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Team size: 55
Major law firms used: CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang, Fieldfisher

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the BBC was heavily in the public eye throughout 2018. But unusually for GC Sarah Jones, it was a host of legal issues that were causing a stir.

The most high-profile example was the Cliff Richard case – a landmark court battle that had significant implications for privacy laws. The veteran singer won £210,000 in damages after alleging that the BBC invaded his privacy in reporting that he was investigated for historical child sex abuse allegations, despite no charges being made. The BBC argued the decision represented a negative shift in reporting freedoms and, as a result, the willingness for new potential victims to come forward. ‘It’s certainly an interesting time in the development of privacy law’, Jones reflects. ‘Clearly the court felt we were on the wrong side of the line.’

Other legal matters that attracted column inches included scrutiny over the BBC’s gender pay gap, with Mishcon de Reya representing Scottish journalist Carrie Gracie in an equal pay claim. The case against the broadcaster was settled in June. Aside from the negative PR, Jones presided over some big wins in 2018, including playing a key role as the BBC secured a blanket licence with PRS for Music for BBC Music. The agreement allows the BBC to continue using music across all its channels, while making sure that the performing artists receive the appropriate royalties. Jones was also integral as Arif Ansari, head of news at BBC Asian Network, was cleared of naming a sexual abuse victim live on air in January 2019.

In terms of career advice, Jones says it is vital to broaden the traditional lawyer skillset: ‘A lot of people get promoted into these roles because they are very good lawyers, but you can only do it well if you are a very good manager. Management skills aren’t necessarily something you are born with, but you can certainly learn.’

Tom Cassels, dispute resolution partner at Linklaters, comments: ‘Sarah is fantastic. She does a really demanding job; there are few people who have to get into the detail of providing difficult legal advice directly to the business as opposed to [just] leading a team and communicating legal advice.’