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28 November 2025 / Kerry Jack , Justin Penrose
Issue: 8141 / Categories: Features , Media , Profession , Marketing
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Making the headlines (Pt 2)

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Journalists want legal commentators who are punchy, pithy & don’t sit on the fence, write Kerry Jack & Justin Penrose

When it comes to legal commentators, it’s common to see the same lawyers appearing regularly in the media.

It may not be immediately obvious why or how some lawyers become the go-to legal commentators in their practice area. Yet with focused effort, most lawyers can establish themselves as trusted media experts.

What journalists need

When a story breaks and a reporter needs reaction, or if they need an expert to comment on a story they are working on, they will do one of four things. First, they will look on the news wires such as the Press Association for good comments that slip into their story seamlessly.

Secondly, they keep an eye on their emails for decent and timely reactive comments. Failing that, they contact legal PR agencies who have access to multiple lawyers across various firms. Finally, they search Google for any lawyers who had been quoted on the issue in the past.

Positioning yourself

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Anthony Collins—20 promotions

Anthony Collins—20 promotions

20 promotions mark major people investment at national law firm, Anthony Collins

Sidley—Elaine Whiteford

Sidley—Elaine Whiteford

Sidley adds competition litigator Elaine Whiteford in London

Charles Russell Speechlys—Claudina D’Costa

Charles Russell Speechlys—Claudina D’Costa

Charles Russell Speechlys welcomes Claudina D’Costa as Director of Client Development Marketing

NEWS
The 25th Pro Bono Week begins today until 6 November, with events hosted by law firms, chambers, law schools and charities across the UK
Pro bono is celebrating a silver anniversary, with initiatives putting businesses and students at the heart of access to justice
Choosing the wrong expert can cost a clinical negligence claimant more than their case
Judges risk weakening their own independence by staying silent over government reforms, a leading public lawyer argues
A discount on damages does not automatically mean an equivalent haircut for legal costs in military deafness claims
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