Simons Muirhead Burton LLP

A swift, calculated and proportionate response to a potential reputational crisis is crucial, and expert advice will be invaluable. This is especially so for inward investors and those seeking to locate in the UK (or simply make use of the UK’s expertise in finance, technology, media, entertainment or the law), whether they are foreign companies or individuals.

SMB’s media and communications disputes team, which incorporates reputation management, is top ranked by the prestigious legal directories, Chambers UK and The Legal 500. Our team is headed up by highly regarded media lawyer Jeffrey Smele, and other partners include Louis Charalambous, Razi Mireskandari, Martin Soames and Stephen Shotnes, all recognised as market leading lawyers in the directories for their work in defamation, privacy, reputation management and media/journalism areas.

The partners are supported by a team of experienced associates and senior associates who can deal with all challenges and reputational threats both in traditional spheres and in the online/social media space, including:

• journalistic, criminal and regulatory investigations
• breaches of confidence and privacy, cyber breaches
• defamation and malicious falsehood
• harassment and press intrusion
• internet attacks (including viral advertising), identifying and pursuing those seeking to hide behind anonymity online
• whistleblowers and bad leavers
• freedom of information and data protection, right to be forgotten
• content clearance / pre-publication advice
• wider media litigation, including IP claims and film, TV, music and video game disputes.

We often deal with cases which have a cross-border aspect, and advise a portfolio of international and domestic clients, including wealthy individuals and families, entrepreneurs, international celebrities, politicians, media outlets, directors of corporations and of investment funds. Our clients are based worldwide and come from various sectors, and include governments, heads of state and other political figures, multinational companies, business people and individuals in the public eye who equally value their right to reputation and privacy. We can respond immediately to hostile publications or press inquiries. We have a network of trusted professionals, including traditional and crisis PR, as well as specialist lawyers across various jurisdictions.

Established in central London in 1971 as specialists in civil liberties, music and criminal law, SMB is now a multi-disciplined law firm offering clients advice and representation across a broad range of legal service areas.

We offer our clients an accessible, responsive, efficient service. Our people are a mixture of homegrown stars and ex-City practitioners, all of whom combine to provide a first-class service to our clients. We have an excellent reputation for work in the media sector (both contentious and non-contentious matters), employment, crime, family, property and commercial and corporate law. We were also the first UK legal practice to establish a dedicated pro bono team focusing on human rights issues; that team, the Death Penalty Project, has since won multiple awards for its work.

SMB’s media disputes team’s expertise has earned accolades from peers and clients alike. Here are some of the most recent comments about the team which are included in the Chambers and the Legal 500 legal directories:

“They know the market and have a team of effective litigators. They are pragmatic and will not encourage clients down paths that waste money.”

“The care and attention they give is exemplary”

“Depth, expertise and years of experience in the field”

“Highly recommend the media disputes team at Simons Muirhead Burton. Consistently do a fantastic job on every matter.”

“Jeffrey Smele is always thoughtful, with good judgement and attention to detail, as well as being a delight to work with”. “He is very switched on and gives sensible advice, often in tricky situations.

“Louis Charalambous is one the most highly regarded media lawyers. Hugely experienced and a fighter for his clients.

“Razi Mireskandari is exceptionally insightful and realistically frank so that no false expectations are raised, but every possibility examined carefully”

“Stephen Shotnes has excellent judgement, fights his client’s corner fiercely and is well respected”

“Martin Soames is an incredibly experienced media litigator and he’s able to dispose of disputes quickly and efficiently.

For further advice and assistance please contact:

Simons Muirhead Burton LLP
87-91 Newman Street
London
W1T 3EY
Tel: + 44 (0)20 3206 2740
Contact: Jeffrey Smele
Email: jeffrey.smele@smb.london
Website: www.smb.london