Defamation & Online Reputation Disputes
Protecting Your Reputation in the Digital Age
In today’s hyper-connected world, your reputation can be damaged in a matter of seconds. A single defamatory post, review or article can spread quickly and cause lasting harm to your personal or professional standing. Whether you’re an individual, business owner or public figure, safeguarding your name online is more important than ever.
At The Jonathan Lea Network, our experienced defamation solicitors provide fast, strategic and cost-effective advice to help you respond to reputational threats. We work quickly to assess the situation, limit the damage, and pursue appropriate legal remedies — from informal resolution and content removal to court proceedings.
What Is Defamation?
Defamation involves a false statement that unjustly harms your reputation. Under UK law, it falls into two key categories:
- Libel – defamatory content in a written or permanent form (e.g. articles, reviews, social media posts)
- Slander – spoken defamatory statements
To bring a successful claim, the statement must:
- Be defamatory – it seriously harms your reputation
- Be false – truth is a full defence
- Be published – shared with at least one other person
- Meet the serious harm threshold under the Defamation Act 2013
We can help you determine whether a statement meets these legal requirements and advise on your options.
Common Defamation Scenarios We Handle
Our team supports clients across a broad spectrum of situations, including:
– Harmful Online Reviews
A business falsely accused of fraud in a public Google review? We’ve helped clients remove such content and restore public trust.
– Professional Smear Campaigns
Facing damaging allegations via LinkedIn or internal emails? We act swiftly to assess, respond and protect your reputation and livelihood.
– Misleading Media Coverage
Targeted by inaccurate or sensationalist reporting? We regularly negotiate corrections, retractions and apologies from publishers.
– Social Media Attacks
Harassed or defamed on platforms like Instagram or Twitter (X)? Even ‘disappearing’ content can be preserved and legally challenged.
Our Approach
A Strategic, Calm and Results-Focused Partner
Defamation claims are often sensitive and emotionally charged. We take a measured, proactive approach tailored to your circumstances. Our process typically involves:
- Initial Assessment – analysing whether a claim exists
- Pre-Action Engagement – sending letters of claim under the Media and Communications Protocol
- Content Takedowns – working with platforms and hosts for prompt removal
- Negotiation & Mediation – exploring resolution before court action
- Litigation – pursuing claims for damages, injunctions, or public apologies where necessary
We focus on resolving disputes efficiently, with minimal disruption to your life or business.
Legal Remedies We Can Pursue
If informal methods are unsuccessful, we can escalate matters to secure:
- Damages – compensation for financial and reputational loss
- Injunctions – preventing further publication
- Corrections & Apologies – public statements to clear your name
- Takedown Orders – removal of harmful content from search results or hosting sites
We’ll guide you on the most appropriate remedy based on your goals and the impact on your reputation.
Proactive Reputation Management
Defamation claims are just one tool in protecting your public image. We also offer broader support to help you maintain and strengthen your reputation:
- Monitoring your online presence for damaging content
- Drafting professional, legally sound responses to negative publicity
- Creating a positive digital footprint
- Crisis communications planning
- Enforcing your “right to be forgotten” under data protection law
Why Choose The Jonathan Lea Network?
- Experienced Defamation Solicitors
Our team has deep expertise in media and reputation law, handling complex and high-profile matters with discretion and success. - Responsive, Personable Service
You’ll deal directly with our senior lawyers — no call centres, no delays. We pride ourselves on being approachable and clear. - Commercial, Value-Led Advice
We pursue pragmatic, cost-effective solutions and keep your business or personal interests front and centre. - Tailored Strategies
Whether you’re a private individual, entrepreneur, company or public figure, we adapt our legal strategy to suit your objectives and risk profile.
Speak to a Defamation & Reputation Specialist
Reputation is your most valuable asset. If you’re dealing with defamatory content or misinformation online, don’t delay.
📞 Call us: 01444 708 640
📧 Email us: wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net
🗓️ Or book a free 20-minute consultation here
Injunctions & Emergency Remedies FAQs
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Is everything said online defamation?
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No. To qualify as defamation, a statement must be:
- False
- Published to at least one other person
- Likely to cause serious harm to your reputation
Mere opinions or true statements do not qualify.
- False
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Can I get defamatory content removed from the internet?
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Yes. We regularly assist clients with takedown requests and can engage platforms, web hosts or search engines directly. In serious cases, we may apply for a court order to enforce removal.
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What if I’ve been falsely accused of defamation?
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If you’ve received a defamation complaint or pre-action letter, early legal advice is crucial. We can help you assess the strength of the claim, respond appropriately, and protect your interests.
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Can I sue for defamation anonymously?
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In some cases, yes — particularly where safety, career or reputational concerns justify anonymity. We can advise you on how to proceed while maintaining discretion.
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How long do I have to bring a defamation claim?
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Generally, you must issue a claim within one year from the date the defamatory statement was first published. Early action is strongly recommended.
Our Areas of Experience
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Acquisitions and disposals of freehold and leasehold properties, including agricultural land and buildings
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Construction contracts
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Development projects including planning agreements, options, conditional contracts and joint venture arrangements
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Leasebacks and re-financings
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Leasehold arrangements and landlord and tenant negotiations
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Leasehold enfranchisement;Planning contracts including s.106 agreements
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Residential site assembly and plot sale disposal
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Short term licence to occupy agreements
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Vacant property management, including property guardian contractual documentation
Our Partnership Disputes Team
What Our Clients Say
Request a Free
No Obligation
20 Minute Call
This introductory call is to discuss your matter so we can provide a well-considered quote.
However, please be aware that the free 20 minute call is at our discretion. If you are more looking for advice and guidance on an initial call, we may instead offer a one-hour fixed fee appointment instead.
Our fixed fee appointments are between £200 – £300 + 20% VAT (£240 – £360 inclusive of VAT) depending on the seniority of the solicitor taking the call.