Whether the claim arises from a social media post, a review, a news report, a business dispute, or a statement made in the heat of a personal conflict, a libel or slander lawsuit puts your finances — and sometimes your reputation — at risk.
Defamation law sits at the intersection of speech and reputation, and defending these cases well requires understanding both. Before practicing law, Kristen spent years as a working journalist, which means she understands how statements get made, edited, published, and amplified — knowledge that matters when the case turns on questions of meaning, context, and intent.
Her law review scholarship on newsgathering liability, published in the Fordham Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law Journal, reflects a long engagement with the legal principles that decide these cases.
A member of CNN’s original Washington bureau at the network’s launch, covering the Pentagon and the United States Supreme Court, and later an anchor and correspondent at CBS News for more than fifteen years.
Two New York Emmy Awards for coverage of breaking news, and a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding achievement in broadcast journalism.
Writing & Research Editor of the Fordham Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law Journal, and author of published First Amendment scholarship on newsgathering liability.
New York law provides substantial protections for speech, and many defamation claims fail on well-established grounds: the statement was true, or was an expression of opinion rather than fact, or was protected by a privilege, or the plaintiff cannot establish the required degree of fault.
New York’s anti-SLAPP law also provides significant protection — including the potential recovery of attorney’s fees — for defendants sued over speech on matters of public interest.
Which defenses apply, and how strong they are, depends entirely on the facts. Kristen’s approach is the same here as in every other part of the practice: an honest assessment first, resolution through negotiation where possible, and vigorous litigation where necessary.
Browde Law practices exclusively in New York State courts — Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and the five boroughs of New York City. We do not practice in Florida or any other state.
If you’ve been threatened with a defamation claim or already served with a lawsuit, timing matters — there are deadlines for responding, and early missteps can be costly. The first conversation is confidential and carries no obligation. You’ll speak with Kristen directly, and you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your exposure and your options.
You’ll speak with Kristen directly — not a receptionist or intake coordinator.
Contact Kristen → Call (914) 266-9222