Libel Lawyers - good ones

[EasterStress]

Hi MN. I am a mn regular- namechanged.

Does anyone have any advice as to a good libel and defamation law firm, with a great within-the-industry reputation? I need one.
I will not go into detail, obviously, but I need a good, reputable firm that shows I am serious in fighting thisa serious personal defamation. I am not after damages (just yet), just a great big stonking public apology. I have googled the obvious- Carter Ruck- but they seem to not deal with small fry like me. Money is not neccessarily an object. I can sink about 20k into it... I am not expecting it to go to court, as it is so blatant. I am being bullied, so want a 'name' to hit back hard.

Grateful for advice. :(

Deformation is very hard to win to be honest. You'll have to show that they knew that the things they have said are untrue and malicious and these comments have to be told to more then one person so there's witnesses to consider. I don't know of a firm off the top of my head, google will be your friend here. You could try Carter Ruck and ask if they can recommend a smaller firm perhapse?

Bullying and harassment is a criminal offence IIRC, you could try the police or seeking a restraining order via a solicitor instead? This would speak volumes and the person/s bullying you would face fines/prison if the order is breached. It would also cost you less money.

Thanks belle.

yes, we can prove the person was acting maliciously and knowingly lied. They have written these lies- which can be disproved very easily - in 4 separate letters- each time, to a wider circle of people and professional contacts. We can also prove that this has had a directly detrimental affect both on my private and my professional life (people snubbing me and two lost contracts). I believe we have them on 4 conscious and outright lies which are actionable for defamation, plus a number of others that serve to give a negative overall impression. (Plus the toll it has taken on my health over the past several months).

As to the bullying... it is more a case of this person bluffing and blustering 'what are you going to do about it?' rather than outright harrassment, IFSWIM.

I have been googling, but the truth is I am having problems trying to wade through the ones that seem to be media ambulance chasers and the real ones.

The law society is good, they will have a list on there. I'll have a look and do a link for you in a moment.

I hope you get it sorted, people like this have no idea of the damage they cause.

Here

www.legal500.com/c/london/dispute-resolution/defamation-and-privacy

www.chambersandpartners.com/UK/Editorial/39033

Here you go but do think very very carefully about taking any action in this area. There has been a series recently about this issue on the BBC which would be worth a look.

this is the search engine, you need to stick your postcode in

Thank you Thank you Thank you. SO much.

This is all a great place to start. I will check out the BBC series also. Thank you.

My current idea- as repeated requests for a retraction and apology have only been laughed at, is to just go to a professional and see what our options are. If they say we have no case, do not bother, then I have to take that advice. But, the truth is, if that DOES happen, I might very well be royally fucked, and will possibly lose all my business. This person seems to be enjoying what they are doing. It has gone beyond what originated as a minor professional dispute into something deeply personal and private. I am at my wit's end.

Thank you so much though. This gives me a great place to begin.

[this is why i love mumsnet]

If it's a professional dispute then is there a regulatory body (GMC/NMC etc) that you can go to? Surly the other party is bringing your profession into disrepute? (can't spell that, sorry)

Thanks thomas. I had thought of Mishcon, glad to hear they are aggressive. (I have been going through back issues of Private eye as 'research' looking for who sues whom with whom. (whatever the grammar is!) )

What I want is for this person to realise I am serious about requesting and getting an apology and a retraction, so yes some aggressive letters I hope will do it. I do not want this to go to court, I think I would have a breakdown. A retraction, an apology and an undertaking to let me live in peace would be brilliant. Among other things, this person claims I am a convicted criminal. I am not. He just says 'prove you arent''. It is fucking insane.

Equally powerful - ie. your opponent also has £20k cash they're prepared to throw at the dispute. OR have other means of publication at their disposal (eg they work for an industry publication, or an SEO, so could make life difficult for you even if you 'won').

Can't comment on choice of lawyers as it's not my area. However with regard to appointment of lawyer expensive isn't always best. There are plent of reputation lawyers who run cases for money, ie give you advice, run with the case and then change their advice (when the facts/info hasn't changed) and suggest you settle.

Thanks thomas this is terrific advice. Congratulations also on your win... that sounds very intriguing! :)

Lots to think about. Yes, def he would have the same sort of cash. I was thinking I could drop 20 k on letters and getting a resolution. I could go to more if it went further than that, but naturally would hope not to.... not least because it would mean going into my nest egg. I do not have a choice really, I have been placed in a position where I have to fight it.

Thank you so much for your advice.

x-posted Mollie. :) Thank you too. I need to think and plan.

I just wish it all had never happened, obviously, :(

"You'll have to show that they knew that the things they have said are untrue and malicious"

No. In defamation the words complained of are presumed to be untrue unless the defendant proves otherwise. You will not have to show malice unless a defence of fair comment or qualified privilege is raised.

In addition to those you've been recommended, Harbottle & Lewis and Collyer Bristow are also worth a look. Ask about a CFA (conditional fee agreement, aka no win no fee. But hurry, they're about to be abolished!)

I know someone who used Bindmans when successfully taking action against a newspaper. I don't think they charge as much as Carter Ruck.

I would second Schillings. They are excellent. We used them for a minor libel issue about 2 years ago and had a full printed apology, retraction and damages within a fortnight of instruction. Would highly recommend.

If the libel is straight forward you shouldn't need to spend a lot upfront; often they will take it from the damages payout (and so therefore include their fees in the award that they get you)

Hope that helps