Getting to see how the online world works is like learning a new culture and language, with different rules and customs that journalists, publishers and public figures must follow. Or else, defamatory content can spread at the speed of a click, reputations are destroyed, and Concerns Notices are served.
As a Law and Communications student, I’ve always been interested in how media and law interact. That interest led me to accept a paralegal position at a leading defamation law firm specialising in defamation, privacy and reputational risk management. I’ve had the privilege of being a part of significant Federal Court proceedings, drafting take-down letters to influencers, and regulating privacy matters for celebrities.
As thrilling as it all sounds, the actual work can be meticulous and demanding. The never-ending search for an analogous case can feel impossible, and one small mistake can seem like the end. Nonetheless, those hours spent analysing documents and staring at a screen suddenly feel worthwhile when a TikTok post is finally removed on behalf of your client. Although I have only worked in legal practice for seven months, the skills and knowledge I have developed so far remain invaluable. Preparing briefs for Counsel, participating in discovery processes, and attending Court have allowed me to see the law in practice rather than simply studying it in theory. In fact, I now find it easier to understand concepts covered in class because I have seen how they are applied in real legal matters.
My advice to students considering this area of law is to embrace every opportunity to learn, ask questions, and be as proactive as possible. Some of the most valuable lessons come from observing experienced practitioners and understanding not only what they do, but why they do it. Every research task, chronology, or file note preparation offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of legal practice beyond what can be taught in the classroom.
Working in media and defamation law has provided me with the opportunity to see how legal advice and the process of the Courts can shape what ultimately reaches the public. It’s shown me how what may appear to be a strongly worded tweet or a speculative online comment can have serious legal consequences, and lead to a two-week trial and hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal costs.
A fascinating and fast-paced industry, and a tricky realm to navigate, this is an incredibly eye-opening area of practice. For those who are curious, adaptable and eager to understand how the law responds to an ever-evolving digital landscape, media and defamation law could be the perfect fit for you.
p.s. your camera roll may never recover from the number of screenshots you’ll take.
By Rhea Himmel
