited
[2018] EWHC 3900 (QB) 17/12/2018
Mionis v Democratic Press SA and others
[2017] EWCA Civ 1194 01/08/2017
Flymenow Limited v Quick Air Jet Charter GmbH
[2016] EWHC 3197 (QB) 16/12/2016
Mohamed Ali Harrath v (1) Stand for Peace Ltd (2) Samuel Westrop
[2016] EWHC 665 06/04/2016
Hiranandani-Vandrevala v Times Newspapers Limited
[2016] EWHC 250 (QB) 12/02/2016
Abdel-Bari v Nottingham University NHS Trust
[2016] EWHC 154 (QB) 29/01/2016
Pinard-Byrne v Linton
[2015] UKPC 41 12/10/2015
Mionis v Democratic Press SA
[2014] EWHC 4104 (QB) 04/12/2014
Crawford v Jenkins
[2014] EWCA Civ 1035 24/07/2014
Thompson v James
[2014] EWCA Civ 600 14/05/2014
Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd (CA)
[2014] EWCA Civ 39 24/01/2014
Thompson v James and Carmarthenshire County Council
[2013] EWHC 515 (QB) 15/03/2013
Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd
[2012] EWHC 3721 (QB) 21/12/2012
Qadir v Associated Newspapers Ltd
[2012] EWHC 2606 (QB); [2013] EMLR 15 05/10/2012
Foley & Others v Lord Ashcroft
[2012] EWCA Civ 423; [2012] EMLR 25 04/04/2012
Dominic Raab MP v Associated Newspapers Ltd
[2011] EWHC 3375 (QB) 15/12/2011
Miller v Associated Newspapers Limited (No 2)
[2011] EWHC 2677 (QB) 11/11/2011
Modi & IMG v Clarke
[2011] EWCA Civ 937 29/07/2011
Wright v Caan
[2011] EWHC 1978 (QB) 27/07/2011
Ashcroft v Foley (No 2)
[2011] EWHC 1710 (QB); [2011] EMLR 30 01/07/2011
Modi v Clarke; IMG v Clarke
[2011] EWHC 1324 (QB) 24/05/2011
Ashcroft v Foley
[2011] EWHC 292 (QB) 17/02/2011
Ronaldo v Telegraph Media Limited
[2010] EWHC 2719 (QB) 27/10/2010
Peacock v MGN Ltd (Costs)
[2010] EWHC 90174 (Costs) 30/07/2010
Mireskandari v Associated Newspapers Limited (No 3)
[2010] EWHC 967 (QB) 04/05/2010
Miller v Associated Newspapers Limited
[2010] EWHC 700 31/03/2010
Mireskandari v Associated Newspapers Ltd (No 2)
[2010] EWHC 527 (QB) 19/02/2010
Ronaldo v Mirror Group Newsapers Ltd; Ronaldo v Telegraph Media Group Ltd
[2009] EWHC 2862 (QB) 14/10/2009
Bloom v Robinson-Millar
07/10/2009 07/10/2009
Marathon Mutual Ltd & Anor v Waters & Anor
[2009] EWHC 1931 (QB), [2009] All ER (D) 06 (Aug) 31/07/2009
Peacock v MGN Ltd
[2009] EWHC 769 (QB) 08/04/2009
Wakefield v Ford & Anor
[2009] EWHC 122 (QB) 29/01/2009
Tycon Energy Corp v The Motley Fool Limited
Unreported, 9 December 2008 09/12/2008
Mireskandari v Associated Newspapers Ltd
19/11/2008 19/11/2008
Apsion v The Bar Standards Board
D2006/098&099 10/10/2008
Charman v Orion Publishing Group & others (No.3) (CA)
[2007] EWCA Civ 972; [2008] 1 AllER 750 11/10/2007
Sunderland Housing Company & another v Baines & others
[2006] EWHC 2359 (QB) 26/07/2006
Charman v Orion Publishing Group & others (No.3)
[2006] EWHC 1756 (QB); [2007] 1 All ER 622 13/07/2006
Loughton Contracts Plc v Dun & Bradstreet Ltd
[2006] EWHC 1224 (QB) 25/05/2006
Mahfouz and another v Brisard & another
[2006] EWHC 1191 (QB) 25/05/2006
Al Amoudi v Brisard & Another
[2006] EWHC 1062 (QB); [2007] 1 WLR 113; [2006] 3 All ER 294 16/05/2006
Ascension Securities Limited v The Motley Fool Limited
[2005] EWHC 3064 (Ch) 06/12/2005
Mahfouz and another v Brisard and another
[2005] All ER (D) 174 (Sep) 30/09/2005
Georgallides v Etzin
12/07/2005 12/07/2005
Charman v Orion Publishing Group & others
17/06/2005 17/06/2005
Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd (No.4)
[2005] EWHC 773 (QB) 22/04/2005
Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd (No.3)
[2005] EWHC 557 (QB) 08/04/2005
Matadeen v Associated Newspapers Ltd
17/03/2005 17/03/2005
Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd (No.2)
[2005] EWHC 21 (QB) 18/01/2005
Blake v Associated Newspapers Limited
[2003] EWHC 1960 (QB) 31/07/2003
Stallwood & Stallwood v Smith
01/07/2003 01/07/2003
Sharma v Jay & Others
15/04/2003 15/04/2003
Lillie & Reed v Newcastle City Council & Others (No.2)
[2002] EWHC 1600 (QB) 30/07/2002
Lillie & Reed v Newcastle City Council & others
[2002] EWHC 252 (QB) 07/02/2002
Privacy and Confidence
Bermuda Press (Holdings) Limited v Tamine
[2023] CA (Bda) 28 Civ 20/12/2023
Pendragon Plc v Person(s) Unknown
[2022] EWHC 2985 (KB) 24/11/2022
Guardian News & Media v The Executor of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (deceased) & Her Majesty’s Attorney-General
[2022] EWCA Civ 1081 06/09/2022
The Ince Group plc v Person(s) Unknown
[2022] EWHC 808 (QB) 22/11/2022
Wan-Bissaka & Anor v Bentley
[2020] EWHC 3640 (QB) 22/01/2021
Greenstein v Campaign against Antisemitism
[2020] EWHC 2951 13/11/2020
DSM SFG Group Holdings Limited v Kelly
[2019] EWCA Civ 2256 19/12/2019
SOJ v JAO
[2019] EWHC 2569 (QB) 02/12/2019
PML v Person(s) Unknown
[2018] EWHC 838 (QB) 17/04/2018
NPV v QEL & ZED
[2018] EWHC 703 (QB) 17/04/2018
AXB v BXA
[2018] EWHC 588 (QB) 22/03/2018
Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown
[2018] EWHC 417 (QB) 06/03/2018
Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown
ex tempore 14/12/2017
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Limited & another
[2017] EWCA Civ 950 07/07/2017
Blue v Ashley v Times Newspapers Limited
[2017] EWHC 1553 (Comm) 26/06/2017
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Ltd, Maiya Keidan & Persons Unknown
[2017] EWHC 644 (QB) 28/03/2017
Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi
[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017
PJS v News Group Newspapers Ltd (SC)
[2016] UKSC 26 19/05/2016
PJS v News Group Newspapers (2)
[2016] EWCA Civ 393 18/04/2016
Mahmood v BBC
[2014] EWCA Civ 1567 11/11/2014
Abbey v Gilligan
[2012] EWHC 3217 (QB) 20/11/2012
RJA v AJR
22/03/2011
Harassment
Wan-Bissaka & Anor v Bentley
[2020] EWHC 3640 (QB) 22/01/2021
DSM SFG Group Holdings Limited v Kelly
[2019] EWCA Civ 2256 19/12/2019
SOJ v JAO
[2019] EWHC 2569 (QB) 02/12/2019
PML v Person(s) Unknown
[2018] EWHC 838 (QB) 17/04/2018
NPV v QEL & ZED
[2018] EWHC 703 (QB) 17/04/2018
Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown
[2018] EWHC 417 (QB) 06/03/2018
Monarch Airlines Ltd v Yaqub
unreported 15/03/2016
Cheshire West and Chester Council v Pickthall
[2015] EWHC 2141 (QB) 23/07/2015
Crawford v Jenkins
[2014] EWCA Civ 1035 24/07/2014
Thompson v James
[2014] EWCA Civ 600 14/05/2014
Thompson v James and Carmarthenshire County Council
[2013] EWHC 515 (QB) 15/03/2013
RJA v AJR
22/03/2011
Bloom v Robinson-Millar
07/10/2009 07/10/2009
Sunderland Housing Company & another v Baines & others
[2006] EWHC 2359 (QB) 26/07/2006
Georgallides v Etzin
12/07/2005 12/07/2005
Sharma v Jay & Others
15/04/2003 15/04/2003
Blackmail
Pendragon Plc v Person(s) Unknown
[2022] EWHC 2985 (KB) 24/11/2022
The Ince Group plc v Person(s) Unknown
[2022] EWHC 808 (QB) 22/11/2022
SOJ v JAO
[2019] EWHC 2569 (QB) 02/12/2019
PML v Person(s) Unknown
[2018] EWHC 838 (QB) 17/04/2018
NPV v QEL & ZED
[2018] EWHC 703 (QB) 17/04/2018
Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown
[2018] EWHC 417 (QB) 06/03/2018
Reporting the Courts and Contempt
Guardian News & Media v The Executor of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (deceased) & Her Majesty’s Attorney-General
[2022] EWCA Civ 1081 06/09/2022
Galloway v Ali-Khan
[2018] EWHC 780 (QB) 20/04/2018
Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown
[2018] EWHC 417 (QB) 06/03/2018
Blue v Ashley v Times Newspapers Limited
[2017] EWHC 1553 (Comm) 26/06/2017
Rhodes (previously “MLA”) v OPO
[2015] UKSC 32 20/05/2015
Mionis v Democratic Press SA
[2014] EWHC 4104 (QB) 04/12/2014
Qadir v Associated Newspapers Ltd
[2012] EWHC 2606 (QB); [2013] EMLR 15 05/10/2012
Injunctive Relief
Pendragon Plc v Person(s) Unknown
[2022] EWHC 2985 (KB) 24/11/2022
The Ince Group plc v Person(s) Unknown
[2022] EWHC 808 (QB) 22/11/2022
Wan-Bissaka & Anor v Bentley
[2020] EWHC 3640 (QB) 22/01/2021
DSM SFG Group Holdings Limited v Kelly
[2019] EWCA Civ 2256 19/12/2019
SOJ v JAO
[2019] EWHC 2569 (QB) 02/12/2019
PML v Person(s) Unknown
[2018] EWHC 838 (QB) 17/04/2018
NPV v QEL & ZED
[2018] EWHC 703 (QB) 17/04/2018
Galloway v Ali-Khan
[2018] EWHC 780 (QB) 20/04/2018
AXB v BXA
[2018] EWHC 588 (QB) 22/03/2018
Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown
[2018] EWHC 417 (QB) 06/03/2018
Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown
ex tempore 14/12/2017
Mionis v Democratic Press SA and others
[2017] EWCA Civ 1194 01/08/2017
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Limited & another
[2017] EWCA Civ 950 07/07/2017
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Ltd, Maiya Keidan & Persons Unknown
[2017] EWHC 644 (QB) 28/03/2017
Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi
[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017
PJS v News Group Newspapers Ltd (SC)
[2016] UKSC 26 19/05/2016
PJS v News Group Newspapers (2)
[2016] EWCA Civ 393 18/04/2016
Monarch Airlines Ltd v Yaqub
unreported 15/03/2016
Cheshire West and Chester Council v Pickthall
[2015] EWHC 2141 (QB) 23/07/2015
Rhodes (previously “MLA”) v OPO
[2015] UKSC 32 20/05/2015
Mionis v Democratic Press SA
[2014] EWHC 4104 (QB) 04/12/2014
Mahmood v BBC
[2014] EWCA Civ 1567 11/11/2014
Bloom v Robinson-Millar
07/10/2009 07/10/2009
Sunderland Housing Company & another v Baines & others
[2006] EWHC 2359 (QB) 26/07/2006
Ascension Securities Limited v The Motley Fool Limited
[2005] EWHC 3064 (Ch) 06/12/2005
Georgallides v Etzin
12/07/2005 12/07/2005
Data Protection and Information Law
Greenstein v Campaign against Antisemitism
[2020] EWHC 2951 13/11/2020
SOJ v JAO
[2019] EWHC 2569 (QB) 02/12/2019
Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi
[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017
Hiranandani-Vandrevala v Times Newspapers Limited
[2016] EWHC 250 (QB) 12/02/2016
Abdel-Bari v Nottingham University NHS Trust
[2016] EWHC 154 (QB) 29/01/2016
Tycon Energy Corp v The Motley Fool Limited
Unreported, 9 December 2008 09/12/2008
Sunderland Housing Company & another v Baines & others
[2006] EWHC 2359 (QB) 26/07/2006
General Common Law
BW Legal Services Limited v Glassdoor Inc
[2022] EWHC 979 (QB) 29/04/2022
Greenstein v Campaign Against Antisemitism
[2021] EWCA Civ 1006 09/07/2021
DSM SFG Group Holdings Limited v Kelly
[2019] EWCA Civ 2256 19/12/2019
Mionis v Democratic Press SA and others
[2017] EWCA Civ 1194 01/08/2017
Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Limited & another
[2017] EWCA Civ 950 07/07/2017
Blue v Ashley v Times Newspapers Limited
[2017] EWHC 1553 (Comm) 26/06/2017
Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi
[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017
Monarch Airlines Ltd v Yaqub
unreported 15/03/2016
Abdel-Bari v Nottingham University NHS Trust
[2016] EWHC 154 (QB) 29/01/2016
Cheshire West and Chester Council v Pickthall
[2015] EWHC 2141 (QB) 23/07/2015
Rhodes (previously “MLA”) v OPO
[2015] UKSC 32 20/05/2015
Mionis v Democratic Press SA
[2014] EWHC 4104 (QB) 04/12/2014
Crawford v Jenkins
[2014] EWCA Civ 1035 24/07/2014
Thompson v James
[2014] EWCA Civ 600 14/05/2014
Mireskandari v Associated Newspapers Limited (No 3)
[2010] EWHC 967 (QB) 04/05/2010
Wakefield v Ford & Anor
[2009] EWHC 122 (QB) 29/01/2009
Tycon Energy Corp v The Motley Fool Limited
Unreported, 9 December 2008 09/12/2008
Ascension Securities Limited v The Motley Fool Limited
[2005] EWHC 3064 (Ch) 06/12/2005
Georgallides v Etzin
12/07/2005 12/07/2005
Sharma v Jay & Others
15/04/2003 15/04/2003
5RB Talks
5RB talks - End of Trinity Term 2021
29 Jul 2021
With Adam Speker KC, Kate Wilson & Julian Santos
5RB talks - media and communications law lockdown update
23 Jul 2020
With Adam Speker KC, Felicity McMahon & Ben Gallop
5RB talks: 5RB Podcasts on Interim Injunctions
26 Apr 2018
With Desmond Browne CBE KC, Adam Speker KC & Alexandra Marzec
Articles
How to get a libel injunction
By Adam Speker KC. 10 Sep 2020
Recent Issues in Person Unknown cases
By Adam Speker KC. 5 Jun 2018
Restrictions on Media Communications in the Interests of Truth and Privacy
By Adam Speker KC. 19 Sep 2017
Protecting Public Officials and Corporates - Q&A
By Adam Speker KC. 7 Jul 2016
How much is too much? Privacy damages and phone-hacking
By Adam Speker KC. 29 Oct 2015
A Libel Revolution?
By Adam Speker KC. 14 Oct 2014
News-Gathering and the Protection from Harassment Act
By Adam Speker KC. 10 Apr 2014
Reynolds privilege and Jameel v Wall Street Journal
By Adam Speker KC. 24 Apr 2007
Publications
The Law of Privacy and the Media 3rd Edition
OUP
By Adam Speker KC. 22 Jan 2016
Clerk & Lindsell on Torts, 21st edition
Sweet & Maxwell
By Adam Speker KC. 4 Nov 2014
Gatley on Libel & Slander, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th editions
Sweet & Maxwell
By Adam Speker KC. 31 Dec 2013
Tugendhat & Christie: The Law of Privacy and the Media, Second Edition
Oxford University Press
By Adam Speker KC. 17 Mar 2011
The Law of Privacy and the Media
Oxford University Press
By Adam Speker KC. 17 Oct 2002
In 5RB News
17 Oct 2024
5RB in Chambers & Partners 2025
2 Sep 2024
5RB shortlisted at the Legal 500 Awards 2024
20 Dec 2023
Bermuda CA dismisses injunction appeal
11 Dec 2023
5RB hosts Media Law Insight Evening for BVL students
5RB is a proud sponsor of BVL, a charity offering free legal educational and work experience opportunities to students aged between 16-18 who attend non-fee paying schools.
26 Oct 2023
Clarke v Guardian News & Media Ltd: Trial of Preliminary Issues
20 Oct 2023
5RB tops rankings in Chambers & Partners
5 Oct 2023
5RB named Tier 1 set in Defamation and privacy by The Legal 500
21 Jul 2023
Strike out judgment in Davidoff v Hargrave
4 Jul 2023
Davidoff v Hargrave trial of preliminary issues
14 Jun 2023
5RB supporting London Legal Walk 2023
7 Oct 2022
5RB named top set by The Legal 500
Directory rankings also released
20 Jul 2022
Appeal over exclusion of press from Prince Philip’s will court case
The Court of Appeal will decide whether reporters should have been permitted to attend the original hearing
12 Jul 2021
Claimant’s appeal dismissed in Greenstein v Campaign Against Antisemitism
Judge was correct to strike out malice plea
3 Mar 2021
Mail pays libel damages to psychologist
ANL accepts that allegations about Dr Elly Hanson were untrue
17 Mar 2020
Adam Speker formally takes silk
10 Mar 2020
5RB plays major role in Al Maktoum v Al Hussein
CA upholds President's decision to allow publication of earlier judgments
29 Jul 2019
JCPC allows appeal in reference innuendo case
No neat answer to Grappelli/ Hayward conflict
18 Jun 2019
5RB at the London Legal Walk 2019
14 Jun 2019
JCPC to hear libel reference appeal
Court will consider long-standing innuendo conflict
21 Jun 2018
Foster carer settles anonymous letter claim
24Seven Fostering pays substantial damages and costs and gives undertaking
5 Jun 2018
Person Unknown cases
Adam Speker discusses recent issues
6 Feb 2018
5RB ‘stands above the competition’
Leaders and juniors praised in new edition of Who's Who Legal
11 Jan 2018
New defamation textbook publications
Gatley 2nd Supplement and 22nd Edition of Clerk & Lindsell on Torts
15 Dec 2017
Scottish Law Commission proposes defamation reforms
Report and Draft Bill on defamation law in Scotland published
2 Nov 2017
“The pre-eminent set”: Chambers UK
5RB and members recommended for Defamation & Privacy and Data Protection in 2018 Chambers UK Bar Guide
11 Oct 2017
5RB ‘dominates the field’ in Legal 500
Chambers and members recommended for Defamation & Privacy, Data Protection, and Media and Entertainment work in legal directory
20 Sep 2017
Middle Temple Visit to Washington DC
3 Members of 5RB speak on Media Law
19 Jun 2017
Hiranandani-Vandrevala makes statement in open court
Legal action against Sunday Times settled
18 May 2017
Timeshare Company wins Libel Damages
Awarded £175,000 general and special damages
14 Feb 2017
Council apologises for false abuse letter
Letter led to removal of Claimant's child
19 Dec 2016
FlyMeNow awarded ‘minimal’ damages
Defences of qualified privilege and justification fail but damages reduced to £10
21 Jul 2016
Cheshire West Contemnor Jailed
Judge activates suspended sentence
19 May 2016
5RB at the London Legal Walk 2016
£2,157.19 raised for LLSU, FRU and the Bar Pro Bono Unit
19 May 2016
Supreme Court upholds PJS injunction
Appeal allowed, injunction continued until trial
11 Apr 2016
5RB at the Big Voice London Moots
Adam Speker and Felicity McMahon act as judges
22 Jan 2016
New edition of The Law of Privacy and the Media published
Read an extract on Privacy, the Internet and Social Media
17 Jan 2016
New Supplement to Gatley published
The First Supplement to the 12th edition of Gatley on Libel and Slander has been published by Sweet & Maxwell
18 Dec 2015
Cheshire West defendant guilty of contempt
Judge orders 3 months imprisonment suspended for a year
19 Nov 2015
Summary Judgment in Cheshire West case
Holroyde J dismisses disclosure application and grants summary judgment
12 Oct 2015
Privy Council allows Reynolds appeal
Failure to investigate defamatory imputations fatal
20 May 2015
Supreme Court lifts OPO injunction
"Searing account" of musician's life can now be published
22 Apr 2015
Privy Council hears libel appeal
Board considers Reynolds defence
16 Jan 2015
OPO v MLA to begin in Supreme Court
Two day hearing begins Monday 19th January
9 Dec 2014
CQC apologises to Jill Finney
Pays damages and costs to settle libel action
19 Nov 2014
Adam Speker at #AvoidtheScandal
Kingsley Napley's: Everyone loves a scandal... But what if it's about you?
6 Nov 2014
Miller and Crawford: permission refused
Permission to Appeal dismissed by the Supreme Court in both cases
6 Nov 2014
21st Edition of Clerk & Lindsell on Torts out now
New edition includes Defamation chapter edited by Adam Speker and Felicity McMahon
31 Oct 2014
5RB tops Chambers & Partners 2015
Set and 19 barristers recommended in UK Bar Guide
3 Oct 2014
Chambers Bar Awards 2014
Adam Speker: Defamation & Privacy Junior of the Year
3 Oct 2014
Slander Action Settles
Former Parish Councillor apologises
24 Jul 2014
Witness Immunity Rule Extends to Harassment
CA rules that complaints to the police are immune from suit
20 May 2014
5RB at the London Legal Walk
Chambers team raised £2341.25
7 Jan 2014
New edition of Gatley on Libel and Slander out now
12th Ed published in December 2013
10 Oct 2013
New Criminal Practice Directions
Updated procedures on access to information held by the court
15 Mar 2013
Blogger loses libel claim against Council
Chief Executive awarded £25,000 damages for counter-claim
26 Feb 2013
PCC: no need for prominence in libel reports
Regulator rejects Ashcroft complaint
26 Nov 2012
Ashcroft cleared of corruption links
Indy's former publisher apologises in court
8 Oct 2012
Mail on Sunday report privilege fails
Judge rules court report articles 'not for the public benefit' and malicious
21 May 2012
Leveson Inquiry
Availability of 5RB counsel
18 Mar 2012
Mail on Sunday apologises to MP
Allegations of sexist bullying withdrawn
20 Jan 2012
Leveson challenge dismissed
Administrative Court upholds anonymous evidence decision
10 Nov 2011
Leveson Inquiry Starts
Inquiry into press ethics: opening submissions
28 Oct 2011
5RB tops Chambers and Partners 2012
Adam Wolanski wins Defamation and Privacy Junior Barrister of the Year
27 Sep 2011
‘Truly experts’
The Legal 500 review 2012
17 Mar 2011
New edition of privacy book published
Second edition of Tugendhat & Christie: The Law of Privacy and the Media published
1 Mar 2011
Sikh leader’s appeal dismissed
Libel claimant failed to lodge £250,000 security
1 Feb 2011
Sikh sect leader ordered to pay £250,000 security
Journalist obtains order ahead of appeal
30 Nov 2010
New Supplement to Gatley published
The First Supplement to the 11th edition of Gatley on Libel and Slander has been published by Sweet & Maxwell
12 Nov 2010
Sun apologises for body scanner libel
Security man accepts £45,000 compensation
8 Nov 2010
Ronaldo wins libel damages
Footballer also receives apology and costs in full for Telegraph story
5 Nov 2010
5RB tops directory ranking
Chambers & Partners 2011 edition praises set
27 Apr 2010
Doctor accepts substantial libel damages
Newspaper apologises for untrue front page terrorism allegations
12 Jan 2010
Peaches accepts libel damages
Daily Star apologises to Peaches Geldof for 'prostitute' claim
17 Nov 2009
Peacock settles libel action
MGN pays damages over Celebs on Sunday article
9 Nov 2009
Ronaldo accepts libel damages
Mirror Group admits footballer was not 'on the lash' in LA and settles claim
7 Oct 2009
Accountant wins £30,000 damages for libel and harassment
Neighbour's conduct was obsessive and irrational
24 Sep 2009
5RB’s juniors: the Legal 500 verdict
What the legal directory had to say about 5RB's junior barristers
30 Jul 2009
Jacob Zuma wins libel damages
Guardian makes unqualified offer of amends to President of South Africa
15 May 2009
Injunction application hit for six
Judge allows cricket to continue on village green
24 Nov 2008
Accountant wins ‘IVA Council’ claim
Insolvency practitioner obtains apology and damages over mis-selling allegations
21 Nov 2008
New edition of Gatley out soon
11th edition of leading practitioner's text on libel and slander on sale in December
20 Jun 2008
Ronaldo wins ‘text message’ damages
Manchester United star accepts apology and libel damages over Sun story
4 Apr 2008
Largest damages yet for internet libel
Social housing firm and CEO receive total of £119,000
19 Mar 2008
Adelson accepts apology, damages
Associated Newspapers apologises to US entrepreneur and settles libel claim
13 Feb 2008
Danish newspaper apologises to bank
Anglo-Icelandic bank accepts libel damages for internet publications
22 Jan 2008
New York to fight ‘libel tourism’
Proposed legislation to prevent enforcement of foreign libel judgments
27 Nov 2007
Gatley Supplement now on sale
Leading defamation practitioners' text now fully updated
8 Nov 2007
5RB tops Chambers & Partners review
20 Barristers rated and recommended in the new annual survey
11 Oct 2007
Author succeeds on Reynolds Appeal
Court of Appeal vindicates journalist and dismisses libel claim brought by former Flying Squad officer
20 Sep 2007
5RB tops Legal 500
20 Barristers rated and recommended in Defamation, Privacy, Intellectual Property, Sport and Media & Entertainment Law
28 Jun 2007
Damages for trio cleared of murder
Chief Constable accepts innocence in malicious prosecution settlement
24 Oct 2006
5RB tops Chambers & Partners review
Nineteen barristers recommended in Annual Survey
27 Sep 2006
5RB tops Legal 500 survey
Twenty barristers recommended across core practice areas
24 Nov 2005
New media law titles available
New edition of Arlidge, Eady & Smith on Contempt; new Supplements to Gatley and The Law of Privacy & The Media
24 Oct 2005
Chambers’ Review: 5RB top again
20 barristers recommended for Media, Entertainment, Defamation, Privacy, Intellectual Property & Sports Law
21 Sep 2005
5RB tops annual Legal 500 Review
17 barristers named as leaders in their field
15 Sep 2005
London hosts MLRC Conference
5RB's Desmond Browne QC to participate in worldwide media law event
22 Apr 2005
Indemnity costs in police libel case
Claimant faces enormous costs bill following failure to accept payment in
8 Apr 2005
Court dismisses police claim for libel
Police failures led to the wrongful arrest of the Hamiltons
17 Mar 2005
First defamation costs capping order
Queen's Bench Master grants cost-capping Order against CFA funded Claimant
24 Feb 2005
Hamilton ‘rape’ claims in new trial
Libel trial over police investigation of false allegations
5 Nov 2004
5RB top in Chambers & Partners Review
Seventeen 5RB members ranked
21 Oct 2004
Global acclaim for Gatley
10th edition is 'the definitive work'
13 Jul 2004
Law Commission Report on Local Authority Inquiries
Lillie & Reed case prompts defamation law reform proposals
Contact
Email: clerks@5rb.com
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