“Timothy is incredibly engaging and willing to put himself out. His opinions and drafting work are clear, concise and detailed." "He's really well respected and extremely intelligent. Very personable and extremely easy to get on with."
Chambers and Partners – 2021 – Defamation and Privacy
“Bright, articulate and explains everything carefully and in a manner which can be easily understood.”
Legal 500 – 2021 – Defamation and Privacy
"Very bright and amiable. He brings a gentle approach to disputes but is practical and likeable..”
Chambers and Partners – 2021 – Defamation and Privacy
“Personable and great with clients. He is an outstanding advocate and his advice is always detailed and meticulous.”
Chambers and Partners – 2020 – Defamation and Privacy
“Very approachable, easy to work with and very responsive.”
Legal 500 – 2020 – Defamation and Privacy
Timothy has an extensive media and reputation management practice. He acts for public figures from across the globe.
“He has the ability to put clients at ease and to respond to matters of urgency in a timely manner.” “He grasps the facts quickly.”
Chambers and Partners 2019
“Very knowledgeable and approachable.”
Legal 500 2016
Timothy has been described as having “encyclopaedic knowledge”,
Chambers and Partners 2017
Practice areas
Timothy has appeared in a significant number of leading media law cases over many years including appearances (both led and on his own) in the Court of Appeal. He has represented leading national figures from all walks of life. His practice has a significant international dimension, including representing and advising prominent individuals, large corporations and media organisations in many different countries, including several appearances in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of Gibraltar.
He has addressed influential and prestigious meetings here and abroad on the General Data Protection Regulation, taking part in a Meeting of Experts concerning the Regulation organised to assist the European Commission, and giving a lead speech at the Annual Conference of the Society for Computers and Law. He has advised on several important Inquiry reports. He advises the Law Society on defamation.
Media & Sport
Timothy’s recent cases can be seen here:
Ager v Career Development Finance Ltd [2019] EWHC 2830 (QB) - Counsel for the Defendants in this ongoing libel claim.
Bokova v Associated Newspapers [2018] EWHC 320 (QB) and [2018] EWHC 2032 (QB) - Counsel for Claimant, a former Director General ofUNESCO and candidate for post of UN Secretary General in a high profile libel claim.
Huda v Wells [2017] EWHC 2553 (QB) – Decision on absolute privilege in context of permission to serve out of the jurisdiction, with observations on s.9 Defamation Act 2013. Counsel for the defendant.
The Construction Industry Vetting Information Group Litigation (2014 – 2016) – High profile multi-million pound data protection claim. Junior Counsel for one of the defendants led by Patricia Robertson QC.
Cammish v Hughes [2012] EWCA Civ 1655 (Court of Appeal) – Important decision on (a) defamatory meaning and (b) the application of the principle in Jameel. Counsel for the claimant.
McLaughlin v Lambeth Borough Council [2010] EWHC 2726 (QB) – Significant decision in relation to the capacity of an employee of a governmental body to sue in defamation where what is impugned is their conduct in the carriage of the business of that body. Junior Counsel for the defendant led by Andrew Caldecott QC.
Kearns v General Council of the Bar [2003] EWCA Civ 331 (Court of Appeal) – Important decision on qualified privilege in context of pre-existing relationship between publisher and recipient. Junior Counsel for the claimant led by Richard Rampton QC.
Al-Fagih v H.H. Saudi Research & Marketing (UK) Ltd [2001] EWCA Civ 1634 (Court of Appeal) – Important decision on extension of public interest defence in context of a political dispute. Junior Counsel for the defendant led by Andrew Caldecott QC.
Austin v Newcastle Chronicle & Journal Ltd [2001] EWCA Civ 834 (Court of Appeal) – Significant decision on extension of time for service of Particulars of Claim. Counsel for the claimant.
Alexander v Arts Council of Wales [2001] EWCA Civ 514 (Court of Appeal) – Important decision on (a) summary judgment in context of defamation and (b) malice. Junior Counsel for the defendant led by Tom Shields QC.
Cornelius v de Taranto [2001] EMLR 12 (appeared) and [2002] EWCA Civ 1511 (Court of Appeal (drafted Skeleton for Appeal)) – First case in which an award of damages for mental distress caused by a breach of confidentiality was made. Junior Counsel for the claimant led by Edward Garnier QC.
Waple v Surrey County Council [1998] 1 WLR 860 (Court of Appeal) – Significant decision on privilege defence regarding answers to enquiries relating to a contribution notice under the Children Act 1989. Counsel for the claimant.
McDonalds Corporation v Steel and Morris (1994-1999) (i) [1995] EMLR 527 (Court of Appeal) 1999 (Court of Appeal)
(ii) The Independent May 10, 1999 – The longest civil case in English history with important Court of Appeal decisions on
(a) pleading a defence of truth (b) the capacity of a powerful multinational corporation to sue for defamation and (c) corporate goodwill in the context of a defamation action. Junior Counsel for the claimant led by Richard Rampton QC.
Regulatory information
Vat number: 524 167 654
Regulated by the Bar Standards Board
Bar Standards Board – The Barristers’ Register
Privacy notice
Memberships
BA (Hons) University of Oxford (Balliol College)
Brackenbury Scholar
Member of Human Rights Lawyers Association
Publications
Co-author of the 5th Edition of the leading textbook Duncan & Neil on Defamation and Other Media and Communication Claims (2020)
Set up an initial, fixed fee, zoom conference to discuss your case with Timothy.