Partner Thomas Leanse Quoted in Leading Publications on Decision in Mall Boycott Case

Thomas Leanse, a Los Angeles-based partner in the Firm’s Shopping Center and Retail Law Practice, was quoted in recent Los Angeles Times, Shopping Centers Today and San Diego Union-Tribune articles on the California Supreme Court’s decision in a case involving the rights of demonstrators to urge boycotts on private property, including shopping malls. The Court upheld the rights of demonstrators, but in doing so, Justice Ming W. Chin issued a strong dissent, describing the majority’s analysis of the case as “bankrupt”. Mr. Leanse noted in Shopping Centers Today that, “It’s as aggressive a dissent criticizing the majority as I’ve seen in years,” and told the Los Angeles Times that the ruling is “incremental,” since it affects only boycott campaigns and otherwise affirms the mall's right to enforce its rules. (“Court Upholds Protest at Mall,” Los Angeles Times, December 25, 2007; “Protestors can keep demonstrating in California malls, court rules,” Shopping Centers Today, December 31, 2007; and “High court reaffirms free speech at malls,” San Diego Union-Tribune, January 7, 2008).