NSW Defamation by Lawyer - Will Suing Him Affect His Profession?

Australia's #1 for Law
Join 150,000 Australians every month. Ask a question, respond to a question and better understand the law today!
FREE - Join Now

ads1212

Active Member
16 March 2017
9
2
39
Hi,

Without going into details, I believe I have been defamed by a person who is a work colleague and a practicing lawyer (I am not a lawyer). His emailed communication, which is not true, cc’d to other employees, created in our workplace and not part of any legal case, etc, has belittled me, caused me hurt and humiliation.

I am currently researching whether I should sue him for defamation.

My question is, if it is proven, could that legal decision affect his right to continue as a corporate lawyer? In other words could a civil court defamation decision against him affect his right to practice law in the workplace?
 

Rod

Lawyer
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
27 May 2014
7,726
1,056
2,894
www.hutchinsonlegal.com.au
Short answer - maybe.

Inhouse corporate lawyers have a practising certificate and that can be at risk. Without details it is impossible to comment further, and not appropriate in a forum such as this.

Note that defamation is a specialist area and not suitable for DIY.

You haven't said what State you are in however many states have a short statute of limitations period of 12 months for starting a defamation proceeding after the offending publication has been made.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ads1212