First, as an ex-legal secretary, I urge you NOT to get lawyers involved!  (I would say "under any circumstances", but sometimes it's necessary.)  The only one who will come out ahead is the lawyer.  Next, I would CALL these two abstractors and ask them why they're saying this (in a calm, cool, matter-of-fact tone).  One of three things is going to happen:  They're going to lie and say they didn't do it at all, they're going to lie and apologize and say they really didn't think you DID search other courts and try to explain why they're talking about you to your client, or they're going to tell the truth and say they really didn't think you searched other courts and apologize.

This lets them know that you know what's going on (and don't appreciate it) and you could end the conversation with a gentle threat, something like "I really cannot afford outsiders liabling my company...I hope you understand.  This really has to stop or I'll have to take some other action." 

I think if you get too confrontational or express too much anger (even tho justified) you'll serve to add fuel to the fire.  Instead of scaring them, you'll get them vengeful.  I know this seems like you're the one backing down, but remember that YOU'RE the one who is now holding all the cards and once they realize that, this will stop and never start up again.

Alix
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