Libel, slander, and defamation attorneys help victims of libel (typically defined as a false and defamatory written communication) and slander (a false and defamatory spoken communication). Because instances of libel or slander – beyond simply damaging a person’s reputation – can demonstrate real financial injury, libel and slander attorneys help people recover compensation directly resulting from the libel, slander, or defamation. They can sometimes recover punitive or exemplary damages. Good libel and slander attorneys will not accept a libel or slander case unless the facts are clear, the damages can be proven, and the proposed defendant has resources substantial enough to make collection on a judgment likely. Attorneys usually require some payment in advance, rarely working on a pure contingent fee basis.