Chicago-Based Defamation Lawyers Who Defend Your Name and Reputation
At Landsman Saldinger Carroll, we know that your reputation is everything. In business and in life, it takes years to build trust—and only seconds to tear it down with a lie. When someone spreads falsehoods that damage your reputation, your career, your business, and your personal life can all suffer irreparable harm. We are here to stop that damage, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help you reclaim your name.
What Is Defamation?
Defamation is the act of damaging someone’s reputation through false statements presented as facts. These statements can harm an individual’s personal life, career, relationships, and public image. Under the law, defamation is not merely about offensive or hurtful words—it is about knowingly or negligently spreading lies that cause real, measurable harm.
There are two primary forms of defamation:
- Libel – Written or published defamatory statements. This includes newspapers, magazines, blogs, social media posts, emails, online reviews, and other permanent or semi-permanent formats.
- Slander – Spoken defamatory statements. This occurs in verbal form, such as through speeches, interviews, podcasts, or word-of-mouth communication.
To succeed in a defamation lawsuit, a plaintiff generally must prove the following:
- A false statement was made. Truth is an absolute defense to defamation. If the statement is true—or even substantially true—it does not qualify as defamation.
- The statement was presented as a fact, not an opinion. “I think he’s a terrible person” may be rude, but it’s not defamation. By contrast, “He embezzled money from his company” implies a factual assertion that can be proven true or false.
- The statement was published to a third party. The defamatory statement must be communicated to someone other than the plaintiff.
- The statement caused harm. This could be reputational harm, financial losses, emotional distress, or professional damage.
- There was a degree of fault. This depends on the status of the plaintiff:
- Private individuals must typically prove that the statement was made negligently.
- Public figures must meet a higher standard: they must prove “actual malice,” meaning the statement was made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth.
Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard: A Defamation Case You Might Recognize
A recent and widely publicized example of defamation litigation is the case of Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard.
In 2022, actor Johnny Depp sued his ex-wife Amber Heard for defamation after she published an op-ed in The Washington Post implying that she had been a victim of domestic abuse. Although she did not mention Depp by name, he argued that the piece clearly referenced him and had irreparably damaged his career.
The jury sided largely with Depp, awarding him $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages (later reduced due to Virginia’s statutory cap). They concluded that Heard’s statements were defamatory, false, and made with actual malice.
This case captured public attention for many reasons, but legally, it reinforced several important defamation principles:
- Even if someone is not named, they can still be defamed if the statement is “of and concerning” them.
- Public figures must meet a high bar, proving actual malice—a standard Depp was able to meet.
- Defamation lawsuits can be used not only to obtain financial compensation but to publicly refute damaging claims.
The Stakes Are High—So Are the Standards
The legal burden in defamation cases is significant, and the clock starts ticking immediately. Statutes of limitations are short, and evidence can quickly disappear or be deleted. Preserving critical proof—emails, social media posts, texts, recordings, or witness statements—can make or break your case.
That’s why you need aggressive and experienced litigators who know how to act swiftly, strategize effectively, and litigate relentlessly. At Landsman Saldinger Carroll, we are those litigators. We don’t sit back and wait. We dive in, build your case, and go to battle to clear your name.
Why Clients Turn to Landsman Saldinger Carroll
We are not generalists. We are trial lawyers. We have handled high-profile defamation matters across industries—from individuals and executives to businesses and public figures—and we know what it takes to win.
- We know the law. Defamation law is nuanced and often misunderstood. Our team understands the intricate balance between First Amendment protections and the right to safeguard one’s reputation.
- We know the strategy. Timing, jurisdiction, forum selection, and procedural tactics can make a significant difference in how defamation claims unfold. We anticipate challenges and craft a plan tailored to your goals.
- We know how to win. Our litigators have tried defamation cases to verdict and secured significant results. But beyond the numbers, we’ve achieved what matters most: public vindication.
Defamation Damages: More Than Just Dollars
A successful defamation claim can result in financial compensation for:
- Loss of income or business opportunities
- Emotional distress and humiliation
- Reputational harm that affects future relationships and ventures
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct
But equally important is the power of the lawsuit to set the record straight. Litigation is often the only way to publicly counter a false narrative, demand retractions or corrections, and demonstrate that truth still matters.
Common Defamation Scenarios We Handle
Defamation can happen anywhere—online, at work, in the media, or within private social circles. We represent clients in a wide range of contexts, including:
- Corporate or professional defamation – False accusations that jeopardize careers or business deals
- Social media smears – Viral posts or comments that spread lies to thousands in minutes
- Defamation during litigation – When parties use court filings or media to malign the opposing side
- Defamatory reviews or ratings – Anonymous or malicious online attacks aimed at damaging a business
- False allegations of criminal conduct or misconduct – Including sexual harassment, discrimination, or fraud
Whether you’ve been targeted by a competitor, a disgruntled former employee, an ex-partner, or an anonymous troll, we know how to uncover the truth, identify the source, and pursue justice.
Public Figures, Private Individuals, and the Legal Standards
Defamation law treats public figures and private individuals differently.
- Private individuals must prove that the statement was false, damaging, and made with at least negligence.
- Public figures—including celebrities, politicians, and some business leaders—must prove “actual malice,” meaning the statement was made with knowledge of its falsity or reckless disregard for the truth.
At Landsman Saldinger Carroll, we represent both private and public figures and tailor our litigation strategy accordingly. We understand the additional scrutiny public clients face and protect their interests in court and in the media.
Pre-Litigation Solutions and Crisis Containment
Not every defamation matter needs to go to court. In some cases, swift legal intervention—such as cease-and-desist letters, retraction demands, or strategic negotiations—can resolve the issue quietly and efficiently. We assess the full range of options, always with your long-term goals in mind.
If litigation is necessary, we are fully prepared to fight. But if discretion and speed are more valuable than a public trial, we know how to make that happen, too.
Online Defamation: The New Frontier
The digital age has made defamation easier, faster, and more damaging. A single tweet or post can go viral in hours and live online forever. Our attorneys are experienced in handling:
- Internet defamation and anonymous posters
- Online reputation attacks through fake reviews or impersonation
- Section 230 defenses and challenges under the Communications Decency Act
- DMCA takedowns and de-indexing strategies
We understand how online platforms work and how to navigate legal and technical remedies to minimize long-term harm.
Why Speed Matters in Defamation Cases
In defamation cases, time is not on your side. Delays can:
- Make evidence harder to obtain or recover
- Jeopardize your claim under short filing deadlines
- Allow the false narrative to spread unchecked
The moment you discover you’ve been defamed, you should contact legal counsel. At Landsman Saldinger Carroll, we act immediately—sending preservation notices, investigating the source, interviewing witnesses, and preparing to file suit if necessary.
Your Reputation Is Worth Fighting For
Defamation is personal. When someone attacks your integrity, your ethics, or your character, it’s not just a legal issue—it’s an existential one. You don’t have to stand by while your name is dragged through the mud. You have the right to defend yourself, and we have the skill to do it.
At Landsman Saldinger Carroll, we don’t just litigate defamation cases—we vindicate reputations.
Contact Our Defamation Attorneys in Chicago Today
If you’ve been defamed, don’t wait. Let us help you take control of the situation and fight back. We’re prepared to protect your interests, restore your reputation, and make the truth matter again.
Contact Landsman Saldinger Carroll today for a confidential consultation.
