Skip to content
  • Personal

    Not sure what you're looking for?

    Get in touch

    • Civil Disputes
    • Clinical Negligence
    • Contentious Probate
    • Court of Protection
    • Employment for Individuals
    • Family
    • Lasting Powers of Attorney
    • Personal Injury
    • Probate
    • Residential Property
    • Residential Property Disputes
    • Trusts
    • Wealth Management Services
    • Wills & Lifetime Planning
  • Business

    Not sure what you're looking for?

    Get in touch

    • Commercial Disputes
    • Commercial Property
    • Commercial Property Disputes
    • Company & Commercial
    • Employment for Business
  • About Us

    Not sure what you're looking for?

    Get in touch

    • Accreditations & Partnerships
    • Why Choose Us?
    • Insights
    • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Fees Information
  • People
  • Careers
  • Offices

    Not sure what you're looking for?

    Get in touch

    • Brentwood (High Street)
    • Brentwood (Cathedral Place)
    • Chelmsford
    • Hornchurch
    • Upminster

Defamation

Protecting your reputation with clear, guidance and effective legal action

Personal Civil Disputes Defamation

Service overview heading

We help individuals understand and respond to defamation, protecting your reputation with tailored legal solutions and robust support.

Defamation can deeply affect your personal and professional life. Defamation occurs when false statements are made that harm your reputation, whether spoken or written. At Pinney Talfourd, we guide you through identifying defamatory actions, advising on effective responses such as cease-and-desist letters, and if needed, initiating claims to protect your name and reputation.

Our approach balances legal expertise with offering not just advice but peace of mind. We know that each situation is unique and treat your concerns with empathy and discretion. Whether it’s someone spreading false rumours, damaging your business standing, or posting harmful comments online, we stand by you to address the harm swiftly and decisively.

Specialist expertise in defamation law

Our solicitors have proven experience in handling defamation cases, ensuring that every detail of your claim is expertly managed.

Bespoke, clear advice

We break down complex legal principles into straightforward guidance tailored exactly to your situation.

Decisive and timely action

We act quickly to protect your reputation, whether that means sending cease and desist letters or preparing your case to issue proceedings.

Compassionate client care

We understand how sensitive defamation claims can be and provide discreet, empathetic support.

Trusted by clients for life

Many clients return to us for ongoing legal support – a testament to our dedication and reliability.

Transparent and fair pricing

We offer clear cost structures, so you feel confident every step of the way.

Strong negotiation skills

Where possible, we aim to resolve disputes out of court to save you time and stress.

Accredited and recognised

We are proud to be recommended by Legal 500, reflecting our commitment to excellence in civil dispute resolution

Live chat

Need help with a legal issue? Start a chat with a member of our team.

Speak with us

Call us

Our team is here to help. Call us today.

0800 011 1195

We’ll call you

Please let us know when it’s convenient and we’ll call you.

Request a callback

Pay an invoice

Pay your invoice securely through our online portal.

Pay online

Understanding defamation and the legal options available to you

Defamation is the publication of false information that damages your reputation. It can be spoken (slander) or written/published (libel). Many defamatory comments are made on online platforms and social media. Recognising defamation early allows us to act quickly, limiting harm.

We guide you through your options, starting with sending cease and desist letters to stop defamatory statements. These letters are robustly drafted and formally demand the other party removes the offending content and refrains from further damaging statements. Often, this can lead to swift resolution without the need for court action.

If informal resolution fails, we support you in starting formal defamation claims. This process involves gathering evidence, establishing how the statements have harmed you and what loss they might have caused, and pursuing legal recourse to clear your name and potentially recover damages.

Our approach at Pinney Talfourd is always personal and pragmatic – supporting you every step with clarity and calm during what can be a stressful time. We work closely with you to understand your goals and priorities, tailoring our strategy to best protect your reputation and interests.

With ongoing changes in media and social platforms, we stay ahead of how defamation laws apply in these new contexts. Our proactive guidance ensures you are always informed, prepared, and protected.

Defamation FAQs

We understand you might be looking for answers, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help get you started.

What exactly counts as defamation?

Defamation involves false statements presented as facts that harm your reputation. Both spoken (slander) and written or published (libel) statements can be defamatory.

What is a cease-and-desist letter?

It’s a formal demand asking the person spreading false statements to stop immediately and retract their comments, often resolving the dispute without court involvement.

How do I start a defamation claim?

We guide you through preparing your case, from evidence gathering to letter or claim preparation, ensuring your claim is as strong as possible.

Can defamation claims follow online comments?

Yes. Online posts, social media, and websites can all be subject to defamation laws, and we have experience navigating these modern challenges.

How long does a defamation claim take?

Timescales vary depending on complexity. We keep you informed throughout and work efficiently to resolve matters promptly.

Looking for advice?

Looking for advice

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*

Your key contact

You can contact us now to book an initial consultation. Or for more information please contact Nick Hatchett on the details below.

Nick Hatchett

Nick Hatchett

Partner

01277 246 844

Send Nick an email

Our offices

Map showing Brentwood (Cathedral Place)
Brentwood (Cathedral Place)
Map showing Brentwood (Cathedral Place)

1 Cathedral Place
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4ES

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 283 707

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Brentwood (High Street)
Map showing Brentwood (High Street)

30 High Street
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4AJ

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211 755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Chelmsford
Map showing Chelmsford

Elizabeth House
28 Baddow Road
Chelmsford
Essex CM2 0DG

T: 01245 206 684

F: 01708 202 132

E: chelmsford@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Hornchurch
Map showing Hornchurch

40 North Street
Hornchurch
Essex
RM11 1EW

DX: 51004 Hornchurch

T: 01708 511 000

F: 01708 202 132

E: hornchurch@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Upminster
Map showing Upminster

54 Station Road
Upminster
Essex
RM14 2TU

DX: DX 35555 Upminster

T: 01708 229 444

F: 01708 202 132

E: upminster@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Connect with us

To get all the latest news, updates and insights from us at Pinney Talfourd, sign up to our newsletter.

Sign-up to our Newsletter

Our accreditations

Trusted by many

Trustpilot logo

Brentwood (Cathedral Place)

1 Cathedral Place
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4ES

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 283 707

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Brentwood (High Street)

30 High Street
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4AJ

DX: 5003 Brentwood

T: 01277 211 755

F: 01708 202 132

E: brentwood@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Chelmsford

Elizabeth House
28 Baddow Road
Chelmsford
Essex CM2 0DG

T: 01245 206 684

F: 01708 202 132

E: chelmsford@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Hornchurch

40 North Street
Hornchurch
Essex
RM11 1EW

DX: 51004 Hornchurch

T: 01708 511 000

F: 01708 202 132

E: hornchurch@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Upminster

54 Station Road
Upminster
Essex
RM14 2TU

DX: DX 35555 Upminster

T: 01708 229 444

F: 01708 202 132

E: upminster@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Copyright © 2026. Pinney Talfourd LLP. Registered office address: 54 Station Road, Upminster, Essex RM14 2TU, United Kingdom. Company No: OC324736.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Fees Information
  • Refund and Returns Policy
  • Modern Slavery
  • Sitemap