Defamation and Not-for-profits
About this event
As not-for-profits, we have a lot invested in our reputation. Trust from members, service users, funders and the public is essential to our existence. What can we do if we think our organisation, or its people have been defamed? On the other hand, what can we do to make sure we don’t publish defamatory material on our social media channels, websites or elsewhere?
Defamation law is a technical area, with differences between states and territories that require careful consideration. That’s why we’re partnering with defamation experts at Justice Connect partner law firm Wotton Kearney. Partners Richard Leder and Georgie Austin will use plain language and practical examples to help you get across what you need to know to protect your not-for-profit on both sides.
Wotton Kearney will cover:
- What is defamation?
- Who can be defamed? Including not-for-profits.
- Who can be sued for defamation?
- Common defences
- Taking action - concerns notices, apologies, and offers to make amends
- Practical guidance for organisations to avoid the risks of defamation claims
You'll receive:
- 75 minutes of plain-language training from a lawyer
- Copy of webinar recording (accessible for 3 months) and slide presentation
- Information on further resources and support
Who should attend:
Senior staff and Board members in not-for-profit organisations.
About the presenters
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View our upcoming webinars here.
Richard Leder
Richard is Head of Wotton Kearney's Commercial Litigation team and is based in the Melbourne office. He is a market-recognised leader in commercial litigation, personal injury, media law and dispute resolution. Richard is an experienced negotiator with an impressive track record in assisting clients to avoid costly litigation and has acted for many leading Australian corporates.
Richard is also considered one of Australia's leading specialists in media law and defamation. He has acted in many high-profile defamation cases, including for Rebel Wilson and Grant Denyer, and for Channel 7 for the past 30 years, The Conversation Media Group, The Big Issue, and the Elliott Newspaper Group. Richard was awarded a medal in the Order of Australia in 2019 for his contribution to the community, including his involvement with the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation.
Blake Pappas
Blake is a trusted advisor to Australia’s leading institutions, government departments, regulators, directors, board members and public figures. He practices in all major torts, in all Courts and has acted in matters at the trial division, Courts of Appeal, and applications to the High Court of Australia. He also assists his clients in giving evidence to Royal Commissions, Special Inquiries and Prosecutions.
Blake also has an established media and entertainment law practice, providing strategic communications and traditional defamation advice to private citizens, institutional media and online intermediaries.
He is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria, Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association, Communications and Media Law Association, and sits as a disciplinary tribunal member for Cricket Victoria.