A recent Court of Appeal judgment has major implications for litigants dealing with breach of contract claims as well as anyone drafting liability clauses in contracts.
Read moreDefamation & Privacy Lawyers
Our media and entertainment lawyers act fast in complex and high-profile defamation and privacy cases to protect your reputation.
Talk to usIn this section
Our media and entertainment lawyers provide fast and clear advice on defamation and privacy issues in times of crisis when you're subject to adverse media interest or online attacks. We can support with an array of cases involving malicious falsehood, invasion of privacy, harassment and online abuse.
These days, a well-established personal or professional reputation can be damaged in seconds by just a single internet posting — especially if it attracts attention from the press.
If you've been approached by a journalist or reporter and are facing a potentially damaging or defamatory article or broadcast, it's important not to panic or feel pressured to respond.
Instructing our specialist team will put a protective barrier between you and the media outlet. We quickly stop or repair damage, whether through court proceedings, regulatory complaints or negotiation. We'll advise you on the full range of options, including obtaining an injunction to stop the material from coming to light.
If false or intrusive content has already appeared, we'll take action to secure a retraction or apology or — in the case of online content — have it taken down.
We're also vastly experienced in bringing and defending media claims in the High Court and all the way up to the Court of Appeal.
Expert media and reputation lawyers in times of crisis
We have a strong track record in handling confidential issues and securing significant damages, apologies, retractions and other orders to protect the rights of our clients.
We act for a wide range of clients, many of whom operate across the sport, technology and entertainment sectors. These include household names such as Premier League football clubs, high-profile international athletes and other individuals and organisations who want to exercise their right to protect their reputation and privacy.
The team is led by multi-award-winning Partner and Head of Litigation Paul Lunt, who advises on media-related issues including defamation and privacy, reputation management and intellectual property. As the ‘go to’ lawyer for many high-profile clients in difficult times, Paul has successfully represented the likes of Coleen Rooney (when she was sued by Rebekah Vardy in the ‘Wagatha Christie’ case), England Cricket Captain Ben Stokes and former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, as well as The Commonwealth Games Federation.
Paul works closely alongside fellow Partner Nick McAleenan — a reputation management, data and media lawyer who acts in reputation management and privacy disputes arising from online and social media publications, as well as in matters involving broadcasters, newspapers, campaigners, pressure groups and trade unions. Nick is also an expert when it comes to harassment, breach of confidence and data protection law. He represented over 10,000 claimants in the UK’s first UK data breach class action — Various Claimants v Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC — which reached the Supreme Court.
Our team is recognised in the top-tier of The Legal 500 for media and entertainment, thanks to "its strong expertise in defamation and privacy". Paul Lunt is recognised in the Hall of Fame and joins Nick McAleenan and Colin Bell as Leading Partners, while Helen Otty is listed as a Next Generation Partner.
Meet our defamation & privacy law team
Recognised as a top-tier firm in The Legal 500 2025
“Known for its strong expertise in defamation and privacy, Brabners handles a broad suite of cases involving malicious falsehood, invasion of privacy, harassment and online abuse. Helen Otty... [stands] out due to her deep knowledge of online defamation claims... Colin Bell is known for his longstanding IP and tech expertise, routinely advising clients on media and commercial rights agreements... Paul Lunt [handles] a wide variety of privacy claims, representing a number of athletes and public figures... Nick McAleenan is an expert in reputation management, having acted in cases involving newspapers, trade unions and campaigners.”
The Legal 500 2025
Case highlights
Coleen Rooney
Representing Coleen Rooney in her successful defence against the libel claim brought by Rebekah Vardy. The ‘Wagatha Christie’ case was one of the most high-profile libel cases in UK history. We acted as the lead strategist and legal advisor for the case, as well as project manager.
Read moreMichael Vaughan OBE
Representing Michael Vaughan OBE (former England cricket captain and broadcaster) in connection with allegations made against him as part of the Yorkshire Country Cricket Club (Azeem Rafiq) racism scandal. Vaughan was cleared of all charges brought against him before the Cricket Disciplinary Commission panel.
Read moreCommonwealth Games Federation
Advising the Commonwealth Games Federation on its relationship with a sports marketing and entertainment agency and arrangements that deal with all its commercial, media and marketing rights relating to the 2022, 2026 and 2030 Games.
Related insights
From building a family to creating Wills and trusts, buying or selling property, land or a business, planning for your succession or dealing with a crisis, it helps to have ready access to a multidisciplinary legal team that can support you with whatever life throws your way.
Read more
The Supreme Court's new rules take effect on 2 December 2024 as part of its 2023-2026 business plan to deliver a wide-ranging ‘Change Programme’.
Read moreTalk to us
Loading form...