Jon Oakley specialises in reputation protection and crisis management for companies and high profile individuals. Jon’s clients have included listed and privately held companies as well as private clients. Notable clients have included Sir Cliff Richard (in his litigation against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police).
Jon has been instrumental in numerous landmark court successes over the years and has regularly dealt with emergency matters on behalf of high-profile clients. In addition to purely litigious matters, Jon also works with listed and privately held businesses by using the law to help contain threats to their reputations so as to mitigate any commercial damage is suffered.
Jon was on the Working Group appointed to draft the Pre-Action Protocol for Defamation on behalf of the Civil Justice Council. He has provided submissions to a number of Parliamentary Committees, and to the Leveson Inquiry. Jon is a contributor to the textbook Entertainment Law & Litigation.
Jon is ranked in both the Chambers UK 2025 Guide and the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2024 for Defamation/Reputation Management. Referring to his “encyclopaedic knowledge” of the sector, Chambers acknowledges Jon as a “top-drawer lawyer” who is “meticulous, responsive, commercial and insightful.”
Jon is also recognised in the Legal 500 UK 2025 Guide. The Guide praises Jon as “excellent, trustworthy, rational and thoughtful” to work with on “complex and sometimes difficult cases”.
If you have a reputation protection issue that requires urgent, out-of-hours advice, please call +44 20 7874 5757.
Simkins have an excellent media practice constantly evolving with the changes in our industry.
High standards, good, transparent communication between team members, excellent understanding of the issues, plus a can-do attitude. Part of the firm’s culture is an awareness of cost, and the farming out of work to the most reasonably-priced resource.
They are very commercial, really understand our business and can apply the law practically in line with our business goals.
Jon Oakley is an extremely talented lawyer and has phenomenal judgment.
Jon is thoughtful and measured and has a great commitment to client service.
Jon is a top-class operator, extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.
Jon's attention to detail and knowledge is excellent. Clients feel comforted by him and his presence. He is methodical, taking issues step-by-step for the best outcome for the client.
Jon Oakley is a great thinker and all over the detail. A calm head when it is needed most.
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