Toulson & Phipps on Confidentiality, 5th edition

Book due for publication 16th April 2026

Confidentiality is a complex subject. In the Fifth edition of Toulson & Phipps on Confidentiality, Charles Phipps, along with new editors Teen Jui Chow, Kelly Yu and Jonathan Mo, provides a comprehensive and authoritative combination of reference, analysis and procedure in relation to confidentiality across all relevant areas of law. Key Features: Provides comprehensive guidance on the law of confidentiality. Sets out the principles and foundations underlying the law of confidence, identifying the essential elements of the equitable cause of action. Considers the widely varying circumstances in which duties of confidentiality may arise. Analyses the nature of confidential information, distinguishing what can and what can’t be protected. Discusses what counts as misuse of confidential information, and the different ways in which the unauthorised use of confidential information may be justified. Examines the remedies which may be available for breach of confidence – both before and after the event. Considers the impact of privacy rights and the new tort of misuse of private information. Summarises both the data protection and the freedom of information regimes, reviewing the principal case-law. Examines the confidentiality issues that arise in a variety of professional and other relationships, including medical advisers, bankers, broadcasters and journalists, teachers, clergy, counsellors , mediators, employers & employees, police, and lawyers. Illustrates how confidentiality operates within the legal process, with guidance on legal professional privilege, the without prejudice rule, and public interest immunity, as well as other forms of protection which are available to litigants. Considers, in particular, how children’s confidentiality in the legal process is maintained. Analyses the law of arbitral confidentiality. Includes up-to-date case law which can be cited in court.

Alongside the latest UK decisions, the book draws on influential judgments from other common‑law jurisdictions, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, offering a genuinely comparative perspective. It explains the foundations of the law of confidence, the nature and misuse of confidential information, available remedies, and the impact of privacy and data‑protection regimes. It also explores confidentiality across professional relationships and within the legal process. An essential resource for anyone navigating the evolving law of confidential information.

UK title, please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.