Media & Defamation
Over 60 years’ specialised defamation and media law experience, successfully representing individuals and companies in defamation and reputational matters.
We are highly experienced in all aspects of defamation and media law including publications made on both electronic and traditional form media. We are highly regarded for providing top-tier client outcomes without the big firm costs.
Led by industry veteran Robert McGirr and award-winning litigator Danielle Snell, we are well-known for our ability to balance sensitivity with tenacity in the negotiation and resolution of reputational matters.
We advise and represent individuals, professionals, high profile executives, parliamentarians, sporting and public figures and companies in all Australian jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court of Victoria, Federal Court of Australia and High Court of Australia.
Through embracing the spirit of entrepreneurship and modern collaboration we have adopted a model where our clients are at the centre of everything we do and become part of the journey, rather than removed from it.
We have a high success rate of settling cases prior to trial and navigating expectations of various stakeholders in litigation to strategise and negotiate smart commercial outcomes.
Danielle Snell has been named Reputational Risk Lawyer of the Year in Australia by Global Law Experts for 2022. This award is in direct recognition of her involvement in high stakes and high profile reputational issues, her significant depth of expertise and knowledge across all areas of media and defamation law and acclaimed reputation in the legal industry.
Expertise
Concerns Notices under the Defamation Act 2005
Defamation liability and damages advice, including alleged defamatory publications on the world wide web and social media forums
Available options if you are concerned that you have been defamed or if you have been threatened with a defamation action
Advice as to offer to make amends include drafting and negotiating the form of apologies and retractions
Dispute Resolution
Court Proceedings
Reputational Risk
Privacy and Confidentiality matters
Vilification
Drafting Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements
Contempt of Court
Pre-Publication Advice
Urgent Injunction Applications
Applications seeking suppression orders
Freedom of Information Requests
Intellectual Property
Copyright-related matters
Drafting and negotiating agreements relating to collaborations, recording and production
Social media content related matters including licensing and development
Brand Collaboration Advice and Agreements
Expertise
Since the firm launched, Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell have won multiple awards, including:
NewLaw Firm of the Year - Finalist
The Lawyers Weekly ‘New Law Firm of the Year’ award recognises “game changers” in the legal profession, with the firm’s make-up and model taking a different approach to the traditional law firm offering.
Most Influential Lawyer - Changemaker
This esteemed award recognises Danielle Snell for her significant contributions to the legal profession across the areas of innovation, diversity and leadership.
Law Firm Leader of the Year
The Australasian Law Awards ‘Law Firm Leader of the Year <200 employees’ award recognises Managing Partner/CEOs achievements and performance.
Litigation Rising Star
This distinguished honour names Danielle Snell amongst top barristers and solicitors under the age of 40 whose successes in high stakes litigation belie their age.
Most Influential Lawyer - Changemaker - Australasian Lawyer (Danielle Snell)
This esteemed award recognises Danielle’s significant contributions to the legal profession across the areas of innovation, diversity and leadership.
Litigation Rising Star - Lawyerly (Danielle Snell)
This distinguished honour names litigators who contribute above and beyond to their profession, becoming “entrepreneurs and mold breakers who have risen by seizing on the uncertain times the cards have dealt them”
Major Matters
Major Matters
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Latest Media & Defamation News
News
The reality of the new ‘serious harm’ element in defamation cases: Newman v Whittington [2022] NSWSC 249
News
New online safety laws “unmask” anonymous online trolls and provide greater protections to Australians online
News
High Court grants special leave to Google to appeal defamation judgement
News
Melbourne dentist awarded $170,000 after being defamed by patient in Google reviews
News
Certain circumstances may allow for an ‘extension of time’ to commence defamation proceedings
News
Are you reviewing comments made by others on your social media pages?
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"This was a “David v Goliath” fight as our dispute was with a large global corporation. The attention, compassion and guidance that Danielle and the team showed us was absolutely incredible."
CEO & Founder
National mental-health support organisation
We recently instructed Danielle from Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell to help with a legal dispute. As a small purpose led business, this was a “David v Goliath” fight as our dispute was with a large global corporation. This dispute was during a very emotional time as we were in the middle of a global pandemic, Melbourne’s sixth lockdown, homeschooling and no childcare – all while trying to keep our small business alive.
The attention, compassion and guidance that Danielle and the team showed us was absolutely incredible. I have 10 years legal experience myself and even with that, I was reluctant to litigate, especially during such a difficult time. However Danielle always gave us confidence in knowing that she was in our corner and always working for our best interests, so my reluctance was quickly appeased.
Today I am pleased to share that David defeated Goliath and we could not be more thrilled with the result we received thanks to Danielle and the team from Elit Lawyers. Danielle not only saved our company, but ensured that we could continue doing the good work we were previously and helping improve the lives and mental health of mothers across Australia.
I could not recommend Danielle and the team from Elit Lawyers more highly. I am *hoping* that I will never need their services again, but feel very reassured knowing they are there and always in my corner.
Thank you Danielle and team.
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"Danielle is a well-known and respected lawyer who knows how to handle difficult and intensive litigation."
Queens Counsel, Devers List
Victorian Bar
Danielle Snell is a very intelligent and impressive lawyer whom I have worked with in my role as senior counsel on various litigation matters. She is a well-known and respected lawyer who knows how to handle difficult and intensive litigation. Danielle combines a deep knowledge of the law across many practice areas with a practical approach to litigation, and is authentic and charismatic in her dealings with others.
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"Danielle and Robert demonstrate outstanding expertise and approach all matters methodically with a clear and practical focus..."
Chief Operations Officer
Peak industry body for fire protection
As Chief Operating Officer it is extremely important to work with lawyers who are easily accessible, honest and trustworthy. We have briefed Elit Lawyers by McGirr and Snell across various legal disciplines and now use them as our “go to” solicitors. Danielle and Robert demonstrate outstanding expertise and approach all matters methodically with a clear and practical focus on achieving the best possible result.
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"Danielle demonstrated a refreshing and unique ability to narrow the issues, and succinctly explain complex matters."
General Counsel
Leading home building company
Having worked alongside Danielle in litigation matters I have found her approach to be thorough and strategic. In particular, Danielle demonstrated a refreshing and unique ability to narrow the issues, and succinctly explain complex matters.
