Adam Wolanski KC / 5RB / media and communications law specialist

Adam Wolanski KC / 5RB / media and communications law specialist Call 5RB+44 (0)20 7242 2902 Menu About us Our work People Barristers Support team Recruitment Resources Cases News Publications Articles 5RB Talks Links Contact Contact us Enquiry Visit us Urgent injunctions Complaints procedure Register for 5RB updates Barristers Cases Adam Wolanski KC Adam is a leading specialist in defamation, privacy, breach of confidence, harassment and all other areas of media and information law.

His work in 2025 includes acting for the appellants in Tickle v BBC, overturning an order anonymising judges in proceedings concerning the murdered teenager Sara Sharif; and representing the Guardian and other media groups in Yang Tengbo v Secretary of State, in which he successfully applied to obtain court documents about Prince Andrew’s involvement with an alleged Chinese spy.

Other notable recent work includes successfully defending HRH Juan Carlos of Spain in a harassment claim against the former king for £126m, and representing the defendant in Johnny Depp’s failed libel action against The Sun.

He represented the defendants in Sir James Dyson v Channel 4, which was one of Spears Magazine’s four ‘blockbuster reputation cases of 2022’ and which concluded in 2024 with the claimants discontinuing the claim. He acted for the successful respondent in Stoute v NGN, the 2023 Court of Appeal privacy case concerning photographs taken by paparazzi on a public beach.

In 2022, Adam represented the BBC in the case brought by the Attorney General to injunct the disclosure of the identity of an MI5 covert human intelligence source. He also acted for News Group Newspapers on applications for disclosure of documents and journalists’ sources in Rebekah Vardy v Coleen Rooney – the ‘Wagatha Christie’ case. He appeared on behalf of the BBC in WFZ v BBC concerning the proposed broadcast of allegations of serious sexual misconduct.

He has been instructed in a number of recent cases involving alleged undercover surveillance activities, including Neil Gerrard v ENRC and Matthew Earl v Kroll. He also acted in 2024 in Synnovis v Persons Unknown, obtaining an injunction following a ransomware attack on a healthcare provider.

Adam represented Sir Elton John’s ex-wife Renate Blauel in her claim against the singer for breach of contractual privacy. He was also instructed in Sir Cliff Richard v BBC (privacy), Tariq Khuja v Times Newspapers (reporting restrictions) and Andrew Mitchell MP v NGN (the ‘plebgate’ libel claim). He acted for the successful appellant in the 2021 Court of Appeal case concerning the lis pendens provisions of the Lugano Convention, Wright v Granath.

Adam was shortlisted for the 2023 Chambers and Partners ‘Silk of the Year’ award in the defamation and privacy category. He was named as one of just 17 practising barristers in The Lawyer magazine’s Hot 100 list for 2021. The magazine said of Adam that “in this particularly fierce corner of the disputes Market”, he “has marked himself out as one of the leading minds at the Bar”.

He is highly ranked in the Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 directories. The 2024 edition of Chambers and Partners ranked him in Band 1, saying of him “Adam is an excellent leader and has very persuasive advocacy skills”, and “Adam is always a very assured presence who is able to focus on the key points that steer a route to victory. He has the court’s confidence and ear. He does not shout but persuades.” Previous editions of Chambers and Partners said Adam is “terrific to work with, insightful, responsive and drafts clearly’; and that he is “a calm and authoritative advocate who is very good under pressure” and “has such a knowledge of the law and applies it practically”.

Legal 500 described him in 2020 as “The best of the new libel KCs around, brilliant in written submissions and strategic advice.”, and in 2021 said of him “He has a fantastic breadth of media law expertise as well as experience.” It added that “his knowledge of the media law is second-to-none and his easy and listening manner is a winner for clients”. In 2022-3, Legal 500 said of Adam, “He is compellingly charming, which obviously works well with everyone: lay clients, instructing solicitors, and judges”. The 2023-4 edition says, ‘Adam has extremely good judgement and is very practical. Clients trust him entirely. His advocacy is straightforward and focused”.

Prior to taking silk, Adam was the 2017-18 Chambers and Partners ‘Junior of the Year’ in the privacy and defamation category. He also won the award in 2011- 2012 and was shortlisted in 2008-9.

He has an expertise in privacy and confidentiality issues arising in legal proceedings, particularly in family disputes. Legal 500 noted in its 2022-3 edition that Adam “has particular expertise in reporting restrictions, and principles of open justice”. He has appeared and advised in many of the main cases in this field, including in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Adam has for many years written and given lectures and training on media issues to specialist practitioners and judges. He is co-author of The Family Courts: Media Access and Reporting, published by the Family Division of the High Court, the Judicial College and the Society of Editors. Adam is a co-author of The Law of Privacy and the Media (OUP). He is also an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Law, Society and Popular Culture at the University of Westminster.

 

Called 1995 Called to the Bar of England and Wales
2019 Silk

Education University of Cambridge (Robinson College) MA (Hons) History - 1987-1990
Polytechnic of Central London, CPE examination (with merit); Awarded CPE Scholarship by Lincoln's Inn. - 1991-1992
Inns of Court School of Law (Bar Vocational Course) - 1993-1994

Areas of work Reporting the Courts and Contempt
Defamation and Malicious Falsehood
General Common Law
Intellectual Property
Pre-publication Advice
Privacy and Confidence
Data Protection and Information Law
Harassment
Blackmail

Testimonials Chambers and Partners

“Adam is one of the top defendant media KCs. He is at the top of his game and one of our first ports of call for massive issues.” (Chambers and Partners 2025)

“Adam is always a very assured presence who is able to focus on the key points that steer a route to victory. He has the court’s confidence and ear. He does not shout but persuades.” (Chambers and Partners 2025)

“Adam is an excellent leader and has very persuasive advocacy skills.” (Chambers and Partners 2025)

“Adam is an excellent leader and has very persuasive advocacy skills”, and “Adam is always a very assured presence who is able to focus on the key points that steer a route to victory. He has the court’s confidence and ear. He does not shout but persuades.”  (Chambers and Partners 2024)

“He is compellingly charming, which obviously works well with everyone: lay clients, instructing solicitors, and judges”. (Chambers and Partners 2023)

“Leading defamation lawyer who is valued by instructing solicitors for his client management skills and well-honed advocacy style. He acts for and against the major media organisations and newspapers in high-profile cases concerning libel, privacy and reporting restrictions”. (Chambers and Partners 2021)

“He has a fantastic breadth of media law expertise as well as experience.” It added that “his knowledge of the media law is second-to-none and his easy and listening manner is a winner for clients”. (Chambers and Partners 2021)

The Legal 500 

“Adam has extremely good judgement and is very practical. Clients trust him entirely. His advocacy is straightforward and focused.” (The Legal 500 2024)

“He is compellingly charming, which obviously works well with everyone: lay clients, instructing solicitors, and judges”. (The Legal 500 2023)

“He has a fantastic breadth of media law expertise and well as experience.” It added that “his knowledge of the media law is second-to-none and his easy and listening manner is a winner for clients”. (The Legal 500 2021)

“The best of the new libel KCs around, brilliant in written submissions and strategic advice.” (The Legal 500 2020)

Languages French (reasonable)

Featured cases Depp v News Group Newspapers [2020] EWHC 2911 (QB) 02/11/2020

Sir Cliff Richard OBE v (1) The British Broadcasting Corporation (2) Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police [2017] EWHC 1291 (Ch) 26/05/2017

Khuja (formerly known as PNM) v Times Newspapers Ltd [2017] UKSC 49 24/07/2017

Gerrard & Anor v (1) ENRC Ltd (2) Diligence International LLC [2020] EWHC 3241 (QB) 27/11/2020

Mitchell MP v News Group Newspapers Ltd (CA) [2013] EWCA Civ 1537 27/11/2013

Stoute v News Group Newspapers Limited [2023] EWHC 232 (KB) 02/03/2023

Rebekah Vardy v Coleen Rooney [2022] EWHC 1209 (QB) 22/06/2022

Sir James Dyson & Ors v Channel Four Television Corporation & Anor [2022] EWHC 2718 (KB) 01/11/2022

Wright v Granath (CA) [2021] EWCA Civ 28 15/01/2021

All cases Defamation and Malicious Falsehood (1) Dr Fatima Jabbar (2) DRJ55 Limited v AVIVA Insurance UK and others (No 1) [2022] EWHC 1383 (QB) 21/06/2022

Wright v McCormack [2021] EWHC 2671 (QB) 08/10/2021

Wright v Granath (CA) [2021] EWCA Civ 28 15/01/2021

Depp v News Group Newspapers [2020] EWHC 2911 (QB) 02/11/2020

Carruthers v Associated Newspapers Limited, Carruthers v News Group Newspapers Limited [2019] EWHC 33 (QB) 14/01/2019

(1) Khaled Undre (2) Down to Earth (London) Ltd v London Borough of Harrow (No.2) [2016] EWHC 2761 (QB) 03/11/2016

Richardson v (1) Trinity Mirror (Merseyside) Ltd (2) Neil Docking [2016] EWHC 1927 (QB) 28/07/2016

Hiranandani-Vandrevala v Times Newspapers Limited [2016] EWHC 250 (QB) 12/02/2016

HRH Prince Al-Waleed v Forbes [2014] EWHC 3823 (QB) 26/11/2014

(1) Contostavlos (2) Simpson v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2014] EWHC 1339 (QB) 01/05/2014

Briggs v Jordan [2013] EWHC 3205 (QB) 24/10/2013

Henry v News Group Newspapers Ltd (Costs) (CA) [2013] EWCA Civ 19 28/01/2013

Henry v News Group Newspapers Ltd (costs) PTH 1106483 16/05/2012

Henry v News Group Newspapers Ltd (No 3) [2011] EWHC 1058 (QB) 20/04/2011

Bowker v RSPB [2011] EWHC 737 (QB) 25/03/2011

Henry v News Group Newspapers Ltd (No 2) [2011] EWHC 296 (QB) 18/02/2011

Henry v News Group Newspapers Ltd Unreported, 13 January 2011 13/01/2011

Daniels v BBC [2010] EWHC 3057 (QB) 24/11/2010

Ernst & Young v Coomber [2010] EWHC 2837 (QB) & 2838 (QB) 08/11/2010

Peacock v MGN Ltd [2009] EWHC 769 (QB) 08/04/2009

W v JH & A County Council Limited [2008] EWHC 399 (QB); [2009] EMLR 11 05/03/2008

Ivereigh v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2008] EWHC 339 (QB) 12/02/2008

Malik v Newspost Ltd & Ors [2007] EWHC 3063 (QB) 19/12/2007

Merelie v Newcastle Primary Health Care Trust & Others (No.3) [2006] EWHC 1433 (Admin) 20/06/2006

Turcu v News Group Newspapers Ltd (No.2) [2005] EWHC 799 (QB) 04/05/2005

Turcu v News Group Newspapers Ltd 21/03/2005 21/03/2005

Merelie v Newcastle Primary Health Care Trust & Others [2004] EWHC 2554 (QB); The Times, 1 December 2004 11/11/2004

Campbell v News Group Newspapers Ltd (No.2) [2002] EWCA Civ 1143; [2002] EMLR 43 31/07/2002

Safeway v Tate [2000] EWCA Civ 335; [2001] QB 1120; [2001] 2 WLR 1377 18/12/2000

Privacy and Confidence Gerrard & Anor v (1) ENRC Ltd (2) Diligence International LLC [2020] EWHC 3241 (QB) 27/11/2020

Sir Cliff Richard OBE v (1) The British Broadcasting Corporation (2) Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police [2017] EWHC 1291 (Ch) 26/05/2017

ERY v Associated Newspapers Limited [2016] EWHC 2760 (QB) 04/11/2016

(1) Pippa Middleton (2) James Matthews v Persons Unknown [2016] EWHC 2354 (QB) 28/09/2016

Richardson v (1) Trinity Mirror (Merseyside) Ltd (2) Neil Docking [2016] EWHC 1927 (QB) 28/07/2016

PNM v Times Newspapers Ltd (CA) [2014] EWCA Civ 1132 01/08/2014

PNM v Times Newspapers Ltd [2013] EWHC 3177 (QB) 22/10/2013

Bristol City Council v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2012] EWHC 3748 (Fam) 21/12/2012

Morgan v A Local Authority (Re X, Y and Z) [2011] EWHC 1157 (Fam) 11/05/2011

Re Baby RB (Press Injunction) [2011] EWHC 221 (Fam) 16/02/2011

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council v BBC [2010] EWHC 53 (QB) 22/01/2010

Re Stedman & Patten (& Others) [2009] EWHC 935 (Fam) 18/05/2009

Ivereigh v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2008] EWHC 339 (QB) 12/02/2008

T (by her litigation friend the Official Solicitor) v BBC [2007] EWHC 1683 (QB) 11/07/2007

Norfolk County Council v Webster & Others [2006] EWHC 2733 (Fam); [2007] EMLR 199; (2007) HRLR 3 02/11/2006

Hughes v Carratu International plc [2006] EWHC 1791 (QB) 19/07/2006

Clayton v Clayton [2006] EWCA Civ 878; [2006] Fam 83; [2006] 3 WLR 599; [2007] 1 All ER 1197; [2007] EMLR 65; (2007) 1 FLR 11; (2006) HRLR 34; (2007) UKHRR 264; The Times, 4 July 2006; The Independent, 29 June 2006 27/06/2006

BBC v Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, X and Y [2005] EWHC 2862 (Fam); [2006] EMLR 117 08/12/2005

A (A Local Authority) v PD & Another [2005] EWHC 1832 (Fam); [2005] EMLR 840 10/08/2005

Venables & Thompson v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2001] EWHC 32 (QB); [2001] Fam 430; [2001] 2 WLR 1038; [2001] 1 All ER 908; [2001] EMLR 255; [2001] 1 FLR 791 08/01/2001

Harassment Gerrard & Anor v (1) ENRC Ltd (2) Diligence International LLC [2020] EWHC 3241 (QB) 27/11/2020

Richardson v (1) Trinity Mirror (Merseyside) Ltd (2) Neil Docking [2016] EWHC 1927 (QB) 28/07/2016

Merelie v Newcastle Primary Health Care Trust & Others (No.3) [2006] EWHC 1433 (Admin) 20/06/2006

Merelie v Newcastle Primary Health Care Trust & Others [2004] EWHC 2554 (QB); The Times, 1 December 2004 11/11/2004

Reporting the Courts and Contempt A & B v X & Y and Times Newspapers Ltd UKEAT/0113/18/JOJ 18/07/2019

XW v XH (Court of Appeal) [2019] EWCA Civ 549 02/04/2019

RJ v Tigipko 2 [2019] EWHC 448 (Fam) 01/03/2019

RJ v Tigipko [2019] EWHC 105 (Fam) 25/01/2019

R v R & Anor [2017] EWCA Civ 1588 17/10/2017

Khuja (formerly known as PNM) v Times Newspapers Ltd [2017] UKSC 49 24/07/2017

R v Jemma Beale [2017] EWCA 1012 (Crim) 17/07/2017

Norman v Norman [2017] EWCA Civ 49 13/02/2017

Her Majesty’s Attorney General v The Conde Nast Publications Ltd [2015] EWHC 3322 (Admin) 18/11/2015

PNM v Times Newspapers Ltd (CA) [2014] EWCA Civ 1132 01/08/2014

PNM v Times Newspapers Ltd [2013] EWHC 3177 (QB) 22/10/2013

Bristol City Council v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2012] EWHC 3748 (Fam) 21/12/2012

R (On the application of Guardian News and Media) v (1) City of Westminster Magistrates Court (2) Government of the United States [2012] EWCA Civ 420 03/04/2012

A Local Authority v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2011] EWHC 1764 (Fam) 08/07/2011

Morgan v A Local Authority (Re X, Y and Z) [2011] EWHC 1157 (Fam) 11/05/2011

Re Baby RB (Press Injunction) [2011] EWHC 221 (Fam) 16/02/2011

Re MGN Ltd [2011] EWCA Crim 100 25/01/2011

R (On the application of Guardian News and Media Ltd) v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court [2010] EWHC 3376 (Admin) 21/12/2010

Lykiardopulo v Lykiardopulo [2010] EWCA Civ 1315 (QB) 19/11/2010

Re Child X (Residence and Contact – Rights of media attendance – FPR Rule 10.28(4)) [2009] EWHC 1728 (Fam) 14/07/2009

Re Stedman & Patten (& Others) [2009] EWHC 935 (Fam) 18/05/2009

Medway Council v G and Others [2008] EWHC 1691 (Fam) 18/07/2008

Ivereigh v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2008] EWHC 339 (QB) 12/02/2008

Norfolk County Council v Webster & Others [2006] EWHC 2733 (Fam); [2007] EMLR 199; (2007) HRLR 3 02/11/2006

Clayton v Clayton [2006] EWCA Civ 878; [2006] Fam 83; [2006] 3 WLR 599; [2007] 1 All ER 1197; [2007] EMLR 65; (2007) 1 FLR 11; (2006) HRLR 34; (2007) UKHRR 264; The Times, 4 July 2006; The Independent, 29 June 2006 27/06/2006

Birmingham City Council v H [2005] EWHC 2885 (Fam) 13/12/2005

BBC v Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, X and Y [2005] EWHC 2862 (Fam); [2006] EMLR 117 08/12/2005

A (A Local Authority) v PD & Another [2005] EWHC 1832 (Fam); [2005] EMLR 840 10/08/2005

Cox v Jones [2004] EWHC 1006 (Ch) 06/05/2004

Re B (A Child) (Disclosure) [2004] EWHC 411 (Fam); [2004] 2 FLR 142; [2004] Lloyds Rep Med 303 05/03/2004

Venables & Thompson v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2001] EWHC 32 (QB); [2001] Fam 430; [2001] 2 WLR 1038; [2001] 1 All ER 908; [2001] EMLR 255; [2001] 1 FLR 791 08/01/2001

Injunctive Relief (1) Pippa Middleton (2) James Matthews v Persons Unknown [2016] EWHC 2354 (QB) 28/09/2016

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council v BBC [2010] EWHC 53 (QB) 22/01/2010

Re Stedman & Patten (& Others) [2009] EWHC 935 (Fam) 18/05/2009

Medway Council v G and Others [2008] EWHC 1691 (Fam) 18/07/2008

T (by her litigation friend the Official Solicitor) v BBC [2007] EWHC 1683 (QB) 11/07/2007

Clayton v Clayton [2006] EWCA Civ 878; [2006] Fam 83; [2006] 3 WLR 599; [2007] 1 All ER 1197; [2007] EMLR 65; (2007) 1 FLR 11; (2006) HRLR 34; (2007) UKHRR 264; The Times, 4 July 2006; The Independent, 29 June 2006 27/06/2006

BBC v Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, X and Y [2005] EWHC 2862 (Fam); [2006] EMLR 117 08/12/2005

Venables & Thompson v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2001] EWHC 32 (QB); [2001] Fam 430; [2001] 2 WLR 1038; [2001] 1 All ER 908; [2001] EMLR 255; [2001] 1 FLR 791 08/01/2001

Data Protection and Information Law Gerrard & Anor v (1) ENRC Ltd (2) Diligence International LLC [2020] EWHC 3241 (QB) 27/11/2020

Sir Cliff Richard OBE v (1) The British Broadcasting Corporation (2) Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police [2017] EWHC 1291 (Ch) 26/05/2017

(1) Pippa Middleton (2) James Matthews v Persons Unknown [2016] EWHC 2354 (QB) 28/09/2016

Hiranandani-Vandrevala v Times Newspapers Limited [2016] EWHC 250 (QB) 12/02/2016

W v JH & A County Council Limited [2008] EWHC 399 (QB); [2009] EMLR 11 05/03/2008

Hughes v Carratu International plc [2006] EWHC 1791 (QB) 19/07/2006

General Common Law Richardson v (1) Trinity Mirror (Merseyside) Ltd (2) Neil Docking [2016] EWHC 1927 (QB) 28/07/2016

R (On the application of Guardian News and Media) v (1) City of Westminster Magistrates Court (2) Government of the United States [2012] EWCA Civ 420 03/04/2012

Merelie v Newcastle Primary Health Care Trust & Others (No.3) [2006] EWHC 1433 (Admin) 20/06/2006

Merelie v Newcastle Primary Health Care Trust & Others [2004] EWHC 2554 (QB); The Times, 1 December 2004 11/11/2004

Articles From privacy to publicity: controlling the disclosure of allegations of abuse in litigation By Adam Wolanski KC. 20 Sep 2023

Reporting Ancillary Relief Proceedings: An Update By Adam Wolanski KC. 3 Dec 2010

Media Access to the Family Courts: the Latest Proposals By Adam Wolanski KC. 10 Dec 2009

Paper given to the President's Conference (Judicial Studies Board) By Adam Wolanski KC. 12 May 2009

Towards transparency in the family justice system By Adam Wolanski KC. 30 Nov 2006

Children, experts and open justice in the Family Division By Adam Wolanski KC. 13 Mar 2006

Publications The Law of Privacy and the Media 3rd Edition OUP
By Adam Wolanski KC. 22 Jan 2016

Tugendhat & Christie: The Law of Privacy and the Media, Second Edition Oxford University Press
By Adam Wolanski KC. 17 Mar 2011

The Law of Privacy and the Media Oxford University Press
By Adam Wolanski KC. 17 Oct 2002

In 5RB News

21 Mar 2025

Media parties successful in Yang Tengbo v SSHD access to court documents case

7 Feb 2025

Access to court documents sought in Yang Tengbo v SoS for the Home Department

24 Jan 2025

Important Appeal Against Judges’ Anonymity Handed Down

17 Oct 2024

5RB in Chambers & Partners 2025

3 Sep 2024

Dyson discontinues libel claim against Channel 4 News

27 Feb 2024

Meaning decision in Dyson v C4

20 Oct 2023

5RB tops rankings in Chambers & Partners

18 Oct 2023

Ruling in corporate libel claims over links to former Kazakh President Court hands down judgment in claim brought by Jusan Technologies Limited against Telegraph Media Group and OpenDemocracy

6 Oct 2023

Former King of Spain wins claim

5 Oct 2023

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

15 Sep 2023

5RB and members celebrate shortlist 5RB shortlisted in Chambers UK Bar Awards 2023

19 Jul 2023

Article on approaches to transparency in cases involving allegations of abuse

5 Jul 2023

Afghanistan Inquiry: Reporting restrictions sought

22 May 2023

NGN Ltd pays damages over criminal proceedings article Publisher apologises for “unfair and inaccurate” report of court proceedings

10 May 2023

Stoute v News Group Newspapers Ltd

3 Jan 2023

5RB cases dominate Spear’s reputation cases roundup 2022

7 Oct 2022

5RB named top set by The Legal 500 Directory rankings also released

12 Apr 2022

5RB talks – ZXC v Bloomberg

28 Jan 2022

McCormack refused permission to appeal PTR decision The (late) application was today refused by Warby LJ without a hearing.

19 Jan 2022

‘Reporting Financial Remedy Cases’: Adam Wolanski QC writes guest blog for FamilyArbitrator

25 Mar 2021

Johnny Depp loses appeal bid

25 Jan 2021

Adam Wolanski QC named as one of The Lawyer magazine’s Hot 100 for 2021

2 Nov 2020

Johnny Depp loses “wife beater” libel claim

26 Feb 2020

Pre-trial review today in Johnny Depp libel action against The Sun Actor Johnny Depp's libel action against News Group Newspapers in court today for pre-trial review

18 Jul 2018

Sir Cliff Richard wins privacy claim against BBC Judge awards singer £210,000 damages for misuse of private information

26 Apr 2018

Evidence concludes in Cliff Richard trial Closing submissions in privacy and DPA claim against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police to commence on Tuesday 8th May

11 Apr 2018

Sir Cliff Richard v BBC trial to begin Trial of claims in misuse of private information and under the DPA starts Thursday 12th April

23 Feb 2018

Supreme Court refuses permission in anonymity case Russian oligarch can now be named

6 Feb 2018

5RB ‘stands above the competition’ Leaders and juniors praised in new edition of Who's Who Legal

15 Nov 2017

Rape arrest injunction lifted Court lifts injunction preventing reporting of billionaire's arrest following statement in US

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

27 Oct 2017

5RB Defamation Set of the Year Adam Wolanski named Defamation Junior of the Year at the Chambers UK Bar Awards

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

10 Oct 2017

Express Newspapers ordered to publish agreed apology Indemnity costs ordered

19 Jul 2017

Supreme Court dismisses anonymity Appeal 'PNM' named as Oxford Businessman Tariq Khuja after 5 year legal battle

17 Jul 2017

Perjury defendant loses anonymity Appeal leads to ruling by Court of Appeal on key provision in Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992

11 Jul 2017

Segregated Muslim School Named after Press Challenge Court of Appeal overturns order anonymising Muslim school which segregates boys and girls

19 Jun 2017

Hiranandani-Vandrevala makes statement in open court Legal action against Sunday Times settled

28 May 2017

Sir Cliff obtains order requiring BBC to say if source was Yewtree Also settles with South Yorkshire Police

7 Dec 2016

Supreme Court refuses Simpson permission to appeal Footballer's claim may now proceed to trial

4 Nov 2016

Vegetarian restaurateur awarded £9000 libel damages for cow death allegation ...But fails to beat Defendant's offer to pay £10,000 damages

4 Nov 2016

High Court grants interim injunction Criminal investigation and interview engage Claimant's Article 8 rights

28 Sep 2016

Judge grants Middleton injunction Injunction relates to information hacked from iCloud account

22 Jan 2016

New edition of The Law of Privacy and the Media published Read an extract on Privacy, the Internet and Social Media

10 Dec 2015

Mail on Sunday in Bannatyne win Judge holds false divorce evidence should be publicised

19 Nov 2015

Condé Nast found in contempt of court Proceedings brought about GQ article on phone hacking criminal trial

29 Jul 2015

B&B Owner refused injunction Court refuses to grant interim injunction but orders disclosure of complaints

27 Nov 2014

‘Plebgate’ Judgment Mitting J: Mitchell said words alleged or similar

31 Oct 2014

5RB tops Chambers & Partners 2015 Set and 19 barristers recommended in UK Bar Guide

9 May 2014

Russell Brand accepts libel damages and apology Settlement with Sun on Sunday over cheating claims

22 Oct 2012

Jury awards libel damages to Frankie Boyle Mirror Group Newspapers found liable in relation to “racist comedian” allegation.

3 Apr 2012

Guardian overturns disclosure ruling Appeal court judgment breaks new ground in the application of open justice

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

9 Jun 2011

The Sun apologises to ‘Baby P’ social worker Sylvia Henry wrongly targeted by The Sun

17 Mar 2011

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

12 Nov 2010

Sun apologises for body scanner libel Security man accepts £45,000 compensation

5 Nov 2010

5RB tops directory ranking Chambers & Partners 2011 edition praises set

22 Jul 2010

Pitt & Jolie win ‘false privacy’ case News of the World agrees to apologise and pay damages

27 Apr 2010

Doctor accepts substantial libel damages Newspaper apologises for untrue front page terrorism allegations

17 Nov 2009

Peacock settles libel action MGN pays damages over Celebs on Sunday article

24 Sep 2009

5RB’s juniors: the Legal 500 verdict What the legal directory had to say about 5RB's junior barristers

19 May 2009

Alfie’s not the dad: injunction lifted Family Division lifts ban on DNA test result showing 12-year-old did not father child

27 Oct 2008

Judge lifts adoption injunction Mail on Sunday wins right to identify adoption father in organ transplant case

26 Sep 2008

5RB wins Chambers and Partners award Set named ‘2008 Defamation and Privacy Set of the Year’ at Chambers Bar Awards

18 Jul 2008

Media gain access to care case Latest ruling on family court privacy

20 Mar 2008

Judge: no secrecy for royal blackmail trial CPS application to hear evidence in secret dismissed

12 Mar 2008

Bid to injunct Channel 4 fails Interview with Equatorial Guinea coup attempt 'manager' is broadcast

29 Feb 2008

Hung jury in abortion libel trial Cardinal's spokesman suing over hypocrisy allegations faces a retrial

8 Nov 2007

5RB tops Chambers & Partners review 20 Barristers rated and recommended in the new annual survey

20 Sep 2007

5RB tops Legal 500 20 Barristers rated and recommended in Defamation, Privacy, Intellectual Property, Sport and Media & Entertainment Law

26 Jun 2007

‘Abuse’ couple win fight to keep their baby Media present at dramatic end to controversial family case

6 Jun 2007

Hollingsworth bid for extra £25k fails Belated attempt to amend Claim Form is rejected by the High Court

25 May 2007

Hollingsworth jury awards £75,000 ... but he only gets £50,000 for Daily Mail punch-up libel

2 Nov 2006

Judge lifts family reporting ban Media permitted to attend High Court care case for the first time

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

22 Sep 2006

‘Smacking children’ injunction bid fails Judge rejects last minute application by NSPCC to stop ITV programme

27 Jun 2006

Father wins family report ban case Court of Appeal rules that children may be identified after family cases end

19 Jun 2006

Dentist loses libel & harassment case High Court dismisses claim against Newcastle Health Care Trust

12 May 2006

Afghan Hijackers name ban lifted Judge removes reporting restrictions in Judicial Review proceedings

12 Apr 2006

News Group pays £100k to Rooney England player settles libel case over nightclub slap claim

28 Feb 2006

Family law media reporting challenge Court of Appeal hears test case over reporting restrictions in the family courts

9 Dec 2005

Social workers fail in bid for anonymity No expectation of privacy for experts in family cases

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

4 May 2005

Beckham ‘kidnap’ libel claim fails News of the World succeeds in justification defence against CFA claimant

5 Nov 2004

5RB top in Chambers & Partners Review Seventeen 5RB members ranked

24 Sep 2004

5RB top in Legal 500 Review 15 barristers named as leaders in their field

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Judgment in TPI on Meaning in Belafonte v NGN Read more

High Court hears the first application to strike out a claim as a SLAPP under CPR 3.4(2)(d) Read more

Jonathan Scherbel-Ball reappointed to Advisory Council on National Records and Archives Read more

Phone hacking limitation trial begins Read more

TPI on Meaning in Belafonte v NGN Read more

£50,000 damages and an injunction awarded in TikTok libel claim Read more

Sunday Times granted transparency order in care proceedings about fabricated or induced illness Read more

View news archive Latest cases Bradley v CM & others [2026] EWHC 125 (Fam)

Optosafe Limited & Anr v Robertson [2026] EWHC 12 (KB) [2026] EWHC 12 (KB)

Blake v Fox [2025] EWCA Civ 1321

Solicitor General v Yaxley-Lennon [2024] EWHC 2732 (KB), [2025] EWCA Civ 476 [2025] EWCA Civ 476

Wei & Ors v Long & Ors [2025] EWHC 158 (KB) [2025] EWHC 158 (KB)

Iqbal v Geo TV Limited [2024] EWCA Civ 1566

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