Defamation Libel Slander
Defamation Lawyers
O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors offer a specialised defamation legal team, that can offer an expert and personalised service.
Our defamation lawyers are affordable and have won some of Sydney and Australia’s most prominent cases.
Call (02) 9261 4281 for a Free Case Consultation
Types of Defamation
Social Media
Our clients have experienced defamation on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and other platforms.
Strata Building
We have many clients who have suffered defamation by other residents within their strata buildings.
News Publication
Have you been defamed by a news organisation either online or in the newspapers?
Pre-Publication
We offer pre-publication advice for those looking to have their writing checked for defamation.
Other Areas
Other areas of defamation include written (books etc), verbal (spoken) and more.
WHAT IS DEFAMATION
Our expert defamation lawyer team offer affordable, personalised advice
WHAT IS DEFAMATION
Are you in need of a defamation lawyer in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia? O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors are one of Sydney’s leading defamation law firms. If you believe that your reputation or character has suffered damage by false allegation or untrue statements, then you may have an action to sue for defamation.
We will take on some defamation cases on a no win no fee basis depending on the merits of the case.
Defamation is where someone’s reputation suffers damage by false statements, either spoken (slander) or written (libel) by another person, entity or organisation. These defendants could include newspapers or other media outlets, or even government. Those false or unsubstantiated statements need to be communicated to one or more third parties. So if, someone says something false to you alone, that is not defamation.
Defamatory communication is communication that is likely to damage your reputation by:
- exposing you to shame, ridicule, hatred or contempt, or
- lowers others’ estimation of you or
- means you are avoided or shunned.
Currently, the law in NSW regarding defamation lies in the Defamation Act 2005. Notably, it no longer specifies a difference between defamatory content which is:
- libellous (in writing or other permanent format, such as images or videos) or
- slanderous (verbally spoken or otherwise transient).
This means that a person can initiate legal proceedings against someone who has made defamatory statements that are either spoken or in writing.
Recently, the NSW Government passed amendments to the Defamation Act 2005. Those changes are yet to take effect.
Just because you do not like what someone has said about you, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a claim for defamation. Several factors need consideration:
- What were the exact words that were said and/or published?
- How widely disseminated was the statement?
- How much, if any, damage have you suffered?
- For a claim in defamation, you do not necessarily need to prove any damage. However, any proof of damage will be extremely helpful in your case.
- Examples of possible damage might include damage to your public image or reputation.
- You might also have suffered financial damage. For example, a loss of a job which was a direct result of the defamatory content.
There are many possible parties that you can sue in a defamation case. They can include the:
- original author;
- person quoted or interviewed;
- journalists;
- publishers;
- TV / radio or other broadcast media; or
- web site owners or social media channels.
Even if you have suffered vilification by defamatory statements by an individual on social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, you may have recourse to sue for damages. This will depend on the circumstances of your situation as indicated by the factors mentioned above.
O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors have successfully sued for defamation on behalf of many clients. This has resulted in substantial cash settlements if the defendant chooses not to fight the case. If we do end up going to court, establishing damages and liability leading to equally substantial awards of money.
Even international defendants are not beyond our reach. We can work with defamation attorneys in other countries to file cases there.
The most common defence to defamation is truth. If what is said/written about you is true then you will not have grounds for an action.
The next most common is opinion or comment. If someone calls you a liar then they are asserting a fact and that is defamation. But if someone calls you ugly, then they are expressing an opinion and that is not defamation.
The next most common is qualified privilege. This involves a group of people sharing a common interest. If a member of that group shares something with other members for a purpose relevant to the interests of that group then that defence applies. So, if you are a member of an association and someone within that association writes a letter to the association making assertions about you then they may have protection by this privilege.
There is a strict time limit of 12 months from the publication of defamatory content until the time you sue the defendant. It is important to note that this means the date when people are able to read it. If it is a letter in an envelope, then the date the reader opened it. If it is an online article then the date that people read it. Where it is a print newspaper, then the date the newspaper was available to be read.
If you believe that you have experienced defamation, contact our defamation lawyers without hesitation to determine if you have a valid claim. In many cases, the matter can be resolved by having us sending a cease and desist letter to the publisher or communicator of the defamatory material.
We can negotiate with the publisher of any defamatory material before taking any court action. This is because there can be serious implications if you sue for defamation after refusing what the court may consider as a reasonable offer to settle the matter.
WHAT IS DEFAMATION
Our expert defamation lawyer team offer affordable, personalised advice
Are you in need of a defamation lawyer in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia? O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors are one of Sydney’s leading defamation law firms. If you believe that your reputation or character has suffered damage by false allegation or untrue statements, then you may have an action to sue for defamation.
We will take on some defamation cases on a no win no fee basis depending on the merits of the case.
Defamation is where someone’s reputation suffers damage by false statements, either spoken (slander) or written (libel) by another person, entity or organisation. These defendants could include newspapers or other media outlets, or even government. Those false or unsubstantiated statements need to be communicated to one or more third parties. So if, someone says something false to you alone, that is not defamation.
Defamatory communication is communication that is likely to damage your reputation by:
- exposing you to shame, ridicule, hatred or contempt, or
- lowers others’ estimation of you or
- means you are avoided or shunned.
Currently, the law in NSW regarding defamation lies in the Defamation Act 2005. Notably, it no longer specifies a difference between defamatory content which is:
- libellous (in writing or other permanent format, such as images or videos) or
- slanderous (verbally spoken or otherwise transient).
This means that a person can initiate legal proceedings against someone who has made defamatory statements that are either spoken or in writing.
Recently, the NSW Government passed amendments to the Defamation Act 2005. Those changes are yet to take effect.
Just because you do not like what someone has said about you, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a claim for defamation. Several factors need consideration:
- What were the exact words that were said and/or published?
- How widely disseminated was the statement?
- How much, if any, damage have you suffered?
- For a claim in defamation, you do not necessarily need to prove any damage. However, any proof of damage will be extremely helpful in your case.
- Examples of possible damage might include damage to your public image or reputation.
- You might also have suffered financial damage. For example, a loss of a job which was a direct result of the defamatory content.
There are many possible parties that you can sue in a defamation case. They can include the:
- original author;
- person quoted or interviewed;
- journalists;
- publishers;
- TV / radio or other broadcast media; or
- web site owners or social media channels.
Even if you have suffered vilification by defamatory statements by an individual on social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, you may have recourse to sue for damages. This will depend on the circumstances of your situation as indicated by the factors mentioned above.
O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors have successfully sued for defamation on behalf of many clients. This has resulted in substantial cash settlements if the defendant chooses not to fight the case. If we do end up going to court, establishing damages and liability leading to equally substantial awards of money.
Even international defendants are not beyond our reach. We can work with defamation attorneys in other countries to file cases there.
The most common defence to defamation is truth. If what is said/written about you is true then you will not have grounds for an action.
The next most common is opinion or comment. If someone calls you a liar then they are asserting a fact and that is defamation. But if someone calls you ugly, then they are expressing an opinion and that is not defamation.
The next most common is qualified privilege. This involves a group of people sharing a common interest. If a member of that group shares something with other members for a purpose relevant to the interests of that group then that defence applies. So, if you are a member of an association and someone within that association writes a letter to the association making assertions about you then they may have protection by this privilege.
There is a strict time limit of 12 months from the publication of defamatory content until the time you sue the defendant. It is important to note that this means the date when people are able to read it. If it is a letter in an envelope, then the date the reader opened it. If it is an online article then the date that people read it. Where it is a print newspaper, then the date the newspaper was available to be read.
If you believe that you have experienced defamation, contact our defamation lawyers without hesitation to determine if you have a valid claim. In many cases, the matter can be resolved by having us sending a cease and desist letter to the publisher or communicator of the defamatory material.
We can negotiate with the publisher of any defamatory material before taking any court action. This is because there can be serious implications if you sue for defamation after refusing what the court may consider as a reasonable offer to settle the matter.
Initial Consultation
When you contact O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, we’ll book you in for a free initial consultation with our Senior Defamation Solicitor, Stewart O’Connell.
In this 15 minute consultation, you will receive personalised advice on your situation. Stewart will advise you of your options and what you should do next.
In most cases, the first step is to write a ‘concerns notice’ to the publisher expressing the concern and asking for them to take action to remedy it. This would usually be in the form of:
- removing the article,
- publishing an apology,
- paying compensation
- and paying legal costs.
This is something that we do on behalf of our clients often.
Initial Consultation
First Consultation is free of charge, click below to see what this involves.
When you contact O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, we’ll book you in for a free initial consultation with our Senior Defamation Solicitor, Stewart O’Connell.
In this 20 minute consultation, you will receive personalised advice on your situation. Stewart will advise you of your options and what you should do next.
In most cases, the first step is to write a ‘concerns notice’ to the publisher expressing the concern and asking for them to take action to remedy it. This would usually be in the form of:
- removing the article,
- publishing an apology,
- paying compensation
- and paying legal costs.
This is something that we do on behalf of our clients often.
What if a defamation action cannot be settled?
If the parties don’t reach a settlement, then the next step is to consider initiating legal proceedings. Consequently, if your defamation claim is successful in court, you may receive:
- Compensation for non-economic loss (e.g. damage to your reputation);
- Compensation for economic loss (e.g. for loss of job prospects as a result of the defamatory statement), and
- Payment of legal costs.
Defamation Defence Representation
We also provide defence representation for people who are subject to defamation claims. This includes situations where you have received a cease and desist request letter.
What if a defamation action cannot be settled?
If the parties don’t reach a settlement, then the next step is to consider initiating legal proceedings. Consequently, if your defamation claim is successful in court, you may receive:
- Compensation for non-economic loss (e.g. damage to your reputation);
- Compensation for economic loss (e.g. for loss of job prospects as a result of the defamatory statement), and
- Payment of legal costs.
Defamation Defence Representation
We also provide defence representation for people who are subject to defamation claims. This includes situations where you have received a cease and desist request letter.
No Win, No Fee Defamation
No Win, No Fee Defamation
In limited circumstances, we will consider running a defamation matter on a no win, no fee basis. You can read more about our no win, no fee cost agreements here.
Once we’ve had a consultation with you, we will be able to advice you early on if we can move forward with ‘No Win, No Fee’ or on a some other retainer basis that is suitable to you.
- Suing the ABC for defaming an Aboriginal Elder. This resulted in the largest defamation award ever in the Northern Territory;
- Taking action against a prominent magazine for defaming an elderly lady. This resulted in a significant published apology and monetary settlement;
- Suing a variety of newspapers for defamatory comments. This yielded published apologies and monetary settlements;
- A lawsuit against a mining company in relation to a defamatory email. This resulted in an apology and monetary settlement;
- Suing prominent TV news channels for defamatory images resulting in broadcast apologies and monetary settlement.
In limited circumstances, we will consider running a defamation matter on a no win, no fee basis based on the merits of your case. You can read more about our no win, no fee cost agreements here.
Once we’ve had a consultation with you, we will be able to advice you early on if we can move forward with ‘No Win, No Fee’ or on a some other retainer basis that is suitable to you.
- Suing the ABC for defaming an Aboriginal Elder. This resulted in the largest defamation award ever in the Northern Territory;
- Taking action against a prominent magazine for defaming an elderly lady. This resulted in a significant published apology and monetary settlement;
- Suing a variety of newspapers for defamatory comments. This yielded published apologies and monetary settlements;
- A lawsuit against a mining company in relation to a defamatory email. This resulted in an apology and monetary settlement;
- Suing prominent TV news channels for defamatory images resulting in broadcast apologies and monetary settlement.
Click below to be directed to our page on defamation case studies
Defamation Testimonials
Defamation Testimonials
Defamation Blogs
Defamation Blogs
Click on an image below to read one of our blogs.
Insights and More Info on Defamation Law
Our blogs on the topic of defamation
Our Other Blogs:
Read some of our interesting articles that we have written on the topic of defamation.
- Esther Rockett successfully defends being sued for defamation by Serge Benhayon
- Defamation: Recreation for the rich or a tool for the powerless?
- Actors make defamation claims against newspapers for #metoo inspired sexual assault allegations
- U.S. radio host sued for defamatory statements made during 2012 school shooting
- Former Liberal MP wins defamation case against local newspaper
- Can you sue Google for defamation?
