Leading international media lawyer Paul Tweed is setting up a new global media firm to focus on corporate risk and reputation. The international media expert will advise corporates, governments and individuals on reputational, privacy and data protection issues through his new legal advisory boutique Tweed. Currently representing board executives and high profile clients, the new practice will also have a special focus on North African and Middle Eastern clients whilst continuing to act for a wide range of high profile clients ranging from CEOs to politicians and celebrities. 

Privacy, piracy and data protection

Mr Tweed, who operates from Dublin, London and Belfast and has a number one rating in Chambers Directory, said that media work has dramatically changed as social media replaces print media as the largest publisher. "The decision of many of the social media giants to locate their headquarters in Dublin, with a number holding all non-US data there, has led to an increase in the instructions I have had from international clients with reputational, privacy, piracy and data protection issues," he said, adding that he is also advising on potential group actions against Facebook and Big Tobacco.

Middle East and Africa

Mr Tweed currently has a rapidly developing North African and Middle Eastern client base, alongside his US, UK and Irish clients. "With these developments on the social networking sites and with a number of Arab broadcasters and publishers locating in London, the world has suddenly become an even smaller place, with disputes in the Middle East (such as the embargo against Qatar) now becoming even more significant for UK and Irish law firms such as my own," he added. 

Offices

The new firm Tweed will continue links with  Johnsons Solicitors in Dublin and London but will set up a separate office in Belfast with a team of media, data and new technology lawyers.