Pre-Publication Review
Before you publish, know your risks. Strategic pre-publication review helps journalists, authors, corporations, and individuals communicate boldly while minimizing the threat of defamation litigation.
What’s at Stake
The best defamation defense is never needing one. Whether you’re a news organization preparing an investigative report, a corporation drafting a press release, an author writing an exposé, or an individual composing a letter to a hostile party, the words you publish can expose you to devastating litigation – or they can be carefully crafted to communicate effectively while minimizing legal risk.
I provide pre-publication libel review for clients across the full spectrum of publishing contexts and mediums. Over 16 years, I’ve helped clients publish fearlessly while staying out of the courtroom. That same sophisticated analysis is available whether you’re a business, a major publisher, or an individual facing a high-stakes communication decision.
What it Takes
I analyze your content line-by-line for potential defamation claims, identifying statements that could be challenged as false and defamatory. This includes reviewing factual assertions about individuals or businesses, examining whether you have adequate support for potentially controversial claims, assessing whether privileged sources or fair report privileges apply, and determining what additional verification might strengthen your legal position.
Critically, this process isn’t about censorship or watering down your message. It’s about strategic communication – helping you say what you need to say in ways that reduce vulnerability to legal attack. Often, minor rephrasing, additional attribution, or strategic word choice can preserve your core message while dramatically reducing litigation risk.
Who Benefits From Libel Counseling
Journalists and media organizations preparing investigative pieces, opinion columns, or news reports that discuss alleged misconduct
Authors and publishers writing manuscripts that make potentially controversial claims about real people or companies
Companies drafting press releases addressing disputes, announcing personnel changes, or responding to criticism
HOAs and community organizations publishing announcements or notices about residents or members
Individuals writing letters, emails, or social media posts about contentious workplace, business, or personal disputes
Defamation litigation is extraordinarily expensive – often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to defend, even when you ultimately prevail. A few hours of pre-publication counseling can identify and neutralize risks before publication, saving you from years of costly litigation and reputational damage. I provide practical, business-minded advice that accounts for your goals, your risk tolerance, and the real-world context of your publication. You’ll receive clear guidance on what’s safe, what’s risky, and what strategic alternatives exist – empowering you to make informed decisions and publish with confidence.
