SLAPP: Partially Prevailing SLAPP Cross-Defendant’s Award Of $8,310 In Fees/Costs Affirmed

Cross-Defendant Sought $24,760, With Trial Judge Reducing For Only SLAPPing One Claim.

            Cross-defendant in Tran v. Eat Club, Inc., Case No. H046773 (6^th Dist. Aug. 19, 2020) (unpublished) successfully SLAPPed a first cause of action, but not other claims.  Because SLAPP grant fees are mandatory for a defendant/cross-defendant, plaintiff sought $24,760 in fees/costs.  The trial judge awarded $8,310 instead.  The appellate court affirmed, determining that plaintiff did strike one claim and achieved a significant benefit by narrowing the case for a claim which had some exposure.  The reduction confirmed the reasonableness of the order.