With extensive experience across domestic and multi-jurisdictional media matters spanning media disputes, rights deals, production issues, transactions and defamation litigation, Ashurst enjoys a first-rate reputation which attracts high-profile media players from across Australia. ‘Stand-out partner‘ Anita Cade brings over 20 years’ experience in contentious and non-contentious intellectual property to the table, while Robert Todd has ‘significant expertise‘ in technology and copyright defamation claims and litigation. The team is bolstered by Lisa Ritson, who specialises in IP and marketing, consumer protection and counterfeiting issues, as well as Peter Armitage, who handles client defence work and merger clearances.

The media and content team at Baker McKenzie is renowned for its wide coverage of work which range from high-profile contentious proceedings and corporate transactions to regulatory reviews on an international and national basis. The group is led by Andrew Stewart, who is highly regarded for his expertise in digital content acquisitions, defamation issues, copyright enforcements and media regulations. The deep bench also includes Adrian Lawrence, who handles digital content and the related security and privacy issues; Allison Manvell, who acts for clients encompassing advertising agencies, sporting organisations and software vendors and consumers; and Nicholas Kraegen, whose speciality is copyright law.

Allens draws upon a team of specialists, who are qualified across a broad spectrum of disciplines to advise its clientele on a variety of media and broadcasting matters. Gavin Smith stands at the helm in Sydney, advising on media rights agreements and issues surrounding cybersecurity. Other key names to note are Kylie Brown, who has know-how of corporate and commercial law and advises on key M&A transactions within the media space; and Jacqueline Downes, who is known for her work on domestic and international mergers as well as her engagement with competition and consumer law cases.

With its expert knowledge of the industry, coupled with a capacity for ‘lateral and strategic thought’, the team at Bird & Bird attracts a broad spectrum of global and domestic clients. While it is well-equipped to deal with traditional media matters, the group particularly leverages its strong presence in the computer games industry and knowledge of sports media rights sales and acquisitions, the latter of which has been further cemented following the recent addition of sports law expert Brianna Quinn. The team is co-headed by Sophie Dawson, who has extensive experience in privacy, copyright and defamation law; and media lawyer Shane Barber, who is highly sought after by gaming businesses seeking regulatory aid.

Led by Bruce Lloyd, the TMT group at Clayton Utz frequently acts on a range of international, high-profile industry matters. The team is home to litigator Timothy Webb as well as Walid Sukari and Akmal Chunara, who both specialise in sports media rights. The firm has been bolstered by the recent arrival of Joel Parsons from Bird & Bird, who brings with him expertise in defamation claims, statutory restrictions and licensing disputes.

Gilbert + Tobin is highly sought after by high-profile media clients seeking advice on data privacy issues, media regulations and, due to its marked strength in IP, content licensing mandates. Michael Williams has experience handling defamation issues in the advertising space, while Rebecca Dunn excels in media litigation, with a focus on social media law. Both are based in Sydney.

Johnson Winter Slattery is renowned for its work handling high-profile defamation defence cases and offering ‘commercial and pragmatic’ advice on cases up to High Court appellate level. ‘Exceptional media lawyer’ Kevin Lynch heads up the practice from the Sydney office, where he advises market-leading tech companies and media conglomerates in relation to defamation, privacy, brand protection and copyright issues. Eve Thomson is based in the Adelaide office; she is a key point of contact for publishing clients.

With eight offices across Australia, Minter Ellison offers clients national expertise alongside an international reach. The team is well versed in advising across the gamut of content and communication issues and, drawing upon its ‘decades of experience’, specialises in high-profile, high-risk defamation cases. Peter Bartlett has substantial experience in the field and advises on privacy issues, breaches of confidence and super injunctions. The team is also home to ‘outstanding practitioner’ Dean Levitan, who is well known for acting for key media companies in the federal and state supreme courts; media litigator David Poulton, who expertly handles defamation cases; and Patrick Considine, who was recently promoted to the partnership.

McCullough Robertson advises a range of clients, from start-ups to governmental bodies, on media and entertainment law, namely with regard to defamation and contempt issues. The trio of Alex Hutchens, Belinda Breakspear and Rebecca Lindhout jointly lead the team; Hutchens heads up the data privacy offering, while Breakspear handles the team’s IP and licensing work, and Lindhout deals with media rights, advertising and regulatory matters. The group is also actively working to expand its national coverage with the recent addition of senior associate Jacob Bartels to the team, who continues to strengthen the firm's offering in Brisbane.

The team at Corrs Chambers Westgarth advises on a spread of high-value corporate transactions and regulatory matters within the TMT space. James North leads the team from the Sydney office, where he handles disputes, privacy issues and reform law mandates, particularly in the online streaming space. Also in Sydney, Adam Foreman acts for clients in the broadcasting and radio sectors. Jim Micallef is noted for being ‘exceptional’.

The team at Hall & Wilcox ‘offers commercial, agile and sound advice and support’ across the breadth of media and broadcasting matters. The practice is led by Martin Ross, who assists key sports and media clients. Other practitioners to note are James Deady, who is experienced in sports licensing work and media rights transactions; and Mark Lebbon, who is ‘reliable, personable and great at his craft’.

Known for its ability to navigate high-profile deals, disputes and regulatory issues in the media space, the TMT team at Herbert Smith Freehills specialises in broadcasting rights, intellectual property issues and publishing agreements. Kristin Stammer oversees the work, managing content licensing, distribution and IP rights, both nationally and internationally, while Kwok Tang handles corporate media transactions; his expertise also extends to privacy and data security transactions. Both are based in Sydney.

Sought out by publishers, agents and artists, Simpsons Solicitors specialises in copyright litigation, dispute resolution and defamation claims as well as contractual agreements, sponsorships and merchandising issues. Leadership is shared between Adam Simpson, who has notable expertise in the arts sector; Jules Munro, who specialises in intellectual property law and leads the firm’s music industry group; and Mark Bamford, who has particular expertise in financial law and leads film and television practice. Other names to note are Janine Lapworth and Clare Young, who both have substantial experience in IP law.

The team at Thomson Geer is singled out by clients for its ‘breadth and depth in the media and entertainment space’. Leadership is shared between Justin Quill, who specialises in defamation and litigation work; John-Paul Cashen, who is known for his sound pre-publication advice; and Marlia Saunders, who has extensive knowledge of intellectual property and privacy law. Other key practitioners include Samantha McGeoch, Zander Croft and Conor O’Beirne.