Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Watson v. Kaminski

To be privileged, the communication must relate to pending or proposed litigation and must further the attorney's representation; there is no requirement that the communication must set forth the specific litigation anticipated.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
OPINION

In 1999, appellant, a prison inmate, attempted to send an extortion demand to Smith Corona Corporation, but prison officials intercepted it and notified appellees. This occurred after appellant and Smith Corona had settled a lawsuit concerning appellant’s Smith Corona word processor. Attorney Robert Kaminski represented Smith Corona in that case and responded to correspondence from Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) officials informing him of the extortion attempt. Kaminski wrote a letter to TDCJ concerning the incident.

Appellant sued Kaminski, his employer Griggs & Harrison, P.C., and Smith Corona, claiming that Kaminski’s letter defamed him. Appellant complained that Kaminski’s letter defamed him by stating (1) that his lawsuit against Smith Corona was frivolous; (2) that appellant had alleged Smith Corona and TDCJ had conspired against him; (3) that, by settling the earlier litigation for $400, appellant had waived any right lawfully to seek money from Smith Corona; and (4) that appellant would attempt extortion again. Kaminski’s allegedly defamatory statements (italicized), in their context, follow:

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Women, Influence & Power in Law US Awards 2024
September 24, 2024
Chicago, IL

Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards honors women lawyers who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) 2024
September 23, 2024 - September 25, 2024
Chicago, IL

WIPL is the original global forum facilitating women-to-women exchange on leadership and legal issues.


Learn More
New England Legal Awards 2024
September 26, 2024
Boston, MA

The New England Legal Awards serves as a testament to the outstanding contributions and achievements made by legal professionals.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Litigation Attorney

New York boutique law firm currently seeking an attorney with substantive knowledge and at least three years experience litigating in New Yo...


Apply Now ›
Managing Attorney

LOGS Legal Group LLP is looking to add a Managing Attorney to our Cincinnati, Ohio office. JOB TITLE: Managing Attorney BUSINESS UNIT: Le...


Apply Now ›
Personal Injury Defense Litigation Associate - New Jersey

Capehart Scatchard seeks a personal injury defense litigation associate with 1-4 years experience. Hybrid remote work permitted. Must be ad...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs