Our defamation lawyers advise on the full array of defamation, malicious falsehood, reputation management and privacy issues - including broadcasts, articles (in print and online), social media, online and user-generated content.
Our experienced team advises a strong and diverse client base on the law of defamation and reputation management, including government entities, corporate clients, high-profile individuals and charities. Our advice is shaped by a deep understanding of our clients’ sectors, backgrounds and the complex challenges they face.
Clients often come to Burges Salmon for advice on proactively protecting their reputation before a large-scale dispute emerges and we are known for our discreet and specialist assistance in this area. We also have a long and successful track record of bringing and defending defamation proceedings and providing practical and tailored commercial advice on resolving disputes, where possible, without the need for Court proceedings. Following the significant reforms brought in by the Defamation Act 2013, our focus has increasingly been on advising high profile corporates and public sector bodies who are keen to manage their profile, including keeping defamatory stories out of the public domain – particularly as the growth of online and social media has increased the risks facing our clients.
We routinely assist clients on dealing with reputation management issues online and specifically on social media. We advise on social media policies and are skilled at dealing with the various take down procedures that are used by social media sites and ISPs.
We also advise clients on their relationship with the press and where appropriate, advice on press complaints and dealing with the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO).
Areas of focus
Our expertise in defamation and reputation management includes the following:
- Libel and slander.
- Malicious falsehood.
- Reputation management.
- Press relations and complaints.
- ISP and social media take down policies.