However, $155,255.98 Reduced Fee Award, Out Of A Requested $210,227.48, Is Affirmed On Appeal.
In Advanced Orthopedic Center, Inc. v. Regal Medical Group, Inc., Case No. B344584 (2d Dist., Div. 1 Oct. 26, 2026) (unpublished), defendants bringing a SLAPP motion—on remand from a prior appellate opinion–successfully had stricken allegations of an amended complaint alleging bribery (a criminal offense), which was a primary defense objective. The defense moved for $210,222.48 in SLAPP attorney’s fees, although the court reduced the request for excessive time and inefficiencies on the prior appeal to arrive at a final award of $155,255.98. (Still substantial, just reminding everyone that mandatory and discretionary SLAPP fees can be high in amount.)
The 2/1 DCA affirmed, in an opinion by Justice Weingart. The main appellate argument was that fees needed to be apportioned based on only striking the bribery claims. That contention was rejected, because the focus is on the impact of the stricken claims in the litigation and, if significant, no allocation is necessary. (Hoffman v. Superior Ready Mix Concrete, L.P., 30 Cal.App.5th 474, 490 (2018), citing Mann.) With respect to further reductions in amount, there was no need to make itemized findings on the reasonableness of fees, plus the block billing challenge was not raised properly and was meritless because there was sufficient specificity to identify different work which was reflected in the invoice submissions.