Amber Heard changes attorneys for Johnny Depp appeal | CTB NEWS

mber Heard changes attorneys for Johnny Depp appeal.

In her appeal of the June 1 verdict in the high-profile, defamation lawsuit between her and, ex-husband Johnny Depp, Amber Heard has replaced her legal team.

According to a statement, the "Aquaman" actress has retained, David L. Axelrod and Jay Ward Brown of, Ballard Spahr as her appellate counsel.

Axelrod and Brown said in a joint statement, "We welcome the opportunity to represent Ms. Heard in this appeal, because it is a case with serious, First Amendment consequences for every American." We're positive the appeals court will do the right, thing by the law and ignore public opinion, to overturn the verdict against Ms. Heard and uphold the principles of free expression.

Elaine Charlson Bredehoft of Charlson Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft, is leaving her position as co-counsel, while Ben Rottenborn of Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black, will remain in her place. Before the initial slander trial, Heard was represented by Rottenborn and Bredehoft.

Bredehoft stated in a statement, "Now is the time to hand off the torch." I will be working closely with Amber and, her appeals team every step, of the way to ensure their success.

To paraphrase a famous remark, Heard's spokesperson said, "When it comes to safeguarding, the fundamental right of Freedom of Speech, we look at the jury's judgment not, 'as the beginning of the end, but merely the end of the beginning." They elaborated, "a distinct court demands different representation."

In the defamation trial between the ex-couple, which concluded on June 1, the jury went overwhelmingly with Depp, and ordered Heard to pay Depp, more than $10 million in damages. Depp was fined $2 million for failing, to pay his ex-legal wife's fees and other costs.

On July 21st, Heard appealed the decision, and on July 22nd, Depp appealed as well.

According to the paperwork, Depp plans to appeal "any adverse findings, including from the final judgment order."

Close friends of Depp said the ruling, was "overwhelmingly good" for him, as reported by ABC News. "Mr. Depp thinks it's time for everyone involved to heal, and move on now that the verdict is in. To make sure the Court of Appeal looks, at the entire record and, all relevant legal issues if Ms. Heard does decide to take, the case to court again, Mr. Depp has filed a concurrent appeal."