Thomas & LoCicero is one of the leading defamation defense firms in the Southeastern United States, dedicated to safeguarding free speech and free press rights
With a wealth of experience, our defamation lawyers have successfully defended newspapers, television stations, authors, websites, employers, corporations, and individual speakers in innumerable defamation cases.
Our recent successes include:
- Ener v. Duckenfield, et. al, No. 20-cv-22886-UU (S.D. Fla. Sept. 29, 2020). Won dismissal of defamation claim and award of attorneys’ fees under Florida’s Anti-SLAPP law.
- Gary Marder, et al. v. TEGNA Inc., et al., No. 19-81283-CIV-SMITH, 2020 WL 3496447 (S.D. Fla. June 29, 2020). Won dismissal of defamation claims against TEGNA, Gannett Co., Inc. and News Corp. brought by a South Florida physician seeking over $200 million in damages.
- W.P. Productions, Inc. v. Tramontina U.S.A., Inc. and Sam’s West, Inc., No. 18-cv-63162, 2020 WL 3566400 (S.D. Fla. June 12, 2020). Representing a manufacturer of cookware sets sold to major U.S. retailers, won summary judgment on 15 million dollar defamation and tortious interference claims.
- Bernstein, et al. v. Larson Shannahan Slifka Group, LLC, et al. (Fla. 13th Jud. Cir. Ct. 2020). Won dismissal with prejudice, based upon official immunity, of defamation and conspiracy claims arising out of ammunition procurement contract for U.S. Special Operations Command.
- Russell v. Waterman Broadcasting Corp, et al. (Fla. 20th Jud. Cir. 2019). Won summary judgment for reporter in public official defamation lawsuit brought by state attorney.
- Folta v. The New York Times Company, et al., No. 1:17-cv-256-MW/GRJ, 2019 WL 486776 (N.D. Fla. Feb. 27, 2019). Won summary judgment for The New York Times and journalist Eric Lipton in defamation case involving news story profiling relationships between public university professors and the biotechnology and organic food industries concerning the safety and regulation of G.M.O. food products.
In court, we leverage our extensive experience and in-depth knowledge to assert a range of First Amendment, common law, and statutory defenses to protect your speech. We proactively file dispositive motions early in defamation cases, often ending litigation early, which saves you time and money. More importantly, it allows you to prioritize your news and business interests.
Invasion of Privacy Defense
Two of those key cases are:
Tyne v. Time-Warner Entertainment, Co. We successfully defended the producers of The Perfect Storm, affirming the unrestricted rights of creative artists to portray and comment on individuals involved in historical events.
Jews for Jesus, Inc. v. Rapp. On behalf of a consortium of media leaders, we advocated against the recognition of false light invasion of privacy in Florida. Our arguments prevailed, benefiting publishers, broadcasters, artists, and other speakers throughout the state.