ADVICE TO NEWS EDITORS
14 June 2008
FROM KEDDIES LAWYERS:
The Sydney Morning Herald has again published articles making the most serious
allegations against Keddies Lawyers based on the word of disgruntled former
employees who are now competitors of the firm.
The allegations are false and Keddies is appalled that a major newspaper would publish
such serious and damaging claims given all of the facts known to the journalists
concerned.
Lawyers representing Keddies yesterday informed the Sydney Morning Herald that legal
proceedings will commence in the NSW Supreme Court for defamation and warned
against further unsubstantiated claims being published.
Any republication or broadcast of the allegations contained in the Sydney Morning
Herald article by any other media outlet may result in further proceedings.
ENDS
FURTHER BACKGROUND:
When approached by the Sydney Morning Herald about the claims, Keddies:
opened its doors to the journalists
provided lengthy interviews and volumes of material to refute the allegations
explained that the three Chinese-speaking former employees had been running
a campaign against the firm since they were dismissed in 2006
explained that the campaign included the employees orchestrating complaints
from clients to the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner (OLSC)
pointed out that every complaint so far dealt with by the OLSC had been
dismissed. There are still some cases to be finalised.
To the firms disbelief, much of the material provided to the journalists has either been
misrepresented or ignored. Keddies will vigorously pursue this matter to defend its
reputation.
Keddies Contact:
Blyde Communications
Mob: 0400 001915