Defamation cases we may take
We represent people and businesses harmed by false statements of fact, and people sued for defamation over what they said or wrote. We are a small firm and take a limited number of these matters, so we ask everyone to answer the questions below before we schedule a consultation.
It takes about ten minutes. Answer what you can; "not sure" is always an acceptable answer.
Preliminary inquiry only — no attorney-client relationship
Completing a questionnaire, submitting a form, calling, or emailing the firm is a preliminary inquiry. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Thomas H. Roberts & Associates, PC does not represent you unless and until the firm agrees to do so in a written, signed fee agreement.
Consistent with Rule 1.18 of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct, we treat the information you provide in a preliminary inquiry as confidential, and we will not use or reveal it except as those Rules permit. That confidentiality does not make you our client, does not mean we have agreed to take your matter, and does not mean the firm is protecting any deadline for you. You alone remain responsible for every statute of limitations, notice requirement, and filing deadline until the firm has agreed to represent you in a written, signed fee agreement.
So that we can first check for conflicts of interest, please share only the basic facts needed to evaluate your matter, and do not send confidential information or documents until we have spoken.
Matters we look for
- False statements of fact that harmed your job, business, or reputation in a way you can show
- Statements accusing you of a crime, dishonesty in your work, or professional misconduct
- Defending people sued for speaking about public issues, including at public meetings
- Online statements by known or anonymous posters
Matters we usually can't take
- Statements made more than one year ago
- Insults, name-calling, and opinions, even harsh ones
- Claims against a website or platform for what its users posted
- Statements made in court filings or testimony
Every matter is different, and these are general guides, not rules. If you are unsure, complete the questions and we will review them. Submitting this form does not make you our client.
