Defamation Litigation
Benesch’s Defamation Litigation team has built a national reputation for handling the most consequential defamation matters in the country. From multibillion-dollar suits to fast, behind-the-scenes damage control, we protect reputations with speed, precision and impact.
We regularly take on major media outlets and their elite legal teams, and we have won time and time again.
Defending Reputations. Delivering Results.
We represent corporations, executives, public figures, celebrities and others whose reputations have been targeted or falsely maligned. We understand the stakes and know how to respond strategically, whether that means quietly correcting a false story before publication or filing a high-profile lawsuit with national implications.
Our team has prevailed in some of the most significant defamation cases in U.S. history, including one of the largest defamation recoveries ever achieved. We’ve successfully gone toe-to-toe with the world’s most powerful media organizations.
Reputation is everything. When yours is on the line, you need Benesch, the team with a track record of shutting down falsehoods, holding the media accountable and winning in court.
One Group, One Team, for All Your Needs.
Our defamation lawyers regularly advise and represent public and private companies—from multi-billion-dollar industry leaders to small, family-owned businesses—as well as individuals who find themselves under attack by media, competitors and social media influencers. Our experience includes:
- Defamation Lawsuits & High-Stakes Litigation. Litigating libel and slander claims on behalf of businesses, executives and public figures.
- Reputation Protection & Media Engagement. Preventing publication of falsehoods by engaging with publishers and platforms before content is released.
- Crisis Intervention and Containment. Forcing retractions or corrections through focused and strategic media intervention.
- Reputation Monitoring. Identifying defamatory or misleading statements early and advising on real-time legal responses.
Experience
- Represented a family-owned food company in a $5.7 billion defamation lawsuit against a major television news network.
- Represented a “Real Housewife of Beverly Hills” in her defamation lawsuit against an anonymous blogger. Obtained a favorable settlement that resulted in all harmful publications about her being removed from the defendant’s website.
- Persuaded a major news network to refrain from publishing a politically driven and defamatory long-form broadcast report about her client, a well-known philanthropist, and his grantmaking network.
- Represented a biofuel industry leader regarding a false and defamatory article published by a major media organization and secured full retraction of the article within two weeks of publication.
- Represented a leading beef producer in a defamation and disparagement action against ABC. Recognized by the media as the largest defamation action in U.S. history. Secured a confidential, nine-figure settlement following four weeks of trial.
