Introduction » Stage 1 » Stage 2

STAGE 2 - Negotiating and attempting to settle prior to issue of court proceedings

If after reading our written advice you wish to instruct us to try and resolve matters (the pre-action protocol on defamation encourages parties to at least attempt settlement) then we will quote you a fixed price which will include all negotiations and correspondence with the complainant, drawing up the terms of any settlement, and keeping you fully advised and informed throughout.

This too is an important stage as careful and considerate negotiation, from a position of strength, will often avert the much more expensive and time consuming litigation later on. However we fully understand that some cases will not settle because of a point of principle or because the story is fully justified, or the complaint is simply vexatious - in these situations it is important to correctly and firmly state your position and the fact that any proceedings will be fully defended. We can give a fixed price for doing any work up to this stage.

Stage 3, Defending AFTER court proceedings issued