Defamation

The firm is renown for its work in the highly specialised field of defamation, including libel, slander and privacy, acting for both claimants and defendants.

We are able to advise before publication to minimise the risk of a claim.

Over the years we have successfully pursued many defamation claims, most of which have been against sectors of the media (television, radio and newspapers) and many of which have been high profile.

We are able to advise how to deal with the media in matters that are usually sensitive and potentially very damaging.

Often we are able to obtain suitable undertakings not to publish (or re-publish), damages and costs, without the need to pursue the claim to court.

Our philosophy is to focus on dispute resolution by means of persuasion and negotiation, turning to litigation as a means of last resort. Consequently, most disputes are resolved by agreement rather than at Court. Nonetheless, if a satisfactory outcome cannot be achieved by negotiation, we have the necessary experience and expertise to enable us to maximise the client's prospects of winning at trial.

At the outset, we advise on the costs and funding issues and will give an early opinion as to the prospects of obtaining a successful outcome. We conduct an on-going cost/risk benefit analysis.