Simons Muirhead Burton is seen as the go-to practice for defendant work by some of the largest publishers and broadcasters in the country, including MGN and Channel 4. In addition, the team has a strong track record defending some of Europe’s largest publishing houses, NGOs and trade unions. Department head Jeffrey Smele advises news organisations on defamation, privacy, data protection and regulation and confidentiality issues, particularly during pre-publication clearance. Louis Charalambous is an expert in the content aspects of journalism, including libel, privacy and contempt. Razi Mireskandari, who brings his exerience as dispute resolution team head to the group, is skilled in media litigation. Stephen Shotnes is skilled in litigation and pre-publication clearance issues, while Martin Soames specialises in publishing disputes. Senior associate Emma Linch is another key name, specialising in defamation and misuse of private information work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘A wealth of experience combined with an unparalleled legal and practical knowledge of all pertinent aspects within this field.'
'Led by the redoubtable Razi Mireskandari, the team gels remarkably effectively to cover all aspects of reputational litigation and advice. The team provides an unrivalled service to clients in this field.’
‘Razi Mireskandari is a genuine leader in this field - hugely knowledgable and tactically astute, experienced - he has few rivals. Sensible, charming and experienced, his oversight is invaluable. He just knows what to do.'
'Dina Shiloh provides invaluable insight with her background in journalism and knowledge across all media platforms. An assured and able lawyer, her contribution to the team to the benefit of the client is considerable.'
‘All of the people we work with are sensitive to our place in the industry and understand our concerns.’
‘We find them excellent to work with.’
‘Unrivaled experience and media advice and media litigation practice for defendants and for complainants. Strength in depth.’

Key clients

News Group Newspapers Limited (‘NGN’), publisher of The Sun
MGN (publisher of the Mirror)
New York Times/Serial Productions
ITN
Penguin Random House
Simon & Schuster
The London Review of Books
Channel 4
Royal Institute of International Affairs
Lad Bible

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.

Louis Charalambous

Hall of fameSimons Muirhead Burton

Partner and Head of Media Litigation. Recent major libel and privacy actions include Danny Simpson v MGN, PJS v Newsgroup Newspapers Limited and Andrew Mitchell MP v News Group Newspapers (’Plebgate’). He is a recognised specialist in crime related media work including libel, privacy, contempt and production orders. He also acts in political party and trade union election disputes. Other high profile clients include The Sun/Sun on Sunday, The Times/Sunday Times, Mirror/Sunday Mirror, Vice Media, Channel 4, BBC and other broadcasters. He also acts for online channels, production companies and high profile individuals.

Rising stars

Emma Linch

Simons Muirhead Burton

Leading individuals

Razi Mireskandari

Simons Muirhead Burton

Partner

Next Generation Partners

Jeffrey Smele

Simons Muirhead Burton

Senior Associate