Michele McBride Simonelli

With over two decades of experience in the legal field, both in private and public sectors, I, Michele McBride Simonelli, have acquired the necessary knowledge to handle highly personal client matters with integrity, discretion, and dedicated advocacy. My roles as a Judicial Staff Attorney for the Ohio District Courts of Appeals in both the Eleventh and Seventh Districts, along with managing my own solo practice, have provided me with unique insights into the administration and practice of law across various issues.

In my professional path, I have been responsible for researching, analyzing, and drafting judicial opinions for a three-judge panel on diverse legal issues such as defamation, criminal menacing, and breach of contract disputes. This role required not only a profound understanding of current laws but also an awareness of their potential future implications. With laws and judgments on internet defamation evolving rapidly, my ability to quickly and accurately anticipate future trends has been essential. In my private practice, I bring ten years of experience in managing sensitive and emotionally charged issues including online defamation, revenge porn, highly contested divorces, custody battles, and LGBTQIA concerns.

I handle each client's case with meticulous care and seasoned judgment, ensuring impartiality at all times. I understand that clients often seek my counsel during highly sensitive periods in their lives. My background in psychology and counseling aids in my effective communication with clients and those whose actions have caused emotional distress, financial strain, and complications in their job and family relationships.

In addition to my legal practice, I teach courses on First Amendment and Privacy Law at Kent State University. My personal interests include cycling, gardening, and hiking.

University of Notre Dame

B.A. | Psychology

Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

J.D.

Activities: Editor, Cleveland State Law Review Awarded Outstanding Student in the Law of Evidence

Landmark Supreme Court Decisions on Privacy and Free Speech

Grey House Publishing

Landmark Supreme Court Decisions on Privacy and LGBTQ Issues

Grey House Publishing

How to Spot & Avoid Cam Girl Scams

Minc Law

September 27, 2022

“Privacy in Five: Managing Your Online Data”

Kent State University Poynter Media Symposium

“Copyright Protection for the Emerging Artist”

Youngstown State University School of Fine Arts

State Bar of Ohio  # 074828

Member

Current

Ohio

Supreme Court of Ohio Office of Attorney Services

ID Number: 074828

Q. How hard is it to win a defamation case against a person. The statements made she knew were false and hurt my reputation

November 2, 2024

A: It sounds like you may have a potential case for defamation, interference with employment, and possibly other civil claims. In a situation like this, several factors could play into whether you have a viable legal claim. Here’s an overview of what you’d need to consider:

Defamation: To prove defamation, you'd need to establish that:

The statements made by your mother-in-law were false,

She made these statements with some level of fault (like actual malice or negligence), and

The statements were communicated to a third party, causing harm to your reputation.

From what you’ve shared, it seems like she may have made damaging statements about you in court filings, which can sometimes complicate defamation claims if the statements were made in certain legal contexts. However, if she made statements outside of court or if you can demonstrate malicious intent and falsehood, that might strengthen your case.

Emotional Distress: The severe emotional impact on you and your husband may open the door to a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress, especially if her actions were particularly extreme and outrageous.

Interference with Employment: If you can show that she intentionally caused your husband’s termination or impacted your job opportunities with false claims, you may have a claim for tortious interference with contractual relations or prospective economic advantage.

Proof of Harm: It’s excellent that you have medical records showing clean drug tests, which will help to counter her accusations. Other documentation (such as letters from employers stating the reason for a job denial or information about the job loss) would strengthen your case.

Counsel and Conflict of Interest: It’s understandable that you feel uneasy seeking help from certain lawyers, but keep in mind that many attorneys are experienced in handling sensitive situations and conflicts of interest. It’s crucial to work with an attorney who can guide you through the process without bias.

Since this situation involves many complex elements, you would benefit from consulting an attorney experienced in defamation and related claims to explore these avenues in detail. They can help you evaluate the legal standards and evidence needed to pursue a claim. ... Read More