London

Job title: Partner

Telephone number: 020 7865 3313

Email Address: tim.smith@blm-law.com

Practice Areas: Data protection Defamation Freedom of information Intellectual property Privacy

Experience: Advises widely on data protection issues for a wide range of clients, particularly police forces and local authorities; the impact of the Freedom of Information Act and its interaction with other legislation, particularly the Data Protection Act. Has been involved in a number of leading defamation cases including GKR Karate vs Porch and Kearns vs The General Council of the Bar both of which are leading cases on qualified privilege. Regularly advises on claims for breach of confidence and claims relating to privacy. Was involved in the 2006 case of McKennitt v Ash in which the Court of Appeal has considered the law of privacy relating to authors and publishers. Regularly advises on copyright matters. Read law at Cambridge University and trained at a leading defendant defamation firm. Qualified in 1995 and joined BLM in 1997, becoming a partner in 2003.

Memberships/Appointments: Law Society Civil Litigation Committee FOIL (Forum of Insurance Lawyers)