Expert: Charles W. Field - 9/20/2004

Question
In a story I am writing, a woman sues someone for sexual harassment. It is a false charge, but the accused is running for govenor and doesn't want the bad publicity. His lawyer contacts the accuser and they settle or pay her and warn her that if shes goes to the media there will be trouble for her. Or could the lawyer have as part of the agreement that the acuser not speak to the media? Is this realistic?
The main thing is that the lawyer handles things without it being in the papers. How might it be done?
Thanks.

Answer
First, since the woman has apparently already filed suit, one cat is already out of the bag. Lawsuits are public records. Even if no one else saw the suit, the folks in the clerk's office did. These folks are forever calling the press to report someone of note is being sued for sexual harassment. That thorny problem aside, sure, the attorney could quietly pay some monetary amount. This happens all the time. And yes, part of the settlement agreement could be that the woman not tell the press or anyone else. Enforcement might be a problem though. If the woman did spill the beans, about all the candidate could do is to sue her for breach of contract to get back the money.