In my short time as a journalist, I’ve had at three separate law firms threaten me with cease and desists.
Journalism isn’t a crime, but you wouldn’t know that by the way some law firms behave. When reporters uncover stories powerful people want buried, one of the oldest tricks in the book is to send a “nastygram” AKA a letter designed to intimidate, bully, and silence.
They’ll dress it up in legalese, slap their letterhead across it, and hope you panic. But let’s be clear: most of these threats are not about actual law, they’re about power. So here’s what to do when the suits come knocking.
Step One: Breathe. Then Read Carefully.
Don’t let their bluster shake you into silence. Read the letter line by line. Is it an actual lawsuit? Or just a “cease and desist” sprinkled with words like “defamation” and “malicious intent”? Nine times out of ten, these letters are fishing expeditions.
Real lawsuits come with court filings. Threats come with bluffs. Know the difference.
Step Two: Document Everything
Save the email. Screenshot it. Back it up. Print it out if you need to. If they call you, record the call if it’s legal in your state. These firms thrive on intimidation behind closed doors. Pull the curtain back, and suddenly their power shrinks.
Step Three: Lawyer Up—Strategically
Yes, you need legal backup. But don’t think every lawyer will tell you to back down. Media defense organizations exist for this exact reason:
- Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) offers free legal support.
- Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) steps in when digital rights are under attack.
- ACLU often weighs in when First Amendment rights are threatened.
If you can’t afford private counsel, reach out to one of these.
Step Four: Shine Light on the Threat
Law firms hate sunlight. If it’s safe, publish the threat itself. Plenty of news outlets have embarrassed big firms by exposing their bullying letters. If they’re trying to silence you, showing the world the tactics they use flips the power dynamic.
Step Five: Know Your Rights
In the U.S., truth is the ultimate defense against defamation. If your reporting is factually accurate, and verified they don’t have a case; they just want you to think they do. Courts recognize the press’s vital role, even if corporations don’t.
The Bigger Picture
Every journalist who caves to intimidation makes it harder for the next one to stand tall. These tactics are meant to bleed us dry; financially, emotionally, and professionally.
But remember: you’re not alone.
The press exists to hold the powerful accountable. If they’re threatening you, it probably means you’re doing your job right.
Call to Action
If you’ve been threatened, don’t hide. Share your story. Reach out to advocacy groups. Expose the bullies. And push for stronger anti-SLAPP laws in your state—because no reporter should fear bankruptcy just for telling the truth.
Journalism is a public service. Don’t let a law firm turn it into a liability.
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