A media law firm can deal with a wide range of subjects connected to publishing. Selecting the right firm can be a complex process. Clients need to pick a firm which has specialist expertise in the particular area which affects their work.
Not every media law firm deals with the same subjects. One key example is in new media, a term used for several forms of online communications, where the effects of laws can be complicated. For example, a document published on the Internet can be edited later on, meaning lawyers must find a way of proving how it appeared at a particular moment. The set-up of the Internet also means that articles written on a website can come under the legal systems of more than one country. An experienced media lawyer will be also able to advise on the way the technology behind the Internet affects issues such as copyright infringement.
Other subjects which a media law firm might deal with include defamation. This field can cover libel and slander, though in most jurisdictions slander does not apply to media outlets. Firms may also deal in copyright issues, both protecting a client’s intellectual property and defending them against charges of copyright infringement. Newspapers may also use media law firms to defend and advise their journalists in cases involving legal restrictions upon reporting court cases.
Your choice of media law firm may be affected by whether you are bringing a case or defending yourself. Some lawyers specialize in prosecutions, particularly in the field of libel. While these lawyers may be extremely competent, they might not be so experienced in making the arguments necessary for a successful defense. This is particularly relevant in jurisdictions where a defendant is required to prove that a defamatory statement is true, rather than the prosecution having to prove it is false.
When choosing a media law firm, it is important to be fully aware of the price structure. At one extreme, you may find a firm which does not charge any fees up front when you are bringing a case, and instead collects the fee out of any award you receive at court. Some firms charge fees but will give a free consultation first where they can run through your case and advise you whether going to court is worthwhile. Other firms will charge for all their work, usually by the hour. Major companies may prefer to hire a firm on retainer, which involves a regular payment in return for which they can consult the lawyers at any time, though going to court will usually involve additional fees.
