Timothy Atkinson

Timothy advises and represents clients in:

• Defamation (libel, slander) & media law

• Privacy & data protection (reputation + GDPR overlap)

• Cross-border / international media disputes

• Pre-publication advice & risk mitigation

• Interlocutory and interim reliefs (injunctions, anonymity orders)

• Appeals in appellate courts

• Regulatory and inquiry work

Timothy Atkinson has built a distinguished career in defamation, media and reputation law, regularly acting in high-stakes litigation and advisory work. He represents prominent public figures, media entities, and corporations, with a practice that spans both domestic and international jurisdictions.

Professional background & expertise

• Appeared in both led and unled roles in major media law cases, including in the Court of Appeal.

• Represented clients in Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of Gibraltar, and in cross-jurisdiction matters.

• Co-author of one of the leading textbooks on defamation: “Duncan and Neill on Defamation (5th Ed.)”.

• Routinely recommended for Defamation in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.

• Former member of one of the top defamation sets (1 Brick Court).

Notable cases

• Ager v Career Development Finance Ltd (libel, ongoing) – counsel to defendants

• Bokova v Associated Newspapers (2018) – represented a former UNESCO director in a high-profile libel claim

• Cammish v Hughes (2012 EWCA) – key judgment on defamatory meaning and principles from Jameel

• McLaughlin v Lambeth Borough Council (2010 EWHC) – capacity of public body employee to bring defamation claim

• Kearns v General Council of the Bar (2003 EWCA) – important decision on qualified privilege

• Al-Fagih v Saudi Research & Marketing (UK) (2001 EWCA) – public interest defence in political speech

• Austin v Newcastle Chronicle (2001 EWCA) – extension of time in defamation proceedings

• More: including McDonalds v Steel & Morris (1995–1999), longest civil case in English history

Thought leadership & public engagement

• Regular speaker at media, law, and privacy conferences

• Participated in expert panels on GDPR, data protection, and media regulation

• Advised several major inquiries, and provided guidance to the Law Society on defamation issues

• Called to the Bar in 1988