Felix Shafir Felix Shafir

Felix Shafir

Partner
Los Angeles
fshafir@horvitzlevy.com 818.995.0800
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Felix’s work often focuses on two areas at the cutting edge of California law: (1) the law of protected speech, including the First Amendment, defamation, California’s anti-SLAPP statute, and the litigation privilege; and (2) the defense of class and representative actions, often through resisting class certification efforts or the enforcement of arbitration agreements.

He also has unique expertise in handling appeals involving employment disputes and employer liability, commercial litigation, intellectual property, environmental litigation, unfair competition lawsuits, and federal and state securities issues.

Felix has argued appeals in the California Supreme Court, the California Courts of Appeal, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and has been amicus counsel in numerous proceedings in those courts and in the Supreme Court of the United States. Additionally, trial counsel and in-house legal departments often leverage Felix’s input before an appeal begins. He provides critical advice on preserving issues and presenting evidence in the best posture for appeal. He prepares amicus briefs seeking to move or clarify the law in ways favorable to his clients and their members.

Felix is a partner at the firm. He has represented many significant companies and organizations, including Agilent Technologies, American Medical Response, Anschutz Entertainment Group, the California Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, East West Bank, Ecolab, Levy Premium Foodservice Limited Partnership, Lyft, Macy’s, the Neiman Marcus Group, Omega S.A., See’s Candy Shops, Shell Oil Company, the Southern California Gas Company, Taco Bell, the Washington Legal Foundation, Wells Fargo & Co., and Zumiez.

Felix previously practiced at Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP and Littler Mendelson, P.C., where he focused on all aspects of labor and employment defense and counseling.

Representative Matters

Turrieta v. Lyft, Inc. (2024)

California Supreme Court holds that plaintiffs cannot intervene in overlapping PAGA cases to challenge settlements based on their status as the State’s deputized private attorneys general.

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Diaz v. Macy’s West Stores, Inc. (2024)

Ninth Circuit holds that courts cannot require companies to arbitrate Private Attorneys General Act claims on a representative basis where arbitration agreements include a class or collective action waiver.

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Shenoi v. Maya (2023)

California Court of Appeal affirms defense judgment in defamation case involving youth soccer league.

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Seifu v. Lyft (2022)

United States Supreme Court grant’s Lyft’s cert petition concerning Federal Arbitration Act preemption.

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A&S Metal Recycling, Inc. v. Wilson’s Metal Exchange, Inc (2020)

California Court of Appeal affirms denial of anti-SLAPP motion in defamation case arising out of commercial dispute between business competitors

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Angel v. Winograd (2016)

California Court of Appeal reverses denial of anti-SLAPP motion in defamation case

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Noe v. Superior Court (2015)

California Court of Appeal holds that Labor Code § 226.8 creates no private right of action.

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Judicial Council Coordinated Proceedings 4435 TCP Cases (City of Redlands v. Shell Oil Co.) (2014)

California Court of Appeal affirms defense verdict for Shell Oil Company in case alleging groundwater contamination.

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Malin v. Singer (2013)

California Court of Appeal reverses trial court and orders dismissal of extortion claim against attorney.

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Gonzalez v. Southern California Gas Company (2011)

California Court of Appeal reverses judgment in wrongful death/premises liability case based on absence of legal duty.

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Griffin Dewatering Corp. v. Northern Ins. Co. of New York (2009)

California Court of Appeal reverses an $11 million judgment, including $10 million in punitive damages, and orders entry of judgment for the defendant in insurance bad faith case.

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Kavu v. Omnipak (2007)

Fax-blasting case settles on favorable terms after Horvitz & Levy petitions the Ninth Circuit for interlocutory appeal of class certification order.

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Credentials

Education

  • Northwestern University School of Law
    J.D., cum laude, 1999
  • University of California, Los Angeles
    B.A., cum laude, 1996

Clerkships

  • Hon. Thomas J. Meskill, U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit (2003-2004)
  • Hon. Whitman Knapp, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (2001-2003)

Bar Admissions

  • California
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Professional Associations

Awards

  • Daily Journal’s California Top Labor and Employment Lawyer (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013)
  • Super Lawyers (2017-2026)
  • Super Lawyers “Rising Star” (2007-2014)

Publications

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