“I’m inspired by the convergence of technology and creativity – how technology is being used to create engaging commercial communications. Each day new ideas are emerging, and as a firm we are constantly evolving and updating to provide enabling capabilities for our clients. I find it exciting to be a critical part of a client’s journey, providing them with solutions so they can realise their vision. Oddly enough, outside work I’m passionate about all things vintage. So at work I’m living in the 22nd century, at home the 19th century!”

Stephen is a practicing solicitor and Partner at von Muenster Legal, a specialist technology, media and communications firm based in Surry Hills, New South Wales.

Stephen has specialised in advertising, communications, marketing and media law since 1995. He has developed a keen interest in emerging technologies, media and the interactive and digital mediascape and in recent times has advised extensively upon disruptor technology platforms, social media, online reputation management and artificial intelligence technologies. He is presently assessing the ACCC response to the Digital Platforms Inquiry and the related Ad Tech Inquiry and providing assistance and guidance to the industry and agencies. In the COVID-19 world, Stephen is assisting agencies with employment law compliance and collections from current and former clients. 

He has recently conducted an extensive review of the recently released 2020 AANA Media Buying Agreement and its impact upon media agencies and their advertiser clients.

Stephen also specialises in agency mergers & acquisitions and was legal counsel on a number of recent high profile independent agency and media acquisitions across the communications spectrum including Match Media, Mercer Bell, N2N / Herd Agency, Mumbrella, Orchard Advertising, Four Pillars Gin and Storyation.

Another of Stephen’s practice area specialisations is dispute resolution and litigation. Stephen successfully conducted the agency test case in the Supreme Court of NSW – Ikon Communications v Advangen International Pty Ltd [2018] NSWSC 1650 – in which Ikon Communications was awarded substantial damages and legal costs when its former client failed to pay professional fees and media costs.

He is the legal adviser to The Advertising Council Australia, the Media Federation of Australia, the Public Relations Council, the Independent Media Agencies Association and Shop!. He sits on the Advisory Board of AIMCo, the newly launched social media influencer industry body. 

He is a regular presenter for these industry bodies on matters of legal and regulatory compliance including recent industry presentations on Social Influencer Marketing, Social Media Law, the introduction of the new Data Privacy Laws, Marketing Law, employment issues in a COVID19 world and the agency client test case.

Stephen regularly presents at CommsCon, Mumbrella 360 and other Mumbrella events. He is a guest lecturer at the University of Sydney and UTS from time to time and is regularly asked for comment by the media and to judge industry awards.

Publications

• Digital Media Guide to Legal Compliance in Australia (2009) (The Communications Council)
• International Advertising Law (Australian Chapter) (2014) (Globe Law & Business)
• International Advertising Law (Australian Chapter) (2020) (Globe Law & Business)