Justine Munsie
Partner
"I work closely with my clients, including executives, creative staff and reporters to find a way to allow them to convey their message in a way which lessens any risk."
Justine begins every day by reviewing the breaking media stories, gaining an understanding of the issues that may impact upon her clients so she can react quickly when asked to advise on them.
Her clients operate in the media, entertainment and advertising industries, as well as being other brand owners who she advises on a range of issues relevant to content, branding, reputation and marketing. This advice includes contractual and strategic issues, including pre-publication clearances, post publication complaints, brand development and protection, digital media and regulatory issues, such as investigations involving the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) as well as a range of disputes relevant to those areas, including defamation, copyright and trade marks.
Justine is often sought out by the media for her insight and commentary on the latest legal issues.
Clients for whom she acts include the Seven West Media Group, Australian Associated Press, Sky News, The Daily Beast, Bega Cheese, Hungry Jack’s, In Films, Free TV Australia, Merivale, bet365, Lottoland, and ProductReview.com.au.
Ampol Australia — successfully acted in Federal Court proceedings commenced by Chevron Global Energy against Ampol Australia regarding Ampol’s transition from the CALTEX brand to the AMPOL brand. Chevron’s claims to own the colour red for certain aspects of service stations were rejected, leaving Ampol free to proceed with its transition roll out.
Ben Roberts-Smith defamation claim — acting for three former members of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) who gave evidence in the defamation claim , as well as advising them regarding the inquiry into rumours of possible breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict by members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Afghanistan undertaken by the Inspector General of the ADF.
Media publishers — provide regular advice to a range of media publishers of news, current affairs, documentaries and podcasts, including Seven West Media, Australian Associated Press and Australian News Channel (Sky News) on pre-publication issues involving defamation, contempt, copyright and compliance with various publication Codes of Conduct. Also acting for those media clients in disputes arising from the content published by them.
Seven West Media — act for Seven West Media in a range of litigation matters affecting the property, intellectual property and reputation of Seven West Media, including its various television interests. This work includes advising on Seven’s leading weekly current affairs program, “Spotlight”, and acting in current Federal Court defamation proceedings commenced by Jeff Rayner relating to an interview with Thomas Markle Snr on Seven’s Sunrise program.
Recognition
Best Lawyers® — Entertainment Law “Lawyer of the Year” Award, Sydney — 2023
Best Lawyers® — Defamation and Media Law "Lawyer of the Year" Award, Sydney — 2020
Best Lawyers in Australia™ — Defamation and Media Law — 2017 - 2024
Best Lawyers in Australia™ — Entertainment Law — 2017 - 2024
Best Lawyers in Australia™ — Litigation Law — 2024
Chambers Asia-Pacific: Australia — Technology, Media and Telecommunications: Media — 2019 - 2023
Doyle’s Guide — Leading Technology, Media and Telecommunications Lawyer: Preeminent — NSW — 2019 - 2023
Doyle’s Guide — Leading Technology, Media and Telecommunications Lawyer Australia — 2023
Doyle's Guide — Leading Intellectual Property Lawyers Australia — 2020 (Recommended), 2021 - 2023 (Leading)
Doyle’s Guide — Leading Contentious Intellectual Property Lawyers: Leading — NSW — 2019 - 2023
Doyle’s Guide — Leading Non-Contentious Intellectual Property Lawyers — NSW — 2020 (Recommended), 2022 (Leading), 2023 (Preeminent)
Committees and memberships
Member, Communications and Media Law Association (CAMLA)
Member, Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand (IPSANZ)
Member, Copyright Society
Member, Women’s Lawyers’ Association of NSW
Industries
FMCG
Gambling
Media
Social Media
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts/Laws, University of New South Wales
Justine Munsie advises media, entertainment and advertising industry clients on a broad range of contractual, commercial, reputational and regulatory issues. Clients say: “Justine Munsie provides timely, responsive, accurate and strategic advice to meet tight deadlines.” “Justine is brilliant – she is always across the material and has an eye for the issues that matter most.” “Justine is exceptional.”
Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide 2023 – TMT: Media – Australia