PJLC to Defend Los Amigos Against SLAPP Threat

The Peace and Justice Law Center is representing Los Amigos, a longtime Orange County community organization, after it received a retaliatory threat of a defamation lawsuit intended to silence its advocacy.

The threatened claim arises from a public letter in which Los Amigos called for an end to the bullying of a respected local activist. No lawsuit has been filed. The threat bears the hallmarks of a strategic lawsuit against public participation, commonly known as a SLAPP, a tactic used to intimidate advocates and suppress lawful speech through the fear and cost of litigation.

PJLC is providing this representation pro bono and will defend Los Amigos against this baseless threat, including, if necessary, by seeking dismissal under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which protects free expression on matters of public concern.

This representation is part of PJLC’s broader commitment to defending the movement. In addition to impact litigation and policy work, PJLC provides pro bono legal protection to community organizations facing retaliation for speaking out, helping ensure that advocacy groups can continue their work without fear of legal harassment.