Leading media firm Harbottle & Lewis today announces the expansion of its Media and Information Group with the hire of John Kelly. John, who will join the firm as a Partner, is currently Head of Schillings International Practice and Sports Practice.
John is a litigator who is recognised as an expert in the field of reputation protection and defamation. He specialises in advising leading individuals and corporate clients on how to protect their rights and reputations. Clients include successful individuals and companies in the areas of business, financial services, sport, music, film and television. He has particular expertise in crisis issues, including dealing with consumer affair and investigative television programmes. He is also experienced in coordinating international campaigns and multi-jurisdictional litigation through US, Europe, Asia and Australia.
John is ranked in Chambers and Partners Directory as ‘Best of the UK’ for Reputation Management/Defamation and is noted as someone who “draws praise from client sources, who value his speedy provision of high-quality advice. He works with a broad range of clients, including high net worth individuals, chief executives and FTSE 100 companies. He has also acted on behalf of major celebrity clients, such as Madonna, Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie.“
John says “I am very excited to be joining Harbottle & Lewis. With the plethora of issues facing clients today it has never been more important to take decisive steps to protect the reputations of leading individuals and corporate clients. Gone are the days when reputation issues just arose out of a bad headline. It is much deeper than that now, it’s global with the likes of digital, cultural and consumer issues all having to be considered by clients who want to protect their reputation and brand value. There are great synergies and opportunities between the Media and Information Team and the firm’s other sectors which can only enhance the support that can be offered to clients.”
Gerrard Tyrrell, Senior Partner and Head of the Media and Information Group says “John’s experience brings an additional dimension to our practice and enhances the breadth and quality of our offering. We are delighted that he is joining us.”
John joins Gerrard and Partner Jo Sanders from 20 May 2013.
