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CALIFORNIA CONSUMER AND
SECURITIES FRAUD LAWYER
CONTACT ATTORNEY THOMAS MAURIELLO
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Thomas Mauriello Defeats ''SLAPP SUIT'' Filed by Developer

In an Order issued October 7, 2008, Judge Sheila Fell of the Orange County Superior Court put an early end to a lawsuit filed in March 2008 by a disgruntled developer against attorney Thomas Mauriello. (Allen v. Mauriello, Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2008-104223.) Judge Fell dismissed the developer’s case against Mr. Mauriello under California’s “anti-SLAPP” statute, Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16. That statute provides a means of obtaining an early dismissal of lawsuits that are deemed to be “strategic lawsuits against public participation,” or “SLAPP” suits, which are designed to intimidate or chill the exercise of free speech. Under the anti-SLAPP statute, once the court determines that the challenged cause of action arises from a protected speech activity (such as the prior lawsuit filed by Mr. Mauriello), the burden shifts to the plaintiff to show a probability of prevailing on the merits.

In this case, the underlying lawsuit was a public interest lawsuit that Mauriello had filed in 2002 as counsel for the North Hills Phoenix Assn., a San Francisco Bay Area community group, and several other clients that challenged the City of Oakland’s issuance of a building permit for a project by that developer. The underlying lawsuit involved important issues of first impression under the City of Oakland’s Creek Protection Ordinance, as well under as the California Environmental Quality Act.

Judge Fell granted Mr. Mauriello’s anti-SLAPP motion after finding that the developer had failed to show a probability of success on the merits on his malicious prosecution claim because Mr. Mauriello demonstrated a reasonable basis for bringing the prior lawsuit. In her order, Judge Fell stated:

[Mr. Mauriello] has adequately shown that the underlying lawsuit was tenable and that [Mr. Mauriello] had a reasonable belief of its probable success. . . . The Court does note that [Allen] has not been entirely accurate in relating conclusions from the underlying case. [Allen} has inaccurately depicted numerous ‘facts’ and ‘findings’ by the prior Court.

Mr. Mauriello was represented in this case by trial attorney Douglas Pettit of Pettit Kohn Ingrasia & Lutz of San Diego. Mr. Mauriello shared the briefing with Mr. Pettit, who along with his legal team handled all the arguments in court.

The anti-SLAPP statute also provides that a “prevailing defendant” in an anti-SLAPP motion “shall be entitled to recover his or her attorney’s fees and costs.” Mr. Mauriello’s motion for recovery of legal fees and costs against the developer is scheduled for hearing in January 2009.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Tom, thank you for your all help. Among the three other attorneys I talked with, I chose you because you really listened, asked thoughtful questions and sought all information to understand my situation. That gave me confidence in you above all others. I am a believer in receiving feedback, so I just wanted to share my thoughts with you. If I come across anyone that is looking for counsel in this industry I will certainly refer them your way. Scott Yi, Securities Registered Representative
★★★★★
Thomas was very thorough, kind and truly cared about me and my case. He went above and beyond the call of duty. Every time I contacted him he me made me feel like a very important client. His skills, intelligence and demeanor lead to a victory in the courtroom! Susan De Diminicantanio
★★★★★
As a business development consultant, there have been times to which I am in need of counsel for the review and strategic advice a range of diversified employment and compensation packages. In this sense, Thomas Mauriello has been my trusted counsel, paying particular attention to the settle nuances the language and structure of contractual agreements, and rely heavily on his expert opinion as a plaintiff's lawyer! Emma Makinen, DOAP Kitchens, LLC
★★★★★
Our Family needed an attorney who was knowledgeable with FINRA and Tom proved to be very familiar with FINRA. We found him, trustworthy, thorough, honest and sympathetic during an emotionally stressful time with our Family. Annette Hellmich
★★★★★
I would recommend Mr. Mauriello highly - - to anyone - - - wish I had more friends in the area who need an attorney! He was extremely knowledgeable, timely, courteous, - AND - he won my case! Would call him again in an instant should the need arise. Nancy Brown