Services
Internet Defamation Expert Witness Services
Internet defamation matters move quickly. Posts get edited, videos are taken down, and accounts disappear. The goal of these services is to preserve what happened, explain how it spread, and help the court understand the impact using clear, defensible evidence.
Every matter is different, but most follow a similar pattern: early assessment, preservation, deeper forensic analysis, reporting, and testimony when required.
Service Overview
Early Case Assessment
Rapid review of key URLs, posts, and videos, with a focus on preservation, initial risk assessment, and recommended next steps for counsel.
Forensic Investigation
Deeper analysis into search results, social media reach, cross-platform amplification, and domain and hosting details relevant to the matter.
Reports and Testimony
Written reports, declarations, deposition testimony, and trial testimony that explain findings in plain language supported by documentation.
Engagements can be scoped narrowly for early assessments or expanded for full forensic work and testimony, depending on the needs of the case.
Early Case Assessment and Preservation
Many matters begin with a short consultation and a quick review of the content at issue. The purpose is to confirm that the matter fits within this practice area, identify urgent preservation needs, and outline a practical plan for counsel.
This early assessment may include:
- Review of core URLs, posts, threads, and videos
- Identification of platforms and accounts involved
- High-level review of search visibility and reach
- Recommendations for evidence preservation and logging
Online content can change without notice. An early focus on preservation helps ensure that key evidence remains available even if creators delete or edit posts or platforms suspend accounts.
Deliverables can include a short memo or email summary to counsel describing findings, concerns, and next steps, as well as a list of recommended preservation actions that internal teams can carry out.
Forensic Analysis of Online Content
Forensic analysis goes beyond screenshots. It explores how content is distributed, where it appears in search results, how it is shared on social platforms, and how it may be mirrored or embedded on other sites.
Depending on the matter, analysis may cover:
- Search engine results for names, brands, and related queries
- Reach and engagement of social media posts and threads
- Performance and recommendation patterns of YouTube videos
- Link and embed patterns across websites and platforms
- Signals of coordinated behavior among accounts and domains
The goal is to create a clear picture of how the online record evolved, how visible the defamatory content became, and what role major platforms and search engines played in maintaining that visibility.
Findings are documented with timelines, annotated screenshots, and structured datasets that support the expert opinions and help the court see the progression of events over time.
Impact, Damages, and Causation Analysis
In many defamation matters, the core question becomes whether the online content contributed to lost business, reputational harm, or other measurable damage. While legal conclusions rest with the court, data and timelines can support or challenge theories of causation.
Analysis can include:
- Changes in branded search activity and visibility
- Traffic and lead patterns before and after publication
- Shifts in reviews, ratings, and customer feedback
- Advertising and referral interruptions tied to the content
These data points do not replace legal arguments but augment them with concrete evidence. They help distinguish between background noise and significant changes that align with the defamatory content’s publication and spread.
Bill’s reports explain the methods used so that other experts and the court can evaluate reliability and limitations.
Reports, Declarations, and Testimony
Written Reports
Comprehensive expert reports that lay out facts, analysis, methods, and opinions. These documents include exhibits, timelines, and supporting screenshots and data where appropriate.
Declarations and Affidavits
Focused written statements that support specific motions, such as requests for temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions, where a clear technical explanation is needed.
Deposition and Trial Testimony
Live or remote testimony that explains findings in plain language. Bill is comfortable using visual exhibits to walk judges and juries through complex online behavior.
Scope and timeline vary by matter. Counsel can discuss deadlines and court requirements in the initial consultation.
Detailed Service Areas
For more targeted SEO and for matters focused on specific platforms or patterns, these pages provide deeper detail on each service area:
Platform-specific pages are also available for matters centered on particular channels:
These pages are helpful for both search visibility and for giving clients and referring counsel a clear picture of what is covered.
Engaging Internet Defamation Expert Witness Services
Law firms or corporate counsel considering an engagement are encouraged to schedule an initial discussion. This conversation helps confirm fit, identify urgent evidence needs, and outline a right-sized plan for the case.
Please be prepared to share key URLs, approximate dates, and a brief description of the alleged defamation and resulting harm. Sensitive information can be handled under appropriate confidentiality arrangements.
Next Step for Counsel
Request a Consultation