If you are dealing with a defamation matter, concerns notice, online publication or reputational issue, HFK Lawyers provides practical defamation law advice for individuals and businesses in Sydney and NSW.
Defamation matters can move quickly and often involve strict timeframes. Whether you have received a concerns notice, believe false material has been published about you, or need advice before responding to a reputational issue, it is important to understand your options early.
HFK Lawyers assists individuals, professionals and businesses with practical advice across defamation claims, concerns notices, online reviews, social media publications and reputational disputes.
Defamation occurs when material is published to at least one other person and that material is likely to harm the reputation of an individual, business or organisation.
Published material can include written statements, online reviews, social media posts, articles, emails, videos, podcasts, spoken comments and other forms of communication.
In Australia, defamation law is designed to balance the protection of reputation with freedom of expression. Whether something is defamatory will depend on the words used, the context, who saw or heard the material, and the harm that may have been caused.
Because defamation matters are highly fact-specific, early legal advice can help you understand whether the material may be defamatory and what steps may be available.
If you have received a concerns notice or are considering sending one, you can also read our article on what a concerns notice is and when it is used.
We can help you understand, prepare or respond to a concerns notice, including advice on the issues raised and the timeframes involved.
We advise on potential defamation claims, including whether published material may meet the legal threshold and what steps may be available.
We assist with reputational issues involving online comments, Google reviews, social media posts, forums, videos and digital publications.
We advise individuals, directors, professionals, business owners and organisations on reputational disputes that may affect trust, reputation or commercial relationships.
Where appropriate, we can assist with practical resolution pathways before a matter escalates, including correspondence, removal requests, corrections, apologies or negotiated outcomes.
Defamation matters can arise from many different types of communication. The issue is not only where the statement appeared, but whether the material was published to someone else and may have caused reputational harm.
If you are unsure whether a statement may be defamatory, HFK Lawyers can help you review the material, understand the context and consider the options available.
Where the publication involves AI-generated content, automated tools or digital content creation, you can also read our article on AI and defamation law in Australia.
Defamation matters can involve strict timeframes and sensitive reputational issues. The right approach will depend on the material published, who saw it, the harm caused, and whether the matter can be resolved before formal proceedings are required.
Defamation matters can be stressful, time-sensitive and personal. HFK Lawyers provides clear legal advice that considers the facts of the publication, the potential reputational impact and the most practical path forward.
We help you understand your legal position, the strength of the issue and the options available before deciding how to respond.
We consider both the legal and reputational impact of the matter, including how a response may affect your personal, professional or business reputation.
We provide guidance on concerns notices, responses, negotiations, removal requests and potential proceedings where required.
HFK Lawyers assists individuals, professionals, business owners and organisations with a range of defamation and reputational risk matters. We provide practical advice based on the content published, the audience it reached, the impact it may have caused and the options available to respond.
HFK Lawyers is based in Sydney and assists clients across NSW with defamation and reputational risk matters. We provide practical advice for individuals, professionals and businesses dealing with concerns notices, online publications, reputational disputes and potential defamation claims.
Our team can assist with matters involving online reviews, social media comments, articles, emails, public statements and other published material that may affect a person’s or business’s reputation.
Whether you need advice before sending a concerns notice, have received one, or are considering your options after harmful material has been published, our Sydney-based defamation lawyers can help you understand the next steps available.
For matters involving broader business, professional or online reputation issues, you can also read more about our defamation and reputational risk services.
You should consider seeking legal advice if you have received a concerns notice, believe false or damaging material has been published about you, or are being asked to remove, apologise for or respond to a publication.
Defamation matters can involve strict timeframes, particularly where a concerns notice has been sent or received. Early advice can help you understand the strength of the issue, the possible risks and the practical options available before the matter escalates.
If you are dealing with a defamation issue, it is important to get advice before taking action, responding to a concerns notice or communicating further about the matter.
HFK Lawyers can review the publication, discuss the background, explain the options available and help you decide on the most appropriate next step.
We start by reviewing the publication, the context and the potential reputational impact so we can understand the issue clearly.
We consider what was published, where it appeared, who may have seen it and whether the material may raise a defamation issue.
We provide practical guidance on possible next steps, including a concerns notice, response, removal request, negotiation or further legal action where appropriate.
Defamation occurs when material is published to at least one other person and that material is likely to harm the reputation of an individual, business or organisation. This can include written statements, spoken comments, online reviews, social media posts, articles, emails and other forms of communication.
If you receive a concerns notice, it is important to get legal advice before responding. A concerns notice may involve strict timeframes and your response can affect how the matter progresses.
Yes, online comments, reviews, social media posts and other digital publications can raise defamation issues if they are published to another person and may harm someone’s reputation. Whether the material is defamatory will depend on the words used, the context and the impact of the publication.
Timeframes can vary depending on the circumstances, including whether a concerns notice has been sent or received. You should seek advice as early as possible so you understand the relevant deadlines and options available.
Yes, many defamation matters can be resolved before court proceedings through correspondence, negotiation, removal of material, corrections, apologies or other agreed outcomes. The right approach will depend on the facts and the parties involved.
If you are based in Sydney or NSW and are dealing with a concerns notice, online publication, reputational issue or potential defamation claim, speaking with a defamation lawyer can help you understand your position and the practical next steps available.
Our team can assist with defamation and reputational risk matters involving individuals, professionals, business owners and organisations. We provide practical advice on concerns notices, online publications, reputational disputes and potential defamation claims. If you are unsure who to speak with, contact HFK Lawyers and we can direct your enquiry to the most relevant lawyer for your matter.
Partner
Senior Associate
Lawyer
Explore related articles from HFK Lawyers covering defamation law, concerns notices, online publications and reputational risk.
Australia’s new statutory tort for serious invasion of privacy is already being tested in the courts. In Kurraba Group Pty Ltd & Anor v Williams
On 10 June 2025, Schedule 2 of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) commenced operation, introducing a new statutory cause of action for serious invasion of
Defamation in the News: Michael Finch on the Lehrmann Defamation Case HFK’s Defamation Partner, Michael Finch, spoke with ABC Radio Host Paul Culliver on ABC
Understanding Australia’s Defamation Laws: Insights from HFK’s Michael Finch Defamation law in Australia has seen significant developments in recent years, making it a topic of
Parties Applicant: Sheree Ivory Respondent: Susan Howard Background Held in the Federal Court of Australia (Brisbane Registry), our client, Ms Ivory, commenced proceedings for defamation
What is Defamation and what is an example of defamation? Defamation is concerned with the harm to a person’s reputation caused by the publication of
If you are dealing with a concerns notice, online publication, reputational dispute or potential defamation claim, HFK Lawyers can help you understand your options and next steps. Speak with our Sydney-based defamation lawyers for practical legal advice tailored to your situation.
