Rupert Cowper-Coles

Partner and Head of Media

Rupert is our head of media. His team specialise in media and content disputes, defamation, privacy, data protection, harassment, intermediary liability and online safety. Rupert typically acts for news organisations, online platforms, media insurers, NGOs, journalists, private individuals, and complex data controllers. He is a member of The Society of Computers and Law ,and is also the Law Society's expert to the CCBE (Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe) on SLAPPs and abusive litigation.

“I believe good client-lawyer relationships win cases”

“Media and content disputes usually involve advising on disputes relating to free speech or content in some way. Testing these boundaries is always interesting as there are almost always wider principles at stake.

Online publication is effectively global publication, many of my cases involve an international aspect. I frequently work with media lawyers across the world advising on and managing risk. A significant part of my practice is defending non-resident individuals and organisations in the UK.

I aim to make my client's problem my own problem. Earning a client's trust and understanding their objectives is critical to helping them make good decisions. I believe good client-lawyer relationships win cases. What this requires depends on the client, but hard work, good judgment, excellent communication including concise, practical advice are usually pre-requisites.”

Rupert’s recent work highlights:

Strike-out of harassment proceedings brought by a cosmetic surgery clinic Signature Medical Limited against a patient over comments on a recovery support group.

Acting in the Court of Appeal in dismissal of an appeal over a £1 nominal damages award in favour of a claimant whose defamation claims were found to have been supported by false evidence.

Open justice intervention on behalf of Bloomberg News to lift reporting restrictions allowing reporting of acrimonious Court of Protection proceedings between members of Britain's wealthiest family.

Directory quotes

"He will be an absolute superstar. He works incredibly hard for his clients." - Chambers UK 2024

"Rupert Cowper-Coles is an asset to any case. He is very hard-working, gets on top of the detail, and is brilliant with clients." - Legal 500 UK 2023

Up and Coming – Chambers UK 2022

Rupert Cowper-Coles is noted for his experience advising media outlets on a range of matters relating to defamation, privacy and data protection. He represents both traditional media clients such as national newspapers, as well as digital media platforms. - Chambers UK 2022

"He is incredibly thorough, astute, and clients like him." - Chambers UK 2022

"Rupert Cowper-Coles is first class, very bright with top knowledge of the law in this field, and prepared to roll his sleeves up to get into the detail." - The Legal 500 UK 2022

Rupert Cowper-Coles is a senior associate noted for his experience advising media outlets on a range of matters relating to defamation, privacy and data protection. He represents both traditional media clients such as national newspapers, as well as digital media platforms. - Chambers UK 2021

"He's fantastic - really good to deal with and knows the law." - Chambers UK 2021

"Rupert Cowper-Coles is committed to serving clients' interests and has good attention to detail." - Chambers UK 2021

"He's very understated, thoughtful and very easy to get on with." - Chambers UK 2021

Rising Star - The Legal 500 UK 2021

'Rupert Cowper-Coles is a hugely impressive senior associate with notable litigation experience and impeccable judgment. He has a fantastic eye for the sort of detail which wins or loses cases and will surely be a top-flight partner in years to come' - Legal 500 2020

'Rupert Cowper-Coles 'does an amazing job' at handling high-profile defamation cases including privacy and misuse of private information claims'. – The Legal 500 UK 2020

Rising Star - The Legal 500 UK 2020

Rupert Cowper-Coles specialises in harassment, defamation and privacy cases. Sources say: "He is just incredibly competent. He is very passionate about the law and is very personable." - Chambers UK 2019

"He's a pleasure to work with. He's a really good, analytical lawyer who is charming, good with clients and excellent under pressure." - Chambers UK 2018

"Exceedingly client-focused." - TheLegal 500 UK 2016

Listed as one of three "Rising Stars" - Spear's Reputation Management Index 2016