Our attorneys have significant experience in matters involving the First Amendment, anti-SLAPP, and defamation—whether advising or litigating, and whether plaintiff or defendant. Our attorneys working in these subject areas are well-versed in federal constitutional law, as well as the relevant laws of Oregon, Washington, and California.

Many businesses and individuals are unfamiliar with the powerful defenses available in opposition to claims based on speech—for libel, slander, defamation, false statements, malicious prosecution or slander of title—including such acts as petitioning government, public recordation, protest activities, submitting public bids or engaging in litigation. As the volume of social, political, consumer and business speech continues to increase—for example, through the proliferation of online reviews—so does the potential for speakers and those spoken about to become embroiled in litigation. We help defendants and plaintiffs to navigate such litigation, as well as to help prevent it before it happens.

When we represent corporate and individual defendants, we offer our significant experience with anti-SLAPP motions. Such motions permit defendants to ask the court to dismiss speech-related claims at an early stage and to award those defendants their attorney fees. When such a motion is denied, there generally is an immediate right to appeal.

In addition to the examples below, we have represented universities, newspapers, performers, protesters, charities, political groups, startups, media conglomerates, movie studios, production companies and television networks in matters related to speech and expression.