Legal Experts in Resolving Defamation Disputes

Resolve disputes with or without court intervention

Acts for individuals, businesses and companies

Helping clients restore and protect their reputations

Represents clients accused of defamation

With defamation, doing nothing is seldom the right option.
Know about your rights and defences.
Request a consultation now using the enquiry form below.
Enquire online now

ZORAN GELIC Defamation Lawyer

Defamation law is a highly specialised field of law. There are very few legal practitioners with skills, experience and expertise in the area. With the advent and proliferation of social media platforms (and the ease with which malicious, misleading or false information can be disseminated about an individual, professional or business these days, both nationally and globally), it is becoming an increasingly important source of rights and protections for Australians.

The sting from one defamatory publication can be enough to ruin a reputation and sink a business.

What we can do for you:
Issue urgent legislative “concerns notices” (seeking retractions, corrections, apologies, compensation and/or expenses)
Issue urgent “cease and desist” letters (demanding that the defaming party take certain action or inaction)
Seek urgent interim or interlocutory injunctions (aka removal/restraint orders) from the Court
Issue correspondence, engage in negotiations, mediation, to resolve the dispute without Court intervention
Commence Court proceedings seeking temporary/permanent injunctions, damages, legal costs and other orders
What is a defamatory publication?

A defamatory publication is basically anything that is said or done (whether in writing, verbally or via gestures) to a third party/ies about an individual, business or company (subject to some qualifications) that is likely to cause a third party (being a reasonable person or a reasonable reader) to think less of that individual, business or company, or to cause a third party to shun, ridicule or avoid them.

A single defamatory publication can give rise to many different defamatory imputations (that is, defamatory accusations/meanings), about an individual, business or company, each of which, on their own, can be enough to deliver a lethal sting.

The most common defamatory imputations that we see published about an individual, business or company are that they are dishonest, incompetent, negligent, unprofessional and/or immoral.

You must not sit on your rights however, as the Limitation of Actions Act 1974 (Qld) generally only gives you one (1) year from the date of the publication of the defamatory matter by which to formally commence your action before a Court of competent jurisdiction, otherwise you may lose your right to take any action or seek a remedy.

What are my defences to defamation?

If you are accused of publishing a defamatory matter, you may nonetheless have justification and a complete defence for publishing it. Under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld) (the “Act”), you may be able to rely on one or more of the following defences:

“Justification” (s 25 of the Act)
“Contextual Truth” (s 26 of the Act)
“Absolute Privilege” (s 27 of the Act
“Publication of Public Documents” (s 28 of the Act)
“Fair Report of Proceedings of Public Concern” (s 29 of the Act)
“Qualified Privilege” (s 30 of the Act)
“Honest Opinion” (s 31 of the Act)
“Innocent Dissemination” (s 32 of the Act)
“Triviality” (s 33 of the Act)

In general, if the intricacies of each, or the relevant, statutory defence can be proved by the defendant, then the defence, or the defences, under the Act will operate to exclude liability for “the publication of defamatory matter” by the defendant (meaning, the defence/s will operate to provide a complete or affirmative defence to the defendant).

Main Distinction – Partner on the Job, Not a Junior Lawyer

Zoran’s practice model borrows from his experience as a Barrister. A Barrister (a Court specialist advocate) is briefed to bring their skills, experience and expertise to bear upon the case (and not to delegate to a junior just as soon as the clients exit the door). Zoran offers the same personalised service to his clients. If you brief Zoran, you get Zoran.

About ZORAN GELIC

Zoran is an experienced commercial, property and dispute resolution lawyer (with more than a decade of licenced legal experience). 

Prior to establishing ADVIILAW, Zoran practised law as a qualified commercial barrister and nationally accredited mediator, specialising in Court advocacy, evidence and civil procedure.

Zoran has graduated with a Master of Laws (Dean’s Honours) from the University of Queensland. 

Zoran is currently undertaking a PhD in Law at the University of Queensland, with the assistance of his supervising professor and another doctor.

Zoran has delivered legal services to clients across many different industries (including high risk or high net-worth individuals, mums and dads, small businesses and large multinational companies).

His unique skills, experience and expertise allow him to identify precisely what the real issues are, and what legal and practical solutions will best achieve the client’s desired outcomes.

Zoran is professional, courteous and will work closely with his clients to ensure that their legal experience is as seamless and cost effective as possible.

Zoran’s qualifications and memberships include:
Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts (Distinction)
Master of Laws (Deans Honours)
Graduate Diploma in Practical Legal Training
Bar Exams and Bar Practice Course (BPC65)
National Mediation Accreditation Training
Member of the Queensland Law Society
Admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland
Admitted to the High Court of Australia

Why Choose ZORAN GELIC Defamation Lawyer

Strong expertise in defamation law

Represents plaintiffs and defendants both inside and outside of Court proceedings.

Highly qualified, skilled and experienced

Trusted lawyer, litigator and advisor to many.

Professional, friendly and responsive

Outcome driven. A win for the client is a win for him.

Testimonials

Matthew Bell, MD

As a company we have only had to take someone to the Tribunal once. We engaged Zoran from ADVIILAW to represent us. The other side had an older solicitor with a very impressive record. From commencing Tribunal proceedings to our mediation meeting, Zoran had dotted every "I" and crossed every "T" with the highest level of professionalism and if I had to score the contest between the parties it would be like the Ash Barty Grand Slam of 2019! Zoran was extremely diligent achieving a very good outcome to us, which has given me the utmost belief in his services and I feel that if we ever encounter a similar situation we will be protected and ensured that we have the highest level of legal representation. Thank you Zoran.

Peter Bandarian, Law Partner

I have referred a number of clients to Zoran, and they have all come back with very positive feedback. It is fantastic to have a colleague that I can recommend to my clients with 100% confidence. In particular, Zoran's knowledge in the area of defamation law is highly specialised. I have consulted Zoran in relation to both Defence and Plaintiff work. I have also personally consulted Zoran in relation to a defamation law matter of my own. Zoran clearly identified the process involved, and what would have to be done to deal with this issue. With his help this matter was resolved in a timely fashion. Zoran's advice is clear, and he conducts himself with transparency. He has all of my confidence.

Natalie Dugec

I am extremely grateful for the help I received from ADVIILAW. I required their services for a defamation case and their services exceeded my expectations. At any time I needed them they were always available to help promptly and did so with a high level of professionalism. Zoran Gelic is great to work with. He explained every step in detail so that I could clearly comprehend and make informed decisions to support my case. This assisted with the positive outcome. If you need a lawyer. I highly recommend ADVIILAW.

Rodney McEwan, MD

I can highly recommend Zoran Gelic from Adviilaw who attended to a defamation matter on our behalf. Zoran was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and professional in resolving this matter. I can highly recommend Zoran Gelic to anyone in need of a lawyer, specifically in relation to defamation law matters.

Michael Zarafa, CEO

I highly recommend Zoran Gelic as a defamation lawyer. He has a proactive approach and explains everything in detail. I ended up with a positive outcome and the experience I had with him was fantastic. Keep up the great work Zoran.

Request A Consultation

To enquire, complete the form below or call us 07 3088 7937 directly
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Once we receive your enquiry, we will contact you with more information.