FEBRUARY 1, (LOS ANGELES).   Presiding Judge Joseph R. Kalin of the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles issued a favorable ruling to Dina LaPolt this morning.  The Court granted LaPolt’s anti-SLAPP motion on three of Kovac’s claims against her regarding Steven Tyler.  In doing so, the Court recognized that Kovac’s lawsuit was a strategic lawsuit against public participation, also known as a “SLAPP.”  The purpose of anti-SLAPP law is to deter SLAPP lawsuits that are designed to censor and intimidate people so they succumb to legal threats.  By making this ruling, the Court also determined that Kovac’s three claims had no merit.

The Court also ruled in LaPolt’s favor on two additional claims relating to Mötley Crüe.  The Court dismissed those claims on the grounds that Kovac failed to plead the necessary elements, including any breach by LaPolt of her duties to the band or any damages.  LaPolt's attorney, Christine Lepera of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, LLP, says she is “very pleased with the ruling.  The claims against Dina LaPolt are baseless and this decision at this early of stage of litigation vindicates LaPolt’s reputation.  As a next step, we look forward to recovering legal fees for this ill-advised lawsuit.”  The motion papers upon which the Court made its decision included declarations in support of LaPolt from her clients, Steven Tyler and Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars.  Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee also filed a declaration supporting LaPolt.

Dina LaPolt founded LaPolt Law, P.C. as a solo practitioner. The firm has grown to become one of Los Angeles’ premiere boutique entertainment law firms, which employs four attorneys who represent talent and creators in the entertainment industry.   LaPolt has been an instructor at UCLA Extension for ten years where she teaches a class called “Legal and Practical Aspects of the Music Business.”  She recently was named “Instructor of the Year” by UCLA Extension, a title bestowed on her after consideration of over 2000 instructors. LaPolt is a sought-after speaker at music conferences around the world. She edited the International Association of Entertainment Lawyer’s book , Building Your Artists Brand as a Business.  She was selected as the National Association of Record Industry Professionals “Top Music Business Attorney” in 2011.  @lapoltlaw @dinalapolt

The breaking news story was announced in the Hollywood Reporter earlier today.  You can read the story here:  http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/steven-tyler-lawyer-gets-big-417441