Sue Chrysanthou Biography
Sue Chrysanthou SC is a prominent Australian barrister specializing in defamation, intellectual property, and media law. She was called to the bar in 2004 and appointed Senior Counsel (SC) in 2020, marking a significant milestone in her legal career. Over the years, she has worked on several high-profile cases, such as Rush v Nationwide News and Hanson-Young v Leyonhjelm.
Chrysanthou is well-known for her role in the defamation lawsuit involving former Attorney-General Christian Porter, where she was initially part of his legal team but was later restrained from acting due to a conflict of interest. This case, along with her involvement in other major defamation cases, has solidified her reputation as one of Australia’s leading defamation barristers.
Sue Chrysanthou Age
Sue Chrysanthou is 50 years old as of 2024.
Sue Chrysanthou Educational Background
Sue Chrysanthou has an impressive educational background. She earned a Bachelor of Communications (Media Arts and Production) along with a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honors from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Following this, she pursued and completed a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of New South Wales (UNSW)​.
Sue Chrysanthou Legal Career
Sue Chrysanthou SC has built a remarkable career in defamation law, becoming one of Australia’s leading barristers. She was called to the bar in 2004 and became Senior Counsel in 2020, a prestigious appointment that reflected her expertise in the field. Her legal career is defined by her involvement in high-profile defamation cases, such as Rush v Nationwide News and Hanson-Young v Leyonhjelm. In these cases, she showcased her skills in navigating complex media and defamation laws, representing both individuals and media organizations.
One of Chrysanthou’s most notable cases involved actor Geoffrey Rush, where she successfully defended him against allegations of inappropriate behavior. Her adept cross-examinations in the courtroom garnered praise, and the case resulted in a significant victory for Rush, with Nine Entertainment ordered to pay substantial damages. Chrysanthou’s ability to dismantle opposing arguments with precision became a hallmark of her legal prowess.
Her involvement in Christian Porter’s defamation case against the ABC in 2021 brought further attention to her career. However, this case also led to controversy. Porter, then Australia’s Attorney-General, hired Chrysanthou to represent him in a high-stakes defamation suit regarding allegations of historical sexual assault. Due to a prior connection with Jo Dyer, a key figure in the case, Chrysanthou was eventually restrained by the Federal Court from continuing her representation. Despite the ruling, many in the legal community defended her actions as being in good faith.
Beyond defamation, Chrysanthou has handled cases involving intellectual property and commercial disputes, cementing her reputation across various fields of law. Her sharp legal mind, combined with her ability to manage high-pressure cases, has made her a go-to barrister for both individuals seeking protection of their reputations and corporations facing media scrutiny.
Her career, while not without its challenges, has been defined by resilience. In 2023, Chrysanthou faced a reprimand from the NSW Bar Council over her conduct in the Porter case. Despite this setback, her work continues to attract praise from colleagues and clients alike, with many in the legal field viewing her as a dedicated and fearless advocate for her clients.
As a defamation barrister, Chrysanthou’s courtroom demeanor is often calm, calculated, and ruthless in cross-examinations, earning her a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. Her ability to extract key admissions from witnesses without direct confrontation has been noted in several cases, including a victory for venture capitalist Elaine Stead in 2020, where she secured a substantial damages payout for her client.
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Sue Chrysanthou Notable Cases
Here are some of the notable cases Sue Chrysanthou has worked on:
- Rush v Nationwide News (2019) – Represented actor Geoffrey Rush in his successful defamation case, securing significant damages.
- Hanson-Young v Leyonhjelm (2018) – Represented Sarah Hanson-Young in her defamation case against Senator Leyonhjelm.
- Stead v Fairfax Media (2020) – Represented venture capitalist Elaine Stead in a defamation suit, resulting in a large payout.
- Porter v ABC (2021) – Initially represented Christian Porter in his defamation suit, but was restrained due to a conflict of interest.
Sue Chrysanthou Net Worth
Sue Chrysanthou’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2024.
Sue Chrysanthou Husband and Children
Sue Chrysanthou has kept her personal life very private, and there is no publicly available information regarding her husband or children. She prefers to maintain a strict boundary between her professional life and personal matters, so details about her family, including husband and children are not publicly disclosed.
FAQs
Who is Sue Chrysanthou?
Sue Chrysanthou is a leading Senior Counsel (SC) in Australia, specializing in defamation law, intellectual property, and media law. She was appointed SC in 2020 and has represented clients in several high-profile cases.
When did Sue Chrysanthou start her legal career?
Sue was called to the bar in 2004 after having worked in various legal roles, including as a tipstaff at the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
What are some notable cases Sue Chrysanthou has worked on?
Some of her most notable cases include Rush v Nationwide News, Hanson-Young v Leyonhjelm, and Stead v Fairfax Media. She also represented Christian Porter in his defamation suit against the ABC, though she was later restrained from the case due to a conflict of interest.
What is Sue Chrysanthou’s area of expertise?
Sue Chrysanthou specializes in defamation law, intellectual property, and media-related legal matters, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants in high-profile defamation suits.
What was Sue Chrysanthou’s role in the Christian Porter case?
Sue Chrysanthou was initially appointed to represent Christian Porter in his defamation case against the ABC, but she was restrained by the Federal Court due to a prior relationship with Jo Dyer, a key figure in the case
How much does Sue Chrysanthou charge for her services?
Sue Chrysanthou’s legal fees can be substantial, with some reports indicating she charges around $8,000 per day for her services in high-profile cases.
