Gain invaluable insights from firsthand experience at the high-profile Ben Roberts-Smith trial, delve into the intricate dynamics of social media defamation, suing journalists and mitigating damages. Refine your understanding of key legal nuances and strategic approaches regarding the new Public Interest Defence and the Honest Opinion Defence. Learn from seasoned practitioners, ensuring you are well-equipped to navigate the evolving defamation landscape with confidence. 

Presenters

Patrick George, Principal, Company Giles
Patrick George is a leading defamation and media lawyer. He has over 40 years' experience and is a trusted adviser to some of Australia's most high-profile individuals. He acted for media organisations for many years while a partner at MinterEllison before leaving to set up Kennedys. Last year he joined Company Giles now known as Giles George. He is the author of the text 'Defamation Law in Australia' 4th edition (2022) LexisNexis.


Nicholas Olson, Barrister, Level 22 Chambers
Nicholas is one of Sydney’s leading junior counsel in defamation and media law, having appeared in a number of the most high profile defamation cases since being called to the Bar. He acts for both plaintiffs and defendants and is often unled, including against Senior Counsel. His practice is national and he has appeared in defamation matters in the Queensland and Western Australian courts, as well as the New South Wales and Federal courts. Nicholas is lectured in Media Law: Defamation and Privacy at the University of Sydney. In addition to media law, Nicholas maintains a broad commercial practice with a particular interest in privacy and breach of confidence, insurance and intellectual property matters.


Rebecca Dunn, Partner, Gilbert + Tobin
Rebecca is a partner in Gilbert + Tobin’s Tech & IP group and an experienced litigator in intellectual property and media law. She specialises in copyright, defamation, trade mark litigation, and Australian Consumer Law, with particular expertise in the online space. Her enforcement work spans national and international clients in the film and music industries, and she has litigated in the Supreme and Federal Courts, including at the High Court of Australia. Rebecca serves as President of the Communications and Media Law Alliance and is a member of several professional societies. She holds a Bachelor of Law (First Class Honours) from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Newcastle, and a Master of Research focused on social media law and democracy.


David Gilbertson KC, Barrister, Chapman’s List
David Gilbertson practises in all areas of administrative, commercial, corporations, media and defamation law. His corporations law practice includes market-related matters, such as insider trading and market manipulation, and schemes of arrangement. David Gilbertson has an extensive practice in media and defamation law. As well as plaintiffs, he has acted for most of the large media outlets and several book publishers in Australia.


Dean Levitan, Senior Associate, MinterEllison
Dean is a media lawyer at MinterEllison with expertise leading high-stakes and high-profile litigation on behalf of media companies. Dean’s clients include Australian publishers like Nine Entertainment and Private Media, and international publishers including CNN, Al Jazeera and the New York Times. He also advises government departments, politicians, businesspeople and public companies in relation to complex and sensitive matters. Most recently, Dean helped lead the team that successfully defended the defamation proceedings on behalf of Fairfax Media commenced by Ben Roberts-Smith in the Federal Court of Australia. He prides himself on building trusting relationships and careful strategic thinking.


Sophie Robertson, Special Counsel, Bartley Cohen Litigation Lawyers
Sophie is a media lawyer and litigator with extensive experience in media and defamation matters. She provides legal advice to some of Australia’s largest media organisations, including daily pre-publication advice to a national broadcaster. Sophie also acts for publishers, authors, insurers and private individuals. She was a Board Member of Women in Media Australia from 2019 to 2023. Sophie has significant experience in defamation matters (both plaintiff and defendant), contempt proceedings, non-publication orders, court access applications, urgent injunctions, privacy law, freedom of information / right to information requests and protecting sources. Sophie also has a broad range of experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, professional negligence and insurance disputes.


Sue Chrysanthou SC, Barrister, 153 Phillip Barristers
Sue Chrysanthou SC is a leading defamation barrister whose practice also includes intellectual property matters. She was called to the bar in 2004 and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2020. Sue has acted in a number of key cases including Rush v Nationwide News, Hanson-Young v Leyonhjelm, and Stead v Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd.


Marcus Hoyne, Barrister, Foley’s List
Marcus Hoyne is a seasoned barrister specialising in media and defamation law, with over 25 years’ experience in commercial litigation at both trial and appellate levels. Based in Melbourne, he also practices at the New South Wales Bar and is consistently recognised as a leading junior counsel in Technology, Media and Telecommunications matters by Doyles Guide. Throughout his career, Marcus has represented major Australian media networks, including Nine/Fairfax and News Limited, as well as individual and corporate clients. He is one of the country’s most experienced telecommunications and IT barristers, having handled significant cases that reached the High Court, and has extensive expertise in areas such as intellectual property, trade practices, sports law, and administrative law.