Click here to read the full article: Rob Rinder says it is a ‘Wild West’ for reputations as leading lawyers warn even UHNW clients could struggle to secure legal representation
Mark and Hanna’s comments have been reproduced below with kind permission.
Mark comments:
The best way to tackle any reputational threat, especially those disseminating online, is to hone in on its root source, said defence and investigations lawyer Mark Jones, of the firm Payne Hicks Beach.
‘Motive is always one of the most important things that I look for, in terms of “why this is happening” and “where is it coming from?”,’ he said.
Jones added: ‘It is often quite important in terms of dictating how you may then go on to deal with the matter, and what the response might look like.’
However, it is important for clients to remain level-headed when trying to solve a reputational issue, said Jones, as pointing fingers can be unproductive and legally risky.
Hanna comments:
However, Basha noted that law firms themselves have to now be careful when considering which clients to take on, to preserve their own reputations.
‘We have to be careful, especially in the SLAPPs world that we now live in, as defamation and reputation lawyers.’
A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation, or SLAPP, is where powerful corporations or individuals use the threat or filing of expensive, intimidating legal action to silence whistle-blowers, critics, journalists and activists who are speaking out against or investigating matters of public interest. There is legislation combatting the use of SLAPPs in financial cases, under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 in the UK, however critics, such as the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition, say there is not a comprehensive law protecting individuals from such letters.
‘But, as Mark said, people are entitled to representation,’ she added.
Noting that her work has become increasingly difficult amid the rise of social media and AI, Basha called for their increased regulation.
‘I think we need more regulation on social media platforms,’ she said. ‘So often, people will say “it’s on social media, it’s in the press, what do we do now?”. The most difficult thing for us is getting instructed after the first publication.’
For further information, please get in touch with Hanna Basha or Mark Jones. Alternatively, telephone on 020 7465 4300
