Lewis Silkin Belfast has appointed Olivia O’Kane as a partner to lead specialist media law practice in both Belfast and Dublin.
With over two decades of experience specialising in media disputes related to a wide range of complex media areas, including defamation, technology-related disputes, broadcast and newspaper disputes and pre-broadcast clearance and advising on a variety of legal issues, Olivia has played a pivotal role in landmark High Court and Court of Appeal rulings.
Olivia is known for her unwavering commitment to defending freedom of expression in the public interest, protecting journalistic sources and advocating for the independence of the media.
Ranked Band 1 in defamation and reputation management and ranked in media and entertainment law, Olivia is Ireland’s appointed expert on anti-SLAPP law for the European Commission.
“Olivia is an experienced practitioner with a stellar reputation in media law, particularly in the area of defamation and reputation management.” Says Mathew Forde, partner at Lewis Silkin, “She brings depth and specialist expertise to Lewis Silkin’s IP & Media disputes resolution team in the island of Ireland, further augmenting the team’s ability to advise and act in a wide range of complex media areas, including defamation, privacy, investigative journalism, contempt, e-commerce and online liability.”
Olivia O’Kane adds: “Lewis Silkin has a stellar reputation for media law, intellectual property, brands and technology law. I am excited to be expanding the firm’s offering for both in Belfast and Dublin. It’s clear that everyone at Lewis Silkin has a real passion for what they do and are subject matter experts in their area of expertise. I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues and to collaborate with our clients in navigating industry challenges, supporting clients with thorny novel problems and to assist clients in identifying new opportunities”
Commenting on the impact that this will have on the service offering at Lewis Silkin Belfast, Ciara Fulton, partner and head of Belfast office says: “Not only Olivia will play an integral role in our senior team, but her experience and knowledge will be vital in ensuring we provide our clients with the legal protections they need, whilst enhancing the provisions that we can deliver in Belfast.”
