At the CLA Annual Meeting, Klinedinst PC Shareholder Dan S. Lawton outlined how defamation claims affect free speech, workplace disputes, and reputational risk.
SAN DIEGO, CA – The 2025 California Lawyers Association (CLA) Annual Meeting brought together more than 300 attorneys, judges, professors, students, and legal professionals for three days of advanced learning, keynote presentations, and networking. Klinedinst PC Shareholder and Certified Specialist in Appellate Law, Dan S. Lawton, delivered a standout session on defamation law that set the stage for broader discussions on the rule of law, immigration, free speech, and legal ethics.
Joined by attorneys Beth Mora and Tamara Freeze, he explored how defamation claims can serve as both proactive remedies to address reputational harm and reactive measures that may suppress speech. The panel clarified distinctions between public and private figures, examined workplace defamation scenarios, and reviewed key privileges. Attendees left with practical strategies to assess reputational damage and manage litigation risk in today’s rapidly evolving environment.
Mr. Lawton’s presentation reflects his decades of experience in appellate and trial practice. After earning his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and clerking for Ninth Circuit Judge Thomas Tang, he practiced at Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps LLP before founding his own San Diego firm. For more than 20 years, he trained young attorneys and represented a diverse range of clients including Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and civil rights plaintiffs.
Since joining Klinedinst PC in 2019, Mr. Lawton has continued to handle complex appeals and professional liability cases while sharing his expertise at CLE programs across California. To learn more about Dan S. Lawton, visit his full biography here
To learn more about Dan S. Lawton, visit his full biography here.
About Klinedinst
Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.