Lily Kennett

Spear’s Review

Former journalist Lily Kennett continues to leverage her investigative nous in her role at Schillings, where she works with family offices, corporate leaders and high-profile individuals to recognise – and then and manage – reputational threats. ‘It’s a gut feeling which I’ve cultivated for 10-plus years in newsrooms, and another 10-plus years working from the other side,’ she says. 

As well as counteracting threats from the media, Kennett works with clients to pinpoint areas affecting long-term reputational and privacy interests. ‘Something that I care about very deeply is the integrity of information that is in the public domain. 

‘Increasingly, my clients see reputation as we do: as an asset,’ she tells Spear’s. ‘You wouldn’t want to skimp on advice about your health.’ For Kennett, her work with clients is one of the most satisfying aspects of her job: ‘People come to us with a burden to share.’ 

Adviser Profile

With a background in investigative journalism and over a decade of experience in corporate intelligence, Lily is an expert at assembling facts and formulating strategies to protect her clients’ reputation, privacy and security. Specialising in complex cases – particularly where these play out in the ‘court of public opinion’ – Lily works closely with corporate leaders and prominent individuals through periods of upheaval to achieve stability and success. From litigation support and asset recovery to individual reputation strategy, Lily has navigated hostile campaigning activity, entrenched online inaccuracies, intrusive media interest, smear campaigns and even investigator malfeasance. 

A specialist in sensitive multi-jurisdictional matters, Lily deploys her extensive experience in investigation and analysis to counteract immediate threats and help clients realise high-stakes opportunities. With her background in news and foreign affairs, she frequently advises international businesses and families seeking strategic advice to align their regional and global reputations – often in connection with generational change or landmark business opportunities. 

In leading Schillings’ pro bono programme, Lily also provides support to prominent organisations working to expose and counter disinformation, misuse of personal data and other online harms. 

Alongside fellow Schillings partner Juliet Young, Lily hosted the investigative podcast ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ – demystifying the world of legal investigations, from digital forensics and art fraud to case strategy. 

Lily has been consistently ranked as a Notable Practitioner in the Chambers & Partners Litigation Support Guide.