Esbrook P.C. Secures Dismissal of Defamation Suit Against the President of the Chicago Board of Education

Chicago, IL (September 25, 2026) — On September 25, 2026, the court granted Esbrook P.C.’s motion to dismiss in Martinez v. Harden, dismissing the defamation suit brought by Pedro Martinez, former Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Public Schools, against our client.

The court agreed that the statements at issue were expressions of opinion and therefore not defamatory, and that they were also protected by common-law and statutory immunity. The ruling reaffirms important protections for public officials and the value of candid speech.

We are pleased to have secured this result for Mr. Harden. Congratulations to the Esbrook team David Pustilnik, Christopher Esbrook, and Dana Raymond.