'Exceptionally strong in large-scale litigation', Hamlins LLP‘s media disputes department represents high-profile clients across print and digital media in significant defamation and privacy cases. The team also advises public and private figures on pre-publication issues, libel, and privacy law matters. The group is led by Christopher Hutchings, who is well regarded in the industry for his track record in precedent-setting libel actions, and praised for his 'fantastic judgement'. Callum Galbraith has significant experience in protecting the reputations and private lives of those in the public eye.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Experts in their field, very quick and efficient. Gave us confidence at every level and achieved a very good outcome.’
‘Patient in explaining the process to us, calm and consistent and gave us support at every stage.’
‘There was an overall sense that my claim was a priority throughout. The regular and comprehensive updates on my claim's progress were extremely helpful. Communication was clear and concise especially regarding the terms of engagement and the ability to insure my claim. Without a doubt, it is the most impressive legal team I have worked with over many years.’
‘Professional and compassionate.’
‘Callum Galbraith expertly manages phone hacking litigation cases and has the confidence of lawyers and clients alike.'
'Ellen Gallagher is a star performer at Hamlins who is thorough, diligent and full of good points.'
‘Exceptionally strong in large-scale litigation. Exceptional understanding of clients' objectives, and they get great results.’
- 'Christopher Hutchings has fantastic judgement; he spots the strengths and weaknesses of both sides' cases and so gets great results for his clients.'
Key clients
- Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
- Sadie Frost
- Davinia Douglass
- Melanie Chisholm (‘Mel C’)
- Melanie Brown (‘Mel B’)
- Mathew Horne
- The Lord Watson of Wyre Forest
- Chris Moyles
- Anna Ryder-Richardson
- David Baddiel
- Alan Carr
- Catherine Tate
- Sue Barker
- Neil Fox
- Larry Lamb
- Alison Steadman
- Shayne Lynch
- Donny Tourette (Patrick Brannan)
- Katie Waissel
- Christopher Biggins
- Clare Balding CBE
Work highlights
- Representing Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, along with Sadie Frost, in a major legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited.
- Successfully represented the Spice Girl, Melanie Chisholm, in her privacy action against News Group Newspapers Limited (publisher of The Sun) which settled on the eve of trial witness evidence exchange with her receiving substantial damages and a widely reported public apology.
- Continues to act as the lead solicitor in the ongoing unlawful information-gathering litigation against News Group Newspapers.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Christopher Hutchings