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:
Managing Partner of the Year - Winner
Law Firm Leader of the Year <100 employees - Winner
Litigation Team of the Year - Finalist
NewLaw Firm of the Year - Finalist
Boutique Firm of the Year - Winner
NewLaw Firm of the Year - Finalist
Major Matters
Major Matters
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Latest Media & Defamation News
News
DEFAMATION NEWS: Wilks v Qu [2022] VCC 620
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Defamation News: Stage 2 Defamation law reforms
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Defamation News: The first time a Qualified Privilege Defence holds up in Australia!
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The reality of the new ‘serious harm’ element in defamation cases: Newman v Whittington [2022] NSWSC 249
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New online safety laws “unmask” anonymous online trolls and provide greater protections to Australians online
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High Court grants special leave to Google to appeal defamation judgement
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"The best of the best plaintiff lawyers against insurance companies. We had a very tough and complex case and Danielle and her team settled with the insurance company for an optimal outcome."
Insurance Policy Holder
Home owner
The best of the best plaintiff lawyers team against insurance companies.
We had a very tough and complex case against insurance company that we lost our home and contents. After disappointing and frustrating process from another law firm and firing them we found Danielle Snell and her team.
They are very dedicated, knowledgeable, passionate and possess great communication skills. We couldn’t ask for more and settled with a optimal outcome.
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"It’s great to be able to confidently refer clients to someone who can help and support them, and to feel that they are receiving the best service."
Senior Adviser
Financial Planner
We are so glad to have you in our referral channel.
It’s great to be able to confidently refer clients to someone who can help and support them, and to feel that they are receiving the best service.
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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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"Elit negotiated a settlement which saw all proceedings against my company dismissed, with no order as to costs."
Owner and Managing Director
Major Transport Company
I was recently introduced to Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell by my former lawyers after they were required to cease acting for me due to a conflict of interest. The stakes were high as my company was exposed to multiple court proceedings. Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell impressed me so much. They went that extra mile and were able to negotiate a settlement which saw all proceedings against my company dismissed, with no order as to costs. I can’t thank Elit enough.
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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.