Alex Wilson
Partner
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Alex is a highly experienced lawyer and litigator specialising in media and communications-related claims and issues, particularly defamation, misuse of private information, breach of confidence and data protection.
He is instructed by a variety of media organisations, including newspapers, publishers, streaming platforms, broadcasters, online media companies, media insurers, individual journalists, and a number of household names. This experience is reflected in his rankings and recognition by Chambers UK and the Legal 500 across Defamation and Reputation Management, Media and Entertainment, and Film & TV.
“For every client, I bring expertise, efficiency, and practicality”
"My practice is predominantly defendant-focused. I typically act for the media and their interests, defending claims arising from published content. The ease with which information can be published and communicated in the modern world has significantly increased the scope and size of potential media and communications claims. Almost anyone can be at risk of a defamation or similar claim when publishing or communicating material, particularly when social media is involved. The law in this area is ever-changing.I am an experienced litigator and have represented clients in cases before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. I take cases through to trial where necessary, but I'm equally adept at securing early resolution through interim applications or negotiating favourable settlements.
I also regularly provide pre-publication advice to clients and am frequently instructed to respond to pre-publication legal threats, including injunctions. My experience of both pre-publication advice and of post-publication litigation informs and strengthens each aspect of my practice.
I am used to advising a range of clients, from seasoned in-house lawyers at large media organisations to individuals who may have never encountered litigation or legal issues (let alone media legal issues) before. For every client I strive to bring expertise, efficiency, and practicality."
Alex’s recent work highlights:
Acting for the Financial Times in defence of a multi-million-pound defamation claim brought by a high profile hedge fund manager over its reporting of sexual misconduct allegations against him.
Acting for the Spectator magazine in defence of a defamation and data protection claim brought over an article that was highly critical of the conduct of a prominent content creator during recent civil unrest in Leicester.
Acting for a television broadcaster and production company in defence of a misuse of private information and data protection claim brought against them by an individual filmed as part of one of their award-winning documentary series.
Acting for journalist Owen Jones in defence of a defamation claim brought over an article reporting on media coverage of the war in Gaza.
Acting for former MP Matt Hancock in defence of a defamation claim brought over his public criticisms of statements made by one of his former parliamentary colleagues.
Directory quotes
"Alex is a brilliant mind who can deliver comprehensive advice clearly. He discovers all the issues in a matter and plots a clear path through them; the perfect combination of hard and soft skills." - Chambers UK 2026 (Defamation / Reputation Management)
“Alex is an extremely impressive litigator and strategist with a wealth of expertise.” Chambers UK 2026 (Defamation / Reputation Management)
“Alex is an excellent media lawyer. He is across the detail on a case, gives clear and practical advice, and is a pleasure to work with.” Chambers UK 2026 (Defamation / Reputation Management)
“Alex is outstanding. He is a knowledgeable practitioner, a clear and empathetic communicator and demonstrates excellent judgement. He is a pleasure to work with and to learn from.“ Chambers (Media & Entertainment: Publishing)
"Alex is an expert in the field of media and communications law. He is very approachable, has good strategic judgement, and really knows his stuff". Legal 500 (Reputation Management)
"Alex Wilson is a stand out lawyer and sometimes feels like part of our team when advising us on highly complex, timely and wide ranging legal issues. He is practical, commercial and highly competent and he knows his area of practice inside out providing very valuable cross industry insight and reflection". Legal 500 (Film & TV)
"Alex is exceptionally good. He is very savvy, knows the industry backwards and works extremely hard." - Chambers 2025 (Defamation / Reputation Management)
"Alex is about as good as you can get as a media lawyer." - Chambers 2025 (Defamation / Reputation Management)
"Alex has keen intelligence, can head off problems and is able to explain legal issues in clear and simple terms. He is also strong at managing complex conversations with the other side." - Chambers 2025 (Defamation / Reputation Management)
"Alex is extraordinarily capable and experienced for someone so young. We’re incredibly lucky to have him as our lawyer." - Chambers 2025 (Defamation / Reputation Management)
"Alex is great to work with – pragmatic and super-responsive, with the ability to calm a situation and cut through quickly and clearly to the things that actually matter." - Chambers 2025 (Defamation / Reputation Management)
"Alex is courteous, empathetic and super-talented." - Chambers 2025 (Media & Entertainment: Publishing)
"Alex is extremely hands-on, enthusiastic and has good strategic vision." - Chambers 2025 (Media & Entertainment: Publishing)
"I particularly rate partner Alex Wilson. He has great experience of working closely with a variety of news publishers, and he is very quick and attentive with responses." - Legal 500 UK 2025 (Media: Theatre, publishing and other media)
"Alex Wilson is a hugely able lawyer with great judgement." - Legal 500 UK 2025 (Reputation Management)
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Expertise sectors
Technology, Media & Entertainment, Media & Entertainment
Expertise services
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