Adam Speker KC

Adam Speker KC

Called to the Bar in 1999, Adam took silk in 2020 having been rated as one of only two ‘star individual‘ juniors in defamation and privacy in the Chambers & Partners UK Bar Guide.

Adam specialises in all aspects of media and communications law including defamation, privacy, breach of confidence, harassment and data protection. Many of these cases involve the Human Rights Act and the interplay between articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention. Adam is regularly instructed in libel cases in other jurisdictions including in the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Malaysia and Singapore.

He has considerable experience obtaining interim injunctions, often at short notice, in cases involving data breaches and blackmail (see e.g. Clarksons, PML, NPQ, SOJ below) and in harassment, particularly on behalf of local and public authorities.

RECENT AND IMPORTANT CASES

Appellate Courts

  • Bermuda Press Holdings Ltd v Evatt Tamine [2023] CA (Bda) 28 Civ, for the respondent. Successful on an appeal in the Court of Appeal in Bermuda concerned with whether an interim injunction in breach of confidence and/or misuse of private information should have been granted. Appeal heard in June 2023, judgment handed down in December 2023.
  • Guardian News & Media v Executor of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh (Deceased) & Her Majesty’s Attorney-General [2022] EWCA Civ 1081 for the first respondent on an appeal concerned with open justice. CA upheld the decision of the President of the Family Division to hold the hearing in private and not to inform the media.
  • Greenstein v Campaign Against Antisemitism [2021] EWCA Civ 1006, for the Respondent/ Defendant on an appeal concerned with the pleading of malice in the context of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974;
  • Simon v Lyder [2019] UKPC 38; [2020] AC 650, for the media Appellants and Defendants in the Privy Council on an appeal concerned with reference innuendoes in libel;
  • DSM SFG Group Holdings v Kelly [2019] EWCA Civ 2256; [2020] EMLR 10, for the Appellants and Claimants on an appeal to the Court of Appeal concerned with whether an individual who has obtained confidential information illicitly could use the information before establishing a right to do so;
  • Brevan Howard Asset Management v Reuters [2017] EWCA Civ 950; [2017] EMLR 28 for the Respondent and Claimant, led by Desmond Browne CBE KC,  on an appeal to the Court of Appeal concerned with whether Reuters were correct to contend that information leaked to them was not confidential, alternatively was in the public interest;
  • Mionis v Democratic Press SA [2017] EWCA Civ 1194; [2018] QB 662, for the Respondents and Defendants in the Court of Appeal, led by Andrew Caldecott KC, on whether wide undertakings given by media defendants as part of an agreement to settle libel proceedings between the parties, were a disproportionate interference with their freedom of expression rights;
  • PJS v News Group Newspapers [2016] UKSC 26; [2016] AC 1081,  for the Respondent and Claimant, led by Desmond Browne CBE KC in the Supreme Court, on the leading decision on injunctions in cases of misuse of private information;
  • Pinard-Byrne v Linton [2015] UKPC 41; [2016] EMLR 4, for the Appellant and Claimant before the Privy Council on an appeal concerned with the Reynolds defence;
  • OPO v MLA, [2015] UKSC 32 [2016] AC 219 for the Respondent and Claimant in the Supreme Court, led by Matthew Nicklin KC, on an appeal concerned with the scope of the tort in Wilkinson v Downton;
  • Crawford v Jenkins [2014] EWCA Civ 1035; [2016] QB 231, for the Respondent and Defendant in the Court of Appeal on an appeal holding that the witness immunity rule covers the torts of false imprisonment, malicious procurement of arrest and harassment;

High Court Trials

  • Ashley v Times Newspapers Ltd [2021] EWHC 2082 (QB) leading Victoria Jolliffe for the Claimant on a preliminary issue trial on meaning and fact/opinion in a libel action where an offer of amends has now been made;
  • Scarsdale Grange LLP t/a Scarsdale Grange Nursing Home v JPIMedia NSMY Limited [2020] EWHC 1988 (QB) leading Victoria Jolliffe for the Claimant on a paper preliminary issue trial on meaning and fact/opinion in ongoing libel action;
  • Triplark Ltd v Northwood Hall (Freehold) Ltd v others [2019] EWHC 3493 (QB), for the Defendants on a preliminary issue trial on meaning and fact/ opinion in an ongoing libel action;
  • Burgon v News Group Newspapers [2019] EWHC 195, for the Claimant, the then shadow Lord Chancellor, in the only full trial against the national media in 2019. Mr Burgon was awarded £30,000 damages for libel and an injunction;
  • HM Attorney-General v Tina Malone [2019] EWHC 3726, leading Greg Callus for Tina Malone on an application before the Divisional Court (LCJ and Warby J) for committal for contempt of court for breach of the Venables & Thompson injunction, avoided a prison sentence for Ms Malone;
  • AXB v BXA [2018] EWHC 588 (QB) for the Claimant, led by Adrienne Page KC, at the trial of claims for deceit, misuse of private information and harassment;
  • Thompson v James & Carmarthenshire County Council [2013] EWHC 515 (QB), for the Defendants and counter-Claimant (Mr James) in a high-profile 5 day trial, also successful on an interim application to strike out a malice plea and on an appeal on meaning before the Court of Appeal: [2014] EWCA Civ 600. Mr James was awarded £25,000 damages.

Injunctions/ Applications

  • Davidoff & others v Hargrave [2023] EWHC 1825 (KB) for the defendant at a hearing concerned with hyperlinks in libel cases
  • Armstrong Watson v Persons Unknown [2023] WHC 762 (KB), [2023] 4 WLR 41 for the Claimant company on a data breach injunction application involving allegations of blackmail;
  • Pendragon plc v Persons Unknown [2022] EWHC 2985 (KB), for the Claimant company on a data breach injunction application involving allegations of blackmail leading Ben Hamer;
  • BW Legal Services Ltd v Glassdoor Inc [2022] EWHC 979 (QB), for the Defendant in a Norwich Pharmacal claim establishing that service had not been properly effected here and an exclusive jurisdiction clause was engaged, leading Andrew Feld of 20 Essex;
  • Ince Group plc v Person(s) Unknown [2022] EWHC 808 (QB), for the Claimant company on a data breach injunction application involving allegations of blackmail, leading Felicity McMahon;
  • V v Persons Unknown, 2021-2, for the Claimant company on a data breach injunction application involving allegations of blackmail, leading Clara Hamer;
  • N v Persons Unknown,  2021, for the Claimants on a data breach injunction application involving allegations of blackmail, leading Felicity McMahon;
  • O v N, 2021 for the Claimant companies on a commercial breach of confidence injunction application concerned with customer lists, leading Chloe Strong;
  • Santi v Santi [2021] EWHC 388 (QB) for the Claimant on a breach of confidence and misuse of private information injunction application in the context of a marital breakdown;
  • Wan-Bissaka v Bentley [2020] EWHC 3640 (QB) for the Claimant on a misuse of private information and harassment injunction application leading Luke Browne;
  • City Football Group Ltd v T, 24 February 2020 for the Claimant on a commercial breach of confidence case leading Victoria Jolliffe;
  • Re Al M (Factfinding) [2019] EWHC 3415 (QB); Re Al M (Publication) [2020] EWHC 122 Fam; Re Al M (Assurances and Waivers) [2020] EWHC 67 (Fam), junior counsel on publication and privacy issues for the Applicant at first instance, led by Desmond Browne CBE KC, in these high-profile family proceedings between HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum v HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein;
  • SOJ v JAO  [2019] EWHC 2569, for the Claimant obtaining an interim injunction in misuse of private information involving allegations of blackmail.
  • PML v Persons Unknown [2018] EWHC 838 and Clarkson v Persons Unknown [2018] EWHC 417, obtaining injunctions in breach of confidence for the Claimant companies that suffered similar data breaches and had been the subject of blackmail threats, included novel derogations from open justice relied upon in later cases;
  • NPV v QEL [2018] EWHC 703, for the Claimant on a misuse of private information injunction application involving blackmail;
  • Bains v Moore [2017] EWHC 242, for the Defendant, K2, a firm of private investigators, led by Desmond Browne CBE KC, in a long-running breach of confidence, data protection and misuse of private information claim (now settled) including two hearings on Norwich Pharmacal relief and disclosure;
  • Blue v Ashley [2017] EWHC 1553 (Comm), for the Defendant opposing an application by publishers of The Times for disclosure of witness statements before trial;
  • Cheshire West & Chester Council v Pickthall [2015] EWHC 2141 (QB), for the Claimants obtaining an interim injunction to prevent the Defendant harassing the Claimants and others through the publication of allegations of criminality and abusive remarks. Subsequent hearings on summary judgment and committal for contempt of court.

Adam was junior Counsel for the Telegraph at the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the British Press and one of four panel counsel for applicants on the News International Voicemail Interception Compensation Scheme.

He is a contributor to the first three editions of The Law of Privacy and the Media and the joint editor of the fourth edition with Professor Nicole Moreham. He is also a contributing editor of several editions of Gatley on Libel and Slander. He regularly speaks and writes on media law issues.

Adam is public access accredited.

Called

1999 Called to the Bar of England and Wales
2020 Silk

Education

Bristol University (BA History (Hons): First Class) - 1994-1997
Common Professional Examination at College of Law, London - 1997-1998
Inns of Court School of Law (Bar Finals: Very competent) - 1998-1999

Qualifications


Areas of work

Defamation and Malicious Falsehood
Privacy and Confidence
Harassment
Human Rights
Data Protection and Information Law
Injunctive Relief
Pre-publication Advice
Reporting the Courts and Contempt
Blackmail

Testimonials

Recommended in the leading directories as a specialist defamation and privacy junior. 

Adam has an excellent grasp of the law, exhibiting a calm authority. He has excelled since taking silk and is a go-to counsel.”

An excellent strategist: he reads cases and court rooms brilliantly.”

[Legal 500 2024]

“A very experienced, solid and committed junior, and a pleasure to work with.”

He’s very client-friendly and bright, and is a tough opponent.”

[Chambers & Partners 2020]

Star individual in defamation and privacy

[Chambers & Partners 2019]

a “cool, calm favourite” 

a “brilliant strategist”

very good on the law and well able to take on senior silks.

[Legal 500]

He is straight-talking, accessible and a safe pair of hands.” “He’s incredibly user-friendly, hard-working and a delight to work with. He has a forensic knowledge of the facts.” “He is phenomenally bright and really at the top of his game.

[Chambers and Partners 2016]

Jointly short-listed (with Adrienne Page KC and Richard Osborne, then of SJ Cornish) for Liberty/Justice Human Rights Lawyer of the Year 2003 for his role as junior Counsel to the Claimants in the 79 day trial Lillie & Reed v Newcastle City Council [2002] EWHC 1600 where Eady J said, “Had it not been for the introduction of [conditional] fee arrangements a few years ago, and the courage and dogged determination of their various legal advisers…. a significant injustice would.. have gone unnoticed”

 

Memberships

Bencher of Middle Temple since 2023
Justice


Featured cases

Simon v Lyder

[2019] UKPC 38 29/07/2019

Pinard-Byrne v Linton

[2015] UKPC 41 12/10/2015

DSM SFG Group Holdings Limited v Kelly

[2019] EWCA Civ 2256 19/12/2019

Mionis v Democratic Press SA

[2014] EWHC 4104 (QB) 04/12/2014

Richard Burgon MP v News Group Newspapers Limited and Thomas Newton Dunn

[2019] EWHC 195 (QB) 06/02/2019

Thompson v James and Carmarthenshire County Council

[2013] EWHC 515 (QB) 15/03/2013

Cheshire West and Chester Council v Pickthall

[2015] EWHC 2141 (QB) 23/07/2015

All cases

Defamation and Malicious Falsehood

BW Legal Services Limited v Glassdoor Inc

[2022] EWHC 979 (QB) 29/04/2022

Ashley v Times Newspapers Limited

[2021] EWHC 2082 (QB) 23/07/2021

Greenstein v Campaign Against Antisemitism

[2021] EWCA Civ 1006 09/07/2021

Greenstein v Campaign against Antisemitism

[2020] EWHC 2951 13/11/2020

Simon v Lyder

[2019] UKPC 38 29/07/2019

Greenstein v Campaign against Antisemitism

[2019] EWHC 281 (QB) 15/02/2019

Poulter v Times Newspapers Limited

[2018] EWHC 3900 (QB) 17/12/2018

Mionis v Democratic Press SA and others

[2017] EWCA Civ 1194 01/08/2017

Flymenow Limited v Quick Air Jet Charter GmbH

[2016] EWHC 3197 (QB) 16/12/2016

Mohamed Ali Harrath v (1) Stand for Peace Ltd (2) Samuel Westrop

[2016] EWHC 665 06/04/2016

Hiranandani-Vandrevala v Times Newspapers Limited

[2016] EWHC 250 (QB) 12/02/2016

Abdel-Bari v Nottingham University NHS Trust

[2016] EWHC 154 (QB) 29/01/2016

Pinard-Byrne v Linton

[2015] UKPC 41 12/10/2015

Mionis v Democratic Press SA

[2014] EWHC 4104 (QB) 04/12/2014

Crawford v Jenkins

[2014] EWCA Civ 1035 24/07/2014

Thompson v James

[2014] EWCA Civ 600 14/05/2014

Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd (CA)

[2014] EWCA Civ 39 24/01/2014

Thompson v James and Carmarthenshire County Council

[2013] EWHC 515 (QB) 15/03/2013

Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd

[2012] EWHC 3721 (QB) 21/12/2012

Qadir v Associated Newspapers Ltd

[2012] EWHC 2606 (QB); [2013] EMLR 15 05/10/2012

Foley & Others v Lord Ashcroft

[2012] EWCA Civ 423; [2012] EMLR 25 04/04/2012

Dominic Raab MP v Associated Newspapers Ltd

[2011] EWHC 3375 (QB) 15/12/2011

Miller v Associated Newspapers Limited (No 2)

[2011] EWHC 2677 (QB) 11/11/2011

Modi & IMG v Clarke

[2011] EWCA Civ 937 29/07/2011

Wright v Caan

[2011] EWHC 1978 (QB) 27/07/2011

Ashcroft v Foley (No 2)

[2011] EWHC 1710 (QB); [2011] EMLR 30 01/07/2011

Modi v Clarke; IMG v Clarke

[2011] EWHC 1324 (QB) 24/05/2011

Ashcroft v Foley

[2011] EWHC 292 (QB) 17/02/2011

Ronaldo v Telegraph Media Limited

[2010] EWHC 2719 (QB) 27/10/2010

Peacock v MGN Ltd (Costs)

[2010] EWHC 90174 (Costs) 30/07/2010

Mireskandari v Associated Newspapers Limited (No 3)

[2010] EWHC 967 (QB) 04/05/2010

Miller v Associated Newspapers Limited

[2010] EWHC 700 31/03/2010

Mireskandari v Associated Newspapers Ltd (No 2)

[2010] EWHC 527 (QB) 19/02/2010

Ronaldo v Mirror Group Newsapers Ltd; Ronaldo v Telegraph Media Group Ltd

[2009] EWHC 2862 (QB) 14/10/2009

Bloom v Robinson-Millar

07/10/2009 07/10/2009

Marathon Mutual Ltd & Anor v Waters & Anor

[2009] EWHC 1931 (QB), [2009] All ER (D) 06 (Aug) 31/07/2009

Peacock v MGN Ltd

[2009] EWHC 769 (QB) 08/04/2009

Wakefield v Ford & Anor

[2009] EWHC 122 (QB) 29/01/2009

Tycon Energy Corp v The Motley Fool Limited

Unreported, 9 December 2008 09/12/2008

Mireskandari v Associated Newspapers Ltd

19/11/2008 19/11/2008

Apsion v The Bar Standards Board

D2006/098&099 10/10/2008

Charman v Orion Publishing Group & others (No.3) (CA)

[2007] EWCA Civ 972; [2008] 1 AllER 750 11/10/2007

Sunderland Housing Company & another v Baines & others

[2006] EWHC 2359 (QB) 26/07/2006

Charman v Orion Publishing Group & others (No.3)

[2006] EWHC 1756 (QB); [2007] 1 All ER 622 13/07/2006

Loughton Contracts Plc v Dun & Bradstreet Ltd

[2006] EWHC 1224 (QB) 25/05/2006

Mahfouz and another v Brisard & another

[2006] EWHC 1191 (QB) 25/05/2006

Al Amoudi v Brisard & Another

[2006] EWHC 1062 (QB); [2007] 1 WLR 113; [2006] 3 All ER 294 16/05/2006

Ascension Securities Limited v The Motley Fool Limited

[2005] EWHC 3064 (Ch) 06/12/2005

Mahfouz and another v Brisard and another

[2005] All ER (D) 174 (Sep) 30/09/2005

Georgallides v Etzin

12/07/2005 12/07/2005

Charman v Orion Publishing Group & others

17/06/2005 17/06/2005

Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd (No.4)

[2005] EWHC 773 (QB) 22/04/2005

Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd (No.3)

[2005] EWHC 557 (QB) 08/04/2005

Matadeen v Associated Newspapers Ltd

17/03/2005 17/03/2005

Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd (No.2)

[2005] EWHC 21 (QB) 18/01/2005

Blake v Associated Newspapers Limited

[2003] EWHC 1960 (QB) 31/07/2003

Stallwood & Stallwood v Smith

01/07/2003 01/07/2003

Sharma v Jay & Others

15/04/2003 15/04/2003

Lillie & Reed v Newcastle City Council & Others (No.2)

[2002] EWHC 1600 (QB) 30/07/2002

Lillie & Reed v Newcastle City Council & others

[2002] EWHC 252 (QB) 07/02/2002

Privacy and Confidence

Bermuda Press (Holdings) Limited v Tamine

[2023] CA (Bda) 28 Civ 20/12/2023

Pendragon Plc v Person(s) Unknown

[2022] EWHC 2985 (KB) 24/11/2022

Guardian News & Media v The Executor of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (deceased) & Her Majesty’s Attorney-General

[2022] EWCA Civ 1081 06/09/2022

The Ince Group plc v Person(s) Unknown

[2022] EWHC 808 (QB) 22/11/2022

Wan-Bissaka & Anor v Bentley

[2020] EWHC 3640 (QB) 22/01/2021

Greenstein v Campaign against Antisemitism

[2020] EWHC 2951 13/11/2020

DSM SFG Group Holdings Limited v Kelly

[2019] EWCA Civ 2256 19/12/2019

SOJ v JAO

[2019] EWHC 2569 (QB) 02/12/2019

PML v Person(s) Unknown

[2018] EWHC 838 (QB) 17/04/2018

NPV v QEL & ZED

[2018] EWHC 703 (QB) 17/04/2018

AXB v BXA

[2018] EWHC 588 (QB) 22/03/2018

Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown

[2018] EWHC 417 (QB) 06/03/2018

Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown

ex tempore 14/12/2017

Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Limited & another

[2017] EWCA Civ 950 07/07/2017

Blue v Ashley v Times Newspapers Limited

[2017] EWHC 1553 (Comm) 26/06/2017

Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Ltd, Maiya Keidan & Persons Unknown

[2017] EWHC 644 (QB) 28/03/2017

Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi

[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017

PJS v News Group Newspapers Ltd (SC)

[2016] UKSC 26 19/05/2016

PJS v News Group Newspapers (2)

[2016] EWCA Civ 393 18/04/2016

Mahmood v BBC

[2014] EWCA Civ 1567 11/11/2014

Abbey v Gilligan

[2012] EWHC 3217 (QB) 20/11/2012

RJA v AJR

22/03/2011

Harassment

Wan-Bissaka & Anor v Bentley

[2020] EWHC 3640 (QB) 22/01/2021

DSM SFG Group Holdings Limited v Kelly

[2019] EWCA Civ 2256 19/12/2019

SOJ v JAO

[2019] EWHC 2569 (QB) 02/12/2019

PML v Person(s) Unknown

[2018] EWHC 838 (QB) 17/04/2018

NPV v QEL & ZED

[2018] EWHC 703 (QB) 17/04/2018

Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown

[2018] EWHC 417 (QB) 06/03/2018

Monarch Airlines Ltd v Yaqub

unreported 15/03/2016

Cheshire West and Chester Council v Pickthall

[2015] EWHC 2141 (QB) 23/07/2015

Crawford v Jenkins

[2014] EWCA Civ 1035 24/07/2014

Thompson v James

[2014] EWCA Civ 600 14/05/2014

Thompson v James and Carmarthenshire County Council

[2013] EWHC 515 (QB) 15/03/2013

RJA v AJR

22/03/2011

Bloom v Robinson-Millar

07/10/2009 07/10/2009

Sunderland Housing Company & another v Baines & others

[2006] EWHC 2359 (QB) 26/07/2006

Georgallides v Etzin

12/07/2005 12/07/2005

Sharma v Jay & Others

15/04/2003 15/04/2003

Blackmail

Pendragon Plc v Person(s) Unknown

[2022] EWHC 2985 (KB) 24/11/2022

The Ince Group plc v Person(s) Unknown

[2022] EWHC 808 (QB) 22/11/2022

SOJ v JAO

[2019] EWHC 2569 (QB) 02/12/2019

PML v Person(s) Unknown

[2018] EWHC 838 (QB) 17/04/2018

NPV v QEL & ZED

[2018] EWHC 703 (QB) 17/04/2018

Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown

[2018] EWHC 417 (QB) 06/03/2018

Reporting the Courts and Contempt

Guardian News & Media v The Executor of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (deceased) & Her Majesty’s Attorney-General

[2022] EWCA Civ 1081 06/09/2022

Galloway v Ali-Khan

[2018] EWHC 780 (QB) 20/04/2018

Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown

[2018] EWHC 417 (QB) 06/03/2018

Blue v Ashley v Times Newspapers Limited

[2017] EWHC 1553 (Comm) 26/06/2017

Rhodes (previously “MLA”) v OPO

[2015] UKSC 32 20/05/2015

Mionis v Democratic Press SA

[2014] EWHC 4104 (QB) 04/12/2014

Qadir v Associated Newspapers Ltd

[2012] EWHC 2606 (QB); [2013] EMLR 15 05/10/2012

Injunctive Relief

Pendragon Plc v Person(s) Unknown

[2022] EWHC 2985 (KB) 24/11/2022

The Ince Group plc v Person(s) Unknown

[2022] EWHC 808 (QB) 22/11/2022

Wan-Bissaka & Anor v Bentley

[2020] EWHC 3640 (QB) 22/01/2021

DSM SFG Group Holdings Limited v Kelly

[2019] EWCA Civ 2256 19/12/2019

SOJ v JAO

[2019] EWHC 2569 (QB) 02/12/2019

PML v Person(s) Unknown

[2018] EWHC 838 (QB) 17/04/2018

NPV v QEL & ZED

[2018] EWHC 703 (QB) 17/04/2018

Galloway v Ali-Khan

[2018] EWHC 780 (QB) 20/04/2018

AXB v BXA

[2018] EWHC 588 (QB) 22/03/2018

Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown

[2018] EWHC 417 (QB) 06/03/2018

Clarkson Plc v Person or Persons Unknown

ex tempore 14/12/2017

Mionis v Democratic Press SA and others

[2017] EWCA Civ 1194 01/08/2017

Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Limited & another

[2017] EWCA Civ 950 07/07/2017

Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Ltd, Maiya Keidan & Persons Unknown

[2017] EWHC 644 (QB) 28/03/2017

Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi

[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017

PJS v News Group Newspapers Ltd (SC)

[2016] UKSC 26 19/05/2016

PJS v News Group Newspapers (2)

[2016] EWCA Civ 393 18/04/2016

Monarch Airlines Ltd v Yaqub

unreported 15/03/2016

Cheshire West and Chester Council v Pickthall

[2015] EWHC 2141 (QB) 23/07/2015

Rhodes (previously “MLA”) v OPO

[2015] UKSC 32 20/05/2015

Mionis v Democratic Press SA

[2014] EWHC 4104 (QB) 04/12/2014

Mahmood v BBC

[2014] EWCA Civ 1567 11/11/2014

Bloom v Robinson-Millar

07/10/2009 07/10/2009

Sunderland Housing Company & another v Baines & others

[2006] EWHC 2359 (QB) 26/07/2006

Ascension Securities Limited v The Motley Fool Limited

[2005] EWHC 3064 (Ch) 06/12/2005

Georgallides v Etzin

12/07/2005 12/07/2005

Data Protection and Information Law

Greenstein v Campaign against Antisemitism

[2020] EWHC 2951 13/11/2020

SOJ v JAO

[2019] EWHC 2569 (QB) 02/12/2019

Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi

[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017

Hiranandani-Vandrevala v Times Newspapers Limited

[2016] EWHC 250 (QB) 12/02/2016

Abdel-Bari v Nottingham University NHS Trust

[2016] EWHC 154 (QB) 29/01/2016

Tycon Energy Corp v The Motley Fool Limited

Unreported, 9 December 2008 09/12/2008

Sunderland Housing Company & another v Baines & others

[2006] EWHC 2359 (QB) 26/07/2006

General Common Law

BW Legal Services Limited v Glassdoor Inc

[2022] EWHC 979 (QB) 29/04/2022

Greenstein v Campaign Against Antisemitism

[2021] EWCA Civ 1006 09/07/2021

DSM SFG Group Holdings Limited v Kelly

[2019] EWCA Civ 2256 19/12/2019

Mionis v Democratic Press SA and others

[2017] EWCA Civ 1194 01/08/2017

Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP v Reuters Limited & another

[2017] EWCA Civ 950 07/07/2017

Blue v Ashley v Times Newspapers Limited

[2017] EWHC 1553 (Comm) 26/06/2017

Bains, Kazan-Allen & VNP v Moore, K2 Intelligence Ltd & Bigazzi

[2017] EWHC 242 (QB) 14/02/2017

Monarch Airlines Ltd v Yaqub

unreported 15/03/2016

Abdel-Bari v Nottingham University NHS Trust

[2016] EWHC 154 (QB) 29/01/2016

Cheshire West and Chester Council v Pickthall

[2015] EWHC 2141 (QB) 23/07/2015

Rhodes (previously “MLA”) v OPO

[2015] UKSC 32 20/05/2015

Mionis v Democratic Press SA

[2014] EWHC 4104 (QB) 04/12/2014

Crawford v Jenkins

[2014] EWCA Civ 1035 24/07/2014

Thompson v James

[2014] EWCA Civ 600 14/05/2014

Mireskandari v Associated Newspapers Limited (No 3)

[2010] EWHC 967 (QB) 04/05/2010

Wakefield v Ford & Anor

[2009] EWHC 122 (QB) 29/01/2009

Tycon Energy Corp v The Motley Fool Limited

Unreported, 9 December 2008 09/12/2008

Ascension Securities Limited v The Motley Fool Limited

[2005] EWHC 3064 (Ch) 06/12/2005

Georgallides v Etzin

12/07/2005 12/07/2005

Sharma v Jay & Others

15/04/2003 15/04/2003

5RB Talks

5RB talks - End of Trinity Term 2021

29 Jul 2021
With Adam Speker KC, Kate Wilson & Julian Santos

5RB talks - media and communications law lockdown update

23 Jul 2020
With Adam Speker KC, Felicity McMahon & Ben Gallop

5RB talks: 5RB Podcasts on Interim Injunctions

26 Apr 2018
With Desmond Browne CBE KC, Adam Speker KC & Alexandra Marzec

Articles

How to get a libel injunction

By Adam Speker KC. 10 Sep 2020

Recent Issues in Person Unknown cases

By Adam Speker KC. 5 Jun 2018

Restrictions on Media Communications in the Interests of Truth and Privacy

By Adam Speker KC. 19 Sep 2017

Protecting Public Officials and Corporates - Q&A

By Adam Speker KC. 7 Jul 2016

How much is too much? Privacy damages and phone-hacking

By Adam Speker KC. 29 Oct 2015

A Libel Revolution?

By Adam Speker KC. 14 Oct 2014

News-Gathering and the Protection from Harassment Act

By Adam Speker KC. 10 Apr 2014

Reynolds privilege and Jameel v Wall Street Journal

By Adam Speker KC. 24 Apr 2007

Publications

The Law of Privacy and the Media 3rd Edition

OUP
By Adam Speker KC. 22 Jan 2016

Clerk & Lindsell on Torts, 21st edition

Sweet & Maxwell
By Adam Speker KC. 4 Nov 2014

Gatley on Libel & Slander, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th editions

Sweet & Maxwell
By Adam Speker KC. 31 Dec 2013

Tugendhat & Christie: The Law of Privacy and the Media, Second Edition

Oxford University Press
By Adam Speker KC. 17 Mar 2011

The Law of Privacy and the Media

Oxford University Press
By Adam Speker KC. 17 Oct 2002

In 5RB News

20 Dec 2023

Bermuda CA dismisses injunction appeal

11 Dec 2023

5RB hosts Media Law Insight Evening for BVL students

5RB is a proud sponsor of BVL, a charity offering free legal educational and work experience opportunities to students aged between 16-18 who attend non-fee paying schools.

26 Oct 2023

Clarke v Guardian News & Media Ltd: Trial of Preliminary Issues

20 Oct 2023

5RB tops rankings in Chambers & Partners

5 Oct 2023

5RB named Tier 1 set in Defamation and privacy by The Legal 500

21 Jul 2023

Strike out judgment in Davidoff v Hargrave

4 Jul 2023

Davidoff v Hargrave trial of preliminary issues

14 Jun 2023

5RB supporting London Legal Walk 2023

7 Oct 2022

5RB named top set by The Legal 500

Directory rankings also released

20 Jul 2022

Appeal over exclusion of press from Prince Philip’s will court case

The Court of Appeal will decide whether reporters should have been permitted to attend the original hearing

12 Jul 2021

Claimant’s appeal dismissed in Greenstein v Campaign Against Antisemitism​

Judge was correct to strike out malice plea

3 Mar 2021

Mail pays libel damages to psychologist

ANL accepts that allegations about Dr Elly Hanson were untrue

17 Mar 2020

Adam Speker formally takes silk

10 Mar 2020

5RB plays major role in Al Maktoum v Al Hussein

CA upholds President's decision to allow publication of earlier judgments

29 Jul 2019

JCPC allows appeal in reference innuendo case

No neat answer to Grappelli/ Hayward conflict

18 Jun 2019

5RB at the London Legal Walk 2019

14 Jun 2019

JCPC to hear libel reference appeal

Court will consider long-standing innuendo conflict

21 Jun 2018

Foster carer settles anonymous letter claim

24Seven Fostering pays substantial damages and costs and gives undertaking

5 Jun 2018

Person Unknown cases

Adam Speker discusses recent issues

6 Feb 2018

5RB ‘stands above the competition’

Leaders and juniors praised in new edition of Who's Who Legal

11 Jan 2018

New defamation textbook publications

Gatley 2nd Supplement and 22nd Edition of Clerk & Lindsell on Torts

15 Dec 2017

Scottish Law Commission proposes defamation reforms

Report and Draft Bill on defamation law in Scotland published

2 Nov 2017

“The pre-eminent set”: Chambers UK

5RB and members recommended for Defamation & Privacy and Data Protection in 2018 Chambers UK Bar Guide

11 Oct 2017

5RB ‘dominates the field’ in Legal 500

Chambers and members recommended for Defamation & Privacy, Data Protection, and Media and Entertainment work in legal directory

20 Sep 2017

Middle Temple Visit to Washington DC

3 Members of 5RB speak on Media Law

19 Jun 2017

Hiranandani-Vandrevala makes statement in open court

Legal action against Sunday Times settled

18 May 2017

Timeshare Company wins Libel Damages

Awarded £175,000 general and special damages

14 Feb 2017

Council apologises for false abuse letter

Letter led to removal of Claimant's child

19 Dec 2016

FlyMeNow awarded ‘minimal’ damages

Defences of qualified privilege and justification fail but damages reduced to £10

21 Jul 2016

Cheshire West Contemnor Jailed

Judge activates suspended sentence

19 May 2016

5RB at the London Legal Walk 2016

£2,157.19 raised for LLSU, FRU and the Bar Pro Bono Unit

19 May 2016

Supreme Court upholds PJS injunction

Appeal allowed, injunction continued until trial

11 Apr 2016

5RB at the Big Voice London Moots

Adam Speker and Felicity McMahon act as judges

22 Jan 2016

New edition of The Law of Privacy and the Media published

Read an extract on Privacy, the Internet and Social Media

17 Jan 2016

New Supplement to Gatley published

The First Supplement to the 12th edition of Gatley on Libel and Slander has been published by Sweet & Maxwell

18 Dec 2015

Cheshire West defendant guilty of contempt

Judge orders 3 months imprisonment suspended for a year

19 Nov 2015

Summary Judgment in Cheshire West case

Holroyde J dismisses disclosure application and grants summary judgment

12 Oct 2015

Privy Council allows Reynolds appeal

Failure to investigate defamatory imputations fatal

20 May 2015

Supreme Court lifts OPO injunction

"Searing account" of musician's life can now be published

22 Apr 2015

Privy Council hears libel appeal

Board considers Reynolds defence

16 Jan 2015

OPO v MLA to begin in Supreme Court

Two day hearing begins Monday 19th January

9 Dec 2014

CQC apologises to Jill Finney

Pays damages and costs to settle libel action

19 Nov 2014

Adam Speker at #AvoidtheScandal

Kingsley Napley's: Everyone loves a scandal... But what if it's about you?

6 Nov 2014

Miller and Crawford: permission refused

Permission to Appeal dismissed by the Supreme Court in both cases

6 Nov 2014

21st Edition of Clerk & Lindsell on Torts out now

New edition includes Defamation chapter edited by Adam Speker and Felicity McMahon

31 Oct 2014

5RB tops Chambers & Partners 2015

Set and 19 barristers recommended in UK Bar Guide

3 Oct 2014

Chambers Bar Awards 2014

Adam Speker: Defamation & Privacy Junior of the Year

3 Oct 2014

Slander Action Settles

Former Parish Councillor apologises

24 Jul 2014

Witness Immunity Rule Extends to Harassment

CA rules that complaints to the police are immune from suit

20 May 2014

5RB at the London Legal Walk

Chambers team raised £2341.25

7 Jan 2014

New edition of Gatley on Libel and Slander out now

12th Ed published in December 2013

10 Oct 2013

New Criminal Practice Directions

Updated procedures on access to information held by the court

15 Mar 2013

Blogger loses libel claim against Council

Chief Executive awarded £25,000 damages for counter-claim

26 Feb 2013

PCC: no need for prominence in libel reports

Regulator rejects Ashcroft complaint

26 Nov 2012

Ashcroft cleared of corruption links

Indy's former publisher apologises in court

8 Oct 2012

Mail on Sunday report privilege fails

Judge rules court report articles 'not for the public benefit' and malicious

21 May 2012

Leveson Inquiry

Availability of 5RB counsel

18 Mar 2012

Mail on Sunday apologises to MP

Allegations of sexist bullying withdrawn

20 Jan 2012

Leveson challenge dismissed

Administrative Court upholds anonymous evidence decision

10 Nov 2011

Leveson Inquiry Starts

Inquiry into press ethics: opening submissions

28 Oct 2011

5RB tops Chambers and Partners 2012

Adam Wolanski wins Defamation and Privacy Junior Barrister of the Year

27 Sep 2011

‘Truly experts’

The Legal 500 review 2012

17 Mar 2011

New edition of privacy book published

Second edition of Tugendhat & Christie: The Law of Privacy and the Media published

1 Mar 2011

Sikh leader’s appeal dismissed

Libel claimant failed to lodge £250,000 security

1 Feb 2011

Sikh sect leader ordered to pay £250,000 security

Journalist obtains order ahead of appeal

30 Nov 2010

New Supplement to Gatley published

The First Supplement to the 11th edition of Gatley on Libel and Slander has been published by Sweet & Maxwell

12 Nov 2010

Sun apologises for body scanner libel

Security man accepts £45,000 compensation

8 Nov 2010

Ronaldo wins libel damages

Footballer also receives apology and costs in full for Telegraph story

5 Nov 2010

5RB tops directory ranking

Chambers & Partners 2011 edition praises set

27 Apr 2010

Doctor accepts substantial libel damages

Newspaper apologises for untrue front page terrorism allegations

12 Jan 2010

Peaches accepts libel damages

Daily Star apologises to Peaches Geldof for 'prostitute' claim

17 Nov 2009

Peacock settles libel action

MGN pays damages over Celebs on Sunday article

9 Nov 2009

Ronaldo accepts libel damages

Mirror Group admits footballer was not 'on the lash' in LA and settles claim

7 Oct 2009

Accountant wins £30,000 damages for libel and harassment

Neighbour's conduct was obsessive and irrational

24 Sep 2009

5RB’s juniors: the Legal 500 verdict

What the legal directory had to say about 5RB's junior barristers

30 Jul 2009

Jacob Zuma wins libel damages

Guardian makes unqualified offer of amends to President of South Africa

15 May 2009

Injunction application hit for six

Judge allows cricket to continue on village green

24 Nov 2008

Accountant wins ‘IVA Council’ claim

Insolvency practitioner obtains apology and damages over mis-selling allegations

21 Nov 2008

New edition of Gatley out soon

11th edition of leading practitioner's text on libel and slander on sale in December

20 Jun 2008

Ronaldo wins ‘text message’ damages

Manchester United star accepts apology and libel damages over Sun story

4 Apr 2008

Largest damages yet for internet libel

Social housing firm and CEO receive total of £119,000

19 Mar 2008

Adelson accepts apology, damages

Associated Newspapers apologises to US entrepreneur and settles libel claim

13 Feb 2008

Danish newspaper apologises to bank

Anglo-Icelandic bank accepts libel damages for internet publications

22 Jan 2008

New York to fight ‘libel tourism’

Proposed legislation to prevent enforcement of foreign libel judgments

27 Nov 2007

Gatley Supplement now on sale

Leading defamation practitioners' text now fully updated

8 Nov 2007

5RB tops Chambers & Partners review

20 Barristers rated and recommended in the new annual survey

11 Oct 2007

Author succeeds on Reynolds Appeal

Court of Appeal vindicates journalist and dismisses libel claim brought by former Flying Squad officer

20 Sep 2007

5RB tops Legal 500

20 Barristers rated and recommended in Defamation, Privacy, Intellectual Property, Sport and Media & Entertainment Law

28 Jun 2007

Damages for trio cleared of murder

Chief Constable accepts innocence in malicious prosecution settlement

24 Oct 2006

5RB tops Chambers & Partners review

Nineteen barristers recommended in Annual Survey

27 Sep 2006

5RB tops Legal 500 survey

Twenty barristers recommended across core practice areas

24 Nov 2005

New media law titles available

New edition of Arlidge, Eady & Smith on Contempt; new Supplements to Gatley and The Law of Privacy & The Media

24 Oct 2005

Chambers’ Review: 5RB top again

20 barristers recommended for Media, Entertainment, Defamation, Privacy, Intellectual Property & Sports Law

21 Sep 2005

5RB tops annual Legal 500 Review

17 barristers named as leaders in their field

15 Sep 2005

London hosts MLRC Conference

5RB's Desmond Browne QC to participate in worldwide media law event

22 Apr 2005

Indemnity costs in police libel case

Claimant faces enormous costs bill following failure to accept payment in

8 Apr 2005

Court dismisses police claim for libel

Police failures led to the wrongful arrest of the Hamiltons

17 Mar 2005

First defamation costs capping order

Queen's Bench Master grants cost-capping Order against CFA funded Claimant

24 Feb 2005

Hamilton ‘rape’ claims in new trial

Libel trial over police investigation of false allegations

5 Nov 2004

5RB top in Chambers & Partners Review

Seventeen 5RB members ranked

21 Oct 2004

Global acclaim for Gatley

10th edition is 'the definitive work'

13 Jul 2004

Law Commission Report on Local Authority Inquiries

Lillie & Reed case prompts defamation law reform proposals