15 April 2024
The world’s leading reputation and privacy advisors Schillings, Clare Locke and Giles George have announced they are entering into a strategic alliance to meet the growing needs of their clients.
Headquartered in the UK, US and Australia, the three leaders in their field will join forces to give clients global access to their expertise in managing reputation, privacy, and security.
In a world in which reputation is being increasingly weaponised, this move comes as a coordinated response to the rise of complex and multifaceted reputational risks. Privacy threats, smear campaigns, and the spread of mis- and disinformation, demand ever-more sophisticated solutions.
The firms are leaders in their jurisdictions. The alliance will expand their geographic reach, offer global capabilities to clients, and enable effective “follow the sun” client service coverage, working together with best-in-class operators in key international hubs. It will also provide clients with access to Schillings’ unique multidisciplinary model, which draws together experts from the fields of law, investigations, strategic communications, diplomacy and security.
As well as tackling high stakes threats, the alliance will help individuals, families and companies navigate opportunities, including business deals, new market entries, and political, environmental, and social campaigns.
With a 40-year track record, Schillings is widely regarded as a pioneer in privacy and reputation. In September 2023 the firm launched a new strategic communications business, which sits alongside established practice areas in media law, intelligence and investigations, and security.
Founded in 2014, Clare Locke is North America’s leading defamation firm. Focusing on plaintiff-side claims, the team has unmatched expertise in pre-publication counsel, securing post-publication retractions, and defamation litigation. Operating a ‘conflict free’ model by representing only clients with interests adverse to the mainstream press, Clare Locke has a track record in bringing landmark claims against traditional and digital media, as well as providing seasoned reputation counsel.
Founded in Sydney by Rebekah Giles and Patrick George – both internationally respected leaders in defamation and reputation risk management – Giles George is Australia’s leading reputational risk law firm and are recognised thought leaders in media and defamation law.
David Imison, Chief Executive of Schillings said: “We are very proud to announce this partnership with Clare Locke and Giles George. When it comes to reputation, privacy and security, the stakes have never been higher. This new partnership will deliver an unrivalled set of global capabilities to our clients.”
Tom Clare, co-founder of Clare Locke commented: “Effectively safeguarding the reputation of prominent individuals and businesses has never been more complex, nor more far reaching. Polarized politics and media create existential challenges for our clients.” Libby Locke added, “Joining forces with Schillings and Giles George is the logical next step in Clare Locke’s ability to defend the rights and reputations of individuals and businesses wherever they are in the world.”
Co-Founders of Giles George, Patrick George and Rebekah Giles, said: “We have always believed that the law is one part of a much bigger picture. Our clients increasingly demand a multidisciplinary approach to helping them navigate high stakes threats and opportunities. By working in partnership with Schillings and Clare Locke we are excited to offer our clients unparalleled international reach, and a unique breadth of skills to meet their reputation, privacy and security needs.”
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