Johnny Depp ‘seriously dating’ lawyer in defamation trial twist

The Pirates of the Caribbean star is said to be “dating” his London-based defamation trial lawyer as she undergoes a divorce.

A relationship between Johnny Depp and his London-based defamation trial lawyer is reportedly “the real deal”.

Depp, 59, is dating Joelle Rich, a partner at international law firm Schillings, despite her divorce not yet finalised, according to The New York Post.

Ms Rich represented Depp in his unsuccessful libel against The Sun in the United Kingdom in 2018, during which she married her husband Jonathon Rich.

Johnny Depp and Joelle Rich are reportedly dating. Picture: Ron Sachs/Consolidated News Pictures/Getty Images

She did not represent him during his successful defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard in the United States, in which Depp sparked similar dating rumours with lawyer Camille Vasquez.

But the relationship with Ms Rich is more than just speculation, according to a source quoted by Us Weekly.

“Their chemistry is off the charts,” the insider told the publication.

“It’s serious between them. They are the real deal.”

While Ms Rich was not on Depp’s US legal team, she was reportedly present in the courtroom even as speculation grew about a relationship between Depp and Ms Vasquez.

“There was no professional obligation for her being there. It was personal,” Us Weekly reported, adding the couple met “discreetly” early in their romance.

Depp sparked similar dating rumours with lawyer Camille Vasquez. Picture: AFP

Ms Rich shares two children with her husband, but the couple is reported to be “estranged” amid divorce proceedings.

During the time Depp and Ms Rich were claimed to be meeting, the actor’s other lawyer was denying “sexist” and “unethical”

suggestions she was in a relationship with Depp.

“I care very deeply about my clients, and we have obviously become close,” she told People in June. “But when I say ‘we,’ I mean the entire team, and of course that includes Johnny.”

“It’s unfortunate, and it’s disappointing, but at the same time, it kind of comes with the territory. I can’t say I was all that surprised,” she added.

Originally published as Johnny Depp ‘seriously dating’ lawyer in defamation trial twist