Timothy
Atkinson

Timothy's practice has a significant international dimension, including representing and advising prominent individuals, large corporations and media organisations in many different countries, including several appearances in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of Gibraltar. He has addressed influential and prestigious meetings in the UK and abroad on the General Data Protection Regulation, taking part in a Meeting of Experts concerning the Regulation organised to assist the European Commission, and giving a lead speech at the Annual Conference of the Society for Computers and Law. He has advised on several important Inquiry reports. He advises the Law Society on defamation. Recent cases include: Ager v Career Development Finance Ltd [2019] EWHC 2830 (QB) - Counsel for the Defendants in this ongoing libel claim. Bokova v Associated Newspapers [2018] EWHC 320 (QB) and [2018] EWHC 2032 (QB) - Counsel for Claimant, a former Director General ofUNESCO and candidate for post of UN Secretary General in a high profile libel claim. Huda v Wells [2017] EWHC 2553 (QB) – Decision on absolute privilege in context of permission to serve out of the jurisdiction, with observations on s.9 Defamation Act 2013. Counsel for the defendant. The Construction Industry Vetting Information Group Litigation (2014 – 2016) – High profile multi-million pound data protection claim. Junior Counsel for one of the defendants led by Patricia Robertson QC. Cammish v Hughes [2012] EWCA Civ 1655 (Court of Appeal) – Important decision on (a) defamatory meaning and (b) the application of the principle in Jameel . Counsel for the claimant. McLaughlin v Lambeth Borough Council [2010] EWHC 2726 (QB) – Significant decision in relation to the capacity of an employee of a governmental body to sue in defamation where what is impugned is their conduct in the carriage of the business of that body. Junior Counsel for the defendant led by Andrew Caldecott QC. Kearns v General Council of the Bar [2003] EWCA Civ 331 (Court of Appeal) – Important decision on qualified privilege in context of pre-existing relationship between publisher and recipient. Junior Counsel for the claimant led by Richard Rampton QC. Al-Fagih v H.H. Saudi Research & Marketing (UK) Ltd [2001] EWCA Civ 1634 (Court of Appeal) – Important decision on extension of public interest defence in context of a political dispute. Junior Counsel for the defendant led by Andrew Caldecott QC. Austin v Newcastle Chronicle & Journal Ltd [2001] EWCA Civ 834 (Court of Appeal) – Significant decision on extension of time for service of Particulars of Claim. Counsel for the claimant. Alexander v Arts Council of Wales [2001] EWCA Civ 514 (Court of Appeal) – Important decision on (a) summary judgment in context of defamation and (b) malice. Junior Counsel for the defendant led by Tom Shields QC. Cornelius v de Taranto [2001] EMLR 12 (appeared) and [2002] EWCA Civ 1511 (Court of Appeal (drafted Skeleton for Appeal)) – First case in which an award of damages for mental distress caused by a breach of confidentiality was made. Junior Counsel for the claimant led by Edward Garnier QC. Waple v Surrey County Council [1998] 1 WLR 860 (Court of Appeal) – Significant decision on privilege defence regarding answers to enquiries relating to a contribution notice under the Children Act 1989. Counsel for the claimant. McDonalds Corporation v Steel and Morris (1994-1999) (i) [1995] EMLR 527 (Court of Appeal) 1999 (Court of Appeal) (ii) The Independent May 10, 1999 – The longest civil case in English history with important Court of Appeal decisions on (a) pleading a defence of truth (b) the capacity of a powerful multinational corporation to sue for defamation and (c) corporate goodwill in the context of a defamation action. Junior Counsel for the claimant led by Richard Rampton QC.