Has anyone ever fired a difficult client and had them threaten to defame?
In 25 years of practice I have never experienced this. Finally decided to fire a difficult client (drama, late on compensation, non-payment for late cancellations and verbally abusive)and now she is threatening to ruin my career by writing about me on the internet among other things. Does anyone have any experience with this or advice????
Trent’s link was really interesting.
I don’t know whether you can have the lawyer write a letter before the person writes anything, that is, unless you have documented threats. Did they threaten this in an email, or in person? privately, or in front of people? Did you document her behavior on the road to termination?
This one is also interesting….
http://blogs.findlaw.com/injured/2012/03/3-tips-when-you-sue-for-online-…
Laws vary by jurisdiction, and laws related to the online world are new, and in some cases still being written. Talking to a lawyer now might be worth the time and money just so you have a plan of action and so you aren’t feeling so anxious.
There are companies that will suppress online reviews that are negative. I think I’ve heard one advertised called reputation.com, but I think those services are very expensive. And I don’t think I would go there for a host of reasons.
I think Harris is right, that the weight of your years and all the people you have worked with who like you will more than balance one person who makes a fuss. Particularly if they are inclined to make an unreasonable and overly caustic fuss. You might reach out to other clients and ask if they would be willing to write some new reviews, as a way to help balance this.
Good luck