Frequently Asked Questions

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About Jeff Lewis Law

What is Jeff Lewis Law known for?

Jeff Lewis Law is a California law firm focused on First Amendment and defamation defense, appellate law, civil litigation, and government transparency matters under the Brown Act. Since 1996, Jeff Lewis has represented individuals and small business owners who have been sued, or threatened with a lawsuit, for speaking their minds. The firm also provides expert testimony in attorney fee and legal standard-of-care disputes.
Does Jeff Lewis Law take cases on contingency?
Where is Jeff Lewis Law located, and where does the firm practice?

Jeff Lewis Law is based in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. The firm handles cases throughout California, including in state and federal courts. Jeff has appeared before or submitted briefs in the California Courts of Appeal, the Ninth and Sixth Circuits, U.S. District Courts statewide, and the United States Supreme Court.
How long has Jeff Lewis been practicing law?
Is Jeff Lewis a certified specialist?
How much does it cost to hire Jeff Lewis Law?
How do I get started?

You can call Jeff Lewis Law at 310-935-4001 or book a consultation online at any time. During your consultation, our team will listen to the facts of your situation, explain your legal options in plain language, and help you decide on the best path forward, no legal jargon, no pressure.
What types of clients does Jeff Lewis Law serve?

Jeff Lewis Law primarily serves individuals and small business owners facing defamation lawsuits, online review disputes, civil litigation, and government transparency issues. The firm also works with other attorneys and trial counsel who need appellate representation or expert testimony on legal standards of care.

Anti-SLAPP and First Amendment

What is a SLAPP lawsuit?

A SLAPP, Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation, is a lawsuit filed not to win in court, but to intimidate, exhaust, and silence someone for exercising their right to speak freely. Common targets include people who wrote honest online reviews, spoke at public meetings, posted on social media, or reported concerns to government agencies. California has one of the strongest anti-SLAPP laws in the country specifically to combat these suits.
What is California's anti-SLAPP law, and how does it protect me?

California’s anti-SLAPP statute (Code of Civil Procedure § 425.16) allows defendants to file a special motion to strike a SLAPP lawsuit early in the case, before costly discovery begins. If the motion is granted, the case can be dismissed quickly, and the court may order the plaintiff to pay your attorneys’ fees. This is one of the most powerful defenses available to people who have been sued for protected speech.
What is defamation under California law?

Defamation is a false statement of fact, presented as true, that causes harm to someone’s reputation. In California, defamation claims must meet specific legal standards, and many are successfully challenged early in litigation. Defamation takes two forms: libel (written or published statements, including online posts and social media) and slander (spoken statements).
Can I be sued for writing a negative online review?

Yes, and it happens more frequently than you think. But many online reviews and social media posts are considered protected opinion under the First Amendment, which means a defamation claim may fail if properly challenged. Context, wording, and truth are all critical factors, which is why early legal review matters so much.
What should I do if I receive a cease-and-desist letter or a lawsuit threat?

Do not ignore it, but do not panic. The worst thing you can do is respond without legal guidance. Early intervention can make a decisive difference, and in some cases, a well-timed legal response can stop a lawsuit before it is ever filed. Contact Jeff Lewis Law as soon as possible to protect your options.
Who does Jeff Lewis Law defend in First Amendment cases?

Jeff Lewis Law has represented journalists, content creators, podcasters, private investigators, business owners, employees, tenants, and private individuals, across the ideological spectrum. What matters isn’t what was said, but whether the law protects the right to say it.
Can I recover my attorneys' fees if I win an anti-SLAPP motion?

Yes. One of the most significant features of California’s anti-SLAPP law is that a prevailing defendant may be entitled to recover their attorneys’ fees from the plaintiff who brought the lawsuit. This fee-shifting provision is a powerful deterrent against frivolous SLAPP suits.
What if the speech that got me sued was protected opinion?

Opinion is generally not actionable as defamation under California and First Amendment law. Whether a statement qualifies as protected opinion depends on context, the specific language used, and how a reasonable reader or listener would interpret it. An experienced California defamation attorney can evaluate these factors and determine the strength of any claim against you.
What is a SLAPPback?

After a lawsuit has been dismissed pursuant to an anti-SLAPP motion, the defendant has the option to file a second lawsuit, known as a SLAPPback. This type of lawsuit, brought under malicious prosecution law, is designed to compensate someone who has been wrongfully sued for activities protected by the First Amendment. A SLAPPback lawsuit cannot be filed until the first lawsuit has been fully and finally resolved, including the resolution of any appeals.

Appellate Law

What is an appeal?

An appeal is a formal request asking a higher court to review whether the trial court made a legal error that affected the outcome of the case. It is not a new trial, no new witnesses testify and no new evidence is introduced. Appeals are decided almost entirely on written legal arguments (called briefs) and focus on whether the law was applied correctly.
When can I appeal a court ruling in California?

Some rulings, such as the denial of an anti-SLAPP motion in California, can be appealed immediately, even before the case is over. In other situations, you must wait until a final judgment is entered. Determining the right timing is a critical part of appellate strategy, and deadlines in California are strict and unforgiving.
How long do I have to file an appeal in California?

Appeal deadlines can be as short as 60 days from the notice of entry of judgment or order. Missing the deadline can permanently forfeit your right to appeal. If you are considering an appeal, you should contact an appellate attorney as soon as possible after a ruling.
What kinds of cases does Jeff Lewis Law handle on appeal?

Jeff Lewis Law has handled more than 300 appeals across California and federal courts. While the firm is best known for First Amendment, defamation, and anti-SLAPP appeals, its appellate work also covers attorney’s fee disputes, business and commercial litigation, real estate and land use disputes, probate and trust litigation, family law appeals, and emergency writs.
Should I use a different lawyer for my appeal than the one who handled my trial?

Not necessarily, but it is often a good idea. Appellate work requires a different skill set than trial work. It demands deep expertise in legal analysis, issue selection, and persuasive brief writing. Jeff Lewis Law is frequently retained by trial counsel or by new clients specifically to handle appeals, providing a fresh and objective review of the record. Jeff Lewis Law can work independently on an appeal or as an addition to an existing trial team of lawyers.
What happens after an appeal is filed?

Both sides submit written briefs to the appellate court explaining their legal arguments. In some cases, the court may schedule oral argument, though most appeals are ultimately decided on the quality of the written briefs. The appellate court may then reverse the lower court’s ruling, send the case back for further proceedings, or affirm the original decision.
Can an appeal stop enforcement of a judgment against me?

In some situations, yes. Depending on the type of ruling and whether certain procedural steps are taken, it may be possible to stay (pause) enforcement of a judgment while an appeal is pending. An appellate attorney can advise you on whether a stay is available in your case. While Jeff Lewis Law can provide general advice on enforcement, the firm does not typically represent parties in the superior court regarding efforts to delay or oppose enforcement. The firm can assist a losing party speak with a surety about obtaining an appellate bond to stay enforcement if that is necessary.
How do I know if my case is worth appealing?

Not every unfavorable ruling is worth appealing. A strong appeal usually involves a clear, identifiable legal error, not simply a disagreement with the outcome. Jeff Lewis Law conducts careful assessments of risk, cost, and likelihood of success before recommending an appeal, so clients can make informed decisions.
What are the chances of winning my appeal?

Every case is different, but statistically speaking between 70 and 85 percent of all appeals result in no change to the judgment. Some appeals are easier to win than others. Appeals involving pure questions of law (such as the application of a statute or the wording of a jury instruction) are easier to win than appeals of discretionary rulings such as discovery rulings and case management decisions. Consulting an appellate lawyer about the specific facts of your case can provide you a more nuanced expectation about the chances of prevailing on appeal.
How long does an appeal take to finish?

In Southern California, appeals from SLAPP orders or judgments normally take between one and two years to be briefed, argued and resolved. This time is measured from the moment a notice of appeal is filed in the Superior Court until a final opinion is issued by the California Court of Appeal.
Can you help me with my appeal pending in the appellate division of the superior court?

Expert Testimony

What expert testimony services does Jeff Lewis Law provide?

Jeff Lewis provides expert testimony and written declarations in matters involving attorney fee billing disputes, attorney standard of care, and malicious prosecution claims. He is a court-qualified expert on the reasonableness of attorney fee bills and has been consulted by attorneys and litigants throughout California.
When would a case need an expert witness on attorney fees or legal standards?

Cases involving legal malpractice, fee disputes between attorneys and clients, or malicious prosecution claims often require an expert who can testify about what constitutes a reasonable fee and whether an attorney’s conduct met the professional standard of care. Jeff Lewis’s decades of experience in complex civil and appellate litigation make him well-qualified to address these issues.
How do I engage Jeff Lewis Law as an expert witness?
How do attorneys typically work with Jeff Lewis in an expert witness capacity?

Attorneys usually engage Jeff Lewis to review billing records, case files, and relevant correspondence, and then provide a written declaration or report setting out his opinions and the basis for them. From there, he is available for deposition preparation, deposition testimony, and trial testimony as needed. Jeff works collaboratively with retaining counsel to ensure his analysis is well-integrated into the overall litigation strategy.
What is a legal standard of care claim, and how does expert testimony factor in?

A legal standard of care claim typically arises in a legal malpractice case, where a client alleges that their attorney failed to perform at the level expected of a competent California lawyer under similar circumstances. Expert testimony is generally required to establish what the standard of care was and whether the attorney’s conduct fell below it. Jeff Lewis provides this analysis based on his extensive experience across civil litigation, appellate practice, and complex legal disputes.

Civil Litigation

What types of civil litigation does Jeff Lewis Law handle?

Jeff Lewis Law handles a range of civil and business disputes in California, with particular strength in matters involving free speech, defamation, business disputes, and other civil claims where litigation strategy and legal acumen are critical to the outcome.
How does Jeff Lewis approach litigation strategy?

At Jeff Lewis Law, every case is approached with an eye toward efficiency and resolution. The goal is to protect clients’ rights and resolve disputes as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, while being fully prepared to fight aggressively in court when necessary.
What is the difference between trial-level litigation and an appeal?

Trial-level litigation involves presenting facts, witnesses, and evidence before a judge or jury at the trial court. An appeal comes afterward (or in some cases during) and involves asking a higher court to review whether the trial court made legal errors. Jeff Lewis Law handles both, and the firm’s appellate experience often strengthens its trial-level strategy.
What should I do if I think I have a business litigation claim in California?

The most important first step is getting informed legal guidance before taking any action on your own. Early missteps, including saying the wrong thing in writing or waiting too long to act, can weaken an otherwise strong claim. Contact Jeff Lewis Law for a consultation to discuss the facts, understand your options, and develop a strategy before the situation escalates.

The Brown Act

What is the Brown Act?

The Ralph M. Brown Act is California’s open meeting law. It requires that the meetings of local government bodies, including city councils, school boards, county commissions, and other local agencies, be open and accessible to the public. The Brown Act ensures that Californians can observe and participate in the deliberations of their elected and appointed officials.
What types of government bodies does the Brown Act apply to?

The Brown Act applies to local legislative bodies, including city councils, school boards, planning commissions, special district boards, and similar public agencies. It does not apply to state-level bodies, which are governed by a separate law (the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act).
What are common violations of the Brown Act?

Common Brown Act violations include holding secret meetings or closed-session discussions on topics that must be addressed publicly, failing to properly post meeting agendas in advance, taking action on items not listed on the agenda, and improperly excluding the public from meetings.
What can I do if I believe a local government body has violated the Brown Act?

If you believe a public agency has violated the Brown Act, you may have the right to challenge the agency’s actions in court. In some circumstances, actions taken in violation of the Brown Act can be declared null and void. Jeff Lewis Law advises individuals on Brown Act compliance and has litigated Brown Act violations on behalf of community members seeking government transparency.
Has Jeff Lewis Law successfully challenged Brown Act violations?

Yes. Jeff Lewis Law has filed lawsuits and won rulings against local agencies, including school boards, for Brown Act violations, including cases where a judge found that a public body conducted its deliberations improperly and outside public view. Every case is different and past successes by the firm do not guarantee a result in your matter.

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