Jacob specialises in defamation, privacy, data protection and reporting restrictions.
Recommended as a Band 1 leading junior by both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500, his recent cases include Mueen-Uddin v Home Secretary [2024] UKSC 21 (libel; GDPR; Jameel and Hunter abuse) WFZ v BBC [2024] EWHC 376 (privacy; contempt; collateral use of witness statements), Taylor v Evans v Murphy [2023] EWHC 935 (conspiracy to injure; breach of confidence; GDPR, unincorporated associations) and Fearn v Tate [2022] UKSC 4 (privacy; private nuisance).
His defendant clients have included national and local newspaper groups and television channels, book and magazine publishers, film, television and theatre production companies, and public authorities including several major police forces.
His claimant clients have included doctors, vets, solicitors, barristers, politicians, trade union, charitable and religious leaders and individuals from the worlds of sport, entertainment, finance, advertising and business
In the field of sports law and professional discipline he represents both sporting and disciplinary bodies and the participants and professionals subject to the jurisdiction of such bodies. He has provided advice and representation in relation to disciplinary and licensing matters, internal appeals and challenges to the decisions of professional bodies in Court.
Other significant recent and ongoing instructions include:
- Series of applications in the Family Division concerning the reporting of high value divorce proceedings and criminal proceedings
- Several Data Protection claims against major public bodies
- Acting for various police forces in privacy claims and data protection claims arising out of Operation Elveden
Called
1995 Called to the Bar of England and Wales
Education
New College, Oxford (PPE: First Class Honours) - 1989 - 1992
City University, London (CPE: Distinction) - 1993 - 1994
Bar Finals (Inner Temple Major Scholar) - 1994 - 1995
Areas of work
Defamation and Malicious Falsehood
Privacy and Confidence
Data Protection and Information Law
Harassment
Injunctive Relief
Pre-publication Advice
Reporting the Courts and Contempt
Testimonials
“Extremely client-friendly, fiercely intelligent and a good strategist. A truly excellent practitioner who one would trust with a variety of matters.” Legal 500 2024, Defamation & Privacy
“An assured advocate who knows the law inside out.” Legal 500 2024, Data Protection
“Extremely experienced and strategically brilliant. He provides clear legal advice.” “A go-to barrister on tricky media issues, and a great choice for publication injunctions.” Chambers & Partners 2020, Defamation & Privacy
“His pleadings are top-notch, he has an incredible eye for detail and he’s a pleasure to work with.” “Very good on paper, and very clear and precise.”
Chambers & Partners 2020, Data Protection
“His cross examination (before a jury) was confident, well planned and effectively executed, and led to the abandonment of the claim before he opened the defence and an order for indemnity costs in our favour.” Daniel Moss, Partner, E. Rex Makin & Co
“Superb at all aspects of media law.” “Exceptionally bright and has first class judgment.” Legal 500 2016
“very impressive on data protection … a sought-after advocate”; “a real ability to get to the heart of a case”; “very effective”: Chambers & Partners 2016
“an authoritative advocate” “an outstanding adviser, who is excellent with clients” Chambers & Partners 2015
“A hugely respected figure who has a broad defamation and privacy practice, and is especially praised for his expertise on matters with an online component. “Very tenacious and focussed.” “He’s an authoritative advocate who is great on the detail. He offers sage advice.” Chambers & Partners 2014
“a genuinely authoritative advocate” Chambers & Partners 2013
“Well regarded and wide ranging in experience, leading junior Jacob Dean is praised for his straightforward approach and for his manner with clients.”Chambers and Partners 2011
‘top-notch junior’ Legal 500 2011 Defamation and Privacy
“Jacob Dean is ‘an extraordinarily fine barrister – he’s one of the brightest, a joy to work with and someone who commands respect as an advocate.'” Chambers & Partners 2010
“Jacob Dean … is valued by sports clients for his expertise. particularly in horseracing.” Chambers & Partners 2010
“Clients describe him as ‘a joy to work with and terrific on his feet.'” Chambers & Partners 2008
Memberships
TIPLO
Bar European Group
British Association for Sport and Law
Featured cases
Rhodes (previously "MLA") v OPO
[2015] UKSC 32 20/05/2015
Ames & anor v The Spamhaus Project Ltd & anor
[2015] EWHC 127 (QB) 27/01/2015
Niall Horan v Express Newspapers
[2015] EWHC 3550 07/12/2015
Appleton v Gallagher
[2015] EWHC 2689 (Fam) 28/09/2015
All cases
Defamation and Malicious Falsehood
Mueen-Uddin v SSHD
[2024] UKSC 21 20/06/2024
Chishti v Spottiswoode & Ors
[2023] EWHC 1808 (KB) 24/07/2023
Tinkler v Ferguson & others
[2021] EWCA Civ 18 04/02/2021
Tinkler v Ferguson & Ors
[2020] EWHC 1467 (QB) 08/06/2020
Nugent v Willers
[2019] UKPC 1 17/01/2019
LJY v Persons Unknown
[2017] EWHC 3230 (QB) 21/01/2020
Brown v Bower & Another
[2017] EWHC 2637 (QB) 31/10/2017
Nick Brown v (1) Tom Bower & (2) Faber & Faber Limited
[2017] EWHC 1388 19/06/2017
Mohamed Ali Harrath v (1) Stand for Peace Limited & (2) Samuel Westrop
[2017] EWHC 653 (QB) 30/03/2017
Mohamed Ali Harrath v (1) Stand for Peace Ltd (2) Samuel Westrop
[2016] EWHC 665 06/04/2016
Niall Horan v Express Newspapers
[2015] EWHC 3550 07/12/2015
Weston v Bates & Leeds United Football Club
[2015] EWHC 3070 (QB) 11/11/2015
Ames & anor v The Spamhaus Project Ltd & anor
[2015] EWHC 127 (QB) 27/01/2015
Donovan v Gibbons
[2014] EWHC 3406 21/10/2014
Hannon v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2014] EWHC 1580 (Ch) 16/05/2014
Johnston v League Publications Ltd
[2014] EWHC 874 (QB) 26/03/2014
Fox v Boulter (disclosure)
[2013] EWHC 4012 (QB) 18/12/2013
Subotic v Knezevic
[2013] EWHC 3011 14/10/2013
McCann v Bennett
[2013] EWHC 283 (QB); [2013] EWHC 332 (QB) 25/02/2013
Mark Lewis v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis
[2012] EWHC 1391 (QB) 25/05/2012
Weston v Bates
[2012] EWHC 590 15/03/2012
Spelman v Express Newspapers (No. 2)
[2012] EWHC 355 (QB) 24/02/2012
Spelman v Express Newspapers (No.1)
[2012] EWHC 239 14/02/2012
Lewis v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis
[2011] EWHC 781 (QB) 31/03/2011
Dee v Telegraph Media Group Ltd
[2009] EWHC 2546 (QB) 19/10/2009
Levi v Bates
[2009] EWHC 1495 (QB) 02/07/2009
Noorani v Calver (No 2 Costs)
[2009] EWHC 592 (QB) 25/03/2009
Noorani v Calver (No 1)
[2009] EWHC 561 (QB) 17/03/2009
Blackwell v Bates & Ors
[2007] EWHC 3098 (QB) 21/12/2007
Ghannouchi v Al Arabiya News Channel FZ-LLC
08/11/2007 08/11/2007
Wakefield v Channel Four Television & Others (No.3)
[2006] EWHC 3289 (QB); [2007] 94 BMLR 1 21/12/2006
High Tech International AG & Others v Deripaska
[2006] EWHC 3276 (QB); [2007] EMLR 449 20/12/2006
Jameel & Another v Wall Street Journal Europe (No.2) (HL)
[2006] UKHL 44; [2007] 1 AC 359; [2006] 3 WLR 642; [2006] 4 All ER 1279; [2007] EMLR 14; (2007) Bus LR 291; (2006) HRLR 41; The Times, 12 October 2006; The Independent, 17 October 2006 11/10/2006
Henry v BBC (No.2)
[2005] EWHC 2787 (QB) 02/12/2005
Henry v BBC
[2005] EWHC 2503 (QB); [2006] 1 All ER 154 11/11/2005
Campbell-James v Guardian Media Group plc
[2005] EWHC 893 (QB); [2005] EMLR 542 12/05/2005
Powell v Boladz & others
[2003] EWHC 2160 (QB) 19/09/2003
Maris & Others v Walsh
[2003] EWHC 1417 (QB) 11/06/2003
MacIntyre v Phillips
[2002] EWCA Civ 1087; [2003] EMLR 194 24/07/2002
Wallis v Valentine
[2002] EWCA Civ 1034; [2003] EMLR 175 18/07/2002
Kinch v Associated Newspapers Ltd
[2002] EWHC 1020 (QB) 29/04/2002
Service Corporation International plc & Anor v Channel Four Television & Anor
[1999] EMLR 83 12/05/1998
Privacy and Confidence
LJY v Persons Unknown
[2017] EWHC 3230 (QB) 21/01/2020
YXB v TNO
[2015] EWHC 826 (QB) 25/03/2015
OPO (a child by BHM his litigation friend) v MLA
[2014] EWCA Civ 1277 09/10/2014
Hannon v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2014] EWHC 1580 (Ch) 16/05/2014
Ambrosiadou v Coward
[2013] EWHC 58 25/01/2013
Levi v Bates
1LS50081 07/06/2012
Contostavlos v Mendahun
[2012] EWHC 850 (QB) 30/03/2012
Giggs (previously known as CTB) v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2012] EWHC 431 (QB) 02/03/2012
Spelman v Express Newspapers (No. 2)
[2012] EWHC 355 (QB) 24/02/2012
Spelman v Express Newspapers (No.1)
[2012] EWHC 239 14/02/2012
Hutcheson v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2011] EWCA Civ 808; [2012] EMLR 2; [2012] UKHRR 1329 19/07/2011
Ambrosiadou v Coward (CA)
[2011] EWCA Civ 409 12/04/2011
ABC Ltd v Y
[2010] EWHC 3176 (Ch); [2011] 4 All ER 113 06/12/2010
KGM v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2010] EWHC 3145 (QB) 01/12/2010
Martin v Channel Four Television Corporation & Others
[2009] EWHC 2788 (QB) 06/11/2009
Covance Laboratories Inc v PETA Europe Ltd
16/06/2005 17/06/2005
Maris & Others v Walsh
[2003] EWHC 1417 (QB) 11/06/2003
Tolkien v Birmingham Sunday Mercury
24/05/2003 24/05/2003
Jockey Club v Buffham
[2002] EWHC 1866 (QB); [2003] QB 462; [2003] 2 WLR 178; [2003] EMLR 111 12/09/2002
Service Corp International plc & Anor v Channel Four Television Corp & Anor
[1999] EMLR 83 11/05/1999
Service Corporation International plc & Anor v Channel Four Television & Anor
[1999] EMLR 83 12/05/1998
Harassment
LJY v Persons Unknown
[2017] EWHC 3230 (QB) 21/01/2020
Levi v Bates (CA)
[2015] EWCA Civ 206 12/03/2015
Levi v Bates
1LS50081 07/06/2012
Blackmail
LJY v Persons Unknown
[2017] EWHC 3230 (QB) 21/01/2020
Reporting the Courts and Contempt
C (A Child)
[2016] EWCA Civ 798 29/07/2016
Appleton v Gallagher
[2015] EWHC 2689 (Fam) 28/09/2015
Rhodes (previously “MLA”) v OPO
[2015] UKSC 32 20/05/2015
YXB v TNO
[2015] EWHC 826 (QB) 25/03/2015
ABC Ltd v Y
[2010] EWHC 3176 (Ch); [2011] 4 All ER 113 06/12/2010
A & others v Times Newspapers Ltd & Others
[2002] EWHC 2444 (Fam); [2003] 1 All ER 587; [2003] 1 FLR 689 27/11/2002
Injunctive Relief
Rhodes (previously “MLA”) v OPO
[2015] UKSC 32 20/05/2015
YXB v TNO
[2015] EWHC 826 (QB) 25/03/2015
OPO (a child by BHM his litigation friend) v MLA
[2014] EWCA Civ 1277 09/10/2014
Ambrosiadou v Coward
[2013] EWHC 58 25/01/2013
Contostavlos v Mendahun
[2012] EWHC 850 (QB) 30/03/2012
Giggs (previously known as CTB) v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2012] EWHC 431 (QB) 02/03/2012
Spelman v Express Newspapers (No. 2)
[2012] EWHC 355 (QB) 24/02/2012
Spelman v Express Newspapers (No.1)
[2012] EWHC 239 14/02/2012
Hutcheson v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2011] EWCA Civ 808; [2012] EMLR 2; [2012] UKHRR 1329 19/07/2011
KGM v News Group Newspapers Ltd
[2010] EWHC 3145 (QB) 01/12/2010
Martin v Channel Four Television Corporation & Others
[2009] EWHC 2788 (QB) 06/11/2009
Covance Laboratories Inc v PETA Europe Ltd
16/06/2005 17/06/2005
Maris & Others v Walsh
[2003] EWHC 1417 (QB) 11/06/2003
Jockey Club v Buffham
[2002] EWHC 1866 (QB); [2003] QB 462; [2003] 2 WLR 178; [2003] EMLR 111 12/09/2002
Sony Computer Entertainment v Owen
[2002] EWHC 45 (Ch); [2002] EMLR 34 23/01/2002
Service Corp International plc & Anor v Channel Four Television Corp & Anor
[1999] EMLR 83 11/05/1999
Service Corporation International plc & Anor v Channel Four Television & Anor
[1999] EMLR 83 12/05/1998
Intellectual Property
Sony Computer Entertainment v Owen
[2002] EWHC 45 (Ch); [2002] EMLR 34 23/01/2002
Service Corp International plc & Anor v Channel Four Television Corp & Anor
[1999] EMLR 83 11/05/1999
Service Corporation International plc & Anor v Channel Four Television & Anor
[1999] EMLR 83 12/05/1998
General Common Law
Rhodes (previously “MLA”) v OPO
[2015] UKSC 32 20/05/2015
OPO (a child by BHM his litigation friend) v MLA
[2014] EWCA Civ 1277 09/10/2014
Walker v Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
[2007] UKPC 64 21/11/2007
Service Corporation International plc & Anor v Channel Four Television & Anor
[1999] EMLR 83 12/05/1998
5RB Talks
5RB Talks: Bristol
17 Feb 2015
With Jacob Dean, Felicity McMahon & Julian Santos
5RB talks: Copyright and Related Rights Regulations 2003
20 Sep 2003
With Justin Rushbrooke KC, Christina Michalos KC & Jacob Dean
Articles
The Copyright and Related Rights Regulations
By Jacob Dean. 1 Apr 2004
Publications
Blackstone's Guide to the Defamation Act 2013
Oxford University Press
By Jacob Dean. 19 Sep 2013
The Law of Privacy and the Media
Oxford University Press
By Jacob Dean. 17 Oct 2002
In 5RB News
19 Feb 2025
5RB hosts BVL and PASS Internships
17 Oct 2024
5RB in Chambers & Partners 2025
20 Jun 2024
Supreme Court allows Mueen-Uddin appeal
A unanimous Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeal’s and High Court’s decision to strike out the libel claim as an abuse of process
14 May 2024
ThoughtLeaders4 – The Media Disputes: Defamation, Privacy & Reputation Management Forum
20 Feb 2024
5RB hosts BVL student internship
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.
1 Nov 2023
Supreme Court to hear abuse of process appeal in Mueen-Uddin v SSHD
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
1 Feb 2023
Supreme Court win for flat owners in Fearn v Tate
7 Oct 2022
5RB named top set by The Legal 500
Directory rankings also released
11 Aug 2022
Rachel Riley decision upheld
Laura Murray's appeal dismissed
20 Jul 2022
Appeal in Riley v Murray
28 Sep 2020
Chambers UK Bar Awards 2020
5RB Nominated for Defamation Set of the Year
11 Jun 2020
Tinkler v Ferguson: court strikes out malicious falsehood claim
Litigation over Stobart Group Stock Exchange announcement is struck out
1 Jul 2019
Euromillions winner succeeds in privacy claim
Defendant ordered to pay £10,000 in general and £2,500 in aggravated damages
12 Nov 2018
Privy Council hears appeal in Nugent v Willers
Board considers limitation in appeal from the Isle of Man
11 Oct 2018
Joint statement in Brown v Bower
Parties issue press statement in libel proceedings brought by Nick Brown MP against Tom Bower and Faber and Faber
13 Jun 2018
Statement in Open Court in Sasha Wass QC libel claim
Publisher apologises and agrees to pay substantial damages
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
27 Jun 2017
No preliminary issue on serious harm
Warby J rejects application for early trial in Brown v Bower
19 Apr 2017
Founder of the Islam Channel awarded £140,000 in libel damages
Sir David Eady awards Mohamed Ali Harrath damages over "baseless" terrorism allegation
8 Oct 2016
Libel success for President of Sikh Gurdwara
Punjabi newspaper pays £160,000 in damages and costs
10 Dec 2015
Niall Horan wins round in libel claim
Judge rules words capable of bearing pleaded meaning
17 Sep 2015
Chambers UK Bar Awards 2015
5RB Nominated for Defamation Set of the Year
20 May 2015
Supreme Court lifts OPO injunction
"Searing account" of musician's life can now be published
26 Mar 2015
Footballer refused privacy injunction
Warby J finds material non-disclosure in alleged "blackmail" claim
17 Feb 2015
5RB Talks 2015: Bristol
5RB's Jacob Dean, Felicity McMahon and Julian Santos spoke at the Bristol office of Osborne Clarke
16 Jan 2015
OPO v MLA to begin in Supreme Court
Two day hearing begins Monday 19th January
31 Oct 2014
5RB tops Chambers & Partners 2015
Set and 19 barristers recommended in UK Bar Guide
19 Sep 2013
Blackstone’s Guide to the Defamation Act 2013 published
Guide to the new Act out now
4 Jul 2013
Surfer wins damages
Yachting World magazine in libel payout
21 Feb 2013
Suspended prison sentence for Madeleine McCann contempt
McCann critic found guilty of breaching court undertaking
27 Jul 2012
Opening Ceremony Competition
5RB Barrister in Bicycle Glory
12 Jul 2012
Tulisa’s ex admits uploading sex film
Star's former boyfriend finally owns up to publication of sex tape
14 Jun 2012
Solicitor settles phone hacking libel claim
Met Police and Mark Lewis join in Statement in Open Court
1 Jun 2012
Solicitor wins poster libel case
£50,000 damages for allegations plastered over a Range Rover
30 Mar 2012
Tulisa obtains injunction
X Factor judge restrains publication of sex tape
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
24 May 2011
Ramsay father-in-law fails in Court of Appeal
Eady J decison to refuse privacy injunction in relation to secret second family upheld
6 May 2011
Leading Arabic newspaper wins libel damages
Publisher and journalists awarded £85,000
31 Mar 2011
Met Police fail to stop phone hacking libel claim
Allegations of dishonesty against senior officers ruled out
14 Dec 2010
Procedure Group calls for defamation reform
Early Resolution Procedure Group chaired by Sir Charles Gray publishes report
5 Nov 2010
5RB tops directory ranking
Chambers & Partners 2011 edition praises set
15 Apr 2010
Ummah Welfare Trust trustees receive apology over false terrorist link allegations
Express Newspapers joins in statement in open court
22 Feb 2010
Independent retracts Trafigura allegations
Newspaper accepts front page story was wrong
18 Dec 2009
BBC apologises to Trafigura
Commodities trader accepts apology, damages and costs
12 Nov 2009
5RB tops Chambers & Partners review
Set and 21 barristers praised in Chambers UK 2010 Directory
24 Sep 2009
5RB’s juniors: the Legal 500 verdict
What the legal directory had to say about 5RB's junior barristers
21 Jul 2009
Horseracing inquiry ends with admissions
Krypton Four” penalised for inside information breaches
23 Mar 2009
Liverpool libel trial collapses
Indemnity costs after claimant discontinues claim over malicious telephone calls
13 Jan 2009
£50,000 for dentist accused of car finance fraud
BBC makes offer of amends
1 Dec 2008
Fallon and BHA settle their differences
Frank admissions” and assurances leave Jockey clear to ride next September
28 Apr 2008
Football manager wins libel damages
Website apologises to Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill for “tapping up” allegation
21 Nov 2007
Leading vet in Privy Council victory
Removal from veterinary register reduced to 6-month suspension
8 Nov 2007
£165,000 libel damages for terrorism claim
Rashid Ghannouchi obtains largest libel award of 2007
8 Nov 2007
5RB tops Chambers & Partners review
20 Barristers rated and recommended in the new annual survey
20 Apr 2007
Racing bans after corruption inquiry
HRA imposes penalties of disqualification, suspension and exclusion
27 Feb 2007
Jockeys banned after corruption inquiry
Four suspended and banned; gamblers warned off
24 Oct 2006
5RB tops Chambers & Partners review
Nineteen barristers recommended in Annual Survey
11 Oct 2006
Wall St Journal wins Reynolds case
House of Lords allows appeal in important restatement of the public interest privilege defence
27 Sep 2006
5RB tops Legal 500 survey
Twenty barristers recommended across core practice areas
28 Jul 2006
End of the line for Fallon
No further appeal after High Court rejects challenge
13 Jul 2006
Fallon racing ban upheld
HRA Appeal Board rejects jockey's challenge
26 Jun 2006
Jameel reaches the Lords
Wall Street Journal appeals on Reynolds and presumption of damage
9 Mar 2006
BBC wins waiting lists libel claim
Claimant found to have been involved in falsification of hospital waiting list figures
2 Dec 2005
BBC loses Qualified Privilege Defence
Reynolds protection denied for local news item on hospital waiting list allegations
24 Oct 2005
Chambers’ Review: 5RB top again
20 barristers recommended for Media, Entertainment, Defamation, Privacy, Intellectual Property & Sports Law
16 Jun 2005
PETA resists video footage injunction
US company fails to stop transmission of undercover filming of alleged animal cruelty
12 May 2005
Latest libel Damages awards
Offer of Amends assessments in Guardian and News of the World cases
10 Mar 2005
Jockey fined for misleading investigators
Jockey Club fines Matthew Batchelor £2,500
5 Nov 2004
5RB top in Chambers & Partners Review
Seventeen 5RB members ranked
4 Oct 2004
Martin O’Neill wins libel damages from the BBC
Book allegations withdrawn
25 May 2004
Ken Bates wins libel claim
Evening Standard to pay £9,000 plus costs
20 Sep 2003
Copyright and Related Rights Regulations 2003
5RB give series of talks
Contact
Email: clerks@5rb.com
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