Your lawyer will have a detailed understanding and knowledge of the Australian communications and media regulatory environment. Your lawyer can assist you with any legal problem you may encounter in day-to-day publishing. Specifically your lawyer can also:

·         check your work before it is published or broadcasted to ensure it is legally compliant;

·         provide you with advice regarding misleading and deceptive conduct if you are an advertiser;

·         draft your licence and confidentiality agreements;

·         advise you on your intellectual property rights and how to protect them;

·         assist you with finance agreements relating to your production; and

·         prepare for and represent you in any legal proceedings.

A lawyer can also advise members of the press on whether publication of certain materials might constitute contempt of court. Breaching these laws is deemed to be criminal conduct. The penalties can be inflexible and a court may impose a term of imprisonment. Media organisations including the ABC and individual media players have been convicted of contempt of court and have received significant fines as a consequence. Laws regarding freedom of speech are complex and it is recommended that you seek legal advice should any dispute arise.