10 May 2011 | By Katy Dowell

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has rejected a bid by former Formula 1 boss Max Mosley to force newspapers to inform subjects prior to publication if details of their private lives are going to revealed.

Mosley instructed Collyer Bristow partner Dominic Crossley to represent him in his legal battle against the UK Government at the European Court in October 2008 (13 October 2008).

Crossley also represented Mosley in his breach of privacy claim against News International in 2008. Mr Justice Eady awarded Mosley £60,000 damages “for the injury to feelings, the embarrassment and distress caused” by pictures published in the newspaper that portrayed him participating in consensual sadomasochistic sex sessions (24 July 2008).

Crossley instructed Blackstone Chambers’ David Pannick QC and David Sherborne of 5RB to represent Mosley.

David Pannick QC

The Treasury Solicitor instructed the first treasury counsel James Eadie QC of Blackstone Chambers to represent the Government.

Today’s ruling marks the end of Mosley’s battle to put a legal requirement on all journalists to inform people that they are the subjects of stories ahead of publication.

The ECHR said that the European Convention on Human Rights did not require newspapers to give prior notice of publication.

It stated: “The limited scope under Article 10 for restrictions on the freedom of the press to publish material which contributes to debate on matters of general public interest must be borne in mind.

“Thus, having regard to the chilling effect to which a pre-notification requirement risks giving rise, to the significant doubts as to the effectiveness of any pre-notification requirement and to the wide margin of appreciation in this area, the court is of the view that Article 8 does not require a legally binding pre-notification requirement.”

http://www.thelawyer.com

Home Breaking News

Willkie launches UK bribery practice with Herbies hire

9 May 2011 | By Matt Byrne

Willkie Farr has launched a UK anti-bribery practice with the hire of Herbert Smith partner Peter Burrell, the US firm’s first English solicitor recruit in London.

Burrell, the head of Herbert Smith’s investigations and corporate crimes practice, specialises in contentious regulatory work. He also advises on all aspects associated with compliance with the relevant money laundering provisions systems and controls to prevent financial crime.

His hire is a direct response to the expected increase in instructions in the firm’s London office as a result of the introduction of the UK Bribery Act.

Willkie co-chair Tom Cerabino said Burrell’s hire was “one further step” in the development and expansion of the US firm’s European network.

The chair of Willkie’s compliance and enforcement practice Martin Weinstein added: “The UK Bribery Act is expected to have a significant impact on global anti-corruption compliance by multinational companies. Willkie already has one of the preeminent US-based anti-corruption practices. With the addition of Peter in London, we’ll have market-leading expertise on both sides of the Atlantic.”

While at Herbert Smith Burrell advised on a number of notable cases including acting for Severn Trent and Mabey & Johnson in their prosecutions by the Serious Fraud Office.

Burrell has also advised on investigations by HM Revenue & Customs and the FSA and has coordinated investigations in jurisdictions outside the UK, including the Far East and China.

Burrell will join Willkie as soon as he is free to do so under his existing arrangements with Herbert Smith.

http://www.thelawyer.com

Home Breaking News

Hunton reaffirms commitment to London in wake of partner exits