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
Major Matters
Defamation Supreme Court proceedings against Google
Acted for plaintiff who initiated defamation proceedings in the Supreme Court against Google after his image was incorrectly used and identified as a convicted criminal. Although liability was denied by the defendant, the parties were able to reach a commercial resolution at the court appointed mediation.
Christian Porter v ABC [2021] FCA 863
Acted for CEO & Founder of ASX Listed Company
Advised and acted for high profile Chief Executive Officer and Founder of ASX listed company concerning reputational and defamation matters concerning alleged breaches of health directions in respect of COVID-19.
Obtained Pseudonym order for defamation plaintiff
Successfully obtained Pseudonym order for defamation plaintiff in County Court of Victoria (first of its kind) on the basis that further media reporting of the alleged imputation would lead to further damage to the plaintiff’s reputation. Successfully resolved case at early mediation prior to directions hearing of matter.
Successful removal of defamatory posts from Reddit, Google and Facebook
Acting for individuals, professionals and businesses in relation to defamatory posts about them on Reddit, Google and Facebook. High success rate of having defamatory posts removed by Reddit, failing which court injunctions may be sought.
Provide Concerns Notice defence advice and strategy
Acted for business owners, executives and individuals who have received Concerns Notices under the Queensland Defamation Act 2005 in defence of defamation claims including arguing that the Concerns Notice was Defective and requests for further particulars under Section 12A(3) of the Act and preparation of Offers to Make Amends under Section 13 and 15 of the Act and, provided advice as to available Defences and Strategy.
Major Matters
Major Matters
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