Davida P. Brook

Los Angeles

Litigation

In a pivotal moment that would go down in legal history, Susman Godfrey’s Los Angeles partner Davida P. Brook assumed the role of co-lead counsel in Dominion Voting System’s colossal defamation lawsuit against Fox News Network and Fox Corporation in 2023.

Her unwavering dedication and expertise would soon yield a groundbreaking outcome.

The tension was palpable as the case headed toward a jury trial in Delaware Superior Court. Brook and her team were ready and eager about the opportunity to tell Dominion’s story in Court. U.S. Dominion Inc. et al. V. Fox News Network LLC, N21C-03-257 (Del. Super. Ct., filed Dec. 16, 2021).

“To have the opportunity to defend the truth and defend the First Amendment on an issue in an area that, I think, is important to many Americans, let alone to my client, was truly just the privilege of my career,” Brook said.

This monumental resolution not only marked a turning point in the legal battle, but also showcased Brook’s exceptional negotiation skills and legal acumen.

However, fate intervened on the very day the trial was slated to commence, as Fox agreed to pay an astonishing $787.5 million settlement to avoid having to face off against Brook and her team in front of a jury.

Diving deeper into the origins of the lawsuit, Brook and her legal team had initiated proceedings two years prior, in 2021, on behalf of Dominion. Their legal action stemmed from allegations made by Fox News Network that Dominion had manipulated the outcome of the 2020 presidential election — a claim that had no basis in truth.

Seeking justice for the defamation and false statements, Brook embarked on a formidable legal journey that would leave an indelible mark on the legal landscape.

Brook’s dedication to pursuing justice did not stop with the landmark settlement against Fox News Network and Fox Corporation. She continued to spearhead similar defamation actions on behalf of Dominion against prominent individuals and media outlets who had perpetuated similar false narratives.

Working tirelessly alongside NY-based Susman Godfrey attorney Stephen Shackelford, Brook expanded the scope of Dominion’s legal battles to include Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, Mike Lindell, Patrick Byrne, One America News Network (OAN), and Newsmax TV. These individuals and entities are also accused of spreading baseless claims about Dominion’s involvement in election rigging.

Despite their formidable opponents, Brook and her team triumphed at every turn. Her efforts in these ongoing defamation actions will undoubtedly shape the future of legal battles surrounding false statements and the impact they have on individuals and institutions.

Brook’s total defamation recoveries for 2023 so far are just shy of a billion dollars, and the year isn’t over yet.

—Douglas Saunders