Shows
California SLAPP LawSLAPP035 – Understanding the Public Interest Requirement
In Episode 35 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we take a deep dive into what constitutes a matter of public interest under the anti-SLAPP statute. It is apparent from the motions we are defeating that counsel is sorely lacking an understanding of this important point. As was held in the Supreme Court case of FilmOn v. DoubleVerify, it’s not enough to simply point to some amorphous matter of public interest. The challenged speech must be “closely related” to that public interest, AND it must somehow “advance the discussion” on the public interest.
We also discuss th...2025-04-2123 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP034 – Are Calls to the Police Still Protected Speech?
In Episode 34 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we examine the amendment to Civil Code section 47, which changed calls to the police from being absolutely privileged, to only conditionally privileged. Attorneys who sue for calls to the police, do so at their peril, as opposing counsel learned.
And we are happy to report that Morris & Stone created a new legal precedent, having to do with what we have long referred to as “all-or-nothing” anti-SLAPP motions. In Baral v. Schnitt, the California Supreme Court held that individual allegations of protected speech can be stricken from a comp...2024-04-1515 min
California SLAPP LawSLAPP033 – How to Defeat an anti-SLAPP Motion with Inadmissible Evidence
In Episode 33 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we revisit the California Supreme Court decision of Sweetwater Union High School District v. Gilbane Building Co. Our client was sued by an attorney, and we had the action dismissed by way of an anti-SLAPP motion. The attorney appealed, and in his briefs, he never mentioned the Sweetwater holding, and we sure were not going to bring it up. The Court of Appeal brought it up anyway. Would the attorney be able to reverse the ruling, based on evidence that might be admissible at trial?
We also...2022-09-1920 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP033 – How to Defeat an anti-SLAPP Motion with Inadmissible Evidence
In Episode 33 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we revisit the California Supreme Court decision of Sweetwater Union High School District v. Gilbane Building Co. Our client was sued by an attorney, and we had the action dismissed by way of an anti-SLAPP motion. The attorney appealed, and in his briefs, he never mentioned the Sweetwater holding, and we sure were not going to bring it up. The Court of Appeal brought it up anyway. Would the attorney be able to reverse the ruling, based on evidence that might be admissible at trial?
We also...2022-09-1920 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP032 – The 3 Most-Often Miscited Anti-SLAPP Cases
We begin Episode 32 with the discussion of how Morris & Stone just defeated an anti-SLAPP motion. I reveal the common (and fatal) mistake made by defense counsel when they pursue anti-SLAPP motions.
And on the topic of mistakes, based on my prior article, we turn to the three cases that counsel almost always cite improperly when defending against an anti-SLAPP motion. Listen and find out what these three cases really stand for:
Nguyen-Lam v. Cao (2009) 171 Cal.App.4th 858.
Weinberg v. Feisel (2003) 110 Cal.App.4th 1122.
Flatley v. Mauro (2006) 39 Cal.4th 299.
2021-06-2029 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP032 – The 3 Most-Often Miscited Anti-SLAPP Cases
We begin Episode 32 with the discussion of how Morris & Stone just defeated an anti-SLAPP motion. I reveal the common (and fatal) mistake made by defense counsel when they pursue anti-SLAPP motions.
And on the topic of mistakes, based on my prior article, we turn to the three cases that counsel almost always cite improperly when defending against an anti-SLAPP motion. Listen and find out what these three cases really stand for:
Nguyen-Lam v. Cao (2009) 171 Cal.App.4th 858.
Weinberg v. Feisel (2003) 110 Cal.App.4th 1122.
Flatley v. Mauro (2006) 39 Cal.4th 299.
2021-06-2029 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP031 – A Gambler Bets Wrong on the Anti-SLAPP Statute
In Episode 31, in addition to an anti-SLAPP case, we examine another example of how opposing counsel blew an opposition to our Motion for Summary Judgment, by being unaware of the procedure rules.
The limit for the memorandum of points on a typical motion is 15 pages, but a motion for summary judgment is a big deal, so the rules graciously allow 20 pages for that type of motion. The same rule applies to the opposition. But this attorney offered up a 60 page memo. How did we use that error to seal his doom? Listen to Episode 31 to...2021-05-1618 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP031 – A Gambler Bets Wrong on the Anti-SLAPP Statute
In Episode 31, in addition to an anti-SLAPP case, we examine another example of how opposing counsel blew an opposition to our Motion for Summary Judgment, by being unaware of the procedure rules.
The limit for the memorandum of points on a typical motion is 15 pages, but a motion for summary judgment is a big deal, so the rules graciously allow 20 pages for that type of motion. The same rule applies to the opposition. But this attorney offered up a 60 page memo. How did we use that error to seal his doom? Listen to Episode 31 to...2021-05-1618 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP030 – Is it Defamatory to Call Someone a “Crook?”
Fun, fun, fun in the California sun at Morris & Stone.
In just the past couple of weeks, we (1) Obtained a 3.9 million dollar defamation verdict for one client; (2) Got another client out of a 7 million dollar case on a motion for summary judgment, and (3) Were awarded our fees following a successful anti-SLAPP motion, even though the motion did not dispose of every cause of action.
In Episode 30 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we discuss the facts of the aforementioned anti-SLAPP motion, and the motion for attorney fees that followed. This particular anti-SLAPP motion...2021-05-0320 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP030 – Is it Defamatory to Call Someone a “Crook?”
Fun, fun, fun in the California sun at Morris & Stone.
In just the past couple of weeks, we (1) Obtained a 3.9 million dollar defamation verdict for one client; (2) Got another client out of a 7 million dollar case on a motion for summary judgment, and (3) Were awarded our fees following a successful anti-SLAPP motion, even though the motion did not dispose of every cause of action.
In Episode 30 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we discuss the facts of the aforementioned anti-SLAPP motion, and the motion for attorney fees that followed. This particular anti-SLAPP motion...2021-05-0320 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP029 – Can Attorneys Sue Their Clients for Malicious Prosecution After a Fee Dispute?
In episode 28, we discussed the attorney who sued his own client for malicious prosecution. The client had challenged the fees charged by the attorney by way of the informal fee arbitration process, and when he lost the attorney turned around and sued for malicious prosecution.
Incredibly, the court denied our motion, so we had to take it up on appeal.
The Court of Appeal agreed with our position that a fee arbitration cannot be the predicate for a malicious prosecution case, and therefore the attorney could not possibly prevail on the second prong...2021-03-2218 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP029 – Can Attorneys Sue Their Clients for Malicious Prosecution After a Fee Dispute?
In episode 28, we discussed the attorney who sued his own client for malicious prosecution. The client had challenged the fees charged by the attorney by way of the informal fee arbitration process, and when he lost the attorney turned around and sued for malicious prosecution.
Incredibly, the court denied our motion, so we had to take it up on appeal.
The Court of Appeal agreed with our position that a fee arbitration cannot be the predicate for a malicious prosecution case, and therefore the attorney could not possibly prevail on the second prong...2021-03-2218 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP028 – An Exception to the Absolute Police Report Privilege?
Some of our anti-SLAPP cases are breaking new legal ground through some very interesting fact patterns.
Penal Code section 11172
You are probably aware that certain professionals are required to report any child abuse situation of which they become aware. Penal Code section 11172 was created in order to afford those mandated reporters immunity against defamation claims potentially arising from their reports. But that same statute includes the following wording as regards persons who are not mandated reporters:
Any other person reporting a known or suspected instance of child abuse or neglect shall not incur...2021-03-1421 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP028 – An Exception to the Absolute Police Report Privilege?
Some of our anti-SLAPP cases are breaking new legal ground through some very interesting fact patterns.
Penal Code section 11172
You are probably aware that certain professionals are required to report any child abuse situation of which they become aware. Penal Code section 11172 was created in order to afford those mandated reporters immunity against defamation claims potentially arising from their reports. But that same statute includes the following wording as regards persons who are not mandated reporters:
Any other person reporting a known or suspected instance of child abuse or neglect shall...2021-03-1421 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP027 – When a Motion to Dismiss is a Better Strategy than an Anti-SLAPP Motion
President Trump is never short on controversy, and said controversy leads to some interesting cases. In Episode 27 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we will discuss two Trump cases — one First Amendment and one anti-SLAPP — arising from the words and tweets of our sneerless leader. We’ll also discuss when a motion to dismiss can be a better option than an anti-SLAPP motion.
The first case is Nwanguma v. Donald Trump, arising from his comments at a political rally before he was elected. When hecklers tried to shout him down, he said “get ’em out of here.”...2018-11-1118 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP026 – Don’t Sue for Defamation Unless the Statements Really are False
Canada, eh? Those hosers in Ontario didn’t get around to passing an anti-SLAPP statute until 2015, and they’re still trying to figure it out.
In this episode of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we travel to the great white north to examine an anti-SLAPP motion that was denied by the trial court, but granted by the appellate court. It beautifully illustrates the most fundamental point of a defamation case that oh so many attorneys still don’t understand. A statement is not defamatory unless it is false, no matter what the quantum of harm it may...2018-09-1614 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP025 – Anti-SLAPP Motion Defeats Gone With the Wind Actress
de Havilland v. FX Networks, LLC
If you sell t-shirts bearing the images of the Three Stooges, can you be sued for violating their right of publicity?
And if you create and broadcast an 8-part docudrama centering on Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, can Olivia de Havilland sue you for including the details of HER life in that story?
Well, the just decided case of de Havilland v. FX Networks, LLC answers both those questions.
I enjoyed this anti-SLAPP case because it beautifully illustrates how some judges just don’t...2018-08-2623 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP024 – Supreme Court Clarifies Whether Amended Complaint Resets 60-Day Clock for Anti-SLAPP Motion
In Episode 24 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we tackle two important anti-SLAPP issues.
Newport Harbor Ventures, LLC v. Morris Cerullo World Evangelism
The conventional wisdom until now, as expressed in cases such as Yu v. Signet Bank/Virginia, was that an amended complaint creates an new 60-day period to file an anti-SLAPP motion. Then along came the Court of Appeal decision of Newport Harbor Ventures, LLC v. Morris Cerullo World Evangelism. In that case, the plaintiff originally sued on two causes of action, to which the defendant demurrered. When the plaintiff filed a...2018-03-2623 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP024 – Supreme Court Clarifies Whether Amended Complaint Resets 60-Day Clock for Anti-SLAPP Motion
In Episode 24 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we tackle two important anti-SLAPP issues.
Newport Harbor Ventures, LLC v. Morris Cerullo World Evangelism
The conventional wisdom until now, as expressed in cases such as Yu v. Signet Bank/Virginia, was that an amended complaint creates an new 60-day period to file an anti-SLAPP motion. Then along came the Court of Appeal decision of Newport Harbor Ventures, LLC v. Morris Cerullo World Evangelism. In that case, the plaintiff originally sued on two causes of action, to which the defendant demurrered. When the plaintiff filed a third am...2018-03-2623 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP023 – Privileged Speech Can Survive Anti-SLAPP Motions
In Episode 23 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we examine two cases that consider how privileged speech should be viewed during the two-prong anti-SLAPP analysis. As you will hear, the fact that the speech was privileged does not mean it automatically falls under the anti-SLAPP statute.
Edalati v. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
This unpublished case is our starting point. In Edalati, a dentist learned that Kaiser Foundation Health Plan had sent a letter to dozens of her patients, falsely informing them that the dentist was on a government list for Medicare abuse...2016-12-1821 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP022 – Abuse of Process Claims and Anti-SLAPP Motions
Hooray for Hollywood! In Episode 22 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we discuss four cases involving the film industry that have all resulted in anti-SLAPP motions. We also dive deep into abuse of process claims, and determine if such claims can ever survive an anti-SLAPP motion. And in the process, we discuss a trial strategy that I successfully utilized in achieving a case involving the Automotive Repair Act.
Cases discussed in this Episode:
Kelly Van v. James Cameron (unpublished).
In this case, and author named Kelly Van sued James Cameron and...2016-09-2532 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP021 – Anti-SLAPP Motions Against Mixed Causes of Action
We discuss the very important case of Baral v. Schnitt, in which the California Supreme Court finally dealt with the split of authorities regarding how to deal with complaints with mixed causes of action; those that contain allegations of both protected and unprotected activities. This is probably the most important anti-SLAPP decision of the decade.
We also take a quick look at Hassell v. Bird, in which the Court of Appeal held that Yelp can be ordered to take down a false and defamatory post, even if it was not a party to the action.2016-09-0127 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP020 – Sixth District Weighs in on Admissibility of Yelp Reviews and the Law on Inferences
In Episode 20 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we discuss important Evidence Codes, and my VINDICATION by the California Court of Appeal.
The vindication comes in the form of a published opinion from the Sixth District Court of Appeal. I was brought in as co-counsel to first chair an internet defamation trial in Santa Cruz, representing a client (an attorney) we will refer to as “Esquire”. We were also defending a cross-complaint for breach of a commercial lease. The trial was assigned to Judge Ariadne Symons, who by her own admission was probably not the best...2016-07-0446 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP019 – Five Best Published Anti-SLAPP Decisions (so far) in 2016
On Episode 19 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we go through my five favorite reported anti-SLAPP decisions from the first half of 2016.
But first we begin with a cautionary tale of an attorney who is being sued for malpractice for failing to have me review his complaint before it was filed! (OK, there’s a back story here, so be sure to listen to this episode to find out what I’m talking about.)
Then, we turn to the five best published anti-SLAPP decisions from the first half of 2016. The bold cases are the...2016-06-0939 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP018 – All You Need to Know About Anti-SLAPP Motions in Federal Court
In episode 18 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, I discuss an anti-SLAPP motion I decided NOT to pursue, and why. We discuss the case of Weinberg v. Feisel (2003) 110 Cal.App.4th 1122.
Then we dive deep into the pros, cons, and frustrations of bringing anti-SLAPP motions in Federal Court. Since 1999, the Ninth Circuit has recognized that the California anti-SLAPP statute can be applied to cases in Federal Court, but the motion you bring there is a very different animal from what is pursued in State Court. As part of our discussion on anti-SLAPP motions in Federal C...2016-05-3031 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP017 – An Introduction to California SLAPP Law and Anti-SLAPP Motions
In Episode 17 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we go back to basics, with an introduction to the fundamental concepts behind California’s SLAPP Law and anti-SLAPP motions.
The good news is that although it took some 25 years for attorneys to begin recognizing the impact of California’s anti-SLAPP statutes on litigation in the state, they are now aware of the statute (sometimes painfully so). But it is clear that there are still some misconceptions about the law, including the fundamental terminology and procedures. Listen to this episode, and you’ll have a great understanding of wha...2016-01-0129 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP016 – Appealing a Ruling on an Anti-SLAPP Motion
In Episode 16 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we discuss (1) when you can join with another defendant’s anti-SLAPP motion, and whether it is a good strategy to do so; (2) what the Courts of Appeal are doing to deal with all the appeals from anti-SLAPP motions; and (3) likely changes to the automatic right of appeal.
We dive deep into the case of Hewlett-Packard Co. v. Oracle (2015), in which the Sixth District decried the abuse of the automatic right of appeal from rulings on anti-SLAPP motions, and took the unusual step of suggesting to the California Leg...2015-11-0428 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP015 – It’s Never Too Late to File an Anti-SLAPP Motion
In Episode 15 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we discuss (1) the perils of overreaching in your anti-SLAPP motions (making iffy challenges to causes of action can come back to bite you, even if you win), and (2) why you should NEVER assume it’s too late to bring an anti-SLAPP motion , and some strategies to keep in mind when you do bring an anti-SLAPP motion late in the game.
We also discuss the case of Chitsazzadeh v. Kramer & Kaslow (2011) 199 Cal.App.4th 676, which held [spoiler alert] that no leave is required to file a late anti-SLAPP moti...2015-09-2130 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP014 – Interaction Between the Communications Decency Act and Anti-SLAPP Motions
In Episode 14 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we begin with a discussion of the interplay between anti-SLAPP motions and the Communications Decency Act.
The topic came up because of another anti-SLAPP victory we enjoyed this week at Morris & Stone. The anti-SLAPP motion we brought on behalf of our client had nothing to do with the Communications Decency Act, but the Plaintiff was also suing Yelp and RipOffReport in the same action, and they both disposed of the action with anti-SLAPP motions based on the CDA.
I would have thought this had been...2015-05-0824 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP013 – Bench Warrant Arrest Not Protected Activity under Anti-SLAPP Statute
In Episode 13 of the California SLAPP Law podcast (should I have skipped 13, like they do in buildings?), we cover a lot of information that will be useful to any litigator.
Although not directly related to SLAPP law and anti-SLAPP motions, I discuss how and when to bring the various trial motions; Motion for Nonsuit, Motion for Directed Verdict, and the most powerful motion that no one seems to have heard of, the Motion for Judgment. If you’ve ever been confused about which ones are used in bench trials versus jury trials, when they should be...2015-05-0130 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP012 – Three Ways to Bring an Anti-SLAPP Motion Against an Ambiguous Complaint
Sometimes you just know that a SLAPP is hiding in the complaint, but the complaint is so ambiguous that the SLAPP allegations are unclear. What to do?
In this episode, I tell you how to file an anti-SLAPP motion against an ambiguous complaint, which sometimes involves first beating it into shape. I have three approaches, which I call Demurrer, Discovery and Damn the Torpedoes.
1. Demurrer Approach.
As you can probably guess, the demurrer approach uses a demurrer to the complaint as the means to force plaintiff/cross-complainant to better set forth t...2014-12-0826 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP011 – Six Tips to Win Your Motion for Attorney Fees Following an Anti-SLAPP Motion
In Episode 11 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, I provide you with six tips to win your attorney fee motions following a successful anti-SLAPP motion.
There are so many unscrupulous attorneys who inflate their fee applications, that some judges feel the need to reduce the fees requested on any motion for attorney fees. To make sure you don’t get lumped in with the other attorneys, here are the ways to show the judge that every dollar is justified.
In other news, I bring you up to speed on Demetriades v. Yelp, which wa...2014-09-2026 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP010 – Travolta and Yelp Anti-SLAPP Motions
In this week’s podcast, we look at two unsuccessful anti-SLAPP motions that were decided this week, and examine where the attorneys went wrong.
Yelp continues to get into mischief. In Episode 4 of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we discussed the case of Yelp v. McMillan Law Group, wherein Yelp is suing a law firm, claiming that it posted fake reviews, and that Yelp was damaged as a result. McMillan Law Group filed an anti-SLAPP motion, and we are awaiting the results.
Now, in the case of Demetriades v. Yelp, the tables have bee...2014-08-0418 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP009 – Scope of Discovery after Anti-SLAPP Motion
It was a great anti-SLAPP week at Morris & Stone. Today we discuss two of our motions, and the result of last week’s Evil Yogurt Maker case. We will examine the scope of discovery following the filing of an anti-SLAPP motion, and apply those standards to a pending motion.
Specifically, I discuss the case of Britts v. Superior Court (2006) 145 Cal.App.4th 1112. In Britts, the defendant filed an anti-SLAPP motion on the same day that his opposition to a motion to compel was due. He argued that under the plain wording of CCP section 425.16(g), th...2014-07-2838 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP008 – An Anti-SLAPP Motion Against an Evil Yogurt Shop
A client found me while searching for information about California Code of Civil Procedure section 425.17, proving that clients do some very sophisticated research on their legal issues. Changing the facts to protect the privacy of my client, he had warned the public about an evil yogurt maker who was falsely claiming to sell organic yogurt, and for that good deed he was hit with a lawsuit for defamation and interference with business.
In today’s podcast, we discuss the elements of CCP section 425.17, which under the proper circumstances will exempt a business versus business claim fr...2014-07-1621 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP007 – Proving Actual Malice in a Defamation Action – Makaeff v. Trump University
A great anti-SLAPP decision that has been five years in the making. In this podcast, we discuss the case of Makaeff v. Trump University, which contains an outstanding discussion of limited public figures and meeting the standard for showing actual malice. Here are the facts:
Between August 2008 and June 2009, Tarla Makaeff attended approximately seven real estate investing and finance seminars, workshops, and classes hosted by Trump University and spent a total of approximately $60,000 on the programs. Although Trump University asserted Makaeff was satisfied with the services Trump University provided to her, noting that Makaeff frequently...2014-07-0128 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP006 – CalPERS v. Moody’s – Is an Opinion Always Protected Speech Under the Anti-SLAPP Statute?
With the wisdom of a penny-stock investor trying out day-trading for the first time, the brilliant financial minds at CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) decided to dump more than a billion dollars into three “structured investment vehicles” or SIVs, backed by subprime mortgages. After all, Standard & Poors had given these three SIVs AAA ratings, even though they were “stuffed full of toxic, subprime mortgages, home equity loans, and other types of structured-finance securities linked to subprime mortgages,” as CalPERS now alleges.
As most do when they make really bone-headed investment decisions, CalPERS looked for someone to b...2014-06-1614 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP005 – Anti-SLAPP Decisions for First Quarter of 2014
We’re not even done with the fifth month of 2014, and California already has 12 reported decisions arising from anti-SLAPP appeals.
In the 5th Episode of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, we discuss four anti-SLAPP decisions.
Anti-SLAPP Decisions:
MORIARTY v. LARAMAR MANAGEMENT CORPORATION (2014) 224 Cal.App.4th 125 — A landlord-tenant case with no particular significance other than to show the displeasure of the Court of Appeal with frivolous anti-SLAPP appeals.
SCHWARZBURD v. KENSINGTON POLICE PROTECTION & COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT BOARD (2014) — Cal.Rptr.3d —-, 2014 WL 1691562, 2014 Daily Journal D.A.R. 5470 — An action against a Police Distri...2014-05-1922 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP004 – Anti-SLAPP Motion: Yelp v. McMillan Law Group
In this 4th episode of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, I discuss the truly strange legal action brought by Yelp against one of its former customers, the McMillan Law Group.
In its complaint, Yelp alleges that it works to maintain the purity of the reviews posted on Yelp.com, and that the McMillan Law Group caused damage to Yelp by posting false positive reviews. McMillan Law Group has just responded with an anti-SLAPP motion. Together, we dissect both the Yelp complaint and the McMillan anti-SLAPP motion, and predict the outcome of the motion.
Here a...2014-05-1129 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP003 – Anti-SLAPP Procedures and Strategies
A lot of useful information in today’s show, if I do say so myself.
We discuss anti-SLAPP procedures and strategies, and what you need to know about the 60 and 30 day deadlines for anti-SLAPP motions, and an easy and efficient way to protect your anti-SLAPP motion if the court clerk won’t set the hearing in 30 days or less.
I show you why it can be risky to amend a complaint, and why using a motion to supplement might be a better bet.
And we even discuss some tips for appeals and mo...2014-04-2030 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP002 – Can Claims Against Lawyers Be Defeated with an Anti-SLAPP Motion?
In the last episode of the California SLAPP Law Podcast, I explained how crucial it is for every California litigator to understand this sweeping area of the law. There is virtually no litigation practice that won’t be impacted by the anti-SLAPP statutes.
If that was not persuasive enough, let me bring in a little closer to home. In today’s episode I discuss the common causes of action that are pursued against attorneys, and examine which of those have been found to fall under the anti-SLAPP statutes. Can claims against lawyers be defeated with anti...2014-04-1521 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP001 – Why Every Litigator Must Know California SLAPP Law
California’s SLAPP Law provides for the use of special motions to strike, called “anti-SLAPP motions,” to quickly dispose of lawsuits that were filed only to improperly silence free speech or to prevent the defendant from pursuing a lawful legal remedy.
But as one person put it, the 15 Legislators who passed the law failed to consider the 4,000 attorneys who would interpret it. There is a dark side to California’s SLAPP Law. It trades one form of abuse for another. It was designed to protect free speech and the right of redress, but now it keeps...2014-04-1435 minCalifornia SLAPP LawSLAPP001 – Why Every Litigator Must Know California SLAPP Law
California’s SLAPP Law provides for the use of special motions to strike, called “anti-SLAPP motions“, to quickly dispose of lawsuits that were filed only to improperly silence free speech or to prevent the defendant from pursuing a lawful legal remedy.
But as one person put it, the 15 Legislators who passed the law failed to consider the 4,000 attorneys who would interpret it. There is a dark side to California’s SLAPP Law. It trades one form of abuse for another. It was designed to protect free speech and the right of redress, but now it keeps...2014-04-1435 min