Where to turn to if you think you are subject to a SLAPP
If you think that you have been subject to a SLAPP then the first thing to do would be to seek independent legal advice. SLAPPs can involve complicated areas of legislation and a lawyer would be best placed to advise.
While seeking legal advice is imperative, there are also other organisations that you can report your case to. Find out more about these organisations below and how to contact them.
Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe
The Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) have put together a list of lawyers, law firms, legal organisations and funds across Europe to help those who are subject to SLAPP. They also have a form that you can fill out if you have been subject to a SLAPP so that it can be reported. You can find out more about their work on their website.
Solicitors Regulation Authority
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is the body that regulates solicitors and law firms in England and Wales. It oversees codes of conduct, regulations and guidelines as to how solicitors should behave. As a result of this, if a solicitor has behave in any abusive conduct then this can be reported to the SRA. Furthermore, if you think that there are other reasons why a solicitor has acted unprofessionaly, such as by acting dishonestly, then you can contact the SRA. You can file a report to the SRA here.
The Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists
The Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists reports on serious threats to journalists’ safety and media freedom. It is designed to reinforce the Council of Europe’s response to the threats and members states’ accountability. The platform has partnered with numerous organisations to provide a space where media freedom violations can be reported. Member States are expected to respond to any alert that is raised through the platform and they are also expected to have a positive obligation towards protecting journalism. You can find out more about the platform here.
UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition
The UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition was set up by a coalition of organisations who have set out a roadmap of how to tackle SLAPPs via legislation and regulation. You can find out more about their suggestion towards solving SLAPPs and their work on their website.
National Union of Journalists
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is the largest independent journalism union in the UK. It has members from newsrooms across the country and also represents journalists who work in a variety of ways, such as freelancers. They have also launched a petition calling on the government to tackle SLAPPs and are interested in hearing about any cases involving SLAPPs too. You can find out more about their work on SLAPPs here.