We make the difference. Talk to us: 0333 004 4488 | hello@brabners.com
Our media and reputation management experts specialise in crisis management, defamation and harassment to provide fast, clear legal advice when you need it most.
We provide specialist support across a wide range of matters involving defamation of character (including slander and libel), invasion of privacy, harassment and false statements — whether online, digital or in print.
Instructing our team will put a protective barrier between you and whatever threat you’re facing. We’re vastly experienced in liaising with journalists, news publications and well-known websites on behalf of our clients. We can help you to control the narrative and protect your position.
Our work has seen us represent a wide range of clients, many of whom operate across the sport, business, technology, charity and entertainment sectors. These include household names such as business leaders, Premier League football clubs, high-profile international athletes and other individuals and organisations who want to exercise their right to protect their reputation and privacy.
We believe passionately in freedom of expression and act for prospective defendants in disputes. If you’ve received a letter of claim or complaint, we can provide you with appropriate advice and support.
We’re proud to be recognised in the top-tier of The Legal 500 for media and entertainment matters, thanks to our "strong expertise in defamation and privacy". Our team also won Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year at The Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards 2026.
If you need our help, call us now on 0333 004 4488, send us an email at hello@brabners.com or complete our contact form.
These days, a well-established personal or professional reputation can be damaged in seconds by a single online post — especially if it attracts attention from the media or influencers.
In any case that comes across our desks, we’ll review the evidence before quickly and calmly advising you on the full range of options available based on our extensive experience.
We can take appropriate steps to stop or repair damage, whether through court proceedings, complaints or negotiation. If false or intrusive content has already appeared, we'll take action to secure a retraction or apology, or — in the case of online content — have it taken down. We can seek compensation in relevant cases too.
We're vastly experienced in bringing and defending legal claims in the High Court and the appeal courts, including the Supreme Court.
We've acted in many cutting edge and high-profile legal cases and possess a strong track record in handling sensitive legal problems and securing significant damages, apologies, retractions and other orders to protect the rights of our clients. Our team includes vastly experienced lawyers and market-leading experts.
Multi-award-winning Partner and Head of Litigation Paul Lunt is the ‘go to’ lawyer for many high-profile clients in difficult times. Paul has successfully represented the likes of Coleen Rooney (when she was sued by Rebekah Vardy in the ‘Wagatha Christie’ case), England Cricket Captain Ben Stokes and former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, as well as The Commonwealth Games Federation. A member of The Legal 500’s prestigious Hall of Fame, Paul is recognised as a 'Top Flight' Reputation & Privacy Lawyer in the Spear's 500 for 2025.
Partner Nick McAleenan acts in reputation management and communications law disputes arising from online and social media publications, as well as in matters involving broadcasters, newspapers, campaigners, pressure groups and trade unions. Nick works with clients from a wide range of sectors, from business to politics. He’s also an expert in harassment, breach of confidence and data protection laws. Nick represented over 10,000 claimants in the UK’s first UK data breach class action — Various Claimants v Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC — which reached the Supreme Court. He’s recognised as a Leading Partner in The Legal 500.
Partner Helen Otty advises on a wide range of defamation and privacy disputes. Helen led our team in the landmark ‘malicious falsehood’ case of George v Cannell & LCA Jobs, which also reached the Supreme Court. Helen provides further specialist advice in relation to intellectual property and online defamation disputes. She’s listed as a Next Generation Partner in The Legal 500.
Our specialist partners are supported by a large team of solicitors who’ve worked on a wide range of cases from small claims through to document heavy, high-stakes disputes.
We are experienced in providing urgent pre-publication advice to media organisations and individuals on a wide variety of documents, ranging from press releases and reports, through to other public statements and online.
Our experts are media trained and very used to appearing on live and pre-recorded broadcasts. We’re available to provide expert commentary on reputation management issues, celebrity disputes, communications stories and other media relations issues.
“Brabners advises on reputation management, defamation, privacy and media crisis issues, including libel, slander and harassment claims and online rights protection work.”
The Legal 500 2026
“Known for its strong expertise in defamation and privacy, Brabners handles a broad suite of cases involving malicious falsehood, invasion of privacy, harassment and online abuse. Helen Otty... [stands] out due to her deep knowledge of online defamation claims... Colin Bell is known for his longstanding IP and tech expertise, routinely advising clients on media and commercial rights agreements... Paul Lunt [handles] a wide variety of privacy claims, representing a number of athletes and public figures... Nick McAleenan is an expert in reputation management, having acted in cases involving newspapers, trade unions and campaigners.”
The Legal 500 2025
“Nick McAleenan has significant knowledge of media and communications claims, with experience in handling cases concerning phone-hacking, data protection, smear campaigns and submissions to the Leveson Inquiry.”
The Legal 500 2025
“Brabners' [commercial litigation] team earns praise for its involvement in high-profile matters, including the 'Wagatha Christie' trial. The team is headed up by the ’bright, proactive and commercially savvy’ Paul Lunt, who is noted for his focus on media and sports disputes, shareholder disputes, contractual and professional negligence claims.”
The Legal 500 2025
Coleen Rooney
Representing Coleen Rooney in her successful defence against the libel claim brought by Rebekah Vardy. The ‘Wagatha Christie’ case was one of the most high-profile libel cases in UK history. We acted as the lead strategist and legal advisor for the case.
Read moreMichael Vaughan OBE
Representing Michael Vaughan OBE (former England cricket captain and broadcaster) in connection with allegations made against him as part of the Yorkshire Country Cricket Club (Azeem Rafiq) racism scandal. Vaughan was cleared of all charges brought against him before the Cricket Disciplinary Commission panel.
Read moreCommonwealth Games Federation
Advising the Commonwealth Games Federation on its relationship with a sports marketing and entertainment agency and arrangements that deal with all its commercial, media and marketing rights relating to the 2022, 2026 and 2030 Games.
We outline the steps that retailers can take to contain an emerging online issue and the legal remedies available for responding to false statements.
We set out seven practical steps to help retailers to prepare, respond decisively and recover quickly when the unexpected happens.
We look at the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 and outline how the GDPR can apply to both organisations and individuals as data controllers.
We explore the types of claims that PR firms can face when an initial complaint escalates and outline some practical steps to manage the risks.
We explore the legal and reputational implications of dramatising ‘real life’ events for the screen.
We're thrilled to have been commended in three separate categories in The Times Best Law Firms 2026.
Our litigation team look an online defamation case study and how to take legal action after being subject to online defamation or harassment.
What happened in Gary Mond’s case? We explore why this offers more clarity to charity trustees around social media activity.
Our litigation team explores recent cases and what to do if you’re subjected to online defamation or harassment.
We outline the issues being faced by players, the actions clubs are taking and what legal protections are available to help prevent and prosecute abuse.
Solicitor Ashley Hurst found himself at the centre of regulatory action brought by the SRA.
Our litigation team explores the options businesses have when it comes to dealing with negative online reviews — whether the review is honest or dishonest.
Here, commercial litigator Glyn Lancefield outlines the proposed changes to the pre-action protocol for media and communications claims.
Costs have been determined in the matter of George v Cannell & LCA Jobs. Our lawyers explore if an award of nominal damages constitutes ‘success’ in Court?
Our litigation team has successfully appealed to the Supreme Court in a landmark ruling that’s described as being the leading case on malicious falsehood and likely to have significant implications for media law.
Here, Eleanor Green provides a guide for footballers (and other athletes) looking to maximise their commercial income and maintain control over their image rights.
We discuss a SLAPP case brought by Gerard (Gerry) Kelly against journalist Dr Malachi O’Doherty in Northern Ireland.
We explore the high-profile online defamation libel battle in Blake and Seymour v Fox involving Laurence Fox.
Is enough done to protect our young stars from the dangers of the media and public eye? Our sports law team explore.
Our lawyers feature in the Disney+ documentary 'Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story'.
Should all sport disciplinary hearings — like the recent case involving Michael Vaughan OBE — be public?
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