Amber Heard Hires New Legal Counsel Amid Appeal Of Johnny Depp Trial Verdict

Heard took action to formally appeal the judgement in Depp’s defamation case against her last month. The attorneys for the actress reportedly informed the court they intended to appeal the case in which a jury gave Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages on July 21, according to court records.

Entertainment

By Rohini Rajhansh On Aug 16, 2022

Amber Heard Hires New Legal Counsel Amid Appeal Of Johnny Depp Trial Verdict

Heard’s counterclaim resulted in a $2 million compensatory damages jury verdict but no punitive damages. After Depp’s counsel referred to Heard’s claims as a “hoax,” the jury determined that Depp was to blame. Depp has since filed an appeal against that decision as well. Ballard Spahr’s David L. Axelrod and Jay Ward Brown will now handle Heard’s appeal. Notably, the attorneys previously successfully defended The New York Times in a defamation suit brought by Sarah Palin.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to represent Ms Heard in this appeal because it is a case with significant First Amendment implications for every American,” Axelrod and Brown said in a statement. “We are confident that the appellate court will apply the law correctly, without regard for popular opinion, reverse the judgement against Ms Heard, and reaffirm the fundamental principles of free expression.”

Elaine Charlson Bredehoft of Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft has resigned, and Ben Rottenborn of Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black has been appointed as Heard’s new co-counsel. “This is the ideal time to pass the baton,” said Bredehoft in a statement. “I have promised Amber and her appellate team my full cooperation and assistance as they continue on their path to success.”

During the July 21 hearing on her appeal, one of Heard’s representatives told news agency, “We believe the court made errors that prevented a just and fair verdict consistent with the First Amendment,” adding, “We are therefore appealing the verdict.” While we recognise that today’s filing will spark a Twitter firestorm, we must take steps to ensure fairness and justice.”

Depp sued Heard for defamation after the Washington Post published an op-ed he wrote about being the victim of domestic abuse. Although Depp’s name was not mentioned in the piece, it was made public as news of their bitter 2016 divorce dominated headlines. Depp won the case after a six-week trial when the jury unanimously decided in his favour.

Amber Heard Johnny Depp