Southwest Law Center v. Origel CA3

I. BACKGROUND

Southwest Law Center’s third amended complaint alleged four causes of action against defendants: (1) slander, (2) libel, (3) intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, and (4) negligent interference with economic advantage. The complaint alleged defendant Origel, a chiropractor, telephoned, emailed, sent letters, and/or spoke to clients of Southwest Law Center who were or had been defendants’ patients and told them that Southwest Law Center “does not pay healthcare providers’ bills, pay clients and is incompetent.” Defendants filed a special motion to strike this complaint under the anti-SLAPP statute. Southwest Law Center submitted only an opposition brief in response. The court granted the motion, and Southwest Law Center filed a timely appeal therefrom. (§ 904.1, subd. (a)(13).)

II. DISCUSSION

A. Legal Background and Standard of Review The anti-SLAPP statute provides: “A cause of action against a person arising from any act of that person in furtherance of the person’s right of petition or free speech under the United States Constitution or the California Constitution in connection with a public issue shall be subject to a special motion…