Landmark anti-SLAPP ruling

Representing the Rutland Herald, Matthew B. Byrne obtained dismissal and the first-ever award of attorneys’ fees by a Vermont state court under Vermont’s anti-SLAPP law. The Vermont General Assembly enacted the anti-SLAPP statute to protect the exercise of First Amendment rights. After the Vermont Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal of the claim, the Vermont Superior Court entered an order awarding the Rutland Herald the attorneys’ fees it had incurred in defending the action.