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Horvitz & Levy is a solutions-based firm focused on appellate success. We are distinguished by our commitment to responsive service and on-going innovation in the areas of civil appellate litigation, amicus curiae support, and trial strategy consultation.

Our firm history, honors and awards, and locations speak to our collaborative approach and commitment to serving clients as well as the outstanding legal resources we bring to bear.

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Horvitz & Levy LLP represented Warner Bros. on appeal in this action, in which film director Francis Ford Coppola sued Warner Bros. for interference with prospective economic advantage and interference with a contract he entered with Columbia to make a film adaptation of “Pinocchio.” Both claims were premised on a letter Warner Bros. wrote to Columbia asserting that it had a prior contract with Coppola obligating him to work exclusively with Warner Bros. on a “Pinocchio” film adaptation. Coppola alleged that, as a result of Warner Bros.’ letter, he was prevented from making a “Pinocchio” film with Columbia, which he claimed would have grossed $200 million. The jury accepted this version of the facts and awarded Coppola $20 million in compensatory damages and $60 million in punitive damages.

Horvitz & Levy handled post-trial motions which resulted in the trial court’s striking of the $60 million punitive award. We also persuaded the Court of Appeal to reverse the compensatory damages award in its entirety on the ground that Warner Bros.’ letter was a privileged communication under both the litigation and common interest privileges. The court remanded the case to the trial court with directions to enter judgment in favor of Warner Bros.

The National Law Journal described the Coppola decision as “the latest in a series of stunning wins for Encino, Calif., appellate boutique Horvitz & Levy.”