Defamation & Reputational Disputes in Sydney

Your reputation is one of your most valuable assets. False or damaging statements — whether published online, in print, or in conversation, can cause serious personal and professional harm. At New South Lawyers, our defamation lawyers in Sydney act quickly to protect your reputation and restore your good name.

Our experienced defamation lawyers act for individuals, professionals and businesses in high-pressure defamation disputes where reputation is on the line. Whether it’s a senior executive targeted by a misleading LinkedIn post or a business owner defamed in a client review, our approach is decisive: remove the content, control the narrative and pursue compensation where it makes commercial sense. We don’t just react – we take control.

Defamation occurs when false statements are published or communicated to others, and the result is reputational harm. Today, a single post, email or review can go viral within hours. We intervene early – for example, issuing a concerns notice before a media piece goes live – shutting down risk before it escalates.

We act for:

• Individuals and professionals
• Business owners and companies
• Executives and directors
• Influencers and public figures
• Journalists and media organisations

Our goal is always to resolve disputes quickly, discreetly, and cost-effectively.

The rise of social media has made online defamation increasingly common. We act swiftly to remove defamatory content from platforms like Facebook, Google, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Our team also liaises directly with online publishers and moderators to have harmful content taken down immediately.

If you’ve been accused of defamation, our lawyers can help you respond appropriately. We’ll assess whether defences such as truth, honest opinion, qualified privilege, or public interest apply, and develop a strong legal strategy to protect your rights and reputation.

Under the Defamation Act 2005 (NSW), the claimant must demonstrate serious harm or the likelihood of it. We assess case strength early, whether prosecuting or defending, so time and resources are deployed only where the outcome justifies it.

Defamation claims must generally be filed within 12 months of publication. Our lawyers act urgently to preserve evidence, issue concerns notices, and prevent further publication. Where necessary, we can apply for court orders or injunctions to stop ongoing reputational damage.

Most disputes are resolved discreetly, without court involvement. We negotiate retractions, apologies and confidential settlements designed to repair reputation while avoiding unnecessary escalation. Resolving quietly can be the most powerful approach.

When litigation is required, our experienced litigation lawyers act with precision in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the Federal Court of Australia. We seek damages, injunctions and removal orders backed by evidence and strategic positioning. Our advocacy focuses on impact and outcome – not theatrics.

In defamation disputes, hesitation is risk. Our lawyers combine legal authority with strategic discretion to protect your reputation at every step. Expect clarity, urgency and absolute commitment to outcome. When your name is under attack, you need representation that understands one thing: reputation is non-negotiable.