Defamation Law

Defamation & Reputation Management Solicitors

Building a good reputation takes years and it can be quickly damaged. The internet and social media have made it more difficult than ever to control what is said about you. If an individual or group has put your reputation at risk, our solicitors can help you. We will carefully consider your situation and tailor our advice to your needs whether through correspondence or recourse to the courts.

We can also advise you on defending an allegation of defamation against you.

We work with s wide range of businesses and private clients. Our lawyers also understand you’ll want to avoid going to court and having your affairs made public. We’ll work quickly and discretely to reach an early resolution for you.

Our solicitors advise on:

• Defamation (libel and slander)
• Protecting your privacy
• Harassment
• Phone hacking
• Media and crisis management
• Fake social media accounts acting as you or your organisation
• Removing offensive and damaging websites or material online
• False statements about you or your business (malicious falsehood).

Key Elements of Defamation

To successfully claim defamation, a plaintiff must establish several key elements:

• A false statement presented as fact: A person must make a false statement that presents itself as a fact; opinions, even if offensive, generally do not qualify as defamatory.
• Publication to a third party: The defendant must communicate the statement to someone other than the plaintiff.
• Harm to reputation: The statement must harm the plaintiff’s reputation.
• Fault: The plaintiff must prove that the defendant acted with some level of fault, ranging from negligence to actual malice.

Defamation falls into two main categories: libel and slander. Libel occurs when someone defames another in written form, such as articles or social media posts, while slander involves spoken words.

Strategies for Managing and Mitigating Reputational Damage

Given the speed and reach of online defamation, swift and effective action is crucial. Here are strategies to manage and mitigate reputational damage:

• Immediate action: First and foremost, quickly addressing the issue is key to minimizing damage.
• Legal counsel: Additionally, consulting experienced defamation and reputation management lawyers is essential.
• Pre-publication advice: Moreover, seeking advice before publishing potentially contentious material can help mitigate risks.
• Content removal: Furthermore, contact the hosting website or platform to request the removal of defamatory content.
• Public relations: In addition, implement a public relations strategy to manage the narrative and rebuild trust.
• Litigation: Finally, pursue legal action, including injunctions and damages, when necessary.

Speak with a Solicitor Today – Call 01 663 2000

Contact us today through our online contact form.