Who? Roddy Chisholm Batten, principal, Clintons, London.

Roddy Chisholm Batten

Why is he in the news? Represents Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in his claims regarding voicemail interception and unlawful information-gathering against MGN Limited.

Thoughts on the case: ‘Mr Justice Fancourt’s judgment of 15 December in the Mirror Newspapers hacking litigation represents a devastating blow to MGN in that it found that phone-hacking and other unlawful information-gathering was far more widespread than originally held to be the case by Mr Justice Mann in Gulati and extended beyond the period from 1999 to 2006 – it began in 1995 and continued until 2011. He also found that both the group legal director and chief executive of Trinity Mirror not only knew about this unlawful behaviour (from 2003 and 2006 respectively) but also turned a blind eye to it by failing to actively investigate it. It was also concealed from the board of Trinity Mirror, from parliament in 2007 and 2011, from the Leveson Inquiry, from shareholders and from the public. It also represents a complete vindication for Prince Harry in bringing his claim and seeking to hold those responsible accountable, especially in the face of continued and vehement denials from MGN up to and during the trial. We look forward to resolving the remaining three-quarters of his claim.’

A spokesperson for MGN said: ‘We welcome this judgment that gives the business the necessary clarity to move forward from events that took place many years ago. Where historical wrongdoing took place, we apologise unreservedly, have taken full responsibility and paid appropriate compensation.’

Dealing with the media: ‘There was a huge amount of press interest, especially as it was the first time in 130 years that a member of the royal family had appeared in the witness box to give evidence. It was therefore bizarre (but perhaps not surprising) that the tabloids (some of whom are the subject of similar claims) chose not to report to any great extent the findings or the fact of Prince Harry’s well-earned victory.’   

Why become a lawyer? ‘I enjoyed the law module of my estate management degree and thought a career in law would be more interesting than one as a chartered surveyor.’

Career high: ‘This has certainly been a high point given the adversity we have faced from MGN. I have a huge amount of respect for Prince Harry for having the guts to take on what is an extraordinarily powerful adversary and win. In his words, “the mission continues”.’ 

Career low: ‘I’m lucky to work with great colleagues and fantastic clients and therefore low points have been few and far between.’

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