Defamation Attorney Based in Berkeley, CA
Protecting Your Reputation—and Holding Liars Accountable
Legal Support for California Employees and Professionals Defamed at Work or Online
False statements can severely damage a person's reputation, career, and personal life. Whether the defamation occurred in the workplace, online, or in public, the law offers protections. As a trusted defamation attorney based in Berkeley, Kurt helps individuals across California take legal action in response to slander, libel, or malicious falsehoods.
What Defamation Looks Like
To legally qualify as defamation, a statement must be false, communicated to others, and cause actual harm.
You may have a claim if someone:
- Made false statements about you to your employer or coworkers
- Posted false accusations online or on social media
- Lied about your professional conduct or personal character
- Spread damaging rumors intended to harm your reputation
- Publicly accused you of criminal acts or serious misconduct
- Impersonated you or disclosed private facts in a harmful way
Whether spoken (slander) or written (libel), defamation that impacts your employment, relationships, or standing may be legally actionable.
How a California Defamation Lawyer Can Help You
Kurt provides strategic legal guidance to clients seeking to stop the spread of falsehoods and restore their reputations:
Assessing whether the statement qualifies as defamation
Kurt evaluates the facts and context to determine whether the legal standard for defamation is met.
Documenting the harm
The firm compiles evidence including communications, screenshots, and documentation of emotional or professional damage.
Demanding a retraction or filing a lawsuit
Kurt attempts to resolve matters through retraction demands where possible, or initiates legal proceedings if necessary.
Seeking compensation and correction
Legal remedies may include monetary damages, attorney fees, injunctive relief, and public retractions.
The Legal Process, Step by Step
Consultation
Attorney Dreger discusses what was said, where it was shared, and how it has impacted the client.
Demand or Filing
Depending on the circumstances, the firm may issue a cease and desist or file a lawsuit for libel or slander
Building the Record
Evidence such as witness statements, social media posts, professional records, and communications is gathered.
Resolution or Trial
Dreger Law pursues a resolution through settlement or trial to seek justice and restore the client’s good name.
The Legal Process, Step by Step
Consultation
Kurt reviews the employee’s experience, identifies red flags, and determines whether discrimination laws may have been violated.
Informal Resolution
If the case has merit, we first reach out to the Defendant and suggest an informal resolution, with the goal of reaching a fair settlement.
Initiate Litigation
The firm files claims in the appropriate jurisdiction and serves the Complaint on all defendants. This initiates litigation.
Discovery and Motions
Gathers supporting documents, witness statements, and employer communications to build a strong case depending on the circumstances, motions will be filed and/or defended. Throughout the entire process, however, Kurt maintains a strong suggestion to resolve the case before trial, typically through mediation..
Resolution
Kurt seeks outcomes that restore dignity and provide meaningful compensation—whether through settlement or litigation.
Focused Defamation Lawyer in Berkeley
Kurt has experience handling complex defamation cases in both professional and public contexts.
Strategic, Confidential Approach
The firm protects clients’ privacy while addressing defamation discreetly and effectively.
Virtual Representation Across California
Kurt Dreger Law Office serves clients throughout the state, offering flexible and secure virtual consultations.
Advocacy Rooted in Integrity
Kurt believes in truth and accountability and works to hold bad actors responsible for reputational harm.
FAQs
Defamation
Is defamation illegal if it happens online?
Yes. False statements posted online can qualify as libel.
What damages can I recover in a defamation case?
This may include lost income, emotional distress, reputational harm, and sometimes punitive damages.
What if the person claims they were “just giving an opinion”?
Opinions are allowed—but false statements presented as facts may still be defamation.
Do I need to prove the person intended to harm me?
Not always. Negligently spreading false information can still be defamation.
Clear Your Name. Reclaim Your Reputation.
If someone’s lies are damaging your future, Kurt can help you take action. With integrity and focus, he works to protect your name and restore your standing.