England - London • TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
RPC
As ‘one of the most experienced’ defendant-focused media teams, RPC comprises specialists in defamation, privacy and editorial advisory services; the firm acts for clients across all areas of the media, including national and local newspapers, broadcasters, magazines and freelance journalists. Practice head Keith Mathieson is experienced in advising on media content and defending matters pertaining to freedom of expression. Rupert Cowper-Coles has a strong track record defending leading media and tech organisations in data protection cases. Alex Wilson is regularly instructed by media organisations on matters surrounding defamation, privacy and data protection. Alex Vakil acts on behalf of broadcasters, online platforms and publishers in a variety of contentious reputation and data matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The leading defendant firm, with a superb team which has great strength at every level.’
‘Alex Vakil is a great all-rounder with a cool head under pressure.’
‘The RPC reputation management team is one of the most experienced in London.'
‘Keith Mathieson is a veteran partner who has seen the press through some of the most important defamation and privacy litigation. His judgement is second to none, as is his legal knowledge.'
- 'Rupert Cowper-Coles and Alex Wilson are relatively new partners, but already experienced in handling important media cases.'
- 'Samantha Thompson is very good and a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
- Associated Newspapers Limited
- Times Newspapers Limited
- News Group Newspapers Limited
- Reach plc (Mirror Group Newspapers)
- Bloomberg L.P.
- The BBC
- Peter McCormack
- Channel 4
- Realtid Media AB
- The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
- Carole Cadwalladr
Work highlights
- Defending Associated Newspapers against an ongoing libel claim brought by the Duke of Sussex.
- Representing MGN in long-running phone hacking litigation.
- Defending Carole Cadwalladr against a libel claim brought by Arron Banks which was subject to a Court of Appeal decision.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
RPC
Partner in the media team, specialising in media litigation, most often in the fields of defamation, privacy, data protection and harassment law. Rupert predominantly advises publishers and intermediaries in defending claims and exercising their free speech rights, acting for a spectrum of well-known clients including national newspapers, magazines, book publishers and journalists. He is experienced in litigating complex and developing areas of law, including on foreign jurisdiction issues, intermediary liability and the impact of European law on domestic information rights. Prior to joining RPC in 2016, Rupert predominantly advised prospective claimants.
RPC
Alex Wilson is a highly experienced media lawyer and litigator, dealing with a broad spectrum of media and communications claims. Alex is an expert in defamation, privacy, data and similar actions. He has a vast range of experience, acting for a wide variety of media organisations including newspapers, publishers, broadcasters, online media companies and media insurers. Alex has represented clients in cases before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He has experience taking cases to trial as well as disposing of them at an earlier stage, by way of interim applications or by negotiating favourable settlements. He also provides pre-publication advice and is regularly instructed to respond to pre-publication legal threats (including injunctions). He is recognised as a "true star", "very impressive" and "really good with clients" by the legal directories. He spent a year on secondment at a national newspaper group in 2016/17 and is the Secretary to the Media Lawyers Association.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Keith Mathieson