Justin Quill is a highly experienced Australian media lawyer and partner at Thomson Geer. He specializes in defamation, contempt of court, prepublication advice, and advising major media organizations across the country.
Introductions
When I first studied the professional path of Justin Quill, I encountered a structured legal background shaped by the work of a solicitor serving as a Partner at Thomson Geer, operating from Level 23, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. His involvement in preparing an affidavit for the Court as formal evidence in response to an official invitation delivered through email showed how structured legal practice operates in real situations. That process revealed a disciplined response approach grounded in procedure and accountability.
What stood out most to me was how a seasoned media law practitioner with 24 years of experience handles pressure from high profile media entities that seek urgent advice on significant matters. Observing this type of professional rhythm taught me that success in litigation rarely depends on drama and instead grows from steady preparation. His reputation as a respected litigator and precise strategic thinker demonstrates how long-term expertise forms through consistent exposure to real disputes rather than theory alone.
A moment that humanized this public profile came when a media lawyer, working as a partner, appeared at the Super Bowl in San Francisco, where a missing passport created unexpected tension at Melbourne Airport. That small travel challenge reflected the balance between demanding legal work and personal life. Observing such moments reminds me that even professionals working within complex legal environments navigate ordinary human experiences while maintaining professional responsibility.
Professional Background
The professional journey began when he was admitted to practice in 1998, a milestone that opened the door to work across several established firms including Corrs Chambers Westgarth, 1998-2008, Kelly Hazell Quill, 2008-2015, Macpherson Kelley, 2015-2020, and later Thomson Geer, 2020. Throughout these transitions, he advised mainstream media organisations and developed leadership responsibilities as both Partner and Principal Solicitor from 2006 onward. Watching this progression helped me understand how legal careers evolve through experience rather than sudden advancement.
His work consistently engages with sensitive areas such as defamation, contempt of court, suppression orders, urgent injunctions, confidential information, freedom of information, journalists’ sources, prepublication advice, breach of legislation, and racial vilification. These fields demand careful judgment because each decision affects public communication and legal accountability at the same time. From my perspective, working in these areas requires calm reasoning rather than quick reaction.
He supports diverse organisations including newspaper publishers, commercial television networks, national radio stations, AFL Media, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. His work also extends into public commentary as a Herald Sun columnist and expert commentator who frequently speaks about free speech and practical legal strategy. Observing this range of activity shows how modern legal professionals combine litigation work with public explanation and education.
Role In Network Ten / Lehrmann Matter
In a widely discussed dispute, he acted as a Partner at Thomson Geer, serving as solicitors for Network Ten in formal proceedings before the Federal Court following an important judgment. From my perspective, the matter demonstrated how complex litigation unfolds step by step rather than through dramatic turning points.
He later spoke publicly as a spokesperson, delivering a media statement that was described as off-the-cuff. Those public comments eventually led to an apology and reaffirmed professional respect for the Court, the law, and institutional authority. This sequence revealed how communication carries legal consequences even outside the courtroom.
The broader legal proceedings formed part of a significant defamation case involving Bruce Lehrmann, formally referenced as Lehrmann v Network Ten Pty Limited, where structured legal representation shaped the outcome. Observing the case helped me understand how litigation strategy depends on preparation, restraint, and careful communication.
Legal Expertise & Media Law Experience
Across his career, he has delivered urgent prepublication advice for more than 25 years, evaluating contempt of court risks on thousands of occasions across print, online, television, and radio formats. This type of advisory work requires quick analysis supported by long-term knowledge rather than guesswork.
His professional focus includes assessing publication risk, defending defamation claims, and managing complex litigation involving national media organisations. Watching this pattern of work convinced me that preventive advice often matters more than courtroom argument.
Operating across multiple jurisdictions, he provides precise legal advice that supports legal risk mitigation within modern media law legal services. In my experience studying media disputes, strong preventive strategy often reduces conflict before it escalates into litigation.
Public Statement and Legal Positions
He consistently emphasises highest standards within the legal profession, reinforcing public respect for Courts and institutional authority. From my observation, this approach reflects a professional mindset that prioritises stability over personal opinion.
His reflections about juries and jury robustness express personal views while acknowledging the binding force of the law of contempt and the established legal test. This distinction between opinion and obligation demonstrates professional discipline.
He explains that a tendency to interfere with the administration of justice demands strict compliance, creates a clear legal obligation, invites thoughtful reform, requires careful public statements, and depends on reasoned legal analysis. This balanced view aligns with how modern legal systems preserve fairness while adapting to social change.
Super Bowl Experience
A more personal moment unfolded during the Super Bowl in San Francisco, when urgent arrangements at Melbourne Airport were needed to recover a missing passport before departure. This small story reminded me that demanding careers still intersect with everyday challenges.
Even while traveling internationally, the media lawyer, working as a partner at Thomson Geer, remained connected to professional clients and major media organisations. This continuity of responsibility reflects the constant pace of legal practice.
Such public visibility reinforces his industry reputation as a strategic expert trusted by high-profile clients. Observing this combination of public presence and professional focus highlights how reputation develops through consistent performance rather than promotion.
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