
A Federal Court Judge has scrutinized the legal representation of renowned TV presenter Lisa Wilkinson, raising concerns about an undue complexity cast over Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation trial. This follows a recent cost claim Wilkinson lodged against her former employer, Network 10.
Wilkinson has initiated a new lawsuit, but in a completely different court, with a brand-new legal team. Her suit claims that Network 10 backpedaled from a prior agreement to shoulder her legal costs in the defamation suit filed by Lehrmann.
Court documents submitted to the NSW Supreme Court reveal the broadcaster’s refusal to settle two invoices of legal fees, which collectively amount to $723,000. Wilkinson had decided against utilizing the services of Network 10’s engaged law firm, Thomson Geer, and instead, opted for the expertise of high-profile defamation expert Sue Chrysanthou SC and partner of Gillis Delaney Lawyers, Anthony Jefferies.
Wilkinson asserts that Network 10 twice agreed to pay the TV star’s legal fees, even should she choose to be “independently represented”.
In response, Network 10 has taken a firm stance, stating, “The lawyers engaged by Lisa Wilkinson have issued invoices for a substantial amount of money, exceeding $700,000, which, with good governance, need to be justified through due process.” For the moment, the primary focus of the network remains the defamation claim launched by Bruce Lehrmann.
Wilkinson, who left Channel 10’s The Project in November 2022 amidst claims of “targeted toxicity”, has drawn attention from Federal Court Justice Michael Lee at a pre-trial hearing. Lee expressed his confusion at Wilkinson’s decision to lodge the cost dispute in a separate court, which he suggested could further convolute the trial proceedings.
The judge posited that a more efficient process would involve him hearing the cross-claim and could serve to alleviate potential complications in resolving the legal costs of the defamation suit.
The barrister representing Wilkinson in the defamation case, Sue Chrysanthou SC, informed the court that neither her legal team nor Network 10’s law firm had any involvement in the Supreme Court lawsuit. While acknowledging potential complications, Chrysanthou emphasised the importance of remaining focused on the core issue of defamation.
Earlier this year, Lehrmann filed defamation charges against Network 10 and Wilkinson, arising from 2021 coverage of the rape allegation against him by Ms Higgins. No charges were pursued due to Higgins’ mental health, however, Lehrmann continues to vehemently deny all allegations.
The court will first hear Wilkinson’s costs claim on November 4, following which, the defamation trial is slated to begin on November 24 and extend over roughly four weeks.