Civil Solicitor
LLB, Bachelor of Journalism, GDipLegalPrac
ph: 02 9261 4281
e:
Sarah graduated with a double degree in Journalism and Law from the University of Wollongong in 2020 after commencing work as the Defamation paralegal and social media assistant at O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors in July of that year.
While working at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in 2018, Sarah developed an interest in media law and social justice. After completing stints in both the newsroom and the legal department of the ABC, Sarah moved into private practice with O’Briens.
During her degrees, Sarah engaged in an array of experiences including volunteering with the Illawarra Legal Centre and Legal Aid Wollongong and as online editor of the University’s student magazine, the Tertangala.
Civil Work
In her capacity as a Civil Solicitor, Sarah focuses on matters against NSW Police and other institutions for intentional torts and against perpetrators and organisations for sexual harassment.
Defamation Work
As a member of the firm’s Defamation Team, Sarah is typically first point-of-call for defamation inquiries. She has experience with defamation claims arising from both social media and traditional print publications, working on claims from multiple jurisdictions, including NSW, the NT, Victoria and in the Federal jursidiction.
As a civil solicitor, Sarah mainly institutes proceedings against the NSW Police for unlawful arrest, assault, battery, and malicious prosecution.
“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to hold authorities to account for misconduct. Police in particular hold a high level of discretion and power which needs checks and balances to ensure that power isn’t wielded in the wrong way.”
Beyond her practice areas, Sarah is passionate about human rights law and social justice. Formerly the firms’ social media manager, Sarah has written over 400 articles on current affairs, human rights and criminal justice.
In the last week, two decisions handed down the NSW District Court carefully examined the new requirements for “serious harm” in defamation cases. On 1 July 2021, the Defamation Act 2005 (NSW) (“the Act”) enacted new provisions which created a requirement for the plaintiff to prove serious harm. Section 10A, an adaptation from section 1
The District Court of NSW has confirmed it holds the power to grant permanent injunctions. In a defamation case handed down last week by Her Honour Judge Gibson, the Court awarded the Plaintiff a permanent injunction. This confirms the court’s powers which were somewhat uncertain to date. Food blogger eats words after Court orders him
In a decision handed down on an Instagram defamation case earlier this week, the District Court set clear guidelines for how the court must address social media defamation. Last Monday, Her Honour Judge Gibson handed down a decision in relation to defamatory posts made on various Instagram videos. Importantly, Her Honour addressed some important questions
O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors
e:
p: 02 9261 4281
a: Level 4, 219-223 Castlereagh St,
Sydney NSW 2000
