Weisberg

INTRODUCTION

Devin Weisberg, an attorney, appeals from the trial court’s grant of a special motion to strike under Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16 (an anti-SLAPP motion), striking his complaint against respondents Jaurigue Law Group, Michael Jaurigue and Ryan Stubbs (collectively, Jaurigue). In 2013, Joseph Esquivel retained Weisberg to represent him in his divorce from Melanie Palomares. However, the representation was short-lived, and Esquivel terminated Weisberg as counsel in 2014. Jaurigue represented Palomares in the divorce proceedings. In 2018, Weisberg obtained a judgment against Esquivel for unpaid legal fees. Weisberg’s complaint against Jaurigue asserted various tort causes of action based on Jaurigue’s 2017 distribution of $10,000 in divorce settlement funds to Esquivel. Weisberg contends he had a priority interest in the funds. We affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

A. Weisberg Asserts a Lien for Unpaid Client Fees In July 2013, Esquivel retained Weisberg to represent him in his divorce from Palomares. The engagement letter provided that Esquivel would pay Weisberg’s fees on an hourly basis and gave Weisberg a contractual lien on any recovery obtained…