Lisa Wilkinson's court battle with Channel 10 over Bruce Lehrmann legal fees ... trends now

Lisa Wilkinson is fighting to have Network Ten pay her six-figure legal bill up-front as she battles a defamation case brought against her by ex-Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann.

But lawyers for the broadcaster have argued there is no evidence the TV star is unable to afford the $700,000-plus cost of her retaining a top silk for the case.

Lehrmann's claim against Wilkinson relates to a February 2021 interview the former Project host conducted with Brittany Higgins that included allegations she was raped in Parliament House while a junior staffer.

Wilkinson opted to hire separate legal representation for the defamation proceedings, including retaining high-profile barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC and Gillis Delaney Lawyers partner Anthony Jefferies.

Both parties agree that Network Ten, as her employer, is liable to pay Ms Wilkinson's legal fees for the case, a short NSW Supreme Court hearing was told on Friday.