US Defamation / Libel Attorney Needed – Online Allegations Against Coaching / Retreat Company
I’m looking for a licensed US attorney specialising in defamation / libel / slander and online reputation/media law to advise on a sensitive situation involving my US company and a former client based in the UK.
Context (anonymised):
• I own a US-registered LLC that offers personal development / group facilitation programs (online and at a retreat venue in Europe).
• A former participant (UK-based) has sent multiple long “formal complaint” emails with very serious allegations about me personally and about the modality/culture of my work (e.g. referring to me as a “predator,” claiming there is a “family with a secret protecting a predator,” alleging enabling of abuse, etc.).
• She has explicitly stated she is open to going public and to collaborating with others who share grievances, if she can ensure she’s legally protected.
• I already have a Dutch lawyer advising on the venue / Dutch company side. What I now need is US guidance for the Heart iQ Network LLC side: defamation exposure, best response strategy, and how to protect my brand and reputation if she publishes online (social media, blogs, etc.).
What I need from you:
1. Document review & risk assessment
• Review ~3 detailed complaint emails (approx. 10–15 pages total) and a short summary of the context.
• Identify which statements would likely be considered defamatory vs. opinion under US law.
• Assess my risk exposure if she publishes these statements online or shares them more widely.
2. Response strategy (pre-litigation)
• Advise on whether/how I should respond directly (or not) to her grievance from the US company side, without increasing my legal exposure.
• Help shape the tone and content of any written response:
• What level of “ownership” or empathy is safe?
• What should absolutely not be said or admitted in writing?
• Advise on whether a cease-and-desist or other formal notice would be helpful or likely to inflame things.
3. Online / PR / cross-border issues
• Guidance on how US defamation law applies where:
• The company is US-based,
• The complainant is UK-based, and
• Any publication would likely be online / cross-border.
• Practical advice on:
• What to do if she posts on social media, blogs, or in group chats.
• What not to do that might make things worse.
4. Concrete deliverables
• A concise written memo or email with:
• Your analysis of the key legal risks,
• Recommended overall strategy, and
• Specific do’s/don’ts for future communication.
• Optionally, help draft one or two template responses (e.g. a neutral acknowledgment / holding response, and—if advisable—a slightly more substantive response).
What I’m looking for in you:
• Licensed US attorney (please specify your state and bar number).
• Demonstrable experience in defamation / libel / slander, especially involving:
• Online publications, social media, or public accusations, and
• Individuals in personal growth / coaching / therapy / wellness or similar fields (a plus, not mandatory).
• Comfortable working with cross-border elements (US business, UK complainant, EU venue).
• Able to give practical, strategic advice, not just abstract legal theory.
• Ideally available for an initial fixed-price review & strategy with possibility of ongoing hourly work if the situation escalates.
Budget & scope:
• Initially looking for a fixed-fee quote for:
• Reviewing the complaint emails + short contextual docs, and
• Providing a written legal opinion + 30–60 min call to walk through your advice.
• Please indicate:
• Your estimated fixed fee for this first phase, and
• Your hourly rate for any follow-up work.
How to apply:
Please include in your proposal:
1. Your state(s) of admission and bar number.
2. A short description of your defamation / media / reputation law experience (especially online/social media cases).
3. Any relevant experience with coaching, spiritual, therapy, or retreat-style contexts (if applicable).
4. A rough outline of how you would approach this matter in the first 1–2 weeks.
I’m looking for someone who can help me respond in a way that:
• Minimises legal exposure,
• Reduces the likelihood of escalation, and
• Supports long-term protection of my personal and company reputation.
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