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DEFAMATION LAWYERS BRISBANE PROTECTING YOUR REPUTATION

We help safeguard your reputation under defamation law

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WHEN FALSE STATEMENTS THREATEN YOUR NAME

Strategic Solutions for Defamation and Reputation Risk

When your reputation is threatened by false statements under defamation law, the stakes are high. At Boss Lawyers, we combine our litigation experience with practical, discreet strategies to stop defamatory conduct quickly. Our goal is to protect what you’ve built, your business relationships, and professional standing, offering you some peace of mind.

We act for business leaders, company directors, community organisations, professionals and individuals in Queensland and across Australia. Decisive legal action can restore reputation and deter further harm.

WHAT IS DEFAMATION?

Defamation occurs when someone publishes a false statement that would lower a reasonable person’s opinion of you or your organisation. Publications take many forms: social media posts, Google reviews, online articles, flyers, speeches at public meetings, and anything that is communicated to a third party. Defamatory statements can be either written or spoken.

Defamation can cause immediate reputational damage, financial loss and long-term harm to relationships and future opportunities. That’s why swift, measured legal action is essential.

OUR APPROACH TO DEFAMATION CLAIMS

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  • Rapid legal assessment: we identify whether a publication is defamatory and whether you have a viable defamation claim, who published it and the most effective route to remove or correct it.
  • Concerns Notice: almost always the first step. A formal concerns notice under the Defamation Act setting out the imputations and demanding correction, removal, apology and undertakings.
  • Targeted evidence gathering: we collect the facts that disprove the allegation and show the publisher the weakness of their position.
  • Negotiation in defamation disputes: pragmatic negotiation to achieve a prompt retraction and apology without court involvement where possible.
  • Urgent court protection: when necessary, we seek injunctions and run full defamation proceedings to secure damages, remove publications and stop further republication.
  • Reputation management: practical advice on messaging and monitoring to limit ongoing harm and prevent repeat attacks.
We tailor our strategy to the client’s priorities: remove the offending content, obtain a public correction, secure compensation, or all of the above, while keeping publicity to a minimum. Our team also advises on defamation and media law, where cases touch on press and broadcast issues. We bring our detailed knowledge of Australian defamation law to every case file.

OUR DEFAMATION LAW SERVICES

WE PROVIDE END-TO-END DEFAMATION REPRESENTATION

Clients choose us because we are the expert defamation lawyers Brisbane clients trust, and we move quickly. We also regularly act for clients on the Gold Coast and throughout South East Queensland to provide tailored support as experienced defamation lawyers, including:
  • Reviewing whether a publication printed defamatory material and advising on remedies and defences.
  • Drafting and serving Concerns Notices and offers to make amends.
  • Negotiating apologies, retractions, undertakings and compensation.
  • Filing urgent applications for injunctions to prevent ongoing publication.
  • Running full defamation proceedings through the courts when necessary.
  • Defending individuals or organisations accused of defamation.
  • Reputation management, monitoring and risk-mitigation strategies.

HOW WE PROTECT OUR CLIENTS: REAL WORLD DEFAMATION CASES

The following case studies demonstrate the practical outcomes we have sought for directors, professionals and community leaders who face the serious matter of defamation.

FALSE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST COMPANY DIRECTORS

Two company directors faced online and private defamatory statements accusing them of breaching fiduciary duties, colluding to cancel a property deal for personal gain and acting dishonestly to harm investors.

What we did

  • Issued a detailed Concerns Notice under the Defamation Act 2005 identifying the defamatory imputations and demanding removal.
  • Compiled clear factual evidence disproving each allegation.
  • Negotiated for a written apology, retraction and undertaking not to republish.
  • Prepared pleadings and court documents so the client was ready to litigate immediately if the publisher refused to comply.

Outcome

The false publications were removed, the publisher issued the agreed apology and undertakings, and the matter was resolved without litigation. Our clients’ reputations were protected, and they could focus on the underlying director/shareholder dispute without further public damage.

DEFAMATION WITHIN A COMMUNITY CLUB

Several directors of a cultural association were targeted by a former member coordinating defamatory posts on Facebook, distributing flyers and making allegations at public meetings. Accusations included rigged elections, manipulated financial records and breaches of statutory duties.

What we did

  • Identified each offending publication and mapped it to the precise defamatory imputations under the Act.
  • Served a detailed Concerns Notice requesting withdrawal and a public correction.
  • Conducted sensitive negotiations aimed at de-escalation and preserving community cohesion.

Outcome

The matter was resolved without court proceedings. The false statements were withdrawn, enabling the association to refocus on its purpose and begin rebuilding trust among members.

FALSE GOOGLE REVIEW THREATENING A PROFESSIONAL’S CAREER
An experienced architect and development consultant discovered a false and damaging Google review alleging dishonesty in a property deal. The allegation was entirely untrue and threatened a 25-year professional reputation.
What we did
  • Rapidly identified the publisher and assessed the publication.
  • Issued a formal Concerns Notice demanding removal, full retraction and an undertaking not to republish.
  • Set out the factual background proving the review’s inaccuracy and prepared to pursue court action immediately.
Outcome

The defamatory Google review was removed within days. A written apology and retraction were provided, and our client’s professional reputation was secured without prolonged litigation. The swift, professional response also acted as a deterrent to further attacks.

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN TARGETING BOARD MEMBERS

Three directors of another organisation were the subject of a sustained online campaign with a dedicated Facebook page and repeated inflammatory posts alleging fraudulent elections, vote manipulation and misconduct.

What we did

  • Conducted a comprehensive review of every post and comment.
  • Prepared a Concerns Notice tying each post to its defamatory meaning.
  • Demanded removal, apology and compensation, while positioning the case for urgent court action if the campaign continued.

Outcome

The posts were taken down quickly. Our clients regained control of the narrative, and a clear precedent was set for how future defamatory conduct would be dealt with.

WHY CHOOSE BOSS LAWYERS

  • Specialist litigation expertise: decades of experience in high-stakes disputes and numerous defamation cases.
  • Strategic and discreet: we aim to resolve any matter efficiently and confidentially, minimising public exposure.
  • Proven results: successful outcomes across online, corporate and community matters.
  • Tailored advice: pragmatic solutions designed to protect reputations and achieve real, practical outcomes.
  • Ready for court: we prepare every file so that urgent defamation lawsuits and enforcement are an available option if needed.
  • We regularly act for clients across sectors and have developed our own reputation as protectors of other party’s reputations, acting with care and precision.

TIME LIMITS

Time is critical in defamation matters. Under Queensland defamation law (and most Australian jurisdictions), you generally have 12 months from the date of publication to commence proceedings. Delay can lead to serious harm to your reputation and limit your legal options. If you suspect you have been defamed, seek legal advice promptly. Preserving evidence early can provide decisive results.

DEFENCES, OUTCOMES & WHY SPEED MATTERS

Defences such as truth and honest opinion are complex; in some cases, a statement may be substantially true, which can defeat a claim. That is why you must seek legal advice promptly: the law imposes strict time frames and evidence requirements. Left unaddressed, even a single post can cause reputational harm and commercial loss. Courts will consider serious harm to reputation when awarding remedies, so early action to preserve documents, witnesses and metadata is essential.

PRACTICAL NEXT STEPS: WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ENGAGE US

If you believe you have been defamed, take the following immediate steps to protect your legal rights and preserve options:
  1. Confidential, no-obligation assessment: we review the publication, who published it and the likely defences. Book a confidential consultation to begin.
  2. Immediate risk mitigation: we advise on urgent steps to reduce ongoing harm, e.g. takedown requests, reporting platforms.
  3. Formal notice & evidence: we prepare a Concerns Notice and compile evidence that disproves the allegation.
  4. Negotiation or court action: we pursue a negotiated outcome where possible, while being ready to commence defamation actions to secure remedies if the publisher refuses to cooperate.
  5. Follow-up & monitoring: we advise on reputation management and monitor for republishing or further attacks so the defamatory material cannot reappear unnoticed.


We move with swift legal action where needed, while also resolving the issue efficiently and keeping publicity to a minimum. Where defendants raise defences such as truth, we will test whether statements are substantially true and advise on the likely outcomes.

DEFAMATION LAWYER BRISBANE: FAQS

What is a Concerns Notice?

A Concerns Notice sets out the defamatory imputations, identifies the offending publication and gives the publisher an opportunity to correct the record. This usually entails removing the content, apologising and providing an undertaking not to republish. It is a formal, statutory step under the Defamation Act and often leads to a quick resolution without court action.
Yes. Platforms have processes for removing content that breaches their policies. A well-drafted Concerns Notice, supported by clear evidence, often persuades the platform or the publisher to remove material. Where platforms refuse, we can pursue urgent court orders.
Remedies can include removal of the publication, a public apology or correction, injunctions to prevent further publication, and damages to compensate for reputational and financial loss.

We also defend clients who are sued for defamation. We advise on defences such as truth, honest opinion and contextual truth and provide representation in court.

PROTECTING YOUR REPUTATION

If you or your organisation is facing defamation, online or offline, immediate legal advice is crucial.
Our Brisbane Defamation Lawyer will assess your situation, outline your options and take decisive action to protect your reputation.

Get in touch with Boss Lawyers for a confidential, no-obligation assessment and let us take swift action on your behalf.

OUR CLIENTS ARE OUR PASSION

Mark Harley is an insightful and innovative mover and shaker who will leave no stone unturned in his continual quest to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. Give yourself a head start by having Mark on your team.
George Ilk
GEORGE IIKLAWYER
Mark Harley is trustworthy and reliable. Consistently he looks at all the possibilities and cards available to him to support his clients throughout the whole process.
Claudio D'avanzo
CLAUDIO D'avanzoARCHITECT
Mark Harley and I have worked on a number of employment and industrial relation cases. I have found Mark works hard to promote and protect the interests of his clients to achieve the best possible results.
David Cormack
DAVID CORMACKBARRISTER-AT-LAW
I own a boutique building company. It is so important to have a smart, accessible lawyer on your side. I regularly seek advice from Mark Harley from Boss Lawyers to ensure compliance with the law and mitigate risk. I have no hesitation in recommending Mr Harley or Boss Lawyers.
Rod Frampton
RODNEY FRAMPTONFRAMPTON BUILDERS PTY LTD
I was referred to Boss Lawyers by another firm who cited Boss’ expertise in the area of law I required. I found Boss Lawyers rapidly understood my case and my needs, developed a winning strategy and delivered.
David Cam
DAVID CAMCHIEF EXECUTIVE
Professional and helpful I would have not hesitation in recommending Boss Lawyers to anyone requiring litigation work
Leicester Chatfield
LEICESTER CHATFIELDDIRECTOR - WATER3 PTY LTD
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