Jessica Welch

Partner

Jess joined the firm as a trainee in September 2013. Since then, Jess’ practice has focused on media disputes and reputation protection, advising high profile individuals and corporates on defamation, misuse of private information and data protection claims, and on intellectual property and contractual disputes.

In the defamation/reputation management space, Jess advises clients on pre- and post- publication matters and she has experience in a broad range of sectors including healthcare, banking, pharmaceuticals, the oil and gas industries, charities, theatres and gaming. The work often involves dealing with sensitive issues and Jess helps clients to protect and manage their reputations from a legal perspective, particularly in the face of media scrutiny. Jess was a key member of the team representing Sir Cliff Richard in his 2018 landmark privacy action against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police.

On the intellectual property side, Jess works with clients from a wide range of industries including music, gaming, television and publishing. Jess provides advice on copyright, royalty disputes, performers’ rights, false endorsement and passing off. She has worked on cases that have been litigated in the Copyright Tribunal, the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. She also advises on alternative dispute resolution and settlement.

Jess is noted by clients as "really stand[ing] out", as being "impress[ive]" and noted that Jess "writes a killer letter. She is intelligent, practical, commercial and lovely to work with." Jess is ranked in Chambers UK for Defamation/Reputation Management and has been ranked as a ‘Rising Star’ in the Spears Reputation Management Index since 2020.

Before joining Simkins, Jess worked at sports PR firm Pitch working with clients such as the National Basketball Association, Channel 4 and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games.

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Block Quote
Source
Huge effort, attention to detail and great concern for their clients.
Chambers & Partners
Highly experienced operators with the ability to think outside the box.
Chambers & Partners
They take a sensible pragmatic approach to a contentious situation. Their legal analysis of the issue is good and they provide a number of options to me as the client as to how to move forward.
Legal 500
Block Quote
Source
Jessica's diligence and application when it comes to issues management, combined with her knowledge and calm manner, is a huge plus for any client.
Chambers & Partners
Jessica really stands out. I have always been impressed by her.
Chambers & Partners
Jess Welch is outstandingly bright and a new partner at the firm. Jess is responsive, grasps complex issues quickly, and fights hard to represent her clients.
Legal 500

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