5RB is the only set of chambers listed as ‘Band 1’ for Defamation and Privacy work in the newly published Chambers UK Bar Guide for 2018. The set and members are also recommended in the field of Data Protection.
The Guide has the following praise for 5RB:
Defamation and privacy – Band 1
‘5RB is the pre-eminent set in the area for handling defamation, privacy, contempt and data protection matters. Interviewees praise the set for having great depth and quality of counsel, and note that it boasts many of the top barristers in the field. Members here are frequently involved in precedent-setting, highly significant matters, with recent cases including Lachaux v Independent Print Media & Others, the first serious consideration by a specialist judge of section 1 of the Defamation Act 2013, as well as the Mirror Group phone-hacking litigation.
Client service: “Their clerking team is very responsive, always on the ball, very transparent on the fees, and always as accessible as possible. They’re A*.” Senior clerk Andrew Love is highly regarded, with interviewees saying: “Andrew is good at running the barristers and managing them. It makes life for us much easier when he is involved.”‘
Recommended Silks: Desmond Browne QC, Adrienne Page QC, James Price QC and Justin Rushbrooke QC
Recommended Juniors: David Sherborne, William Bennett, Jacob Dean, Alexandra Marzec, Adam Speker, Adam Wolanski, Richard Munden, Godwin Busuttil, David Hirst, Jonathan Barnes, Victoria Jolliffe, Christina Michalos, Victoria Simon-Shore, Gervase de Wilde, Chloe Strong, Greg Callus and Julian Santos
‘5RB has a rapidly growing data protection and information law practice arising from its well-recognised strength in the media domain, and leads developments in cases concerning the interaction between defamation law and the DPA. It is known particularly for its representation of claimant groups and individuals, and appeared for Sir Cliff Richard in a case relating to the BBC’s live coverage of a police raid on his home. It also acted for thousands of Morrisons employees affected by the company’s payroll data leak. Sources say: “The barristers here are at the top of their game, and you can be assured you’ll get the very best.”‘
Client service: “The clerks are helpful and responsive, very flexible, and willing to do what’s necessary.” “Their clerking team is very responsive, always on the ball, very transparent on the fees, and always as accessible as possible.”
Justin Rushbrooke QC, Jonathan Barnes, Jacob Dean, Richard Munden and Greg Callus are recommended individuals for data protection matters.
