Who? Jess Alden, senior associate at Slateford, London.
Why is she in the news? Represented high-profile business figure Victoria Price, who settled a privacy claim with Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail. The claim arose from reporting about Price’s relationship with Mohsin Issa, the co-owner of supermarket giant Asda.
Thoughts on the case: ‘Post-publication privacy claims are rare – there is usually an opportunity to injunct ahead of publication of an egregious breach to prevent the damage. Media organisations often gamble that the time, intrusion and cost will deter claimants. Privacy, which includes the reporting of false private information, goes to the heart of a person’s identity and needs to be protected. Showing that you take your rights seriously is often the only way to protect yourself from unwarranted media scrutiny. As Victoria put it: “I will not tolerate unwarranted invasions of my privacy or false reporting”.’
Dealing with the media: ‘Media organisations often try to chip away at privacy rights and gamble on individuals not suing – it is a difficult path to tread when this has already started. It’s important to note that our clients were forced to confirm their relationship by the media, but this didn’t deter the pursuit of them – this was reflected in the statement approved by the court.’
The statement said: ‘As a result of pressure and speculation from a range of media organisations, Ms Price was forced to confirm her relationship with Mr Issa in early February 2024. However, in doing so, they requested through their solicitors that the media refrain from intruding into their private lives. Unfortunately, two articles were published by the defendant in February 2024 which contained some private and intrusive details, and some false private information about Ms Price’s personal life, as well as her relationships and religious beliefs.’
Associated Newspapers was approached for comment.
Why become a lawyer? ‘I wanted a role where I could help people and businesses. The work I do involves advising and protecting people who disrupt the English status quo and so attract unfair criticism and intrusion from various institutions. I like to think this is a funny foreboding from the teachers at school who described me as disruptive.’
Career high: ‘Every time I feel that I’ve hit a career high, the next one comes along.’
Career low: ‘Perhaps when BA lost my luggage on a work trip and having to prep to meet a global brand in crisis having purchased my outfit in a train station the night before.’
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