London-based communications agency Portland has hired arbitrator and mediator Adrian Lifely as a senior advisor.
Lifely, formerly a partner and head of commercial disputes at Osborne Clarke’s London office, brings more than 30 years of experience in international disputes to Portland’s litigation communications and disputes practice.
He will also continue his work as an arbitrator and mediator at Arbitra International.
Portland, part of the Omnicom group, is well known for its reports on the state of the London commercial courts and for providing PR support to London International Disputes Week, which GLP supports as a media partner.
At Portland, Lifely will draw on his extensive experience in high-stakes litigation, arbitration and mediation to advise clients on dispute resolution processes, including class actions, regulatory investigations and multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes.
Simon Pugh, a partner and head of Portland’s litigation communications and disputes practice, said: “Litigation does not exist in a vacuum, and clients want to be reassured that they are well-prepared for every eventuality in and out of the courtroom. Adrian’s lived experience as a litigator and, latterly, arbitrator and mediator will bring extra depth to the advice we provide our clients.”
Lifely noted the growing importance of strategic communications in legal disputes as parties sought to “safeguard their reputations” and pointed to a report published by Portland last November that highlighted the reputational risks associated with class actions, ESG and values-driven litigation.
His career highlights include leading the commercial disputes practice at Osborne Clarke, which he left in 2021, and serving as chair of its international arbitration group. He also founded the popular International Arbitration Supper Club, which is currently co-chaired by Osborne Clarke arbitration partner Artem Duodko and Arbitra’s CEO, Owen Lawrence.
He joins a distinguished group of senior advisors at Portland including Alastair Campbell, who is best known for his role as former British prime minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy.
Last month, Portland announced that Burson UK’s chief executive, Simon Whitehead, will become CEO in March 2025, replacing Victoria Oakley, who departed last May to lead global recorded music industry trade body IFPI.
Portland’s founder Tim Allan, meanwhile, was unveiled last week as chairman of Thorndon Partners, the agency set up by former Portland managing director Philip Hall last summer.
Hall said: “Tim’s investment is a vote of confidence, and his oversight as chairman sets the foundation for further growth. I’m excited and grateful to have him on board.”
London International Disputes Week 2025 will take place from 2-6 June. Click here for more details.
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