Thomson Geer, Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) | Chambers Asia-Pacific Profile

About

Provided by Thomson Geer

Thomson Geer has the largest dedicated media law practice in Australia and the firm has been part of some of the most significant developments in Australia's technology and telecommunications sector since the 1990s.

The media team have been at the centre of some of the most significant media cases in Australia – from defending the rights of journalists and freedom of speech, to acting in high profile defamation, contempt of court, intellectual property and regulatory changes, to being actively involved in law reform affecting the media and digital intermediaries.

The technology team's decades of experience give them unique insights into the rapidly evolving sector and regulatory developments. Clients include ISPs, telcos, software companies, government departments, consumers and regulators who trust us to advise on all their technology and telecommunications needs.

Recent work highlights

Acted for broadcaster Network Ten (owned by US entertainment giant Paramount) in its successful defence of the Bruce Lehrmann defamation case, Australia's most high-profile defamation claim in recent times.
Successfully acted for the respondents in one of the largest and most complex defamation trials heard in Australia in recent years, brought by high profile orthopaedic surgeon Dr Munjed Al Muderis.
Advising ASX-listed property developer Lendlease on a contract for the supply and implementation of a telecommunications network and services for two large Build to Rent Developments.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

TMT: Media - Australia

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Thomson Geer's nationwide media team is experienced in the representation of many of Australia's largest print, online and television news outlets. It is notably active in the provision of pre-publication advice and experienced in the handling of breach of confidence, suppression order, contempt and source revelation issues, as well as the carriage of high-profile defamation litigation in superior state and Commonwealth courts. In the technology and telecommunications sphere, Thomson Geer is prominently engaged on key procurement, outsourcing and implementation mandates, including the installation of software management systems and the rollout of 5G networks.

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Work Highlights

Thomson Geer advised the City of Sydney on Australia's largest outdoor advertising and street furniture contract. The firm advised on the drafting of the original agreement and negotiated amendments that address asset relocations and other issues.
Thomson Geer acted for television broadcaster Network Ten in a defamation case brought against Network Ten and one of its presenters, Lisa Wilkinson, for defamation in the Federal Court of Australia over a report on The Project about the alleged rape of his colleague, Brittany Higgins.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Thompson Geer are extremely responsive to all of our needs. They always make us feel like we are their most important client. They are also well staffed and always have an appropriate expert.

TMT: Media respondent
Asia-Pacific

Thomson Geer genuinely seek to understand the intricacies and complexities of our business model in order to deliver tailored advice and their work is of an extremely high quality.

TMT: Media respondent
Asia-Pacific

Thompson Geer are extremely responsive to all of our needs. They always make us feel like we are their most important client. They are also well staffed and always have an appropriate expert.

TMT: Media respondent
Asia-Pacific

Thomson Geer genuinely seek to understand the intricacies and complexities of our business model in order to deliver tailored advice and their work is of an extremely high quality.

TMT: Media respondent
Asia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

John-Paul Cashen

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John-Paul Cashen is based in Melbourne and operates across the media spectrum, offering particularly extensive experience in the handling of defamation, suppression order and freedom of information-related mandates.

John-Paul has unrivalled knowledge of the law and is able to combine this with clear, commercially sound advice. He provides timely advice often on short timeframes.

Really enjoy working with JP. No ask is too great. Always technically proficient and communicates very well.

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Justin Quill

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Justin Quill has practised exclusively in media law for some 25 years, acting for major print and online publishers and broadcasters on the full range of contentious or potentially contentious issues they face, including defamation, contempt of court and breach of confidential information claims.

Justin has a deep understanding of the industry and clients' priorities. He understands providing good client service.

Justin has unrivalled knowledge of the law and is able to combine this with clear, commercially sound advice. He provides timely advice often on short timeframes.

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Marlia Saunders

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Marlia Saunders is a sought-after media lawyer based in Sydney. She is experienced in handling defamation cases and non-publication and suppression orders, and in providing pre-publication advice.

Marlia has unrivalled knowledge of the law and is able to combine this with clear, commercially sound advice. She provides timely advice often on short timeframes.

Marlia is an exceptional lawyer with excellent communications skills. She's a safe pair of hands and an invaluable adviser on editorial legal issues.

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Mark Feetham

Band 4

Mark Feetham is well known for his work in the telecommunications space, where he advises on a wide range of contractual, regulatory and competition-related matters, including the rollout of 5G technology, large-scale customer agreements and privacy issues.

Mark's commercial ability is second to none. He is extremely efficient, but also considers major strategic issues and deals with them effectively and efficiently, to the benefit of his client.

Mark was incredibly valuable in our transaction and worked on the most complicated elements of the deal. We would use him again without hesitation for complicated contractual matters.

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