Are you about to be attacked in the media?

If you fear that you, or your client, are about to be defamed or have your privacy infringed, it is important that you get immediate legal advice.

How you approach the situation now is likely to have a critical effect on what, if anything, is published. It can also impinge on any subsequent court proceedings. If you are not properly advised you can get caught out. No matter how friendly a journalist may appear, his or her primary motivation is probably to get the story published, even if it is going to harm you. It helps to have some "muscle" on your side.

We can advise quickly and sensitively on the most realistic options. This could be seeking to prevent publication altogether, hopefully by persuasion, if not, by the threat of subsequent litigation. It may also be possible to apply to court for a restraining order to stop the publication going ahead. An alternative strategy would be to co-operate with the author in order that the article, broadcast, book or whatever it may be, portrays you in the best possible light.

What approach you take will very much depend on the strength of your position. This generally needs to be evaluated quickly. Because we are experienced in dealing with these situations we can advise with the necessary speed. We can also make an immediate application to a judge, at weekends if necessary, without first having to instruct a barrister. (If there is nobody in the office, you will be given a selection of mobile telephone numbers in order to make contact).

Most large media companies have staff lawyers. We deal with them regularly and they know us. Your concerns are therefore likely to be taken more seriously if we are involved.