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Court Grants Yankwitt LLP’s Motion to Dismiss Defamation and Tortious Interference Case Against Nonprofit

Yankwitt LLP successfully defended a nonprofit organization and several associated individuals in a case in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York involving claims of defamation and tortious interference with business relations. 

Yankwitt LLP moved to dismiss the defamation claim on the grounds that the allegedly defamatory statements were protected by the common interest privilege, and the plaintiffs failed to state a claim for tortious interference.  The court agreed and, in March 2022, granted our motion to dismiss the case in its entirety.

Yankwitt LLP’s well-researched and persuasive motion practice carried the day in the district court.  The issues presented were legally significant, bringing before the court fundamental questions, including whether the assertion of a privilege can support a motion to dismiss or must await summary judgment or trial and whether conclusory allegations of malice overcome such assertion. In each instance, the court ruled for the defendants.

Through zealous advocacy and superior brief writing, Yankwitt LLP framed and developed compelling legal arguments to achieve a complete dismissal and won the case.