Tag Archives: Alternative Dispute Resolution

Schillings Grows Family Department To Meet Increasing Client Demand

Schillings, the leading law firm protecting the rights and reputations of corporate organisations, high-profile individuals and those in the public eye, has increased its family department to meet the growing demand from its clients, particularly those who want to ensure their family and matrimonial matters are not publicised by the media.

Schillings has recently recruited Davina Hay to join its family law department alongside Keith Schilling, Rachel Atkins and David Greer. A litigator with expertise in family law, Davina advises on separation, divorce and ancillary relief, jurisdictional disputes, multi-jurisdictional divorce cases involving significant assets and enforcement issues. Before she joined Schillings, Davina trained and qualified at a City law firm where she spent six years acting for a number of well known actors, successful entrepreneurs and international clients. She brings with her extensive experience as a litigator and enhances the firm’s provision of advice to high net-worth and high profile individuals in all aspects of divorce, relationship breakdown, ancillary relief, pre- and post-nuptial agreements and private children matters.

Schillings’ family department is led by Keith Schilling, the founder and senior partner of the firm, who represented Shan Lambert in her successful appeal in 2002, achieving the first 50/50 split of assets in a “big money” divorce.

Working alongside Mr Schilling is Partner Rachel Atkins who earlier this year, together with Associate David Greer, acted for a celebrity father in a test case following the introduction of new rules allowing media attendance in family proceedings, and succeeded in application to exclude the media from attending court hearings concerning his child.

When speaking about the growing family department Keith Schilling said, “In the last few years we have seen a significant increase in the demand for advice from high net worth and high profile individuals in connection with matters relating to divorce, often involving multiple jurisdictions, children and most notably pre- and post-nuptial agreements.”

Mr Schilling went on to say, “High net worth individuals and those in the public eye regularly discover their privacy has been invaded or their reputation defamed when details of their personal lives or the breakdown of their relationship are leaked to the press and publicised. It is logical, therefore, to respond to the demand from our clients by strengthening our team and combining our family and matrimonial advice with the firm’s pre-eminent experience in the area of reputation protection, so that we can ensure that press interest is managed to our client’s advantage.”

Speaking about the press interest surrounding high net worth individuals and those in the public eye Davina Hay said, “Clients, even those without a high public profile, are increasingly finding themselves the subject of intrusive press interest following relationship breakdown or in the event of disputes involving children. Aside from the unwanted emotional strain at an already stressful time, the financial consequences of the resulting reputational damage can be devastating. However, it is possible to manage such threats and give clients the space to resolve family issues free from unwanted media scrutiny.”

Via EPR Network
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Schillings Announce Libel Claim Win For Michael Essien Against The People

The Chelsea premiership footballer Michael Essien, represented by London law firm Schillings, has won his libel claim (Case number HQ09X02164) against the People newspaper.

Libel proceedings were issued against MGN Limited, the publisher of the People newspaper, following the publication of two articles. The first article, published on 25 May 2008, carried the headline “Chelsea Cheat Michael Essien: I’ll Stand by my Love Child”. This was followed by another article on 3 May 2009 under the headline “Sex Cheat Star Essien Gets Boot”.

The articles claimed that Mr Essien had cheated on his long term partner by having numerous affairs with other women and fathered a child behind his partner’s back. As a result, his partner had called off their wedding. These allegations were found to be false and grossly defamatory towards Mr Essien.

The People has accepted that these allegations are untrue, and has paid Mr Essien substantial damages as well as agreeing to pay his legal costs. The People have also undertaken not to repeat the allegations.

In its apology, the People said: “On 25 May 2008 and 3 May 2009 we reported that Michael Essien had cheated on his long term girlfriend Nadia Buari by having numerous affairs behind her back including one in which he fathered a child. On 3 May we reported that as a result of his behaviour Ms Buari called their wedding off. We now accept that these allegations are untrue. We apologise to Mr Essien for any distress or embarrassment caused.”

A representative of Schillings who represented Michael Essien said: “There has been a lot of inaccurate reporting concerning Michael and he was not prepared to allow this misreporting to continue.”

Schillings also said that, “these allegations were not put to Michael or his representatives prior to publication and had the People done so they would have been informed of their utter falsity.”

Caroline McAteer of The Sports PR Company said on behalf of Michael Essien: “Michael is delighted to have won his case and to have set the record straight. He would have preferred not to take action, but had no alternative in this case. Michael is pleased that this matter has now been resolved.”

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Shillings Win Apology And Damages For Olivier Martinez From The Sun

Olivier Martinez, represented by London law firm Schillings and Paris law firm Asmar & Assayag has won his libel action against The Sun, at the High Court in London, following the publication of false allegations that Mr. Martinez cheated on Kylie Minogue during their relationship. (Case number: HQ08X02862)

On 26 November 2007, The Sun published an article under the headline “Kylie ‘still loves’ ex Martinez” which contained the defamatory and untrue allegation that Mr Martinez had cheated on Kylie Minogue. In order to vindicate his reputation Mr. Martinez issued libel proceedings against News Group Newspapers Limited in relation to the article.

A representative of Schillings said that: “This false allegation has caused Mr. Martinez considerable embarrassment and distress.”

They also said that: “Mr. Martinez is glad that The Sun has accepted that the allegations are false and that the article should never have been published at all”.

In the High Court in London The Sun newspaper apologised to Mr. Martinez, agreed to publish an apology in the newspaper and to pay damages and legal costs.

The Sun’s lawyer said: “The Defendant sincerely apologises to the Claimant for the distress and embarrassment this article has caused. It accepts that the allegations are untrue and ought never to have been published.”

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Schillings Will Be Taking Part In A Panel Discussion At The 2009 Reputation Conference

Schillings, the leading law firm protecting individual and corporate reputations, will be taking part in a panel discussion, chaired by Dr Kevin Money Associate Professor and Director of the John Madejski Centre for Reputation, at the 2009 Reputation Conference.

Keith Schilling is Senior Partner and Co-Founder of Schillings and is a Solicitor-Advocate. He is one of the most sought after reputation management lawyers in Britain due to his work in defamation and privacy and in 2008 he was placed 10th in the Times list of the 100 most powerful and influential lawyers in England for his work in achieving a number of landmark decisions in privacy law. He has helped to protect the reputations of film, sports and entertainment stars as well as international corporations and business executives.

Keith Schilling, joins a panel of experts in protecting reputations to answer the question ‘Future avenues for building reputation. Where do we go from here?’ The panel will close the conference with a review of the learnings from the day and discuss how organisations should prepare themselves for the future challenges in managing reputations and corporate responsibility.

As a new decade approaches, the conference will examine the challenges of managing reputation and relationships in times of organisational change and will consider the lessons learnt from recent corporate scandals in the management of reputation.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamationprivacy law and copyright cases, as well as commercial litigation is second to none.

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Schillings Client Jacob Zuma, The President Of South Africa, Has Won Very Substantial Damages After A Libel Case Against The Guardian Newspaper Following False Allegations Printed Earlier This Year

On 6 March 2009, the Manchester based newspaper published an article that falsely claimed that President Zuma was guilty of rape, corruption and bribery. President Zuma began legal action against the daily newspaper earlier this year claiming defamation, saying the article was grossly false and indefensible.

schillings - Jacob Zuma

After being taken to court, the Guardian has apologised to the ANC leader and agreed to pay very substantial damages as well as cover legal costs.

In a statement read in the High Court on 30 July 2009, Schillings solicitor Jenny Afia described the allegations as being “of the utmost seriousness and totally untrue”. She went on to explain that: “In light of the facts that the [Guardian] is now willing to pay very substantial damages and it has publicly apologised to [President Zuma], [President Zuma] considers that his reputation in this matter has been entirely vindicated and he is prepared not to proceed any further in his action against the [Guardian].”

Speaking from Mahlambandlovu last night, the president’s official residence in Pretoria, President Zuma said: “What was said was extremely serious, not just for me but for the ANC. I am very pleased that the Guardian has now apologised. I firmly believe in press freedom and freedom of expression. I have fought for these and other basic rights my whole life and I will continue to support this. We had to take action in this matter because the publication crossed the line. Media around the world are obliged to exercise their freedom of speech in a responsible manner.”

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to reputation management and the safeguarding of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in media management, privacy law and copyright cases, as well as commercial dispute resolution and sports law is second to none.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm”.

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Kate Winslet, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, premiership footballer Wayne Rooney, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Court case number: HQ09X01290

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Schillings Take First Place At The Lawyer Awards 2009

Once again Schillings has reason to celebrate the successes of their legal team as one of its lawyers, Matthew Himsworth, wins first place in the Assistant Solicitor of the Year category at the Lawyer Awards ceremony.

Matthew Himsworth is an associate at Schillings and specialises in reputation protection on behalf of corporations, brands and public figures. He has developed his career over the last seven years, having trained with Schillings, and has built a strong profile both within the firm and externally within the legal profession and with clients.

The award is presented to the solicitor who has demonstrated entrepreneurship, business building skills and technical legal skills. Matthew’s commitment to both the firm and its clients extends beyond his core role and is evident in the numerous projects he has initiated. In particular he developed the firm’s trainee coaching programme with the objective to provide full training in the practical legal tools as well as promoting thought-leadership on relevant topics. This training programme helps prepare trainees so that when they qualify they can build upon their legal technical know-how by enrolling in the Schillings Academy.

Matthew’s highest profile success was for the stock broking firm, Collins Stewart in its well documented libel action against the Financial Times. This was the largest claim ever brought and Matthew helped achieve a ground-breaking apology on the front page of the Companies and Markets section along with and substantial damages

Speaking after the awards, Matthew Himsworth said, “It was a great surprise and a huge honour to win the award. It’s a tremendous accolade to be recognised by your own profession.”

Matthew has received praise from many of his clients, mainly from the firm’s sports law practice, which he has been instrumental in developing. Clients commend Himsworth as, “Personable whilst providing clear and sensible advice”, and that, “He offers excellent strategic recommendations”. One major sporting body went on to state, “We have found Matt to be extremely professional and we are delighted to be associated with him”.

This award follows a number of recent achievements at various industry awards. Schillings won first place in the Partner of the Year category in 2008 and has twice been winners of the Niche Firm of the Year (2002 and 2003) at the Lawyer Awards. In addition, the firm won the Young Solicitor of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2008.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamation, privacy law and copyright cases, as well as commercial dispute resolution and sports law is second to none.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm”.

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Kate Winslet, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, premiership footballer Wayne Rooney, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Via EPR Network
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Schillings Launches The Schillings Academy

Schillings the leading law firm protecting the privacy and reputation of corporates and high-profile individuals has launched the Schillings Academy, an advanced and unique course which will provide unparalleled training to staff at the firm.

schillings

The Schillings Academy will be delivered in-house and will equip the firm’s employees with the skills and specialist knowledge to provide the same excellent client service that the firm’s partners have become known for.

The Schillings Academy is the result of two years of development and will concentrate on building excellence in three key areas including advanced legal training for qualified lawyers, enhanced teaching for trainees and commercial skills training for the business support function. The first phase of the Schillings Academy will roll out a two year, 100 hour bespoke training programme in reputation management and privacy law to qualified lawyers currently working at the firm. Additionally the programme will carry CPD points and will ensure that all qualified lawyers exceed their CPD requirements without the need to go on external generic courses.

The four main components of Schillings Academy for qualified lawyers will be advanced modules on defamationprivacy law and confidence and advocacy and related reputation management laws. Working together with leading professors including Professor Gavin Phillipson and the College of Law, the Schillings Academy will foster and harness new ways of thinking on how to approach and deploy the law to achieve the best results for the firm’s clients.

Speaking on the firm’s 25th anniversary, Keith Schilling, founding partner of Schillings, said: “Schillings is fortunate to have created a reputation over the last 25 years for being at the forefront of privacy and reputation law. The launch of our Schillings Academy demonstrates to our clients our continued commitment to deliver excellence to our clients in everything that we do. It is with great pride that we are launching this market leading initiative, which demonstrates Schillings commitment to providing the best training to its lawyers, with the most advanced knowledge and expertise available. This academy takes the firm into a new season and we look forward to our next 25 years.”

About Schillings
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s 25 year track-record in defamation, privacy law and copyright cases, as well as commercial dispute resolution and sports law, is second to none.

Defamation privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm”.

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Kate Winslet, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, premiership footballer Wayne Rooney, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Via EPR Network
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Schillings Law Firm Has Been Shortlisted In The Lawyer Awards 2009

Schillings, one of the UK’s foremost law firms leading the way in protecting reputations by employing legal tools including privacy, defamation, copyright and commercial litigation, has announced that Matthew Himsworth has been shortlisted for the Assistant Solicitor of the Year award at this year’s The Lawyer Awards.

schillings.co.uk

Matthew Himsworth is an associate at Schillings and specialises in reputation management on behalf of corporations, brands and public figures. He has developed his career over the last seven years, having trained with Schillings, and has built a strong profile both within the firm and externally within the legal profession and with clients.

A strong factor in Matthew’s shortlisting for ‘Assistant Solicitor of the Year’ was his demonstration of entrepreneurship and business building skills, when identifying new opportunities for creating additional revenue streams f r o m an area within the practice. Working with the Schillings marketing team, Matthew devised a strategy for formally growing the sports law practice. The objective was to create a short, medium and long term plan to provide partners and fee earners with a framework to facilitate keeping in regular contact with existing clients and a method to raise brand awareness and generate new business development leads.

Matthew’s highest profile success was for the stock broking firm, Collins Stewart in its well documented libel action against the Financial Times. This was the largest claim ever brought and Matthew helped achieve a ground-breaking apology on the front page of the Companies and Markets section and substantial damages.

Matthew’s legal technical skills together with the many excellent references he received have contributed to his nomination in the upcoming Lawyer Awards.

The Lawyer Awards, now in its fifteenth year, remains the benchmark for excellence within the legal profession and are open to participation by private practice, in-house counsel and members of the Bar. The winners of the awards will be announced at the Awards ceremony on Tuesday 23rd June 2009 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamation, privacy law and copyright cases, as well as commercial dispute resolution and sports law is second to none. Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm”. Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Kate Winslet, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, premiership footballer Wayne Rooney, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Via EPR Network
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Field Fisher Waterhouse recovers substantial compensation against Barts & the London NHS Trust on behalf of brain-damaged youth

Law firm, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has recovered a substantial sum in compensation on behalf of Matthew Ellerbeck, who sustained serious brain damage after contracting herpes at the age of six.

In 1997, Matthew suffered a prolonged convulsion, and was taken in an ambulance to the A&E department of the Royal London Hospital. Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE) should have been suspected, and aciclovir (an antiviral drug) should have been administered immediately. However the drug was not given to Matthew until over 30 hours later.

As a result of this delay, Matthew sustained serious brain damage. He is now 17, and as a result of the brain damage he suffers daily epileptic attacks and severe learning difficulties, as well as serious attention and behavioural problems.

Matthew’s mother, Susan Culling, brought the case against Barts & the London NHS Trust on his behalf in the High Court. Richard Earle, a lawyer in the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, conducted Matthew’s case to settlement.

The hospital accepted the delay in treating the HSE was negligent, but it argued that most of the damage and subsequent consequences to Matthew would have occurred anyway.

The case had gone on for nine years, in which time a number of concessions were made by the hospital, when a settlement was agreed two months before the case was due to go to trial.

Following this long legal battle, Field Fisher Waterhouse recovered substantial damages. This includes provision for periodical (annual) payments to be made for the rest of Matthew’s life to cover his care and accommodation needs.

Susan Culling said: “I was determined to press on and seek justice for Matthew. I am very pleased at the level of compensation which will make a huge difference to Matthew’s life.”

Richard Earle said: “I am absolutely delighted that substantial damages have been recovered on Matthew’s behalf, in what was an extremely complex case on the medical evidence where both Matthew’s lawyers and medical team had worked extremely hard to overcome the Defendant’s arguments on causation. This will improve the quality of Matthew’s life and provide protection for the future.”

Matthew was represented by James Badenoch QC and Dennis Matthews of Counsel.

About Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP:
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is a full-service European law firm with offices in Brussels, Hamburg and London. With 119 partners, over 200 other lawyers and nearly 300 support staff, we assist a wide range of international clients, advising across a full range of legal issues.

The main areas of practice are corporate and commercial, IP and technology, banking and finance, regulatory and real estate. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP also have particular expertise in competition & EU law, dispute resolution, employment, personal injury and clinical negligence, public sector and tax.

Via EPR Network
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