Chiefly advising on defendant-side work, the media and communications disputes practice at Simons Muirhead Burton represents some of the UK’s most prominent publishers and broadcasters. The firm also has a strong track record in defending major European publishing houses, NGOs, and trade unions. Team head Jeffrey Smele - a key contact for major publishers - has significant experience in pre-publication clearance, newsgathering issues and regulatory complaints. Louis Charalambous is recognised for his deep knowledge  of libel and privacy claims. Razi Mireskandari, who also leads the firm’s dispute resolution practice, brings extensive experience in media litigation. Stephen Shotnes specialises in pre-publication and dispute resolution matters concerning publishers, while Martin Soames focuses on publishing disputes. Dinah Shiloh is a seasoned litigator who acts for both claimants and defendants in libel, privacy, confidentiality and harassment cases. Emma Linch is another standout in the team, who concentrates on defamation and misuse of private information matters.
L’éditorial du Legal 500

Distinctions

La satisfaction du client

Témoignages

Collectés indépendamment par l'équipe de recherche du Legal 500.

  • ‘So responsive and excellent summaries of the law, with commercial reality embedded into the advice. Really great to work with, especially for an in-house lawyer who is usually short on time.’

  • 'Jeffrey Smele stands out; he has a pragmatic approach to legal advice that's straight to the point and simplifies complicated law. He always delivers exactly what we need in terms of manageable advice to understand risk. The team is a breeze to work with!’

Clients clés

  • News Group Newspapers Limited (‘NGN’), publisher of The Sun
  • Reach / MGN Ltd (publisher of the Mirror)
  • New York Times/Serial Productions
  • ITN
  • Penguin Random House
  • Simon & Schuster
  • The London Review of Books
  • Channel 4
  • Verso Books
  • Lad Bible

Points forts

  • Acting for ITN and Channel 4 in a libel claim filed by Dyson Technology Ltd, Dyson Ltd and Sir James Dyson over allegations made in a Channel 4 news broadcast concerning forced labour issues at a factory in Malaysia, which was a major supplier of Dyson products.
  • Acting as panel legal representatives for a major media insurer, successfully defending threatened claims for a wide range of insured clients, including several MPs, social workers, and regulatory bodies.
  • Defending United Learning Trust in a libel claim filed by a former senior teacher of Holland Park School over statements published on the school’s website.

Avocats

Hall of Fame

Avocats au sommet de leur profession, largement reconnus et respectés par l'ensemble du marché pour leur expertise éprouvée et leur intervention récurrente et longue date dans les dossiers les plus complexes et prestigieux.

Les grands avocats du marché

Avocats associés reconnus parmi les leaders du marché par leurs pairs et leurs clients, régulièrement présents dans les grands dossiers dans lesquels ils sont au premier plan.

Les grands avocats de demain

Jeunes associés disposant d’une reconnaissance montante sur le marché, jouant régulièrement un rôle clé dans des dossiers majeurs.

Responsable de la pratique

Jeffrey Smele

Autres avocats clés

Louis Charalambous; Razi Mireskandari; Stephen Shotnes; Martin Soames; Maninder Gill; Dinah Shiloh; Emma Linch