When discussing elite lawyers in the UK who specialize in defamation, privacy, and reputation management, Joelle Rich is a name that repeatedly surfaces. A partner at the prestigious London-based law firm Schillings, Rich has represented high-profile clients, including celebrities and royals, navigating them through the storm of media scrutiny.
But Joelle Rich’s professional success is only part of her story. Her personal life also became a matter of tabloid fascination in 2022 when rumors linked her romantically with Hollywood actor Johnny Depp. This connection thrust her into a new level of public attention, blurring the lines between her work as a lawyer and her private life.
This article takes an in-depth look at Joelle Rich’s career, achievements, age, marital status, and her rumored relationship with Johnny Depp. Along the way, we will also explore who her husband is, her professional background, and why she has become a figure of interest far beyond the courtroom.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1985, Joelle Rich is currently in her late 30s. She grew up in London and attended North London Collegiate School, an academically rigorous private school known for producing accomplished alumni.
After completing her secondary education, she enrolled at the University of Birmingham, where she studied law between 2003 and 2006. Rich later pursued her Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School in London (2006–2007), setting the foundation for her legal career.
Her educational journey highlights her early commitment to law, and the prestigious institutions she attended prepared her for a profession where excellence is non-negotiable.
Career Beginnings and Rise as a Lawyer
Joelle Rich began her professional journey at DLA Piper, one of the world’s largest law firms. There, she specialized in areas such as intellectual property, media, and sport litigation. Working at DLA Piper allowed her to gain valuable experience dealing with complex and high-stakes cases.
After establishing her legal expertise, she moved to Schillings, a London-based law firm renowned for handling privacy and defamation cases, often for high-profile individuals and families. Schillings is widely respected for defending clients against intrusive media coverage, false allegations, and online harassment.
At Schillings, Rich rose to the level of Partner, a title that reflects both her experience and her ability to deliver results for clients who live under constant public scrutiny. Her role focuses on protecting reputations, ensuring privacy, and fighting against defamatory claims—an area where discretion, precision, and fierce advocacy are essential.
High-Profile Legal Work
Rich has been involved in several headline-making cases:
- Johnny Depp’s 2020 Libel Trial (UK) – Rich was part of the legal team representing Johnny Depp in his libel lawsuit against The Sun newspaper, which had referred to him as a “wife-beater.” Despite Depp ultimately losing the case, Rich’s involvement signaled her capacity to work on cases that draw international attention.
- Meghan Markle’s Lawsuit Against the Mail on Sunday – Joelle Rich also represented Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, in her case against Associated Newspapers Limited. Markle sued over the publication of a private letter to her estranged father, and the case became a significant moment in UK privacy law.
These cases illustrate Rich’s specialization in handling clients whose lives are subject to relentless media attention.
Awards and Recognition
Joelle Rich’s legal achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has earned several accolades, including:
- Silver award for “Future Leader of the Year” at the Citywealth Future Leaders Awards (2021).
- Finalist for “Future Leader in Private Client Services” at the Spear’s Wealth Management Awards (2021).
- Recognition in the Spear’s 500 Best Reputation & Privacy Lawyers Index (2024).
Such recognition underscores her position as a rising star in the legal world, known not only for her skill but also for her leadership in protecting her clients’ interests.
Joelle Rich’s Husband and Family Life
Before her professional and rumored romantic associations made headlines, Joelle Rich’s personal life was relatively private.
- She married Jonathan Rich, a corporate financier, in 2011.
- The couple have two children together.
- However, by 2022, reports indicated that they had separated and were in the process of divorce.
Her marriage and subsequent separation have been touched upon in various media outlets, though Rich herself has kept details largely private, consistent with her profession’s emphasis on discretion.
Joelle Rich and Johnny Depp
One of the biggest reasons Joelle Rich became a household name outside legal circles was her alleged romantic connection with Johnny Depp.
In September 2022, multiple outlets, including People Magazine, reported that Depp and Rich were dating. The reports came just months after Depp’s widely publicized defamation trial in the United States against his ex-wife, Amber Heard. Interestingly, Rich was not part of Depp’s legal team in the U.S. trial but was seen attending the Virginia courtroom proceedings in support of him.
The alleged romance generated significant curiosity for several reasons:
- Depp had recently won his U.S. case against Heard, marking a career and personal turning point.
- Rich had previously represented him in the U.K. libel case, creating an overlap of professional and personal worlds.
- The secrecy around the relationship—never formally confirmed by either Depp or Rich—fueled speculation.
By November 2022, reports suggested that the relationship had “fizzled out” and was not serious. Still, the connection between Johnny Depp and Joelle Rich continues to be a popular topic in celebrity news.
Age and Current Status
As of 2025, Joelle Rich is around 39–40 years old. Professionally, she continues to be active as a partner at Schillings. Personally, she is believed to be focusing on her work and her children.
Her association with Depp may have faded, but the spotlight on her as a respected lawyer remains strong.
Why Joelle Rich’s Story Resonates
Joelle Rich represents the intersection of law, celebrity, and privacy in the modern era. She embodies:
- Professionalism in high-stakes cases, ensuring clients like Meghan Markle and Johnny Depp have strong representation.
- A private yet intriguing personal life, which inadvertently became tabloid material.
- Recognition in the legal community, which validates her as one of the leading lawyers in her field.
The fascination with Rich lies in this duality: a lawyer committed to protecting privacy who herself became the subject of global speculation.
Conclusion
From her beginnings at DLA Piper to becoming a partner at Schillings, Joelle Rich’s journey reflects her determination, intellect, and adaptability in one of the most competitive legal markets in the world. Her representation of high-profile figures like Johnny Depp and Meghan Markle cemented her reputation as a sought-after lawyer in defamation and privacy law.
On the personal front, her marriage to Jonathan Rich and later her rumored relationship with Depp added layers of intrigue, making her name familiar far beyond legal circles.
Ultimately, Joelle Rich remains a powerful figure in law, admired both for her courtroom achievements and her ability to handle the pressures of being in the public eye.
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