ABOUT Cairnstone

Reputation Counsel
for High-Stakes
Decisions

EXplore

Cairnstone advises boards, leaders and individuals facing reputational risk — crises, litigation, investigations and other high-stakes situations — helping clients act decisively and communicate effectively to protect their reputation, relationships and long-term value.

Founded by Antony Dunkels, a former barrister with over a decade's experience at the Criminal Bar followed by 12 years advising in global communications consultancies, Cairnstone brings legal fluency to reputation strategy — working with legal teams to embed reputational judgement into high-stakes decisions.

Cairnstone has been ranked as a Tier 3 leading firm by Legal 500 for PR and Communications, 2026.

Founded

by Antony Dunkels

Founded

by Antony Dunkels

Antony is one of the most experienced reputation consultants in the UK market, holding a Band 1 individual ranking in Chambers and Partners for Litigation PR.

Over the course of his career, Antony has advised on numerous significant and sensitive disputes, acting for clients ranging from FTSE 100 businesses and privately owned companies to private equity firms, a European national central bank, educational institutions, charities, ultra-high-net-worth individuals and celebrities.

Antony brings an unusually detailed understanding of both adversarial proceedings and regulatory process from his time at the Criminal Bar and the FCA's Enforcement division. He is adept at working alongside lawyers from a range of disciplines, embedding reputational considerations into legal strategy, and translating complex legal outcomes into communications that resonate with non-legal audiences.

Outside of client work, Antony is a volunteer with South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team. He is a qualified Remote Rescue Medical Technician and is the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the team. He is also the team press officer.

testimonials

“Antony has a good insight and he has a legal background as a barrister, which is welcomed by clients. He is responsive, supportive, present and proactive.”
“Antony Dunkels is a qualified barrister and litigation PR specialist. He is a highly experienced litigation communications expert, often working with law firms and business organisations on complex and protracted commercial disputes.”
- CHAMBERS & PARTNERS 2025
“Antony is delightful to work with. He gives thoughtful and sound advice. He really listens to the client and is very user-friendly.”

“Antony has a good insight and he has a legal background as a barrister, which is welcomed by clients. He is responsive, supportive, present and proactive.”

“Antony Dunkels is a qualified barrister and litigation PR specialist. He is a highly experienced litigation communications expert, often working with law firms and business organisations on complex and protracted commercial disputes.”

- CHAMBERS & PARTNERS 2025

“Antony is delightful to work with. He gives thoughtful and sound advice. He really listens to the client and is very user-friendly.”

Cairnstone's values

These values shape how Cairnstone delivers on every mandate. They are what the firm is built on — its philosophy, its character, and the standards it holds itself to.

Independence

Cairnstone offers clear-eyed counsel, unswayed by orthodoxy or prevailing opinion. Our thinking is expansive and independent, bringing a whole system perspective to complex decision making.

Integrity

Cairnstone's advice is grounded in integrity and impeccable judgement. We address complexity directly and speak with candour, considering not only what is defensible but what will protect the reputation of those we advise.

Composure

Cairnstone operates where exposure is significant and pressure is acute. We remain committed, steady and discreet, bringing calm authority and sophistication to moments that demand composure.