Jeffrey Smele

Head of Department
Partner
Media and Communications Disputes

+44 20 3206 2740
Email Jeffrey
jeffrey.smele@smb.london
LinkedIn

Jeffrey is head of the Media & Communications Disputes team. He advises clients on defamation, privacy and reputation management, and all aspects of the law relating to the media and journalism.

He regularly acts on high profile cases, including injunctions, often addressing the latest issues in privacy law, data protection and press regulation. He gives pre-publication advice to newspapers, publishers, broadcasters, and film producers, as well as advising clients who may be about to become the subject of media attention. He has particular expertise in the protection of reputation online, such as the removal of defamatory or harassing content from websites.

He also acts in commercial litigation, advising especially on cases with a media/technology element, and he has a particular interest in matters related to the video games industry.

He provides in house training for clients, and has been a guest lecturer in media law at City University, London and the London College of Communications.

Testimonials

“A star in the making.” Legal 500, 2020

“He’s very sensible and pragmatic.” Chambers & Partners, 2021

“He turns things around really fast, gets issues so quickly and is also tech-savvy.” Chambers & Partners, 2021

“He is very thoughtful and knows his way around the law.” Chambers & Partners, 2020

 

  • ‘Jeffrey Smele has a strong legal intellect and great experience representing tabloid newspapers.’

    Legal 500, 2024
  • “Jeffrey has taken the mantle and established himself as a leading defendant solicitor for media work.”

     

     

    Chambers and Partners, 2024
  • “He has that fire and enthusiasm. He looks after his clients’ work really well.”

     

     

    Chambers and Partners, 2024
  • “A top tactician and a go-to adviser for contentious media work.”

    Chambers and Partners, 2024
  • “He has a fabulous eye for detail and is very good at drafting and very good with client communication.”

    Chambers & Partners, 2022
  • “The quality of his work is so strong.”

    Chambers & Partners, 2021
  • “He is very switched on and gives sensible advice, often in tricky situations.”

    Chambers & Partners, 2022
  • “He goes from strength to strength. A future Titan.”

    Legal 500, 2022
  • “Always thoughtful, with good judgement and attention to detail, as well as being a delight to work with”

    Legal 500, 2022
  • “Jeffrey Smele is a good tactician in litigation and very easy to deal with.”

    Legal 500, 2023