Media Law

Recognised for our specialist expertise and deft handling of critical reputational matters, the media law team at Edwards Duthie Shamash has an exceptional reputation.

Our Expertise

Media law is a highly complex and specialised area which continues to change to keep pace with today’s new media.

We have acted in many of the landmark media cases of recent years and our expertise covers all aspects of media law:

Defamation (libel and slander)
Misuse of Private Information (including phone hacking)
Harassment
Malicious Falsehood
Breach of Confidence

Our team is adept at assessing risk and providing strategic advice with a view to ensuring the best possible outcome for you.

Our Clients

We have represented, and continue to represent, high-profile individuals in critical matters relating to their reputation, privacy breaches, and urgent legal relief. From sports personalities, film and television stars to politicians, our firm is entrusted with safeguarding the interests of those in the public eye.

Your Reputation

Your reputation is your most valuable asset, painstakingly built over time. Yet, it can be shattered in an instant by a single defamatory article or ill-intentioned social media post.

We understand the gravity of these threats and the urgency they demand and will provide clear and expert advice to protect what matters to you most. Our team is here to assist you in safeguarding your reputation and privacy. When needed, we can also pursue pre-publication injunctions to mitigate potential damage.

Meet Our Experts

Legal 500 2024 Hall of Fame, Renowned Media Law Expert

Gerald Shamash brings decades of experience to our team. As a respected figure in the field, Gerald is known for his strategic approach and unwavering commitment to protecting clients’ interests.

Chambers & Partners 2024, Ranked Lawyer in Defamation/Reputation Management

Alex Cochrane is known for his adept handling of reputation management matters. With a focus on the sports and entertainment sectors, Alex brings a wealth of experience to the table. His expertise extends to resolving disputes involving social media platforms and online reputational issues.

Client Reviews

“It was a real pleasure working with Alex Cochrane and the team at Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors - on something that had no right to be pleasurable. I was listened to well and supportively, particularly when we were discussing the most emotional aspects of my case. I am hugely grateful to Alex and the team and would highly recommend them.”

— Kathy Sykes OBE – Physicist, science educator and television broadcaster

“Alex Cochrane and all the team at EDS were a pleasure to work with in resolving a long-running claim against a major media organisation with huge resources. Alex was always easy to reach, and responsive, keeping me up-to-date and informed at every stage. I would have no hesitation in recommending Alex and his colleagues for their expertise and negotiating skills.”

— Paul Farrelly – Former Labour Party MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme

“Alex Cochrane is a man of the utmost integrity and a first rate solicitor. I will be forever grateful for all of his hard work, compassion and kindness. He and the EDS team have made a difficult process so much easier. I have had complete trust and faith in Alex since day one and I cannot thank him enough.”

— Justin Lee Collins – Former Comedian and Television Presenter

“Gerald Shamash’s inside knowledge of clients and their needs is peerless. It gives him a sound tactical sense of where we are trying to go.”

— Gerald Shamash in The Legal 500

“I’m incredibly grateful to Alex Cochrane for achieving a successful outcome to my claim. Alex was great to work with: thorough and concise, and always easy to reach via email and phone. From the very first conversation I felt I was in very capable hands working with Alex. His warmth and compassion readily shines through. I can’t recommend him enough!”

— John O’Sullivan, former aide to the Royal Household

“I would like to thank Alex Cochrane, who dealt with this sensitive matter with the utmost compassion and grace, making me feel prioritised and valued. Though my faith in humanity has been challenged many times, it is, surprisingly, easily restored by simple acts of honesty and integrity, like those of Alex who was, always, kinder than necessary.”

— Anouska de Georgiou, Model and Actor

“Having worked with solicitors before, where the press are concerned, the utter relief when I had my initial meeting with Alex Cochrane was fantastic. He knows his job, knows how to conduct himself with somebody who has had a horrific time and knows how to win!”

— Natalie Cecil, Private Individual

“Gerald is extremely experienced, knowledgeable and able to navigate the often blurred lines between the legal and political fields. He has excellent political judgement and a strategic legal mind.”

— Chambers and Partners

“Alex Cochrane gains clients’ trust through a mixture of an authoritative yet friendly personality, coupled with outstanding legal expertise.”

— Legal 500

“Alex Cochrane is considered by interviewees to be a “technically excellent lawyer” who “knows his law and is extremely good with clients”. He advises clients on all aspects of reputation management, including defamation, privacy and harassment claims.”

— Chambers and Partners

“Thank you for your email and all your support. Many thanks! You have helped me so much.”

— Client of Edwards Duthie Shamash

“Alex is a fantastic lawyer with empathy and complete understanding.”

— Chambers and Partners, 2025

“He is a first-rate solicitor and a pleasure to work with. I have had no hesitation at all in recommending him to others.”

— Chambers and Partners, 2025

“Many thanks to Gerald, Alex and the wider team at Edwards Duthie Shamash for your professionalism, attention to detail and good humour. Such a nice firm to work with.”

— Lord Peter Mandelson