Disputes & Litigation
Defamation lawyers act for people and businesses harmed by false publications.
Defamation law requires serious harm, and claims usually must be brought within one year of publication. Concerns notices are usually required first.
Online reviews, social media and news can damage reputations quickly. Acting promptly is critical.
Uniform defamation laws apply across states, with a serious harm threshold, mandatory concerns notices and a one-year limitation period. Recent reforms address liability of digital intermediaries.
78 firms
Gosford, NSW · Central Coast
Macdonald Bruce Lawyers provides legal services in Gosford, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Business & Commercial Law and Probate & Estate Administration.
Jamisontown, NSW · Western Sydney
Macdonald Bruce Lawyers provides legal services in Jamisontown, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Business & Commercial Law and Probate & Estate Administration.
Jindabyne, NSW · Snowy Monaro
Macdonald Bruce Lawyers provides legal services in Jindabyne, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Business & Commercial Law and Personal Injury.
Byron Bay, NSW · Northern Rivers
Peter Breen & Associates Solicitors provides legal services in Byron Bay, NSW. Listed practice areas include Defamation.
Subiaco, WA · Perth CBD
Pragma Legal provides legal services in Subiaco, WA. Listed practice areas include Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Property & Conveyancing and Professional Negligence.
Melbourne, VIC · Melbourne CBD
Stephens Lawyers & Consultants provides legal services in Melbourne, VIC. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Intellectual Property & Trade Marks and Litigation & Dispute Resolution.
Understand the next step
Identify the exact publication, audience, timing and person or organisation involved. Give the lawyer a copy in its original context rather than a paraphrase.
Ask for advice before sending demands or publishing a response that may create additional issues.
Prepare a chronology, agreement or policy, important communications and a calculation of any claimed amount. Distinguish firsthand facts from assumptions.
Discuss negotiation, a complaint scheme, mediation, a tribunal or court. Ask which options are available for this particular matter.
Agree on a first step and a point to reassess progress and cost. Before settling, understand what claims would be released and how obligations would be recorded.
Request stages for advice, correspondence, negotiations and proceedings. Discuss filing, expert and barrister costs and any potential liability for another party’s costs.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Provide every demand, decision and court document with its date. Do not assume informal negotiations suspend a response or filing deadline.
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Good to know
A formal notice to the publisher setting out the defamatory material and harm, usually required before suing.
It depends on the court, the complexity and how far the matter goes. Ask for a written estimate for each stage, and remember that the losing party often pays part of the winner's costs.
Possibly, if a publication identified you and caused or is likely to cause serious harm to your reputation. There are defences and strict time limits, usually one year from publication.