Minter Ellison‘s busy media and entertainment team supports international media companies and some of Australia’s largest publishers. The team has a strong track record in high-profile defamation disputes, copyright, and licensing matters. Notably, the group plays a key role in the internationally reported Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case. Peter Bartlett is widely renowned for his defamation defence work, while John Fairbairn has extensive experience in copyright, patent, and trade mark disputes, including injunction applications. Patrick Considine advises a diverse client base on defamation, IP, suppression orders, and contempt of court issues. Dean Levitan specialises in pre-publication advice for publishers and broadcasters, while also handling complex litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Outstanding and comprehensive knowledge of the law.'
‘Peter Bartlett - a legal counsellor in the true sense. Providing advice and guidance in its wider context.'
- 'Dean Levitan - thorough and diligent.'
- 'With my heightened public role, I have total confidence in the abilities of these practitioners.’
‘Minter Ellison operates at the highest level in complex defamation and media law litigation. As its success in the Roberts-Smith litigation demonstrates (in which it acted for the successful Nine defendants!)'
‘Peter Bartlett is the undisputed leader among solicitors who practice in media and defamation law, with an extraordinary breadth of experience and exceptional judgment. His team is also impressive, particularly Dean Levitan who will become a leader in the field.’
‘John Fairbairn - very good lawyer; highly experienced and knowledgable; excellent to deal with.'
Key clients
- Copyright Agency
- Nine Entertainment Co
- The New York Times Company
- Foxtel
- Crikey
- The International Bar Association Human Rights Institute
- Professor Allan Fels.
- Australian Broadcasting Company
- Australian Securities and Investment Commission
- Al Jazeera
Work highlights
- Acting for Nine Entertainment Co. in defamation proceedings brought by Ben Roberts-Smith.
- Representing John Pesutto in a defamation matter brought by a fellow member of parliament.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Patrick Considine
Practice head
Peter Bartlett
Other key lawyers
John Fairbairn; Patrick Considine; Dean Levitan