I was doing a little work related research on this subject today for something unrelated to JW land and came across this information writen for lay persons by legal pros. A couple of Attorney customers have told me they sugest this publisher's series of books to friends and family "Nolo Press" :http://www.personalinjurylawyer.com/topics/defamation-libel-and-slander
I have read many accounts on JWN where Elders have not followed WTBTS rules to the letter, and considering the ease of small claims court, the current $10,000 California limit, the ability to demand congregational records, and the inability for WTBTS to bring in legal teams to small communities all over the USA. It might just work...especially with current new anti-religion rulings and the common occurance of defendants not contesting small claims actions.
Read some of the information. For JWs with small businesses or JW employers, financial and emotional damages should be easy to prove.