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Allan Dunlavy

Partner, Advisor, Speaker & Commentator

New York, NY, USA

Allan Dunlavy

Six Nations Rugby

Allan’s Biography

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Allan Dunlavy is a leading authority on Reputation Management, Privacy, Crisis Management and Digital Reputation Strategy and serves as a Partner at Schillings.

A highly experienced English attorney based in New York, Allan has a wealth of experience managing and responding to a wide range of high-profile and complex crisis situations, including privacy threats, cyber-attacks, hostile campaigns, extortion, data breaches and digital reputation threats. His background as a commercial, media, privacy and Intellectual Property litigator enables him to counsel clients on international reputation and privacy matters from a unique perspective.

Allan’s privacy law expertise means that he is heavily involved in the big tech sector, particularly in regards to the ongoing developments around its proposed regulation, the debate in relation to its role as publisher, and what the greater implications will be for traditional and social media companies worldwide. He provides counsel to international businesses, senior leaders, high profile and high net worth individuals on how to address these... Allan Dunlavy is a leading authority on Reputation Management, Privacy, Crisis Management and Digital Reputation Strategy and serves as a Partner at Schillings.

A highly experienced English attorney based in New York, Allan has a wealth of experience managing and responding to a wide range of high-profile and complex crisis situations, including privacy threats, cyber-attacks, hostile campaigns, extortion, data breaches and digital reputation threats. His background as a commercial, media, privacy and Intellectual Property litigator enables him to counsel clients on international reputation and privacy matters from a unique perspective.

Allan’s privacy law expertise means that he is heavily involved in the big tech sector, particularly in regards to the ongoing developments around its proposed regulation, the debate in relation to its role as publisher, and what the greater implications will be for traditional and social media companies worldwide. He provides counsel to international businesses, senior leaders, high profile and high net worth individuals on how to address these issues and changes they should anticipate in the future in this sphere.

As an acknowledged thought leader on matters of privacy, digital reputation and big tech regulation, Allan contributes commentary to many prominent publications and has featured in Newsweek, The BBC, Tech.co and CityAM on challenging issues related to media, defamation, privacy and regulation. He also speaks as an expert advisor to the industry on the international professional speaking circuit.

Allan serves as a Board Member of tech start-up, Legendary, the National Executive Service Corps and Stetson University's Disruptive Leadership Certificate Program.

In 2022, Allan ranked as 'Recommended' in ‘The best reputation and privacy lawyers for high-net-worth individuals' in Spear's Magazine annual Reputation Managers Index, and in 2010, he was named as The Times' Lawyer of the Week. moreless

Allan’s Newsfeed

David Icke

Schillings Partners with online safety charity SWGFL on new Online Safety Bill guide

Schillings have partnered with SWGfL, a not-for-profit charity, to produce a new, user-friendly guide to the Online Safety Bill.

Spear's Magazine

The best reputation and privacy lawyers for high-net-worth individuals in 2022

In the 2022 Spear’s Reputation Managers Index, produced by Spear's Magazine, Allan Dunlavy was named a ‘Recommended’ specialist in ‘The best reputation and privacy lawyers for high-net-worth individuals'.

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Allan’s Background

Schillings

Partner

Mar 2017 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Schillings is a leading reputation and privacy consultancy that is committed to helping individuals and organizations fight against violations of privacy, attacks on reputation, and threats to security. With the firm’s 37 years of experience fighting falsehoods and protecting privacy, Allan and Schillings have a heritage of fighting misinformation and helping clients tackle big tech issues.

Schillings

Consultant | Senior Associate | Associate

Sep 2009 - Jun 2011

New York, NY, USA

Allan started his career at Schillings as an Associate before promotions to Senior Associate and Consultant and then Partner. He has acted for a wide array of high profile and high net worth personalities. He was an adviser for footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who accepted substantial libel damages from a UK newspaper.

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Allan’s Gallery

Board Positions

Legendary

Board Member

Mar 2021 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Legendary is a tech start-up that was established in 2019. They specialise in finding the source of damaging online information, including that in the ‘deep web’.

National Executive Service Corps

Board Member

Sep 2018 - Present

New York, NY, USA

National Executive Services Corps (NESC) is dedicated to improving the management of non-profit organizations. NESC makes consulting, executive search and financial outsourcing more accessible so that non-profits can successfully reach their goals.

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Other Business Interests

TIGER 21

Contributor

New York, NY, USA

TIGER 21 is an exclusive peer membership club for industry leaders, including high-net-worth entrepreneurs, investors, and executives.

Lexology

Contributor

London, UK

Lexology is source of information relating to international legal updates, analysis, and insights.

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Media

Accept All: Unacceptable?

Documentary

2023

New York, NY, USA

Accept All: Unacceptable? sets out to answer the question: “Why should we care about online privacy?”. The documentary uses personal stories to explore how big technology companies have breached consumer rights to privacy and have been exploiting something that we should all be able to control – our personal information.

Schillings Launches Documentary about Online Privacy

2022

New York, NY, USA

Renowned for its precedent setting work in the area of privacy, Schillings has launched a documentary about Big Technology, online privacy, and its impact on society. The 40-minute documentary, titled Accept All: Unacceptable.

Calls to end social media anonymity give platforms more power without actually fixing the problem, experts say

Mentioned

Jul 2021

Allan is in favour of major social media companies taking responsibility for users on their platforms and says “A requirement that social media companies obtain and hold real proof of identification for their users would allow the police to hold people responsible for criminal acts online.”

Section 230: The Tiny Clause that Rules the Internet

Mentioned

Apr 2021

Allan talks about Section 230 and says “Website owners can decide who they allow to post content and have editorial control over all of the content on their website. Given this, website owners should be held responsible to use this editorial control to ensure that the content on their site isn't illegal or otherwise harmful.”

What Could Happen to Facebook Under a Joe Biden Presidency, and Should Zuckerberg Be Worried?

Mentioned

May 2020

New York, NY, USA

Allan talks about how a Biden presidency might affect the digital landscape if Section 230 is revoked. He says “At the moment there’s no financial incentive to take any action on these issues… they want everyone in there, so they can collect all their data and flog it. What society and government needs to do is change the financial calculation.”

Portland Communications

Mentioned

London, UK

In this piece published by Portland Communications, Allan weighs in on 'how to regulate the internet' suggesting that websites, search engines and website hosts should be accountable for the content published on their pages.

Cristiano Ronaldo accepts Daily Telegraph libel payout

Mentioned

Nov 2010

London, UK

As Cristiano Ronaldo's solicitor, Allan is mentioned giving an account of the misinformation published by the Daily Telegraph on his client.

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Interviews

Digital reputation management for businesses and C-suites: online opportunities and emerging threats

Sep 2022

New York, NY, USA

In an interview with The In-House Lawyer, Allan Dunlavy, Partner at Schillings, discusses the online opportunities and emerging threats of businesses and C-suits in terms of digital reputation management.

Privacy Matters: Allan Dunlavy

Aug 2022

Allan Dunlavy, Partner at Schillings law firm, discusses the importance of digital assets in this interview with CEO Magazine.

The In-House Lawyer | Allan Dunlavy – Schillings

May 2022

New York, NY, USA

In conversation with The In-House Lawyer, Allan Dunlavy discusses several topics including reputation management, the biggest cases over the last year and dealing with negative press.

In House Warrior: Allan Dunlavy and Business Decisions in a Pandemic

May 2020

New York, NY, USA

Allan joins Richard Levick on the Corporate Counsel Business Journal's daily broadcast, 'In House Warrior' to discuss business and legal decisions that are being impacted by the coronavirus.

In House Warrior: Combatting Fake News with Allan Dunlavy

May 2020

New York, NY, USA

Allan talks to Richard Levick about fake news on the Corporate Counsel Business Journal's daily broadcast, 'In House Warrior'. He talks about the consequences of fake news during the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically the spread of misinformation online and on social media. He also elaborates on how to deal with the weaponization of fake news as a business leader during these times.

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Accreditation

The Legal 500

Tier 1 | Best Practitioners

London, UK

The Legal 500 is the UK's leading independent legal directory and Allan ranks in Tier 1 of their 'Best Practitioners'.

The Law Society

Solicitor

London, UK

The Law Society is the independent professional body for solicitors, acting as the voice of solicitors, whilst driving excellence in the profession and safeguarding the rule of law.

Publications

Twitter’s Blue Tick Saga: How Privacy, Reputation and Security Is Being Impacted

Author

Nov 2022

Partner Allan Dunlavy delves into the drama behind Twitter’s blue tick system under Elon Musk, and explores the consequences for users’ reputation, privacy and security

The Bulletproof Digital Profile

Author

Nov 2022

London, UK

Allan Dunlavy discusses how and why to advise clients on building digital resilience and managing their digital profiles.

Big Tech’s narrow approach to problem solving is a problem

Author

Mar 2022

New York, NY, USA

When it comes to addressing issues of harmful content online, Allan Dunlavy argues why Big Tech companies need to look at the bigger picture.

Are you prepared to show ID online?

Author

Jan 2022

New York, NY, USA

Allan Dunlavy explores whether it is possible that an ID requirement on social media would deter users from posting fake news and hate speech. He also discusses the implications of such a change and how it would operate in practice.

Big tech: Why ‘accepting all’ is no longer acceptable

Author

Jan 2022

New York, NY, USA

Allan shares his thoughts on the tussle between our rights to privacy and big tech companies. He argues that it is time to confront these companies that have violated our privacy rights and taken away something we should have control over, our personal information.

The Haugen hearing: What could good look like for Facebook?

Author

Nov 2021

New York, NY, USA

Allan explains the Online Safety Bill and explores the recent testimony given by Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower, and its potential impact on social media companies.

Is the Big Privacy Awakening the Death of Surveillance Advertising?

Author

Aug 2021

London, UK

In this article for The University of Oxford’s Social Evaluations Research Priorities, Allan explores the impact data privacy will have on the era of 'Surveillance Advertising'.

5 steps to take now to better manage your family’s digital portfolio

Author

Jun 2021

New York, NY, USA

Allan encourages families to take control of their digital assets and outlines five steps on how to better manage this portfolio. Allan highlights that it is less of a branding exercise and more about ensuring that your “digital portfolio is an asset and not a liability.”

A world wide web of regulation: tech giants need a tough new set of rules to fix global problems

Author

May 2021

London, UK

Allan writes about the need for major tech companies to be regulated across the board and how they cannot effectively self-regulate.

Around the World (of Big Tech regulation) in 8 minutes

Author

May 2021

New York, NY, USA

Allan explores tech regulation and suggests that there should be a "single, consistent and transparent approach" to the framework for rules and regulations, how they are enforced, and how decisions can be appealed.

A reckoning for the Paparazzi and Tabloid Media

Author

Mar 2021

New York, NY, USA

Allan shares his thoughts about the paparazzi and tabloid media. He suggests that we unlearn the outdated notion that famous people, actively involved with the media and photographers, are not entitled to lead private lives.

Take control: Why managing your digital reputation has more in common with your financial portfolio than you think

Author

Feb 2021

New York, NY, USA

In this digital age every individual and business has a portfolio of digital assets and in this article, Allan outlines why it makes good business sense to invest in these.

Expecting football to make Twitter and Facebook stop social media abuse is like asking your six-year-old to tackle Cristiano Ronaldo

Author

Feb 2021

London, UK

Allan writes about the need to regulate social media in the Premier League, he argues that "The social media platforms these companies run have become too integral to society to continue to be unregulated – and the widespread abuse and societal ills that flourish there can no longer be ignored."

Social Media companies are acting like publishers, so they should expect to be regulated like one.

Co-Author

Jan 2021

New York, NY, USA

Allan and Rachel Atkins, weigh in on the fine line of content regulation. They argue that social media platforms should be more regulated if they are acting like publishers, by moderating the content on their platforms.

Does Cancel Culture need to be cancelled?

Author

Oct 2020

New York, NY, USA

Allan explores Cancel Culture, in his view a phenomenon that aims to permanently 'cancel' the opposing view. This does not create an environment for constructive discussions which is why he appeals to rather debate than hate.

The real value of Online Reputation Management

Author

Oct 2020

New York, NY, USA

Allan uncovers 'The real value of Online Reputation Management' and argues that it is less about polishing your Google page one search results and more about being aware of your data sets and digital assets, especially in the case of inaccuracies or misinformation.

Market insight: hope for the best; prepare for everything else

Author

Jul 2017

London, UK

Allan shares his opinion on reputation management in the polarising information age. He claims "your reputation is what people think about you and your privacy is what people know about you."

Flood v Times Newspapers: is the Reynolds qualified privilege defence finally coming of age?

Author

2012

London, UK

In this publication, Allan discusses the Flood v Times Newspaper case. He explores several topics including the facts of the case, the first instance and court of appeal, the supreme court, the two meanings, public interest, public interest in naming DS Flood, and the verification of sources.

Social media reputation: threats and solutions

Co-Author

2010

London, UK

Allan and Matthew Himsworth write a legal brief on social media reputation and take a view on the threats the platforms pose while they explore possible solutions.

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Awards & Recognition

Private Client Global Elite Directory 2023 Peer-Nominated

2023

The Private Client Global Elite Directory was created with the awareness that referrals and recommendations are absolutely key to the private client sector. Rather than a listing of private client advisors as chosen by a third party, these are the top selected individuals as chosen by their own peers within the private wealth industry.

Spear's 500

Recommended

2022

London, UK

In Spear's Magazine's annual Reputation Managers Index in 2021, Allan was named one of the 'Top Recommended' advisors, and in 2022, he was named a 'Recommended' specialist in 'The best reputation and privacy lawyers for high-net-worth individuals'.

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Speaking Engagements

Transcontinental Trusts International Forum

Speaker

Jul 2023

Allan will be speaking at the Transcontinental Trusts conference in Bermuda.

STEP Caribbean Conference

Featured Speaker

May 2023

Panama City, PA

Allan addresses the issue of protecting one's client's reputation across borders in this Step Caribbean Conference session entitled 'Offense vs Defence'.

STEP Cayman Conference

Featured Speaker

Jan 2023

The 2023 STEP Cayman Conference will explore a range of topical issues pertinent to the trust industry with a special focus on wealth structuring. Allan Dunlavy and other industry experts will take part in a panel titled 'Fraud and reputation management'.

STEP Bermuda Conference

Featured Speaker

Nov 2022

The STEP Bermuda International Conference explored the opportunities for private client practitioners and international financial centers amidst geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Allan Dunlavy gave a talk titled 'Tomorrow’s Horizon – Harnessing your digital presence'.

STEP LATAM Conference

Featured Speaker

Sep 2022

Panama City, PA

Allan Dunlavy took part in a panel titled 'It’s Not Going to Stop – Planning for the Next Cyber Security Breach, from Cyber Security to Legal Remedies to Stakeholder and Media Management'.

Family Office Association

Speaker

2018

Allan shares his insights together with Robert Ackerman, Founder of Allegis Capital, as they present two topics at the Family Office Association event in Palm Beach: 'Dynamics, Threats and Opportunities in the Cyber Security Market' & 'Global Security Leader Discusses Managing Cyber Threats Specifically for Family Offices'.

Private Client Forum Americas - Get interested in your data before someone else does

Speaker

As a speaker at Legal Week's Private Client Forum Americas, Allan talks about the need for individuals and businesses to be aware of their data to avoid inaccuracies, misinformation and reputational threats.

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Bar Admissions

New York State Bar Association

Foreign Legal Consultant

New York, NY, USA

The New York State Bar Association is a voluntary bar association for the state of New York. Allan is a licensed Foreign Legal Consultant under the New York Bar.

Community Engagement

Charterhouse | Carthusian Society

Committee Member

Mar 2021 - Present

London, UK

The Carthusian Society is an alumni body for Charterhouse that encourages Old Carthusians to network, connect professionally and engage socially through sporting clubs and societies.

Allan’s Education

Pembroke College, University of Oxford

MA, Modern History

BPP Law School

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) & Legal Practice Course (LPC)