A claim for slander brought by a law firm against a former employee was settled and a statement read out in open court this week.

Howe & Co in London was suing ex-employee Patricia Burden for making a series of allegations criticising the way the firm's business was carried out.

Ms Burden had claimed that she was entrapped into making the comments in a taped conversation initiated by another employee (see [2004] Gazette, 19 February, 5).

A spokesman for Howe & Co said the firm felt vindicated by the statement - agreed on by both parties - which says that Ms Burden regrets making allegations against the firm.

The statement says that Ms Burden had not sought to allege in these proceedings that the comments were true and has undertaken not to repeat them.

It acknowledges that the firm holds a specialist quality mark for its Legal Services Commission franchise and has an 'excellent' reputation for immigration work.

Howe & Co partner Kieran O'Rourke said: 'Our goal has always been to obtain a public vindication rather than recover a financial sum from Ms Burden'.

He added: 'Given that a solicitor's reputation is [his] most important asset, I would not hesitate in recommending other firms to reconsider the litigation option when faced with false allegations made by former employees.'

A spokeswoman for London firm David Price, which acted for Ms Burden, said: 'Our client is delighted that the matter has been resolved amicably.'

See [2004] Gazette, 29 April, page 24

Rachel Rothwell