Adele Ashton
Partner
Adele is head of the reputation management and privacy team. She is a highly regarded defamation and privacy specialist with over 20 years of experience. Adele advises both claimants and defendants in relation to defamation, privacy, breach of confidence, data protection, reputation management, harassment and related issues.
Her broad client base includes high net worth individuals, professionals, companies, educational institutions, charities and staff associations. She regularly provides guidance in relation to reputational risks, often in the context of wider disputes, involving threatened publications and broadcasts. This can include advising on appropriate steps to limit any damage, obtaining urgent injunctions to prevent publication, or seeking vindication and compensation after the event. Adele has particular expertise in tackling breaches of privacy and/or data protection, with the benefit of experience both in successfully pursuing claims and successfully defending them. She has also successfully settled a number of group data protection claims.
It is really important to understand a client’s objectives at the outset, but also to deliver frank advice. In taking control of the situation when a crisis hits, I can hopefully ease their stress and give them peace of mind. It’s not just about providing legal services – it goes beyond that.
Adele is recommended as a reputation and privacy lawyer in The Spear’s 500, and is consistently ranked in both Chambers UK and the Legal 500. She has also twice been part of a team shortlisted for Litigation Team of the Year at The Lawyer Awards. Adele regularly contributes expert case analysis to LexisNexis PSL and often contributes articles to institutional magazines, as well as providing expert commentary on defamation and privacy issues. She is a founding member, and sits on the committee of The Society of Media Lawyers, which is comprised of leading media lawyers who wish to add fairness and balance to discussions surrounding media law in order to try and ensure these are properly informed. Adele joined the firm in February 2017, having previously worked at a top 30 UK law firm, and trained and practised at a leading niche defamation law practice.
Recent work highlights
Pre-publication advice
Prevention rather than cure
Documentary damage limitation
Managing a media storm
Tackling threats to disclose private matters
Defamation advice
External recognition
What people are saying
Adele is particularly good in privacy-related matters. She is also really good at managing group litigation. She understands the dynamics involved and how to achieve a satisfactory resolution.
Adele is brilliant at bringing in and considering options. She is very strong in her ability to think past the normal usual courses of advice. She is really impressive.
Adele Ashton is excellent. She has a wide range of experience that she uses to achieve the best results for her clients.
Each time, Adele Ashton and her team are quick to grasp the essential facts of our business and the specific challenge at hand.
Three words I might use to describe Adele Ashton and her team would be pragmatic, resourceful and tenacious.
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