Artists often create work about real people and events, critique systems of power, and shine the light on things that have been hidden. Artists also know how important personal reputation is, so we’re hosting a session on defamation presented by attorneys Lyndsey Wajert (Managing Associate at Dentons) and Megan Meier (Founding Partner at Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch). Join us for this free program to learn what defamation is, how to avoid defaming others when you create artistic work, and what to do if you believe you have been defamed. Beyond covering the definition of defamation and legal recourses, it will also cover common hypotheticals that artists encounter in their careers – from writers to visual artists to documentary filmmakers – and within their personal lives, such as rumors and personal opinions. This program is intended both for artists and attorneys, and will give IL attorneys CLE credit. Plus, we’ll take your questions. Please note that this Zoom program will not be recorded. About the Speakers: Lyndsey Wajert, Managing Associate at Dentons Lyndsey Wajert is a managing associate in Dentons’ Commercial Litigation practice group, resident in the Firm’s Chicago office. Lyndsey has extensive experience in complex commercial litigation, with a strong focus on media and entertainment, intellectual property and privacy. Her work includes drafting substantive motions, managing discovery and advising clients on a wide range of legal issues. She also maintains a thriving pro bono practice and frequently writes about defamation and other media-related claims. Lyndsey earned her law degree from Boston University School of Law and currently serves as the co-chair for the Women in Communications Law group within the ABA Forum on Communications Law. Megan Meier, Founding Partner at Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch Megan L. Meier is one of only ten attorneys recognized by Chambers & Partners as among the best in the United States for High Net Worth: Defamation / Reputation Management. Hailed as “a powerhouse,” “an extraordinary advocate” and “a shaper in her industry,” Megan recently won an $8 million jury verdict on behalf for the chairman of a private investment firm in libel litigation over a defamatory dossier. She previously sued Fox News for defamation over the network’s dangerous disinformation about the 2020 election—litigation that resulted in a $787.5 million settlement and a summary judgment finding that Fox broadcast false claims about election fraud. Megan has racked up high-profile defamation wins for companies, executives, and founders. In partnership with elite crisis PR firms and in-house communications professionals, Megan has also fixed or nixed false stories before they were published and has scored countless corrections and retractions from the national media. Megan is regularly tapped to speak at conferences and has guest lectured on defamation and media law at the University of Michigan Law School, Harvard Law School, New York University School of Law, George Washington University School of Media & Public Affairs, University of North Carolina School of Law, William and Mary Law School, and Barnard College. Megan loves musical theater, cheap white wine, cancelled stand-up comedians, friendships with people across the aisle, and living in the heart of Washington, D.C. with her family and Bernese Mountain Dog, Samson. Lyndsey Wajert, Managing Associate at Dentons Megan Meier, Founding Partner at Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch
