Online Defamation? We Can Help.
Defamatory content can spread quickly and have lasting consequences. Our Melbourne defamation lawyers are here to help you protect your reputation and take decisive action.
Multi-award winning firm & hosts of The Policyholder Podcast.
Stop defamatory lies before they spread and get expert advice on whether court action is needed.
Online Defamation?
We Can Help.
The Elit Lawyers Difference
We provide specialist defamation representation across Australia to stop harmful publications, restore reputations, and achieve lasting results.
Concerns Notices seeking various actions, including apologies, corrections, retractions, undertakings and payment of your legal costs or compensation.
Proven expertise from one of Australia’s few specialised defamation firms, led by Robert McGirr and Danielle Snell.
Protection from defamatory statements online, in print, and across broadcast media.
Trusted in Defamation Cases by Leaders
We have worked to protect the reputation of government ministers, ASX-listed CEOs, and everyday Australians - always with discretion and tenacity.
Notable Cases
A comprehensive overview of our most significant legal achievements
Get your personalised claim strategy within 48 hours.
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- Priority case review within 48 hours
- Australia wide representation
- Direct access to a partner, not only a junior lawyer
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$50M+
Total recovered
1000+
Cases won Australia-Wide
70+
Years of combined experience
Defamation is more than hurtful words, it is a direct attack on your reputation.
Act Now Before the Damage Spreads Further
Every day defamatory content remains online, the harder it is to control. Take the first step toward reclaiming your reputation today.
Immediate Case Assessment
Clear advice about your legal options.
Concerns Notice & Retraction
Secure various actions such as apologies, corrections, retractions, undertakings and payment of your legal costs or compensation.
Content Removal & Injunctions
Demand harmful content be taken down and prevent future posts.
About Elit Lawyers
Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell is a boutique law firm specialising in defamation and media law. With over 60 years of combined experience, we have acted for government officials, executives, high-profile figures, and everyday Australians.
Our reputation is built on discretion, strategy, and results. Unlike general firms, we specialise solely in protecting reputations and challenging defamatory publications across traditional and digital platforms
At our core, we are advocates for truth, fairness, and justice. We place our clients at the centre of the process, ensuring they are supported every step of the way.
Integrity – We act with honesty and discretion
Innovation – We deliver modern, strategic legal solutions
Tenacity – We fight relentlessly for our clients
Protect Your Reputation
Before It’s Too Late
Every moment matters when your name is under attack— let’s take control together.
How To Begin
Contact Elit Lawyers
Speak with Danielle Snell or Robert McGirr for immediate defamation.
1
Case Review & Strategy
We assess your matter, the defamatory content and provide a tailored legal plan.
2
Intervention & Resolution
Issue a Concerns Notice and negotiate an outcome which aligns with your objectives such as an apology, removal of the content and payment of compensation.
3
Reputation Restored. Confidence Rebuilt. Career Protected.
We work with professionals, executives, politicians, public figures, and individuals, who have worked hard to build their reputation. Achieving vindication means restoring trust, rebuilding credibility, and reclaiming opportunities.
Defamation Supreme Court proceedings against Google
Acted for plaintiff who initiated defamation proceedings in the Supreme Court against Google after his image was incorrectly used and identified as a convicted criminal. Although liability was denied by the defendant, the parties were able to reach a commercial resolution at the court appointed mediation.
Supreme Court
Court Mediation
Acted for CEO & Founder of ASX Listed Company
Advised and acted for high profile Chief Executive Officer and Founder of ASX listed company concerning reputational and defamation matters concerning alleged breaches of health directions in respect of COVID-19.
ASX Listed
High Profile
COVID 19
CEO
Obtained Pseudonym order for defamation plaintiff
Successfully obtained Pseudonym order for defamation plaintiff in County Court of Victoria (first of its kind) on the basis that further media reporting of the alleged imputation would lead to further damage to the plaintiff’s reputation. Successfully resolved case at early mediation prior to directions hearing of matter.
Pseudonym
County Court
Early Mediation
Victoria
Successful removal of defamatory posts from Reddit, Google and Facebook
Acting for individuals, professionals and businesses in relation to defamatory posts about them on Reddit, Google and Facebook. High success rate of having defamatory posts removed by Reddit, failing which court injunctions may be sought.
Online Posts
When insurers say no, we know how to make them say yes.
© 2025 Elit Lawyers
DEFAMATION
I was deeply concerned that pursuing defamation proceedings would risk further damage to my reputation through media reporting. Thanks to Danielle and the legal team securing a pseudonym order, I was able to proceed anonymously and protect my name while achieving redress. The outcome left me vindicated and reassured that taking action was the right step to restore my reputation.
DEFAMATION
I engaged Danielle Snell to address a defamatory Reddit post, and her team acted swiftly to secure its removal. Their prompt action brought me great relief, for which I am very grateful.
DEFAMATION
When my business was sued for defamation, Aggie, Danielle, Robert and the Elit team were appointed to defend us. They quickly identified weaknesses in the opposing case, resolved the matter on highly favourable terms, and kept me well-informed throughout. I am very grateful for the early and successful outcome they achieved.
Defamatory content may seriously harm your reputation. It can effect your upstanding in the community, confidence, relationships, career and professional opportunities. Left unchallenged, defamation can spread online like wildfire, making it nearly impossible to undo without decisive legal action.
The emotional toll - shame, isolation, anxiety - compounds the public and financial damage. This isn't just about your name, it's about your future.
STOP
defamatory content fast
SECURE
apologies, retractions, and compensation
RESTORE
your reputation and peace of mind
If you enquire today, you will also receive:
Strategic case review within 48 hours
Direct access to a senior lawyer from day one
Complimentary claim strategy guide
Frequently Asked Questions
It will depend on the context in which the subject publication has been made and what, if any, defences are available under Australian defamation laws to the publisher. We can provide you with this advice when you contact us.
Yes. Typically an apology and retraction can be achieved following the preparation and issuing of a detailed Concerns Notice which is sent to the publisher. This Notice is prepared by expert lawyers.
In Australia, you generally have 12 months from the date of publication to sue for defamation but the Courts can extend this to up to 3 years in certain circumstances.
Elit Lawyers has specialised defamation partners and lawyers and the area of defamation law is quite technical and requires expert legal practitioners.
Other firms do not necessarily have specialist defamation lawyers.
Elit Lawyers has acted in hundreds of defamation cases and has significant experience in acting for defamation plaintiffs and can help you achieve your objectives.
In many cases, we can issue urgent legal notices to halt publication or request immediate removal. Timeframes depend on the publisher and platform and their approach.
No, often Defamation cases can be settled prior to the need to issue Court proceedings following the issuing of a detailed Concerns Notice seeking various actions from the publisher including costs compensation.
Yes, content publised on socual media can be defamitory depending on the context on which it has been publish. Contact our experienced defamation lawyers.
The primary difference is that libel is a defamatory statement that is usually in permanent written form whereas slander is spoken words or gestures and can be temporary.
In Australia defamation laws have abolished the distinction between slander and libel and all forms of publication are actionable.
The only law firm with their own podcast, pioneering legal education and industry insights
Multi-award winning firm
Court Representation
If necessary, fight back in the Supreme Court, Federal Court, or County Court.
Court Proceedings if Necessary
If resolution isn’t possible, we represent you in Court.
4
Rebuilding Your Reputation
We help you move forward with confidence.
5
Insurance Team of the Year 2025 - Finalist
Litigation Team of the Year 2025 - Finalist
Law Firm Leader of the Year <100 employees - Winner
Boutique Firm of the Year - Winner
Litigator of the Year 2025 - Finalist
Managing Partner of the Year - Winner