We are delighted to announce the promotion of two members of our Media Disputes team, Alex Cochrane who is promoted to Partner, and Ellen Gallagher, who is promoted to Senior Associate.

Alex and Ellen both joined Hamlins in 2019, and over the last two years, have helped to bolster our reputation as one of the country’s leading reputation management departments.

Alex has quickly earned a reputation for his calm and focused approach and for developing great client relationships, always seeking to get the best results for our clients. He has acted for a number of high profile clients and been involved in a significant number of claims in our phone hacking litigation against News Group Newspapers (NGN), and against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). He has also played an instrumental role in developing our work for clients with claims for breach of privacy arising from the filming of fly-on-the-wall documentaries.

Ellen is highly respected by clients and colleagues alike for her skills including her ability to provide clear and pragmatic advice, and for her collegiate approach. She has played a central role in our work in the phone hacking litigation, and has acted for many of our high profile clients in defamation and reputation management claims.

These appointments demonstrate the strength and broad expertise of our growing Media Disputes department, which has established itself as the advisor of choice for public figures including celebrities and politicians and corporate clients seeking advice in relation to defamation, reputation management, pre-publication matters and privacy law in claims arising from invasion of privacy in respect of the publication of print, broadcast, and online and social media content.

Joseph Holder, Senior Partner, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Alex to the partnership and to recognise Ellen’s outstanding contribution to the firm. These promotions demonstrate the expertise and strength of our exceptional and growing Media Disputes team.”