Case Results & Success Stories
Examples of successful outcomes achieved for our clients in defamation and reputation matters.
Important Notice: The case studies presented are illustrative examples based on common defamation scenarios. They demonstrate the types of matters we handle and potential outcomes. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Client details have been anonymised for confidentiality.
Online Defamation
Social Media Defamation Resolved via Platform Takedown
Outcome
Content removed within 72 hours, formal apology secured
Result
Apology + Undertakings + Costs
The Situation
Our client, a professional consultant, was targeted with a series of defamatory posts across multiple social media platforms by a disgruntled former business associate. The false statements alleged professional misconduct and fraud.
Our Approach
We immediately issued formal legal notices to the perpetrator and submitted comprehensive takedown requests to the platforms. Our detailed evidence package demonstrated the falsity of the statements and the harm caused.
The Result
All defamatory content was removed within 72 hours. The defendant issued a formal apology and retraction, with an undertaking not to repeat the statements. Our client's professional reputation was preserved without the need for court proceedings.
Corporate Reputation
Corporate Reputation Dispute Settled Pre-Trial
Outcome
Substantial settlement, public correction published
Result
Six-figure settlement + Corrections
The Situation
A medium-sized technology company was the subject of a series of articles in trade publications alleging financial impropriety and mismanagement. The articles were based on false information provided by a competitor.
Our Approach
We conducted a thorough investigation, gathering evidence to refute the allegations. Pre-action correspondence set out the defamatory nature of the publications and the evidence of falsity. We entered into structured settlement negotiations.
The Result
The matter settled before trial. The publications issued prominent corrections and apologies. A substantial confidential settlement was agreed, covering damages and legal costs. The competitor provided undertakings regarding future conduct.
False Allegations
False Criminal Allegation Corrected with Retraction
Outcome
Full retraction and apology, damages recovered
Result
£35,000 + Retraction + Costs
The Situation
An individual was falsely accused of criminal conduct in a local newspaper article. The allegations were completely unfounded and caused significant personal distress and professional harm.
Our Approach
We immediately contacted the publication, setting out the basis for the claim and demanding a full retraction. When the initial response was inadequate, we issued court proceedings to demonstrate our client's determination.
The Result
The newspaper agreed to publish a full retraction and apology in a prominent position. Our client received damages to compensate for the distress and harm caused, plus recovery of legal costs.
Defamation Defence
Successful Defence of Defamation Claim
Outcome
Claim struck out, costs awarded to our client
Result
Claim defeated + Costs awarded
The Situation
Our client, a journalist, was sued for defamation following an investigative article exposing corrupt practices in a local organisation. The claimant sought substantial damages and an injunction.
Our Approach
We prepared a robust defence based on truth and public interest. Our investigation gathered substantial evidence supporting the truth of the publication. We applied to strike out the claim as an abuse of process.
The Result
The court struck out the claim, finding that the publication was protected by the public interest defence and that the statements were substantially true. Our client was awarded costs against the claimant.
Review Site Defamation
Fake Reviews Removed and Author Identified
Outcome
Reviews removed, author identified and held accountable
Result
Reviews removed + £15,000 + Undertakings
The Situation
A restaurant owner discovered multiple fake negative reviews across various platforms, all containing false allegations of food safety violations. The reviews were destroying the business's reputation.
Our Approach
We worked with the platforms to remove the clearly defamatory reviews, while simultaneously obtaining disclosure orders to identify the anonymous author. Once identified, we pursued the individual directly.
The Result
All fake reviews were removed. The author was identified and agreed to a settlement including damages, a formal apology, and undertakings not to post further reviews. The restaurant's ratings recovered significantly.
Private Group Defamation
WhatsApp Group Defamation Resolved with Apology and Undertakings
Outcome
Formal apology secured, undertakings to delete and not repeat
Result
Apology + Group Correction + Undertakings
The Situation
Our client, a local business owner, discovered that a former associate had circulated false allegations of dishonesty about her within a WhatsApp group of approximately 80 members — including current and prospective clients, and local business contacts.
Our Approach
We advised the client that private messaging groups constitute 'publication' for the purposes of defamation law because the statements were communicated to third parties. We issued a pre-action letter to the defendant identifying the defamatory statements, the harm caused, and the legal consequences of non-compliance. We also preserved screenshots and metadata as evidence.
The Result
The defendant, having taken his own legal advice, issued a written apology to the client and agreed to send a correction message to the same WhatsApp group. Enforceable undertakings were provided not to repeat the statements. The matter concluded without court proceedings within six weeks of instruction.
Employment Reference
Malicious Employment Reference Claim Settled with Damages
Outcome
Damages and correction letter secured; career harm remedied
Result
£28,000 + Correction Letters + Costs
The Situation
Our client, a senior financial services professional, lost a confirmed job offer after a former employer provided a reference containing false allegations of misconduct and gross incompetence. The statements were demonstrably untrue and appeared motivated by a personal dispute with her manager.
Our Approach
We identified the defamatory statements within the reference, gathered evidence of their falsity including the client's clean regulatory record and commendations, and assessed the qualified privilege defence. We concluded that the malicious motivation of the manager defeated the privilege. Pre-action correspondence set out the full legal position and the quantified financial loss from the withdrawn offer.
The Result
The former employer settled before proceedings were issued. A correction letter was provided to the prospective employer and any other referees that had been contacted. Damages were agreed to reflect the client's financial loss from the withdrawn offer and the distress caused. The client secured a new position within three months.
Executive Reputation
CEO Reputation Protected Following Media Attack
Outcome
Injunction obtained, correction published, damages agreed
Result
Confidential settlement + Injunction + Corrections
The Situation
A FTSE 250 company CEO was targeted by a coordinated media campaign alleging personal misconduct. The allegations threatened both personal reputation and the company's share price.
Our Approach
We obtained an urgent interim injunction preventing further publication while pursuing the substantive claim. Intensive negotiations followed with the responsible media outlets.
The Result
An injunction was maintained throughout. The publications agreed to prominent corrections and apologies. A substantial confidential settlement was reached, and the CEO's reputation was fully restored.
Our Track Record
We measure success by positive outcomes for our clients.
95%
Success Rate
72hrs
Average Takedown Time
15+
Years Experience
500+
Cases Handled
Statistics are illustrative, based on combined team experience, and have not been independently verified. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.