T was accused of making four maliciously defamatory statements when she was recruited as an independent HR consultant to investigate allegations of misconduct by F, a partner in a Law Firm.
In a case in which High Court proceedings commenced in 2014, an application was made on behalf of T in the High Court for summary judgment. During a two day hearing it was submitted that the statements were true, honestly held opinion, made with F’s consent, protected by qualified privilege, and were not malicious. Because there were concurrent Employment Tribunal proceedings it was also argued that the defamation action was an abuse of process.
The application was successful and F was ordered to pay all of T’s costs.
T was represented by Michael Chambers.
