Location: New York
I'm a college student in New York looking for guidance on a defamation situation.
Someone I previously had a working relationship with has been telling people in our shared circle that I committed financial misconduct. The accusation is false and I have clean records to demonstrate that.
When I learned what was being said, I asked her directly and she essentially deflected. I followed up with the people she had referenced and confirmed she had in fact been making these statements. I addressed it with her again in a conversation that was witnessed by several people. She has since cut ties with the group. There is no written record of her statements that I'm aware of — everything has been verbal.
I have not contacted her since that conversation.
My questions:
- Does an accusation of financial misconduct qualify as defamation per se under NY law, and how does that affect what I'd need to prove?
- Is a cease and desist letter useful at this stage, or premature without written evidence?
- What should I be doing to preserve what evidence I do have (witness accounts, dates, etc.)?
- Someone I trust has suggested I reach out to her informally to smooth things over. Is there legal risk in doing that given what she's accusing me of?
- She also attends my college. Are there any school-process considerations I should be thinking about alongside civil options?
I have a consultation with a local attorney scheduled. Just trying to understand the landscape before that conversation. Thanks.