Account Director Tom Daniels speaks on privacy and reputation in divorce

Our Account Director Tom Daniels recently spoke on privacy and reputation in divorce at the International HNW Divorce and Children Summit in Cascais, Portugal, hosted by ThoughtLeaders4. The event brought together leading practitioners to discuss complex cross-border issues in high-net-worth family cases.

Tom joined the panel ‘Exploring Privacy in International Divorce Proceedings’, alongside Katherine Cook of 1 Hare Court, Kate Clark of Mishcon de Reya, and Gideon Benaim of Simkins, to examine the evolving relationship between transparency and reputation in family law.

The discussion took place against the backdrop of significant reform in England and Wales. Following a pilot scheme, open reporting provisions were extended to all family courts from January 2025. Accredited journalists and legal bloggers can now report on proceedings more widely, subject to certain safeguards. As a result, practitioners must consider the potential reputational implications for clients from the outset of a case.

The panel explored how courts are responding to these changes, drawing on recent cases including Vince v Vince. Tom commented on the differing media strategies adopted by the parties in that case and how these contributed to the way each was portrayed publicly.

Tom also reflected on the role of social media in shaping reputational outcomes, referencing the recent case of Goodman v Walker. In that matter, the mother – who had engaged with the press and posted regularly on social media – sought anonymisation of the judgment. The request was ultimately refused, with the judge taking into account her own public disclosures during proceedings.

The session highlighted the importance of aligning litigation and communications strategies in an increasingly transparent family justice system.

Read more here.