Media; employment; professional misconduct; education
Barrister
Called 1997, Middle Temple. Position: Barrister. Numerous publications, including several articles on legal matters published in the New Law Journal, The Times law pages, The Independent and the British Review of Journalism and the New Law Journal. Contributor to first edition of the Court of Protection Handbook, the paperback edition of David Hooper's book Reputations under Fire – Winners and Losers in the Reputation Business (publ. 2001) and Copinger and Skone James on Copyright (chapter on the newspaper industry) 15th edition. Co-author of a forthcoming book commissioned by Bloomsbury Professional, on Journalism Law and Regulation, whose publication is scheduled for 2025.
Romana is primarily a media and employment law specialist, with additional expertise in professional misconduct and education law. Notable cases include acting for the Media Lawyers Association (intervening) in Lachaux v IPL & ES Ltd, [2019] UKSC 27 and Serafin v Malcievicz & Ors, [2020] UKSC 23: the two leading Supreme Court test cases on the Defamation Act 2013. She acts for individuals and corporate clients in matters ranging from defamation, breach of confidence, misuse of private information, breach of contract, breach of copyright and data protection, to open justice and reporting restrictions.
She is often instructed in cases spanning those areas of law, in addition to company or commercial matters.
Romana also regularly advises book publishers, broadcasters and production companies, both pre- and post-publication or broadcast.
She is regularly instructed by claimants and respondents in high value employment claims, including complex discrimination cases, matters involving TUPE and reporting restrictions in employment tribunals. She has represented public sector bodies in several regulatory and disciplinary matters, at first instance and on appeal, and has appeared on behalf of parents and school governing bodies in SEND appeals.
Romana is regularly called upon to provide written and oral advice on contractual and commercial issues, and has particular expertise in matters – contentious or otherwise – relating to film and television production.
Background: Romana has a comprehensive understanding of issues affecting the media and those affected by media coverage. She was an employed Barrister at The Independent prior to joining 4KBW, having also spent several years advising most of the UK’s media organisations on issues including privacy, copyright, contempt/reporting restrictions and data protection. She has a strong track record handling claims and IPSO complaints against newspapers, as well as challenging reporting restrictions applications. Whilst at the Independent, she led a series of applications by media consortia to allow access by journalists to the Court of Protection, including the leading case of A v Independent News & Media Ltd & Ors [2010] EWCA Civ 343.
Romana has a busy practice and works with several repeat clients, who have praised her hard work, approachability, and determination to seek the best possible outcome. Her ability to give fast and accurate advice, and to identify the crux of a case, have been noted. She is adaptable, and is often called upon to advise on strategy, with clients recognising her ability to recognise the bigger picture in a case. She has represented clients in several mediation hearings, helping them achieve highly advantageous settlements.
Italian, Spanish, French
Media Lawyers Association
Employment Law Bar Association
University of Edinburgh, MA in Italian and French; City University, Diploma in Law; Inns of Court School of Law, Bar Vocational Course; University of East Anglia, Masters in Creative Non-Fiction.