Media and Defamation Law

dedicated Media and Defamation group. There are 2 small practices in Perth that focus on defamation (and generally work for defendants), and a smattering of expertise at a handful of other firms (mostly, the large firms).

Even the bar has (compared with other practice areas) relatively few practitioners with significant defamation experience. Whilst it wasn’t always the case, most of the media corporations now seek representation from firms in the over East.

Most defamation practitioners I know, including myself, maintain good skills as general civil and commercial litigators because the reality is, for most people, there is just much more of that work around. Most people that practice in defamation (perhaps excluding those that act for the media corporations) tend to do so in combination with other practice areas.

I spend around 80% of my time working on defamation matters, and only about 20% on general commercial and civil litigation – but my practice is probably the exception rather than the rule.

If your passion is in media and defamation law, ask yourself ‘why’ to work out on which side of the fence you’ll be more comfortable.

Then, seek out a firm that has demonstrated experience that you can learn from (perhaps by checking the unreported decisions rather than lists of practice areas on websites).

Jobs practising exclusively in this area are rare, so be prepared to build your skills more broadly as a civil and commercial litigator – but never let the fire go out on your passion for ‘defo’!

Kimberly Land Council and In House at Chevron

Sophie Coffin

2021 Juris Doctor Graduate

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am a final year law student. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society and Indigenous Studies in my undergrad.

Why did you choose to study law?

I saw it as the career that would enable me to help the most people in the most substantive way. The challenge of it also appealed to me.

Where have you completed placements?

I have completed placements in 2 top tier firms, 1 mid-tier firm, government departments, a trust firm, Chevron, Legal Aid and Kimberley Land Council.

What was your experience at the Kimberly Land Council (KLC)?

It was unique and extremely rewarding. The legal team at KLC undertake a wide variety of highly complex matters that have a significant impact on the parties involved. The team work on I think this is the most rewarding aspect. The other great aspect is the lifestyle. Since it is based in Broome, it’s a 10-minute drive everywhere which means you can go to the beach for your whole lunch break. Interestingly, many of the lawyers there had come from toptier firms in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

What activities and tasks did you undertake during your time there?

I reviewed every piece of evidence put before the judge in one particular case (which was a 25-year litigation), I researched particular points of law and legal issues, attended meetings with anthropologists and met with Traditional Owners (usually KLC do everything they can to take an intern on country for meetings, however COVID and flooding prevented that in my time).

What was your experience at Chevron’s inhouse legal team?

This was also a very interesting experience. Mostly, it was interesting to see what an inhouse counsel does and how this differs from a firm. The team there work extremely hard, and work on technically complex work. They have to understand the company and its projects inside out. They work with everyone within the organisation too including all types of engineers, managers and people working in supply chain management.

What activities and tasks did you undertake during your time there?

I attended a lot of meetings with everyone in the team and completed a lot of discrete research tasks to do with points of law.

How would you compare your experience working at Chevron and the Kimberly Land Council?

The people at both were equally passionate and driven about achieving outcomes for their organisation. The people at both were also some of the most hard-working people I’ve met.

What would your biggest tip be for other Students wanting to explore career options outside of Commercial Law?

Actively look for opportunities. There are plenty out there. For example, I worked at KLC through the Aurora Internships Organisation, which is an excellent organisation that have heaps of options for law students and endeavor to match you with an organisation that meets your interests. In addition, don’t be afraid to just send your resume with an email stating your interest at somewhere like Legal Aid – this is how I got a placement there.

Where do you see yourself working after finishing law school?

I’m still unsure, but somewhere that I can get a strong foundation for working in the pursuit of justice, especially for the First Nations community.