Already facing smaller payouts and a drop in claims, libel work has faded from its 1980s glory days. Will reform of defamation and civil costs – and the rise of reputation managers – spell the end for traditional libel lawyers? Alex Novarese reports

“I’m quite sad about the passing of jury trials because it was my favourite part of the job,” 
reflects Carter-Ruck veteran 
Nigel Tait, almost wistfully. “It was very exciting.”