Andrew Stebbins
Partner | Cleveland
Assistant | Gail Richards : [email protected]
About Andrew:
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it.” In today’s digital world, the significance of Warren Buffett’s well-known adage is greater than ever. Five minutes is more than enough time for anyone to write a fake anonymous review, defame a business, and or destroy a person’s reputation. I understand the pain and damage caused by a fake review or defamatory statement posted on the Internet. Your reputation is the most important asset for you or any business, and protecting that reputation is my number one priority.
In my more than decade of experience representing businesses and individuals, I have gained an understanding of the suffering my clients endure from these attacks and focus my career on representing and aiding my clients in restoring and maintaining their reputation online. I know that these problems are your top priority. I work best under pressure and understand that time is of the essence when it comes to your reputation. I act quickly to make sure that online content is removed and that the source of the negative attacks is swiftly resolved.
When it comes to online defamation, there are no cookie cutter solutions, and each problem requires a different response. From the day I started as an attorney, my sole focus has been pursuing new and unique ways for my clients to achieve their goals and grow their business. Because I understand that every situation is unique, I focus on developing individually tailored strategies for each client that provide timely, cost-effective and successful resolution to each case.
I am a successful litigator that has handled every aspect of litigation and trial as a lead attorney in both state and federal courts, representing businesses and individuals in a broad spectrum of litigation matters. I have a proven track record of success in accomplishing my clients’ goals, including winning favorable jury verdicts, six-figure settlements and injunctive relief.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, and watching sports. I volunteer regularly and I am active in several community organizations in the Greater Cleveland area.
- Joined Buckingham in 2022
- Defended a client against Anti-SLAPP motion from media outlet
- Represented a business against a coordinated defamatory campaign on Google Reviews, Ripoff Report, and Yelp.
- Represented an individual in removal of secretly recorded video from more than 30 websites.
- Represented professional in a dispute with a former client who issued numerous false and anonymous reviews on the company website.
- Represented a client in removal of negative posts from Facebook.
- Represented business in identifying and stopping a competitor from posting fake reviews on Google.
- Case Western Reserve School of Law (J.D.)
- Institute for Global Security Law & Policy, Research Assistant
- College of Wooster (B.A.)
Admissions
- Ohio Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana
- Selected for inclusion in Ohio’s Super Lawyers® Rising Stars (2015-2024), as voted by peers
Associations
- Ohio State Bar Association
- Cleveland Metro Bar Associations
- Revenge Porn Damages (May 10, 2024)
- Defamation vs. Free Speech (April 2, 2024)
- "The State of AI: Faster, Fairer Resolutions?", IR Global, The Visionaries (p. 40-41), March 2024
- Can I Sue the Media for Defamation? (December 27, 2023)
- How to Manage an Online Reputation Crisis (December 21, 2023)
- What is Section 230? (December 21, 2023)
- How Long Does it Take to Sue for Defamation? (December 21, 2023)
- Defamation of a Public Figure vs. Private Figure (December 14, 2023)
- How to Report an Impersonation Account on Social Media (December 14, 2023)
- Can I Get a Retraction of a Defamatory Statement? (December 14, 2023)
- How to Ask Employees for Indeed and Glassdoor Reviews (December 14, 2023)
- Can I Sue for Invasion of Privacy? (December 13,2023)
- What You Need to Win a Defamation Lawsuit (December 13, 2023)
- What is Defamation Per Se? (December 7, 2023)
- "Avoiding Trials on Social Media: Obtaining protective orders to prevent trying your case on social media (or online)", CMBA Journal (pg. 28-29), November 2023
- Developing an Online Reputation Management Strategy (October 31, 2023)
- How to File a Defamation Lawsuit (October 31, 2023)
- Healthcare Online Reputation Management (October 31, 2023)
- Can I Sue Someone for Posting Nude Photos? (October 10, 2023)
- Should I Respond to Every Review? (September 28, 2023)
- How to Remove News Articles from Sites (September 12, 2023)
- Who to Choose?: What to Look for in a Defamation Attorney (September 6, 2023)
- Online Reputation Management for Property Management and Real Estate Professionals (September 1, 2023)
- What is an Anti-SLAPP Statute? (September 1, 2023)
- Libel vs. Slander (August 18, 2023)
- How to File a John Doe Lawsuit Over an Anonymous Review (August 11, 2023)
- How to Report Social Media Harassment (August 11, 2023)
- How to Prove Damages in a Defamation Case (August 4, 2023)
- Elements of Defamation (August 4, 2023)
- How to Manage Facebook Reviews (July 20,2023)
- What to Do if I'm Being Defamed Online (July 20, 2023)
- How to Manage Your Brand on Employee Review Sites (July 20, 2023)
- What is Online Defamation? (July 18, 2023)
- How to Manage Yelp Business Reviews (July 7, 2023)
- Can Doctors Respond to Online Reviews? (June 28, 2023)
- How to Verify Business Social Media Accounts (June 12, 2023)
- How Businesses Should Respond to Negative Social Media Posts (May 19, 2023)
- The Importance of Online Reputation for Businesses (May 17, 2023)
- How to Manage Negative Google Review (May 16, 2023)
CONNECT WITH Andrew
Our attorneys will provide a collaborative, thoughtful approach to your legal needs. We look forward to connecting with you.