When you think about elite UK lawyers specializing in defamation and reputation management, one name consistently rises to the top: Joelle Rich. She’s a partner at Schillings, the prestigious London law firm that’s practically synonymous with protecting the rich and famous from media storms.
But Rich’s story isn’t just about courtroom victories. Her personal life exploded into tabloid territory in 2022 when rumors surfaced linking her romantically with Johnny Depp. Suddenly, this intensely private attorney found herself thrust into the very spotlight she’d spent years helping clients escape.
Let’s dive into who Joelle Rich really is—beyond the headlines and speculation.
The Foundation: Education and Early Years
Born in 1985, Rich is now approaching 40. She grew up in London and attended North London Collegiate School, where academic excellence isn’t optional—it’s expected.
Her legal journey began at the University of Birmingham from 2003 to 2006. She didn’t stop there. Rich pursued her Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School in London, completing it in 2007. These weren’t random choices. She was methodically building a foundation for what would become a remarkable career.
Climbing the Legal Ladder: From DLA Piper to Schillings
Rich started at DLA Piper, one of the world’s most formidable law firms. There, she cut her teeth on intellectual property, media, and sports litigation. High-stakes cases became her norm, not her exception.
Then came Schillings. This firm doesn’t handle just any cases—they specialize in privacy and defamation for people who can’t afford bad press. We’re talking celebrities, royals, and business magnates whose reputations are worth millions.
Rich didn’t just join Schillings; she became a Partner. That title means something. It signals she delivers results when everything’s on the line.
The Cases That Made Headlines
Johnny Depp’s UK Libel Battle
In 2020, Rich joined Depp’s legal team for his libel lawsuit against The Sun newspaper. The tabloid had called him a “wife-beater,” and Depp fought back hard. He ultimately lost, but the case put Rich on the international radar. Working on something that explosive? That takes serious skill and even more nerve.
Meghan Markle vs. The Mail on Sunday
Rich also represented Meghan Markle when she sued Associated Newspapers Limited. The Duchess was furious after they published a private letter to her estranged father. The case became a landmark moment in UK privacy law, and Rich was right there navigating every twist.
These weren’t simple disputes. They were battles fought under the world’s most intense microscope.
Awards and Industry Recognition
The legal community has noticed Rich’s excellence. She’s not just good—she’s award-winning:
- Silver award for “Future Leader of the Year” at the Citywealth Future Leaders Awards in 2021
- Finalist for “Future Leader in Private Client Services” at the Spear’s Wealth Management Awards in 2021
- Recognition in the Spear’s 500 Best Reputation & Privacy Lawyers Index in 2024
These accolades aren’t handed out like candy. They represent genuine recognition from peers who understand what it takes to excel in this field.
Marriage, Family, and Life Beyond the Courtroom
Before tabloids started tracking her every move, Rich maintained an impressively private personal life.
She married Jonathan Rich, a corporate financier, back in 2011. They had two children together and seemed to be building a solid family life. However, by 2022, reports indicated they’d separated and were heading toward divorce.
Rich has kept details about her marriage and its dissolution largely under wraps. That’s consistent with who she is professionally—discretion matters to her.
The Johnny Depp Connection: Romance or Rumor?
Here’s where things got complicated for Rich’s privacy.
In September 2022, People Magazine and other outlets reported that Depp and Rich were dating. The timing was fascinating—just months after Depp’s explosive defamation trial against Amber Heard in the United States. Rich hadn’t worked on that U.S. case, but she’d flown to Virginia to watch the proceedings.
Why did this alleged romance generate such intense curiosity?
First, Depp had just won a massive legal and public relations victory. Second, Rich had previously represented him in the UK case, creating this intriguing professional-turned-personal narrative. Third, neither Depp nor Rich ever confirmed the relationship publicly, which only fueled more speculation.
By November 2022, reports suggested things had “fizzled out.” The relationship apparently wasn’t serious. Still, the connection between these two continues to fascinate celebrity watchers and gossip columns alike.
Where She Stands Today
As of 2025, Joelle Rich is around 39 or 40 years old. She remains active as a partner at Schillings, continuing to represent clients who need fierce advocacy and absolute discretion.
Personally, she appears focused on her children and her career. The Depp chapter may have closed, but her reputation as a formidable lawyer? That’s stronger than ever.
Why We Can’t Stop Talking About Her
Rich represents something compelling: the intersection of law, celebrity culture, and privacy in our modern era.
She’s built a career protecting people’s private lives from public consumption. Yet she inadvertently became a tabloid subject herself. There’s irony there that’s impossible to ignore.
She embodies professionalism under pressure. When Meghan Markle or Johnny Depp need representation, they don’t want someone who’ll crumble under media scrutiny. They want Joelle Rich.
The fascination lies in this duality. A lawyer committed to defending privacy became the subject of global speculation. That contradiction makes her story endlessly interesting.
The Bigger Picture
From her early days at DLA Piper to becoming a Schillings partner, Rich’s journey reflects determination and adaptability. She’s navigated one of the world’s most competitive legal markets and emerged as a sought-after expert in defamation and privacy law.
Her representation of figures like Depp and Markle cemented her professional reputation. Meanwhile, her personal life—from her marriage to Jonathan Rich to her rumored romance with Depp—added layers of intrigue that extended her fame far beyond legal circles.
