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A defamation solicitor can help you in various ways. If a defamation claim has been brought against you, they will be able to advise you on how best to respond to the claim.
There are two main types of defamation claims that could be brought against you. If you have made a defamatory oral statement about someone, you could face a slander action. If you have made a defamatory written statement about someone, you could face a libel action.

In accordance with the pre action protocol for defamation claims, the claimant is likely to send you a letter of claim setting out the basis of their claim. You will have to provide a substantive response to this letter. If you intend to admit liability then you must indicate this in your response.

On the other hand, if you intend to dispute liability than you must set out your reasons for doing so. A defamation solicitor will be able to advise you on how best to respond to the letter. If the claimant has a very strong case it may be best to admit liability. This will help to keep legal costs to a minimum and may save a lot of time, hassle and expense in the long run.

However, if you intend to deny liability then your defamation solicitor will be able to advise you on what legal and factual basis you can do this. They will be able to help you raise a defence to the claim. There are different defences available to defend defamation claims.

For example, fair comment, justification, privilege (both absolute and qualified), limitation, etc.

If the claimant still persists with their claim and issues court proceedings, a solicitor will be able to help you defend the claim. This will include drafting court pleadings, negotiating with the other side in an attempt to settle, completing court documents and generally complying with the relevant court procedure.

If you require legal advice regarding defamation, you can contact a specialist solicitor today.