Kevin Lynch Partner

Kevin is a dispute resolution lawyer specialising in media law.

He advises leading media and technology companies in relation to defamation, privacy, legislative restrictions, broadcast regulation, copyright, contractual matters and consumer issues. He advises on general commercial litigation matters in various courts and tribunals.

The 2022 edition of the Asia Pacific Legal 500 lists Kevin listed as a leading individual in media and entertainment where he is described as having “years of experience, commercial nous and a healthy dose of common sense”. Chambers and Partners 2022 ranks Kevin as a notable practitioner – “one of Australia’s best defamation lawyers” with “tremendous experience in the area of media law”.  Kevin was profiled in Lawyer's Weekly as one of the "senior heavyweights in media law". He is a member of the Communication and Media Lawyers Association and International Media Lawyers Association.

Whilst Acting Corporate Counsel at a commercial television network, Kevin advised General Counsel and executives on matters related to intellectual property, contracts, litigation, legislative compliance, privacy, transactions and human resources.

Kevin has published on media and technology subjects including in LexisNexis Internet Law Bulletin and Privacy Law Bulletin, the Communications Law Bulletin. He presented a paper on 'Libel Tourism' at the New York State Bar Association Fall Conference and was Chair of the 2021 Legalwise Annual Media Law Conference.

Experience

Media and Technology Property

Bauer Media Pty Ltd

Defamation proceedings brought by Rebel Wilson over publications in Woman's Day, NW, Women's Weekly and OK Magazine, including successful Court of Appeal and High Court proceedings.

Bauer Media Pty Ltd

Defending the copyright proceedings brought by the artist Vladas Meskenas, featuring the world's first litigated claim in relation to Moral Rights.

Dow Jones & Co Inc

Acted in relation to defence of landmark defamation proceedings brought by Joseph Gutnick in the Supreme Court of Victoria and High Court of Australia.

Microsoft Inc and Yahoo! Inc

Responding to defamation proceedings brought by various plaintiffs in the Supreme Court of Victoria and in the South Australian Supreme Court.

'Roosters' Eastern Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club

Defending defamation proceedings brought by sports nutritionist Sean Carolan.

Other

Advising clients in relation to legal issues arising from advertising including industry specific legislation and trade practices concerns. Appearances for conglomeration of print and electronic media as unrelated parties in opposing suppression orders in various courts, tribunals and inquests.

Tertiary and Training Sector

Leading Australian business and management school

Acting for leading Australian business and management school in responding to allegations that it has mislead its regulator, TEQSA and in the ensuing re-registration challenges.

Training colleges

Representing various training colleges in the face of threatened de-registration as a result of audit findings and non-compliance with applicable standards.

Recognition

Career & qualifications

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts, Australian National University
  • Bachelor of Laws, Australian National University
  • Master of Laws (Media, Communications and IT Law), University of New South Wales

Memberships

  • Communication and Media Lawyers Association
  • International Media Lawyers Association
  • Media Law Resource Centre

Insights Read more insight

One step forward, one back: advancements in digital defamation reform amidst a setback in uniformity

The latest signpost on the long road to defamation law reform appears to point to another departure from national uniformity with the announcement that not all states are on-board for a revised set...

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The question left hanging - at what stage is serious harm to be determined?

Almost a year ago, we commented on the first application of the serious harm test in s10A, which introduced as part of the 2021 defamation legislation reforms.

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Joining the dots - internet defamation reform update

There were signs of life last week in the Stage 2 Part A Review of Model Defamation Provisions, concerning liability of internet intermediaries for third party content, in the shape of a communique...

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