California Defamation Defense Lawyer: Defending Your Right to Free Speech
Facing a lawsuit for speaking your mind?
Download our free FAQ sheet about defamation, libel, slander, and your First Amendment rights.
“Got sued for speaking my mind in public. Jeff filed an anti-SLAPP motion that looked like a Supreme Court brief. Got the individual who sued me to pay all of my costs. Jeff knows his stuff cold, and he’s a nice guy too!”
– Joe
*Results are based on facts and law of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee as to your legal matter.
When you’re sued for speaking your mind, it can feel like your business, your home, or your livelihood are all at risk.
Lawsuits move fast, and the stakes are high.
At Jeff Lewis Law, we consider it both a privilege and a public service to defend Californians’ right to speak freely.
The First Amendment is the foundation for every other right we have, and protecting it is at the heart of everything we do.
From your first call to the resolution of your case, we fight to safeguard your voice, your rights, and your future.
Our California Defamation & Free Speech Services
We help individuals and small business owners protect their voices and reputations in First Amendment cases, using strategies designed to resolve disputes quickly.
First Amendment & Anti-SLAPP
Appeals
Our Other Legal Services
We also handle a range of civil and regulatory matters throughout California.
Land Use
Expert Testimony
Litigation
The Brown Act
About Jeff Lewis
Since 1996, I’ve represented individuals and small business owners facing lawsuits for speaking their minds. As a California defamation and free speech lawyer, I work to get cases dismissed quickly and protect my clients’ voices.
Our Results
Alvarez v. Reay
Our anti-SLAPP win for TikToker Catie Reay in federal court was a classic example of why this statute was created. Reay was sued for speaking her mind about sex trafficking on TikTok. She was sued for reporting her concerns to the government and for posting videos. The court dismissed every claim against her ending the case and protecting Ms. Reay from further harassment.The ruling shut down the lawsuit early, saving our client from costly discovery and positioning us for recovery of her attorneys’ fees.
Tenser v. Townsend
Catherine Townsend is a private investigator and true crime podcaster. She reported about a high profile murder case and the involvement of a prominent Beverly Hills attorney in the murder trial. The attorney sued Ms. Townsend for defamation. We filed an anti-SLAPP motion at the outset of the case saving her the time and money of having to respond to discovery. The court agreed with us that the podcast reporting was protected speech on a matter of public interest and that the claims were frivolous The court dismissed the case.
Hickey v. Weeks
An award winning and beloved public school teacher spoke out at a school board meeting. He was concerned about how an after school program was treating kids. The school board ended its contract with the program and the program owner blamed Mr. Weeks. The program sued Mr. Weeks for tens of thousands of dollars for defamation. We filed an anti-SLAPP motion arguing that Mr. Week’s comments to the school board were protected by the First Amendment. The court agreed and dismissed the case early in the process, preventing lengthy and expensive discovery.
*Results are based on facts and law of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee as to your legal matter.
Success Stories
*Results are based on facts and law of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee as to your legal matter.
“Jeff Lewis Law was a ray of hope for my family at a time when the prospect of a satisfying outcome seemed improbable. I was sued for 2.5 million dollars by a “celebrity” plastic surgeon for writing about my botched surgery online. Jeff Lewis filed an Anti-SLAPP motion on my behalf and won! The other side now has to pay my attorney fees. Jeff was not only able to defend me against unjust accusations, but his calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor to me and those I care about most. My husband and I will be eternally grateful for their services.”
– K.
“Jeff Lewis is a shining example of what an attorney should be. I was sued for writing a truthful negative online review of a business. I contacted Mr. Lewis because of his expertise in first amendment / Anti-SLAPP cases. From our first conversation, I knew he was the perfect attorney for me. He was very responsive and great at communicating. He did an outstanding job of firmly standing up for me during negotiations with the plaintiff. His experience really showed in his ability to accurately predict the responses of the online review company involved, the plaintiff, and their counsel. Having him on my side made me feel protected and made the legal process a lot less stressful. He clearly explained the pros and cons of all my options from my initial consultation until the case was dismissed less than a month later. If someone is trying to use the legal system to bully you for exercising your right to free speech, Mr. Lewis is the perfect attorney to defend you.”
– Mary S.
“After being bullied and harassed and threatened by my former landlord’s attorney, I left a Google Review of that attorney and filed for a court order that he stop harassing me. (I was asking for my security deposit back.) I was then SLAPPed with a defamation and malicious prosecution lawsuit by my landlord’s attorney, who asked for well over 50 thousand dollars in damages. A real nightmare. One phone call with Jeff made me certain I was in good hands. He explained anti-SLAPP laws in CA in incredibly simple terms and I felt ready to take this on. Then, after ONE phone call with Jeff, my landlord’s attorney withdrew his complaint! He completely folded (which, by the way, did far more damage to his reputation than my silly google review). Jeff is an incredible legal talent and also an incredible people person. You’re in good hands here!”
– Charlie
How We Help
Step 1
Call today or schedule a consultation. We’ll review your situation and explain your options in plain language – no legal jargon, no surprises.
Step 2
We’ll help you organize documents, statements, and evidence so nothing is overlooked and your rights are fully protected.
Step 3
We file motions, respond to lawsuits, and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Our goal is to resolve your case quickly and protect your voice every step of the way.
“If someone is trying to use the legal system to bully you for exercising your right to free speech, Attorney Jeff Lewis is the perfect attorney to defend you. He stood up for me every step of the way.”
– Mary S.