A leading media lawyer charged with overhyping his client’s case has said he fight the case in the tribunal.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority announced this week that it has decided to prosecute Christopher Hutchings, a partner in the media disputes department at London firm Hamlins LLP.

It is alleged that during a call in October 2018, Hutchings made assertions that were false and/or misleading, including as to the strength of his client’s case for contempt of court proceedings. It is further alleged that during this call, he improperly made a threat of litigation. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has certified that there is a case to answer.

The allegations are subject to a hearing and are as yet unproven.

In a statement, Hamlins said: ‘These allegations against a partner in this firm are rejected in the strongest terms and will be robustly defended. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.’

Hutchings is a member of the Society of Media Lawyers and has specialised in media law for around 30 years. He is recognised by legal directories as a leading expert in privacy and defamation. His firm biography states that he has a wealth of experience in pre-action reputation management, successfully preventing publication of damaging allegations or private information and data of his clients.

Earlier this year, the SRA's chief executive Paul Philip told MPs that two cases of alleged 'strategic litigation against public participation' (SLAPPs) had been referred to the SDT. 

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