Spear’s Review

A defamation and privacy specialist with more than 20 years’ experience, Adele Ashton joined Penningtons Manches Cooper in 2017. As head of the reputation management and privacy team, her current practice involves advising both claimants and defendants concerning breach of confidence and reputation management.

She says an effective defamation lawyer requires analytical skills to monitor which decisions are in a client’s interest, ‘whether that is taking action or doing nothing. 

‘Ultimately, the aim is to make things better for them, and not do anything which will make things worse,’ she says. ‘In taking control of the situation, I can hopefully ease their stress and give them peace of mind.’

When it comes to advising private clients and individuals, Ashton says: ‘It’s not just about providing legal services – it goes beyond that. You’re trying to provide reassurance and reduce distress as best you can.’