Tukes

INTRODUCTION

This opinion resolves three appeals. Two are brought by Pierre Richard, who was the plaintiff in the proceedings styled Pierre Richard v. James A. Frieden and Denise Tukes (Super. Ct. L.A. County, 2020, No. 19STCV44270) (the 270 Action). We refer to these appeals as the 270 Appeals. The third appeal is brought by Denise Tukes, who was a petitioner in the proceedings styled In re Adeline R. Bennett, M.D. Trust DTD 3/30/2001 (Super. Ct. L.A. County, 2020, No. BP115475) (the 475 Action). We refer to this appeal as the 475 Appeal. The 475 Appeal also encompasses a cross-appeal by Richard and his counsel, Robert Brown. In the 270 Action, the trial court sustained special motions to strike Richard’s complaint against Tukes and her counsel, James Frieden, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16, subdivision (b)(1)1 (i.e., anti-SLAPP motions). The trial court further awarded Tukes and Frieden attorney fees and costs pursuant to section 425.16, subdivision (c)(1).

1 Undesignated statutory references are to the Code of Civil Procedure.

2 The first 270 Appeal (No. B308337) is of the trial court’s judgment following its order on the anti-SLAPP motions. We agree…