What we do for our Media and Defamation clients Clients count on us to manage issues as they arise and be available to answer questions and provide insight when they need pre-publication advice most. We’re responsive and nimble and often able to help clients avoid issues before they happen. Our client list includes major national newspapers and conglomerates, as well as national broadcasters, educational publications and industry trade papers. We work to uphold our clients’ access to information (including court proceedings), protect their work product and defend them against defamation charges. Our understanding of defamation law also allows us to assist Parlee McLaws’ clients who have been defamed and provide them with advice and guidance on their legal options. We are pragmatic in explaining that it is important to be prudent in how you approach defamatory statements, as it is easier to commence an action than it is to complete one. Media and defamation law is a highly specialized area with only a small number of lawyers who understand the relevant legislation, the media industry and the constantly evolving legal landscape. We belong to the Canadian Media Lawyers Association/Ad IDEM (Advocates in Defence of Expression in Media) whose members are some of Canada’s leading media lawyers. How we work with our clients Many of our clients have worked with us for several years, and we strive to build long-term relationships based on mutual respect, trust and proven results. Our relationships with clients are so entrenched that we are often asked to share our institutional knowledge with new executives and personnel. We take a team approach to our work, bringing in associates and paralegals as required, and are accessible and responsive, delivering practical, well-reasoned advice. When issues arise, we are skilled litigators who are unafraid to fight for our client’s rights so they can get back to doing what they do best, quickly. PM offer related experience and expertise in specific areas including: Defending our major institutional clients against numerous defamation actions Giving pre-publication advice and direction to avoid unnecessary litigation costs and delays Advising potential plaintiffs of the risks and costs associated with defamation litigation Obtaining access to information necessary to keep the Canadian population educated about the workings of institutions such as the court system Some representative actions on behalf of media entities to challenge court publication bans