Senior Associate – Defamation, Media & Reputation

Sydney CBD

Who we are

BlackBay Lawyers is Australia's leading defamation and reputation firm. Founded in 2022, we are over 30 people today, growing at 96% year-on-year and continuing to scale.

We were named Boutique Law Firm of the Year in 2024 and again in 2026. We are the first law firm in Australia to be Great Place to Work-Certified™.

Our lawyers feature regularly as subject matter experts on national television, radio, newspapers and podcasts. The firm's digital presence is among the strongest of any law firm in the country. If you want a public profile to match your practice, we will give you the platform.

Defamation, Media & Reputation Practice

Growing client demand has created the need for an outstanding Senior Associate to join a revered, high-performing team. The defamation, media and reputation practice is led by Founder and Managing Partner Victoria-Jane Otavski, and Partner Monica Allen.

Victoria-Jane was named Best Lawyer, Media & Defamation for 2025, 2026 and 2027, and Monica Allen was recognised by Best Lawyers Australia 2026 & 2027.

We are one of the only law firms in Australia that integrates expert defamation litigation with a dedicated in-house Crisis PR team, ensuring we control the narrative for our clients in both the court of law and court of public opinion.

The work The work is fast-paced, exciting and dynamic – there’s never a dull day. We act for both plaintiffs and defendants, high-net-worth individuals, family offices, high-profile executives, celebrities, politicians and elite athletes.

We achieve phenomenal results on Australia's most contentious and high-profile defamation and reputational disputes. Journalists and media move at a rapid pace - our work is built for lawyers who thrive under pressure.

You will:

- Run complex defamation and reputation matters, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants




- Advise high-profile clients directly on serious harm, publication risk, concerns notices and litigation strategy
- Run proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court, District Court and Federal Court
- Work day-to-day alongside our in-house Crisis PR team to ensure our clients legal and PR strategies are in lockstep and support each other
- Take an active role in negotiations, mediations and strategic decision-making
- Supervise and mentor junior lawyers
- Contribute to a defamation practice that includes landmark and high-profile matters shaping the development of Australian defamation law

You will be client-facing from day one, trusted to exercise independent judgment, and be accountable for outcomes with high-profile public figures who require the utmost discretion.

Who you are

- 5–8+ years PQE
- Experienced in defamation, media, disputes and litigation
- A litigator who wants ownership over matters
- Technically excellent, commercially astute and strategic
- Can see the full picture of a clients matter both legally and reputationally
- Confident advising high-profile clients directly

What you receive

- A seat at the table at one of the most exciting practices in Australian Law working alongside Victoria-Jane Otavski and Monica Allen
- Direct access to Partners, decision-makers and clients
- Active support to build your own professional profile and market presence
- Your own private office in our premium, light-filled Martin Place premises
- Remuneration and progression aligned to contribution and performance, not tenure
- A collegiate, ego-free culture with high standards, and Great Place To Work certification to prove it
- A clear path to Special Counsel and beyond in a firm scaling rapid

How to apply If you're interested in joining BlackBay Lawyers, apply via LinkedIn or send your CV and a short cover note to [email protected].

Confidential conversations are welcome. Most of the lawyers we want to hear from are not actively looking.

📌 Senior Associate – Defamation, Media & Reputation (Sydney)
🏢 BlackBay Lawyers
📍 Sydney