Spear’s Review

Jessica Welch joined Simkins in 2013 as a trainee solicitor, rising to associate in 2015 and partner in 2025. She advises on matters involving defamation claims, reputation protection, commercial litigation and intellectual property rights, as well as commercial disputes for clients in the media and entertainment industries. 

Welch has been involved in a number of notable cases; she was a key player in successfully representing Sir Cliff Richard against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police in 2018. She has also worked on cases in the High Court, the Copyright Tribunal and the European Court of Justice. 

‘I really enjoy the reputation side of my work; I like the very personal nature. You get to know clients very quickly,’ she tells Spear’s. ‘You’re there to support the client through their moment of stress.’

In 2024, Welch provided legal commentary on the ‘Baby Reindeer’ case to ABC Australia and the Independent. The Netflix programme ignited public interest in the case and put a spotlight on the complexities of defamation claims.