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| alma mater = [[University of California, Los Angeles]]
| alma mater = [[University of California, Los Angeles]]
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| occupation = Lawyer, academic, legal commentator
| occupation = Lawyer, academic, legal commentator, author
| title =
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'''Keith Allen Fink''' is an accomplished American attorney, legal commentator, author, and academic based in Los Angeles. Fink is widely acclaimed for his involvement in numerous high-visibility legal matters and also for his aggressiveness<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://patentlawip.com/blog/american-apparel-dukes-it-out-with-lawyer-keith-fink/|title=American Apparel Dukes it Out With Lawyer Keith Fink • Cohen Law|last=|first=|date=2009-05-18|website=Cohen Law|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref> as a litigator.
'''Keith Allen Fink''' is an high-profile American attorney, legal commentator, author, and academic based in Los Angeles. Fink is widely acclaimed for his involvement in numerous high-visibility legal matters and also for his aggressiveness<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://patentlawip.com/blog/american-apparel-dukes-it-out-with-lawyer-keith-fink/|title=American Apparel Dukes it Out With Lawyer Keith Fink • Cohen Law|last=|first=|date=2009-05-18|website=Cohen Law|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref> as a litigator.


He is further regarded for his work as a trusted advisor to small- and mid-sized business throughout the United States and Asia. Fink has represented many celebrities, executives, high net-worth individuals, and otherwise noteworthy clients. Such clients include Fink's [[Courtney Love]], [[Dov Charney]], [[Cyndy Garvey|Cindy Garvey]], [[Dita Von Teese]] and [[Madonna Wayne Gacy|Stephen Bier]] ("Pogo"). In addition to representing celebrity clients, Fink has litigated extensively against significant individuals and organizations such as [[Ellen DeGeneres]], [[Ryan Phillippe]], [[Time (magazine)|Time Magazine]], and the [[University of California]], among others. His most notable cases include defeating [[Rodney King]]'s malpractice lawsuit against his lawyers stemming from the LAPD excessive force verdict, and as counsel for a [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]] business who got in a contract dispute with [[Ellen DeGeneres]] dubbed by the media as "Iggygate".<ref name="People">{{Citation
He is further regarded for his work as a trusted advisor to small- and mid-sized business throughout the United States and Asia. Fink has represented many celebrities, executives, high net-worth individuals, and otherwise noteworthy clients. Such clients include [[Jim Rogers]], [[Courtney Love]], [[Dov Charney]], [[Cyndy Garvey|Cindy Garvey]], [[Dita Von Teese]] and [[Madonna Wayne Gacy|Stephen Bier]] ("Pogo"). In addition to representing celebrity clients, Fink has litigated extensively against significant individuals and organizations such as [[Ellen DeGeneres]], American [[American Apparel|Apparel]], [[Ryan Phillippe]], [[Time (magazine)|Time Magazine]], and the [[University of California]], among others. His most notable cases include defeating [[Rodney King]]'s malpractice lawsuit against his lawyers stemming from the LAPD excessive force verdict, and as counsel for a [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]] business who got in a contract dispute with [[Ellen DeGeneres]] dubbed by the media as "Iggygate".<ref name="People">{{Citation
| last=Tresniowski
| last=Tresniowski
| first=Alex
| first=Alex
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| url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20160737,00.html }}</ref>
| url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20160737,00.html }}</ref>


In 2017, Fink became embroiled in a dispute with the [[University of California, Los Angeles|University of California at Los Angeles]] regarding the importance of free speech, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity in the collegiate setting. Fink was repeatedly recognized by the media for his willingness to stand up for these values despite jeopardizing his career as an academic.
In 2017, Fink became embroiled in a dispute with the [[University of California, Los Angeles|University of California at Los Angeles]] regarding the importance of free speech, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity in the collegiate setting. Fink was repeatedly recognized by the media for his willingness to defend these principles despite jeopardizing his career as an academic.


More recently, Fink has become extensively involved in the "me too" movement, both by representing those falsely accused of sexual misconduct and also by being an outspoken critic of the movement -- particularly the fact that it too easily allows individuals reputations to be tarnished in the media without any judicial finding of wrongdoing.
More recently, Fink has become extensively involved in the "me too" movement, both by representing those falsely accused of sexual misconduct and also by being an outspoken critic of the movement -- particularly the fact that the movement too easily allows individuals' reputations to be tarnished in the media without any judicial determination of wrongdoing.


Fink is the author of two books: ''Free Speech in the Workplace''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/free-speech-in-the-workplace-keith-fink/1037912354|title=Free Speech in the Workplace (Revised Edition){{!}}Paperback|last=Noble|first=Barnes &|website=Barnes & Noble|language=en|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref> and ''Sex, Politics, and Race: Free Speech on Campus''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Race-Politics-Speech-Campus/dp/1609276205|website=www.amazon.com|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref>.
Fink is the author of two books: ''Free Speech in the Workplace''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/free-speech-in-the-workplace-keith-fink/1037912354|title=Free Speech in the Workplace (Revised Edition){{!}}Paperback|last=Noble|first=Barnes &|website=Barnes & Noble|language=en|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref> and ''Sex, Politics, and Race: Free Speech on Campus''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Race-Politics-Speech-Campus/dp/1609276205|website=www.amazon.com|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref>.
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==Biography==
==Biography==
[[File:Keith Fink, 1982 National Collegiate Debate Champion.jpg|alt=UCLA’s debate captain Keith Fink with debate coach Tom Miller after capturing UCLA’s first national debate championship|thumb|UCLA’s debate captain Keith Fink with debate coach Tom Miller after capturing UCLA’s first national debate championship]]
[[File:Keith Fink, 1982 National Collegiate Debate Champion.jpg|alt=UCLA’s debate captain Keith Fink with debate coach Tom Miller after capturing UCLA’s first national debate championship|thumb|UCLA’s debate captain Keith Fink with debate coach Tom Miller after capturing UCLA’s first national debate championship]]
Keith Fink was born in [[Santa Monica, California]] and grew up in [[Bel Air, Los Angeles|Bel Air, California]]. He attended [[University High School (Los Angeles)|University High School]] and then went to college at the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] where he was a collegiate debate star.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.commstudies.ucla.edu/content/keith-fink|title=UCLA Communication Studies|website=www.commstudies.ucla.edu|access-date=2017-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.truebruin.ucla.edu|title=UCLA TRUE BRUIN|website=www.truebruin.ucla.edu|access-date=2017-09-11}}</ref> While winning the prestigious National Collegiate Debate Championship three years in a row, Fink also won dozens of debate tournaments throughout the country.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.roomfordebate.info/hall-of-fame-1/keith-a-fink/|title=Room For Debate - Keith A. Fink|website=www.roomfordebate.info|access-date=2017-09-11}}</ref> Fink and his debate partner [[Lisa Bloom|Lisa Allred]] set the single season college debate record for most tournament wins in a year while juniors.<ref name=":1" /> In addition to being a dedicated and fierce debate competitor, Fink was known for his unbreakable work ethic and imaginative method of case-creation.<ref name=":0" />
Keith Fink was born in [[Santa Monica, California]] and grew up in [[Bel Air, Los Angeles|Bel Air, California]]. He attended [[University High School (Los Angeles)|University High School]] and then went to college at the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] where he was a collegiate debate star.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.commstudies.ucla.edu/content/keith-fink|title=UCLA Communication Studies|website=www.commstudies.ucla.edu|access-date=2017-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.truebruin.ucla.edu|title=UCLA TRUE BRUIN|website=www.truebruin.ucla.edu|access-date=2017-09-11}}</ref> While winning the prestigious National Collegiate Debate Championship three years in a row, Fink also won dozens of debate tournaments throughout the country.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.roomfordebate.info/hall-of-fame-1/keith-a-fink/|title=Room For Debate - Keith A. Fink|website=www.roomfordebate.info|access-date=2017-09-11}}</ref> Fink and his debate partner [[Lisa Bloom|Lisa Allred]] set the single season college debate record for most tournament wins in a year while juniors.<ref name=":1" /> In addition to being a dedicated and fierce debate competitor, Fink was known for his indefatigable work ethic and eloquence as a speaker.<ref name=":0" />


Fink's college debate coach said Fink was the greatest debater in UCLA history.<ref name=":0" /> Fink was a frequent panelist on the television show Youth & The Issues while at UCLA.<ref name=":1" />
Fink's college debate coach said Fink was the greatest debater in UCLA history.<ref name=":0" /> While at UCLA, Fink was a frequent panelist on the television show Youth & The Issues.<ref name=":1" />


After college, Fink taught debate at the [[Harvard-Westlake School]] while also editing a college debate handbook called Fink's Files, which provided analysis and arguments on the yearly college debate topic. Fink also taught Speech at [[Stephen S. Wise Temple]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://s495646126.initial-website.com/hall-of-fame-1/keith-a-fink/|title=Room for Debate|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>
After college, Fink taught debate at the [[Harvard-Westlake School]] while also editing a college debate handbook called Fink's Files, which provided analysis and arguments on the yearly college debate topic. Fink also taught Speech at [[Stephen S. Wise Temple]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://s495646126.initial-website.com/hall-of-fame-1/keith-a-fink/|title=Room for Debate|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>
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== Legal career ==
== Legal career ==
Fink began his legal career as an Associate Attorney at Cotkin, Collins & Franscell. He subsequently joined Kindel & Anderson, where his primary focus was litigating [[Second Enforcement Act of 1871#As later amended and codified as section 1983|42 U.S.C. § 1983]] cases. Fink later joined [[BakerHostetler|Baker & Hostetler]], one of the largest law firms in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americanlawyer.com/law-firm-profiles-result?firmname=Baker+&+Hostetler&slreturn=20170811212615|title=Baker {{!}} The American Lawyer|website=www.americanlawyer.com|access-date=2017-09-12}}</ref> During Fink's early years as an attorney, he successfully litigated numerous [[Second Enforcement Act of 1871#As later amended and codified as section 1983|42 U.S.C. § 1983]] cases, leading to several published judicial opinions, including at least one that was hear by the [[Supreme Court of California]] in which Fink and his client prevailed.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1372916/williams-v-superior-court/|title=Williams v. Superior Court, 852 P.2d 377 (Cal. 1993)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-9th-circuit/1257294.html|title=Romberg v. Nichols 953 F.2d 1152 (9th Cir.)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://openjurist.org/25/f3d/743/credit-managers-association-of-southern-california-v-kennesaw-life-and-accident-insurance-company|title=Credit Managers Association v. Kennesaw Life Ins., 25 F.3d 743 (9th Cir 1994)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://openjurist.org/5/f3d/412/wilks-v-reyes|title=Wilks v. Reyes, 5 F.3d 412 (9th Cir. 1993)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.leagle.com/decision/19931939995f2d94411748|title=Alliance Ins. Co. v. Colella, 995 F.2d 944 (9th Cir. 1993)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://openjurist.org/938/f2d/1048/brooks-v-cook|title=Brooks v. Cook, 938 F.2d 1048 (9th Cir. 1991)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/4th/99/1361.html|title=Grant-Burton v. Covenant Care, 99 Cal. App. 4th 1361 (2002)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>
Fink began his legal career as an Associate Attorney at Cotkin, Collins & Franscell, where his primary focus was litigating [[Second Enforcement Act of 1871#As later amended and codified as section 1983|42 U.S.C. § 1983]] cases. During Fink's early years as an attorney, he successfully litigated numerous [[Second Enforcement Act of 1871#As later amended and codified as section 1983|42 U.S.C. § 1983]] cases, leading to scores of published judicial opinions, including at least one that was hear by the [[Supreme Court of California]] in which Fink and his client prevailed.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1372916/williams-v-superior-court/|title=Williams v. Superior Court, 852 P.2d 377 (Cal. 1993)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-9th-circuit/1257294.html|title=Romberg v. Nichols 953 F.2d 1152 (9th Cir.)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://openjurist.org/25/f3d/743/credit-managers-association-of-southern-california-v-kennesaw-life-and-accident-insurance-company|title=Credit Managers Association v. Kennesaw Life Ins., 25 F.3d 743 (9th Cir 1994)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://openjurist.org/5/f3d/412/wilks-v-reyes|title=Wilks v. Reyes, 5 F.3d 412 (9th Cir. 1993)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.leagle.com/decision/19931939995f2d94411748|title=Alliance Ins. Co. v. Colella, 995 F.2d 944 (9th Cir. 1993)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://openjurist.org/938/f2d/1048/brooks-v-cook|title=Brooks v. Cook, 938 F.2d 1048 (9th Cir. 1991)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/4th/99/1361.html|title=Grant-Burton v. Covenant Care, 99 Cal. App. 4th 1361 (2002)|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>


Fink subsequently joined Kindel & Anderson, and later [[BakerHostetler|Baker & Hostetler]] (one of the largest law firms in the United States<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americanlawyer.com/law-firm-profiles-result?firmname=Baker+&+Hostetler&slreturn=20170811212615|title=Baker {{!}} The American Lawyer|website=www.americanlawyer.com|access-date=2017-09-12}}</ref>) where his focus expanded to labor, employment, business, and commercial litigation.
⚫
Fink's focus subsequently expanded to labor, employment, business, and commercial litigation. In March 1997, Fink founded Keith A. Fink & Associates, a boutique litigation firm that primarily handles [[Employment discrimination law in the United States|employment discrimination law]], labor, business, [[Civil Rights Act of 1964|civil rights]], and [[entertainment law]] matters. Fink continues to manage Keith A. Fink & Associates and achieve ideal outcomes for clients. Keith A. Fink & Associates is unique in that it handles both plaintiff- and defendant- side matters, in addition to counseling clients on proactive approaches to avoid litigation. Keith A. Fink & Associates manages approximately several hundred matters at any given time, drawing from its resources in both Los Angeles and Macau.<ref>[http://finklawfirm.com]</ref>


⚫
In March 1997, Fink founded Keith A. Fink & Associates, a boutique litigation firm that primarily handles [[Employment discrimination law in the United States|employment discrimination law]], labor, business, [[Civil Rights Act of 1964|civil rights]], and [[entertainment law]] matters. Fink continues to manage Keith A. Fink & Associates and achieve ideal outcomes for clients. Keith A. Fink & Associates is unique in that it handles both complex litigation matters in addition to counseling clients on proactive approaches to avoid legal claims. Keith A. Fink & Associates manages approximately several hundred matters at any given time, drawing from its resources in both Los Angeles and [[Macau]].<ref>[http://finklawfirm.com]</ref>
⚫
Fink litigates a wide variety of cases in both [[State court (United States)|state]] and [[Federal judiciary of the United States|federal courts]] throughout California. He also litigates throughout the United States and in Asia, where his firm maintains an office in [[Macau]]. Fink's experience as a labor and employment attorney is extensive; the vast majority of his career has involved representing both employees and employers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage & hour lawsuits. Fink has also handled upwards of 300 appeals, many of which resulted in published opinions (including cases in the [[Supreme Court of California]]<ref name=":2" /> and [[Supreme Court of the United States|United States Supreme Court]].<ref>Farrar v. Hobby, 506 U.S. 103 (1992) [amicus]</ref>

⚫
Fink litigates a wide variety of cases in both [[State court (United States)|state]] and [[Federal judiciary of the United States|federal courts]] throughout California. He also handles legal matters throughout the United States and in Asia, where his firm maintains an office in [[Macau]]. Fink's experience as a labor and employment attorney is extensive; the vast majority of his career has involved representing both employees and employers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage & hour lawsuits. Fink has also handled hundreds appeals, many of which resulted in published opinions (including cases in the [[Supreme Court of California]]<ref name=":2" /> and [[Supreme Court of the United States|United States Supreme Court]].<ref>Farrar v. Hobby, 506 U.S. 103 (1992) [amicus]</ref>


== Notable cases ==
== Notable cases ==
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===Rodney King (2001)===
===Rodney King (2001)===


After the civil verdict in the [[Rodney King]] civil rights case the federal court awarded King's attorneys who worked on the case 1.7 million in statutory attorneys fees which were in addition to the 3.8 million awarded by the jury. King's lawyer, Stephen Lerman, distributed the attorneys fees to the lawyers who worked on King's behalf. King then sued Lerman for legal malpractice claiming King was entitled to those attorneys fees instead of his lawyers. Lerman hired Fink to defend him against King and Fink prevailed in the action by having the case dismissed on summary judgment which was affirmed on appeal.<ref>{{Citation
After the civil verdict in the [[Rodney King]] civil rights case the federal court awarded King's attorneys who worked on the case 1.7 million in statutory attorneys fees which were in addition to the 3.8 million awarded by the jury. King's lawyer, Stephen Lerman, distributed the attorneys fees to the lawyers who worked on King's behalf. King then sued Lerman for legal malpractice claiming King was entitled to those attorneys fees instead of his lawyers. Lerman hired Fink to defend him against King and Fink prevailed in the action by having the case dismissed on summary judgment which was affirmed on appeal.<ref>{{Citation
|last=Ofgang
|last=Ofgang
|first=Kenneth
|first=Kenneth

Revision as of 05:44, 5 August 2019

Keith Fink
Born
Santa Monica, California
Education
Alma materUniversity of California, Los Angeles
Occupation(s)Lawyer, academic, legal commentator, author
Awards
  • 1982 National Collegiate Debate Champion
  • 1983 National Collegiate Debate Champion
  • 1984 National Collegiate Debate Champion
Websitewww.finklawfirm.com

Keith Allen Fink is an high-profile American attorney, legal commentator, author, and academic based in Los Angeles. Fink is widely acclaimed for his involvement in numerous high-visibility legal matters and also for his aggressiveness[1] as a litigator.

He is further regarded for his work as a trusted advisor to small- and mid-sized business throughout the United States and Asia. Fink has represented many celebrities, executives, high net-worth individuals, and otherwise noteworthy clients. Such clients include Jim Rogers, Courtney Love, Dov Charney, Cindy Garvey, Dita Von Teese and Stephen Bier ("Pogo"). In addition to representing celebrity clients, Fink has litigated extensively against significant individuals and organizations such as Ellen DeGeneres, American Apparel, Ryan Phillippe, Time Magazine, and the University of California, among others. His most notable cases include defeating Rodney King's malpractice lawsuit against his lawyers stemming from the LAPD excessive force verdict, and as counsel for a Pasadena business who got in a contract dispute with Ellen DeGeneres dubbed by the media as "Iggygate".[2]

In 2017, Fink became embroiled in a dispute with the University of California at Los Angeles regarding the importance of free speech, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity in the collegiate setting. Fink was repeatedly recognized by the media for his willingness to defend these principles despite jeopardizing his career as an academic.

More recently, Fink has become extensively involved in the "me too" movement, both by representing those falsely accused of sexual misconduct and also by being an outspoken critic of the movement -- particularly the fact that the movement too easily allows individuals' reputations to be tarnished in the media without any judicial determination of wrongdoing.

Fink is the author of two books: Free Speech in the Workplace[3] and Sex, Politics, and Race: Free Speech on Campus[4].

Biography

UCLA’s debate captain Keith Fink with debate coach Tom Miller after capturing UCLA’s first national debate championship
UCLA’s debate captain Keith Fink with debate coach Tom Miller after capturing UCLA’s first national debate championship

Keith Fink was born in Santa Monica, California and grew up in Bel Air, California. He attended University High School and then went to college at the University of California, Los Angeles where he was a collegiate debate star.[5][6] While winning the prestigious National Collegiate Debate Championship three years in a row, Fink also won dozens of debate tournaments throughout the country.[7] Fink and his debate partner Lisa Allred set the single season college debate record for most tournament wins in a year while juniors.[7] In addition to being a dedicated and fierce debate competitor, Fink was known for his indefatigable work ethic and eloquence as a speaker.[5]

Fink's college debate coach said Fink was the greatest debater in UCLA history.[5] While at UCLA, Fink was a frequent panelist on the television show Youth & The Issues.[7]

After college, Fink taught debate at the Harvard-Westlake School while also editing a college debate handbook called Fink's Files, which provided analysis and arguments on the yearly college debate topic. Fink also taught Speech at Stephen S. Wise Temple.[8]

Fink subsequently earned a Juris Doctor degree Southwestern Law School, was admitted to the State Bar of California,[9] and went on to pursue a successful and storied legal career. He is presently the founder, owner, and Managing Partner of Keith A. Fink & Associates, a Los Angeles litigation boutique that is known for aggressive litigation and achieving strong results for clients.[2][10]

Fink began his legal career as an Associate Attorney at Cotkin, Collins & Franscell, where his primary focus was litigating 42 U.S.C. § 1983 cases. During Fink's early years as an attorney, he successfully litigated numerous 42 U.S.C. § 1983 cases, leading to scores of published judicial opinions, including at least one that was hear by the Supreme Court of California in which Fink and his client prevailed.[11][12][13][14][15][16][17]

Fink subsequently joined Kindel & Anderson, and later Baker & Hostetler (one of the largest law firms in the United States[18]) where his focus expanded to labor, employment, business, and commercial litigation.

In March 1997, Fink founded Keith A. Fink & Associates, a boutique litigation firm that primarily handles employment discrimination law, labor, business, civil rights, and entertainment law matters. Fink continues to manage Keith A. Fink & Associates and achieve ideal outcomes for clients. Keith A. Fink & Associates is unique in that it handles both complex litigation matters in addition to counseling clients on proactive approaches to avoid legal claims. Keith A. Fink & Associates manages approximately several hundred matters at any given time, drawing from its resources in both Los Angeles and Macau.[19]

Fink litigates a wide variety of cases in both state and federal courts throughout California. He also handles legal matters throughout the United States and in Asia, where his firm maintains an office in Macau. Fink's experience as a labor and employment attorney is extensive; the vast majority of his career has involved representing both employees and employers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage & hour lawsuits. Fink has also handled hundreds appeals, many of which resulted in published opinions (including cases in the Supreme Court of California[11] and United States Supreme Court.[20]

Notable cases

Rodney King (2001)

After the civil verdict in the Rodney King civil rights case the federal court awarded King's attorneys who worked on the case 1.7 million in statutory attorneys fees which were in addition to the 3.8 million awarded by the jury. King's lawyer, Stephen Lerman, distributed the attorneys fees to the lawyers who worked on King's behalf. King then sued Lerman for legal malpractice claiming King was entitled to those attorneys fees instead of his lawyers. Lerman hired Fink to defend him against King and Fink prevailed in the action by having the case dismissed on summary judgment which was affirmed on appeal.[21]

Babyface (2002)

Fink filed a pregnancy discrimination action against R&B singer Babyface and his former wife Tracey Edmonds after an employee of Edmonds Entertainment Group became pregnant and was alleged to have been fired after she refused to have an abortion. The employee claimed she was offered between $20,000 and $150,000 to have a late term abortion.[22]

American Apparel (2005 - 2015)

In 2005, Fink filed a sexual harassment suit against American Apparel's founder Dov Charney.[23] Fink claimed in a Businessweek article that the environment at American Apparel made Animal House look like choir practice. Fink subsequently over a dozen additional law suits against the company for matters relating to sexual harassment, wage and hour violations, securities fraud, and defamation.[24] American Apparel responded by cyber-attacking Fink as a result of the lawsuits.[25]

Ellen DeGeneres (2007)

In 2007 Ellen DeGeneres got into a media brawl with Fink over Iggy, an adopted dog, in a matter which was labeled by the press as "Iggy Gate." DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi had adopted Iggy from a small Pasadena California business named Mutts and Moms. Iggy had been rescued by Mutts and Moms before being euthanized. Several weeks after Iggy was adopted, DeGeneres and de Rossi had given the dog away to Ellen's hairstylist, as Iggy did not get along with the couple's cats. Ellen unintentionally broke her agreement to return Iggy to the organization if she did not wish to keep him, and Iggy was taken by Mutts and Moms. Fink was hired by Mutts and Moms to enforce the contract Mutts and Moms had with DeGeneres.[2] Numerous media outlets covered this dispute -- one in which Fink's client's prevailed.[26][27]

Marilyn Manson (2007)

The Marilyn Manson band was one of the most successful bands in rock and roll history. The band which originally had five members had only two original members left by 2008. They were Manson and keyboardist Stephen Bier who went by the stage name Pogo. After Bier complained about not receiving his partnership share from Manson he was ejected from the band. Fink filed suit on Bier's behalf with a complaint detailing a laundry list of bizarre usage of partnership money.[citation needed]

Johnny Rotten a/k/a John Lydon (2008)

The Sex Pistols singer was sued by Fink in 2008 when a talent producer claimed he called her derogatory names and punched her in the face in the Ritz Carlton Hotel when "the rocker was forced to stay in a room at the Ritz Carlton Hotel that didn't share a door with his assistant.[28] The incident stemmed from Rotten's appearance on the reality show Battle of the Bands. The suit also alleged that the assistant had to work in a hostile environment which was due in part to having to test strip clubs for clients and staff. Rotten objected to his deposition being videotaped. The suit settled in 2010 for an undisclosed sum.[29]

Dita Von Teese (2008–present)

The famous burlesque model Dita Von Teese is a client of Fink's. Ironically, Von Teese is divorced from Marilyn Manson who Fink sued in the Manson-Pogo partnership dispute. He has brought a number of interesting lawsuits on her behalf. He filed an action on behalf of Von Teese against dominatrix, Cynthia Butler, who was alleged to have stolen half of her rights to a movie entitled "Slick City."[30] Von Teese prevailed in that action and retained all her intellectual property rights in the film.[31] Recently he filed a lawsuit on Von Teese's behalf against an anti-Semitic landlord who refused to return her security deposit.[32]

Christian Brando (2008)

After Marlon Brando's son Christian died in 2008, a family dispute arose over the burial of Christian Brando. Fink was retained by Brando's brother, sister and long time girlfriend, to preclude his body from being buried in Washington. Christian Brando had desired to have his body cremated and his ashes spread with his father's in Franklin Park.[33]

Courtney Love (2009)

Fink represented Courtney Love in a number of lawsuits including a defamation claim involving Love's use of Twitter, a claim by AMEX she ran up hundreds of thousands in debt[34] and an intellectual property action against Activision that stemmed from the use of Love's ex-husband Kurt Cobain's avatar in the Guitar Hero game.

Ida Ljungqvist (2009)

Ida Ljungqvist a Playboy Playmate is one of the many models Fink represents. Ljungqvist, after becoming Playmate of the year, was accused by an estranged ex-wife of taking child support money. Fink defended the lawsuit and quickly had the case dismissed.[35]

Chris Paciello (2009–)

Fink keeps busy handling the many legal matters his famed South Beach nightclub owner, Chris Paciello, gets into. Paciello, who gained notoriety for starting Club Liquid in Miami in the 90s and dating a slew of Hollywood's top celebrities including Madonna, continuously gets in litigation. Fink has handled on Paciello's behalf an assault with a deadly weapon charge that resulted outside of a nightclub, an incident of a claimed false arrest and civil rights violation by a business partner, and a dispute over an investment in a Hollywood restaurant.[36][37]

ESPN v. Cicada Restaurant (2010)

ESPN got embroiled in a legal battle with one of Hollywood's most famous restaurants when it sent a cease and desist letter to the restaurant demanding Cicada Restaurant not host an "ESPY Awards Party". Cicada, which is housed in a famous 1920's Art Deco building, where many movies and television shows (including Pretty Woman, The Artist, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and American Horror Story, have been filmed, hired Fink to deal with ESPN's threat of trademark infringement. Fink fired back to ESPN's legal threat with a scathing letter noting that "the whole situation was more of a farce than the 'King James' show aired by ESPN and Cicada wound up hosting their party as planned.[38]

Jason Bailey (2010)

Jason Bailey played in the Anaheim Ducks organization in 2008-9. During that time while playing for the Ducks affiliate the Bakersfireld Condors, Bailey alleged he was subjected to anti-Semitic comments from the team's coaches.[39] Bailey hired Fink who filed a lawsuit against the Anaheim Ducks.[40]

Ronnie Wood (2010)

Wood a member of the Rolling Stones was alleged by photographer Matheu to have painted his Rod and Ronnie painting by using a photograph Matheu took at a live performance when they sang together as The Faces. Matheu sued the art galleries that sold the painting and Fink represented galleries in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Fink sued Ronnie Wood on behalf of the galleries claiming Wood had an indemnity obligation to the galleries which he refused to honor.[41]

Jon Voight (2011)

Actor Jon Voight sued a boutique Beverly Hills law firm for malicious prosecution. Fink defended the attorneys in the malicious prosecution suit and had the lawsuit dismissed by way of an anti-SLAPP motion. Voight was then ordered to pay Fink's client, the law firm, over $100,000.[42]

Kobe Bryant (2011)

One of Fink's many art gallery clients is Art of the Game which has galleries in the Staples Center, Dodgers Stadium and Anaheim Stadium. Art of the Game sells sports memorabilia as well art. Los Angeles Lakers famed guard Kobe Bryant in 2009 entered into a license agreement for his intellectual property rights with an Italian company called Panini. Panini sued Art of the Game claiming Bryant's intellectual property rights were violated based on Art of the Game's sale of signed Bryant memorabilia and paintings of Bryant by the famous sports artist Stephen Holland. Panini and Bryant also claimed in the suit that Bryant's signature was not authentic. Fink categorically denied Panini and Bryant's claims and submitted proof that Bryant's signatures were authentic and that Panini's claims to the contrary were false. Panini quickly dismissed its lawsuit after Art of the Game submitted evidence that Panini's claims were spurious.[43]

Reeves Nelson and UCLA Basketball (2012)

In March 2011 Sports Illustrated ran a lengthy story highly critical of the way UCLA basketball coach Ben Howland had run UCLA's program.[44] Former UCLA basketball star Reeves Nelson was mentioned in the article as having attacked and harmed players on his own team. Fink was hired by Nelson and challenged the claims made by Sports Illustrated calling the article "yellow journalism at its worst." Fink claimed to have confirmed in writing from the players Sports Illustrated alleged to have been injured by Nelson that Sports Illustrated's claims were false.[45]

Cyndy Garvey (2013)

Former talk show host Cyndy Garvey of "The Morning Show" with Regis Philbin and ex-wife of MLB star Steve Garvey sued UCLA claiming she was duped into enrolling in the School of Public Health. Garvey's suit claimed she initially had no interest in going back to school and did so only because she was offered a free ride by a rich alumnus and UCLA which would benefit from her celebrity status. Garvey retained Fink who sued UCLA.[46]

Jim Rogers (2013-2016)

Fink defended American businessman and financial commentator Jim Rogers in an extortion matter. Laura Alexis, “a self-professed ‘media consultant’ of Russian descent,” threatened Rogers' health and reputation as she demanded that he fork over “large sums of money.”[47] Fink ultimately resolved the matter not only by thwarting the extortion attempt but also prevailing on counterclaims made by Rogers against extortionist Alexis.

Dov Charney (2015-present)

Former American Apparel CEO Dov Charney retained Fink to represent him in numerous matters against American Apparel, Standard General, and others relating to his unlawful and unethical removal from the company that he founded.[48][49]

Elsie Hewitt (2017-present)

Playboy playmate Elsie Hewitt retained Fink to handle allegations of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress by former boyfriend and movie star Ryan Phillippe.[50] The case is ongoing, but to date, Phillippe and his counsel have been fined and judicially forced to produce documents and LAPD records relating to the incident.[51][52]

Teaching

Fink began teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Southwestern Law School in 1993. He taught Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, Labor Law, Employment Discrimination, and Pretrial Civil Practice.[53]

In the 2007-2008 academic year, Fink stopped teaching at Southwestern Law School to begin teaching at UCLA, his alma mater. For the next decade, Fink's teaching focused on the First Amendment, freedom of speech, employment law, entertainment law, and debate. Fink designed and taught four widely-popular[54] courses: Race, Sex & Politics: Free Speech on Campus; Free Speech in the Workplace; Entertainment Law;[55] and Abortion, Gun Control, and the Death Penalty: Arguing Contemporary Social Issues.[56][57]

Fink's classes were widely well-received by students; many describe his classes as among the "most influential and developmentally-important classes they've taken at UCLA",[58] some going as far to say that his classes "teach tolerance without imposing tolerance."[59][58] Fink's Free Speech in the Workplace course was recently ranked by the Daily Bruin as one of the "Top 25 Best Classes" at UCLA."[60]

Throughout the first half of 2017, Fink was engaged in an academic freedom dispute with UCLA administrators.[61] Fink fought fervently in support of the importance of the notions of academic freedom, free speech, and view point diversity within university settings. This ultimately lead to Laura E. Gómez (the former Dean of Social Sciences) declining to promote him to Continuing Lecturer, effectively ending his employment with the Department of Communication Studies on June 30, 2017. The process by which Fink was terminated has been likened to a "modern day star chamber"[62]; legal processes to reinstate Fink at UCLA are presently pending.[63]

Television & Media

In 1999 Fink was one of the original cast on the television show Power of Attorney. The show featured prominent attorneys arguing real cases before Judge Andrew Napolitano.[64] Fink has been on many other notable television shows, many clips of him can be found on YouTube.

Fink has subsequently made media appearances that include

  • MSNBC, January 2012, regarding Ellen Degeneres' attempt to forcefully adopt a dog from Muts and Moms[26]
  • Bill O'Reilly, January 2012, regarding Ellen Degeneres' attempt to forcefully adopt a dog from Muts and Moms[27]
  • Gurveys Law repeated appearances
  • Tucker Carlson Tonight, 22 Feb 2017, "Keith Fink UCLA Professor Student Blocked From Taking His Class", regarding his dispute with the University of California at Los Angeles[65]
  • Tucker Carlson Tonight, 05 May 2017, "UCLA's Star Chamber "Review" Process Exposed by Professor Keith Fink on Tucker Carlson Tonight", regarding his dispute with the University of California at Los Angeles[62]
  • Fox Business News, 20 April 2017, "Professor Keith Fink rips into UCLA's Biased Administration", regarding his dispute with the University of California at Los Angeles[66]
  • NHL
  • Super Pat

References

  1. ^ "American Apparel Dukes it Out With Lawyer Keith Fink • Cohen Law". Cohen Law. 2009-05-18. Retrieved 2019-08-05. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  2. ^ a b Tresniowski, Alex (November 5, 2007), "A Dog Gone Shame", People, vol. 68, no. 19
  3. ^ Noble, Barnes &. "Free Speech in the Workplace (Revised Edition)|Paperback". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved 2019-08-05.
  4. ^ www.amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Race-Politics-Speech-Campus/dp/1609276205. Retrieved 2019-08-05. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. ^ a b c "UCLA Communication Studies". www.commstudies.ucla.edu. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  6. ^ "UCLA TRUE BRUIN". www.truebruin.ucla.edu. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  7. ^ a b c "Room For Debate - Keith A. Fink". www.roomfordebate.info. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  8. ^ "Room for Debate". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  9. ^ "Attorney Licensee Profile: Keith Allen Fink". 22 Jun 2019. Retrieved 22 Jun 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  10. ^ "Attorneys: Keith Fink". Retrieved 2 August 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  11. ^ a b "Williams v. Superior Court, 852 P.2d 377 (Cal. 1993)". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  12. ^ "Romberg v. Nichols 953 F.2d 1152 (9th Cir.)". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  13. ^ "Credit Managers Association v. Kennesaw Life Ins., 25 F.3d 743 (9th Cir 1994)". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  14. ^ "Wilks v. Reyes, 5 F.3d 412 (9th Cir. 1993)". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  15. ^ "Alliance Ins. Co. v. Colella, 995 F.2d 944 (9th Cir. 1993)". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  16. ^ "Brooks v. Cook, 938 F.2d 1048 (9th Cir. 1991)". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  17. ^ "Grant-Burton v. Covenant Care, 99 Cal. App. 4th 1361 (2002)". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  18. ^ "Baker | The American Lawyer". www.americanlawyer.com. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
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  20. ^ Farrar v. Hobby, 506 U.S. 103 (1992) [amicus]
  21. ^ Ofgang, Kenneth (October 3, 2001), "Appeals Court Rejects Rodney King's Malpractice Suit Against Lerman", Metropolitan News-Enterprise
  22. ^ Johnson, Billy (August 28, 2002), "Babyface Act 3rd Storee Calls Sex Discrimination Suit Plan of Deception", Yahoo News, archived from the original on January 1, 2013 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ "Living on the Edge at American Apparel", [Businessweek], vol. 68, no. 19, June 27, 2005
  24. ^ Frumes, Max. "Dov Charney's Lawyer Has a History of Suing American Apparel -- and Dov Charney". Forbes. Retrieved 2019-08-05.
  25. ^ "Lawyer Who Sued Company is Target of Claimed Cyber Attack Campaign", [ABA Journal], vol. 68, no. 19, January 27, 2009
  26. ^ a b Keith Fink vs Ellen DeGeneres on MSNBC, retrieved 2019-05-03
  27. ^ a b Keith Fink against Ellen Degeneres on Bill O Reilly, retrieved 2019-08-03
  28. ^ Tresniowski, Alex (December 2, 2009), "Never Mind the Sex Charge, It's Johnny Rotten!", [The Wrap], vol. 68, no. 19
  29. ^ "Sex Pistol Off the Hook in Alleged Woman-Punch Lawsuit", [TMZ], vol. 68, no. 19, November 11, 2010
  30. ^ "CRACK THE WHIP", New York Post, January 9, 2008
  31. ^ Altman, Larry (July 25, 2008), "Just a Tease: Dita Von Teese Wins Rights to Fetish Film", South Bay Crimes and Court, archived from the original on January 10, 2011 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ "Just a Tease: Dita Von Teese Wins Rights to Fetish Film", TMZ, October 18, 2011
  33. ^ "KIN BATTLE OVER BRANDO BODY", City News Service, January 30, 2008
  34. ^ Justice, Celebrity (May 28, 2009), "Lawyer Who Sued Company is Target of Claimed Cyber Attack Campaign", [TMZ]
  35. ^ "Playmate Victory: Woman's Lawsuit Against Playboy Centerfold of the Year Dropped", City News Service, May 28, 2009, archived from the original on January 23, 2013 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ "Madonna ex-boyfriend Chris Paciello accused of arranging phony arrest", New York Daily News, July 19, 2009
  37. ^ "Club convict busted again", New York Post, February 9, 2010
  38. ^ "War Erupts Over 'ESPYs' Pre-Party", TMZ, July 13, 2010
  39. ^ "Details emerge of Jason Bailey's suit", ESPN, January 27, 2011
  40. ^ "Anaheim Ducks Accused of Abusing Jewish Player", TMZ, January 25, 2011
  41. ^ "Every Lithograph Tells A Story", New York Post, April 17, 2011
  42. ^ Heatherman, Bill, "Jon Voight Ordered to Pay Attorneys Fees", City News, archived from the original on 2013-01-23 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  43. ^ "Jon Voight Ordered to Pay Attorneys Fees", TMZ, May 11, 2011
  44. ^ Dohrmann, George (March 5, 2012), "Special Report: Not the UCLA Way", Sports Illustrated
  45. ^ Yoon, Peter (March 2, 2012), "Reeves Nelson lawyer wants retraction", ESPN
  46. ^ "CYNDY GARVEY SUES U.C.L.A. S.C.R.E.W.E.D. M.E.", TMZ, January 29, 2013
  47. ^ Covert, James (2015-01-13). "Jim Rogers claims Russian 'consultant' tried to extort him". New York Post. Retrieved 2019-08-04.
  48. ^ Keith Fink and Dov Charney on Gurvey's Law, retrieved 2019-08-03
  49. ^ Frumes, Max. "Dov Charney's Lawyer Has a History of Suing American Apparel -- and Dov Charney". Forbes. Retrieved 2019-08-03.
  50. ^ "Hewitt v. Phillippe Complaint" (PDF). September 18, 2017. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  51. ^ Hirsch, Chelsea (2019-01-09). "Ryan Phillippe slapped with almost $800 fine in Elsie Hewitt suit". Page Six. Retrieved 2019-08-03.
  52. ^ "Ryan Phillippe's Ex-Girlfriend Wins Battle Over LAPD Records Involving Actor". The Blast. 2019-04-24. Retrieved 2019-08-03.
  53. ^ "Faculty Guide" (PDF), Southwestern Law School, 2007
  54. ^ UCLA Media, Daily Bruin (2017), Keith Fink Bruinwalk Reviews
  55. ^ "COMM ST 164 - Entertainment Law". UCLA Department of Communication Studies. 2015-09-07. Archived from the original on 2015-09-07. Retrieved 2017-08-29. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  56. ^ "COMM ST 184 - Abortion, Gun Control, and the Death Penalty". UCLA Communication Studies. 2016-08-09. Archived from the original on 2015-09-07. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  57. ^ "UCLA Communications Department", UCLA, 2010
  58. ^ a b Litt, Andrew. "At UCLA, free speech is suppressed and double standards reign". Washington Examiner. Retrieved 2017-09-13.
  59. ^ "Student Evaluation of Teaching, ("Teach tolerance without imposing tolerance")" (PDF). 2017-03-28. Retrieved 2017-09-10. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  60. ^ "The 25 best and worst UCLA classes, according to students". Retrieved 2017-09-13.
  61. ^ Brown, Sarah (July 1, 2017), "Why Did a UCLA Instructor With a Popular Free-Speech Course Lose His Job?", Chronicle of Higher Education
  62. ^ a b UCLA's Star Chamber "Review" Process EXPOSED by Professor Keith Fink on Tucker Carlson Tonight, retrieved 2019-08-05
  63. ^ Reporter •August 15, Nathan Rubbelke-Staff; 2017 (2017-08-15). "Conservative professor terminated at UCLA files grievance". The College Fix. Retrieved 2019-08-05. {{cite web}}: |last2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  64. ^ "Keith A. Fink", IMDB, 2010
  65. ^ Keith Fink UCLA Professor Student Blocked From Taking His Class Tucker Carls, retrieved 2019-08-05
  66. ^ Professor Keith Fink rips into UCLA's Biased Administration on Fox Business News (04/20/2017), retrieved 2019-08-05
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