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Stewart O'Connell

Stewart O'Connell is a Special Counsel at O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, bringing over 20 years of experience in criminal defence and defamation law to the firm. He holds an LLB and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Stewart has appeared as a barrister in ten jury trials, winning nine, and represented the client who received the highest defamation award in Northern Territory Court history.

He has also negotiated significant compensation settlements in defamation matters against major media organisations, including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mail, 7News, and The Financial Review. Earlier in his career, Stewart spent thirteen years working with the Aboriginal Legal Services and ran the Northern Territory Legal Aid office in Katherine.

In 2000, he received the National Children's and Youth Law Centre's National Award for Aboriginal Youth Lawyer of the Year. He served as the Senior Project Officer on the Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory and later represented youth clients in the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory.

Stewart has also taught Criminal Law at the Australian National University. Known for his direct, empathetic communication style, Stewart prioritises achieving the best and most efficient outcome for every client, whether through skilled negotiation or vigorous courtroom advocacy.

We Secure Federal Court Win in Cairo Takeaway Defamation Case: Guardian Mention

Defamation / By /

Our Special Counsel and defamation solicitor, Stewart O’Connell, represented Cairo Takeaway in a Federal Court proceeding that has drawn national media attention, with coverage in The Guardian. The background: Cairo Takeaway v Pro-Israel Activist  Cairo Takeaway, a Sydney restaurant, was involved in a defamation dispute with pro-Israel activist Ofir Birenbaum. The parties reached a confidential […]

We Secure Federal Court Win in Cairo Takeaway Defamation Case: Guardian Mention Read More »

A dark leather book titled 'Defamation Law' in yellow letters on a wooden desk, with a gavel, fountain pens, and glasses nearby.

The Peter V’landys Defamation Case: What It Teaches Us About Suing for Defamation in 2026

Defamation / By /

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys is suing The Thoroughbred Report and journalist Kit Gow over an article published on 18 November 2025 asking whether it was time for CEO term limits in NSW racing. The case, now well into the discovery phase, is a live demonstration of how defamation law works in 2026. For

The Peter V’landys Defamation Case: What It Teaches Us About Suing for Defamation in 2026 Read More »

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O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors Commence Civil Proceedings Against NT Government for Death in Custody of Kumanjayi Dempsey

Civil Law / By /

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors Commence Civil Proceedings Against  NT Government in relation to Death in Custody of Kumanjayi Dempsey.  WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised: This article contains the name of an Indigenous person who has died. MEDIA RELEASE – 25 February 2026   O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors has today filed

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors Commence Civil Proceedings Against NT Government for Death in Custody of Kumanjayi Dempsey Read More »

Kumanjayi Dempsey

Suing Media for Sydney Defamation Claim: Protect Your Reputation

Defamation, Civil Law / By /

How to pursue a Sydney defamation claim against newspapers, TV stations, and online publishers When a media outlet publishes false information that damages your reputation, you may have grounds for a Sydney defamation claim. Whether it’s a television broadcast, newspaper article, or online story, defamation law in New South Wales provides pathways for individuals to

Suing Media for Sydney Defamation Claim: Protect Your Reputation Read More »

a lawyer's desk with paperwork and a gavel

Sky News, The Australian and Daily Telegraph Apologies to our Client, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Group

Defamation, Civil Law / By /

SKY NEWS, THE AUSTRALIAN AND DAILY TELEGRAPH APOLOGY TO ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER DANCE GROUP AND ITS MEMBERS Sky News, The Australian and the Daily Telegraph apologised last night to our clients, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Group and its members for using their photograph in an unrelated news report. The three

Sky News, The Australian and Daily Telegraph Apologies to our Client, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Group Read More »

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