Who? Lauren Twidale, associate, Hamlins LLP, London. 

Lauren Twidale

Why is she in the news? Represented George Brown, who received a public apology and substantial damages from Channel 5 for the misuse of his private information in respect of the filming, making and multiple broadcasts of TV show Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away!.

Thoughts on the case: ‘This claim is the latest in a number successfully settled against Channel 5 in relation to [this programme].

‘It follows the successful claim of Ali and Aslam v Channel 5 Broadcasting Ltd, on which I assisted in 2018, in which Mr Justice Arnold found that the inclusion of the claimants’ private information went beyond what was justified and that the focus of the programme was not on matters of public interest but on the drama of the conflict, which was encouraged to make “good television”.

‘The episode featuring Mr Brown was broadcast to over 11 million people. He held no liability in relation to the writ. Although his face was blurred, Mr Brown was still recognisable and suffered considerable upset and distress. Despite publicly apologising to Mr Brown, Channel 5 still contends that the programme formed part of a series of real public interest but accept that on this occasion it may have got the balance wrong. There have been numerous occasions upon which Channel 5 has publicly accepted “it may well have got the balance wrong” in relation to this programme.’

Dealing with the media: ‘Mr Brown accepted a settlement offer made by Channel 5 on terms which involved the payment of substantial damages as well as his reasonable legal costs and an undertaking not to broadcast the programme again. I hope this, together with the public apology Channel 5 has now made, can bring some relief for the harm he has suffered. We endeavour to collaborate with the media, wherever we can, while balancing the needs and rights of our client.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since studying law at A-level. I thought it would be a reputable and worthwhile career which would enable me to help others. I fell into media law, almost accidentally, when joining my firm back in 2015.’

Career high: ‘I’ve been fortunate enough to have acted on a number of high-profile claims. In 2019, I assisted in bringing a successful libel claim for former MP Anna Turley, my first experience of a libel trial.’

Career low: ‘I had a difficult time persevering with training contract applications in the face of rejections. Entry into a career in law is still difficult for many, although hopefully this will improve with alternative routes to qualification becoming more widely available.’

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