Sampson

BACKGROUND

This case arises from juvenile dependency proceedings initiated by the Alameda County Social Services Agency pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (b). The Agency alleged appellant’s three children (“the minors”) were within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court due to appellant’s anger management problem, physical abuse, and drug use. Respondent East Bay Children’s Law Offices, Inc. (“EBCLO”) was appointed by the juvenile court to serve as legal counsel to the minors, and respondent Kevin Nieto was the EBCLO attorney assigned to the matter. The juvenile court ultimately assumed jurisdiction over the minors, removed them from appellant’s custody, and made other orders limiting appellant’s contact and

1 All undesignated statutory references are to the Code of Civil Procedure.

1 involvement with the minors. This court affirmed in an unpublished decision, In re L.P. (Mar. 19, 2013, A135810) (In re L.P.). In January 2014, appellant filed suit against respondents asserting claims for libel, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and abuse of process. The claims were largely based on an application and affidavit for a restraining order…