Story sold for client

London firm Campbell Hooper went to the tabloids last week with a story rather than a claim form for once when a legal solution to one of its clients' problems seemed impracticable.

Nicola Richardson - who gave birth to quadruplets after she was implanted with two embryos during in vitro fertilisation - was referred to the firm to examine the possibilities of a claim against a hospital for the treatment.

But the firm concluded that legal action was inappropriate and its media department took up the baton.

Partner Graham Atkins thought his client's story would be of interest to the Daily Mail, so he negotiated with the newspaper and sold it to them - resulting in a double-page spread in the paper's health section last week.

Mr Atkins negotiated a contract over payment and terms, and gained a significant sum, which was then passed to the client.

Campbell Hooper did not charge for the service.

Mr Atkins said: 'It made a pleasant change to be negotiating with the Mail in a constructive rather than confrontational manner, as I generally pursue libel or privacy litigation with them.

'While Campbell Hooper will entertain conditional fee work for libel and other related litigation, we are also prepared to work across departments to create a flexible solution for our clients on a pro bono basis if the situation demands it.'

Jeremy Fleming