Introduction

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Pikes & Verekers Lawyers’ experienced defamation team can provide timely advice and action for the defamed or potentially defamed and potential or accused defamers:

  • pre-publication negotiations (when notice of publication is available)
  • cease and desist steps including concerns notices
  • dispute resolution and apologies
  • litigation to recover damages and vindicate reputations

We have acted for a wide range of plaintiffs – from private citizens to high profile public figures including members of parliament, academics and identities in the racing industry – in claims against the full gamut of publishers from email trolls to large media organisations. Having such experience, we are acutely aware of the need to handle such matters as expeditiously and confidentially as possible.

Experience

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Our experience also extends to preventing the inadvertent publication of defamatory matter by our clients including individuals, small to medium businesses and councils and, where publication has already occurred, successfully negotiating outcomes that avoid costly litigation and defending actions brought.

Confidentiality provisions and privacy concerns prevent us from listing many specific matters. Our public successes include:

  • Jarratt v John Fairfax Publications Pty Limited (a damages award of $420,000).
  • Obtaining public apologies and retractions for then Deputy Police Commissioner Ken Moroney (News Ltd), Emeritus Professor Di Yerbury (Fairfax) and then Attorney-General for NSW Greg Smith MP (Ray Hadley).
  • Successfully defending a substantial claim by three plaintiffs: Lee v Keddie [2011] NSWCA 2.

Contacts

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Robert Tassell

Partner
rtassell@pvlaw.com.au

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