Karin M. Sweigart has represented politicians, reporters, media organizations, social media influencers, actors, actresses, and media personalities in high-stakes disputes involving First Amendment and due process violations, defamation, and reputation management. She is widely recognized for her strategic use of anti-SLAPP statutes to defeat meritless lawsuits designed to chill speech and has secured numerous dismissals and fee awards for clients targeted because of their speech or reporting.
In addition to her defamation and anti-SLAPP practice, Karin has developed a nationally recognized niche representing private and public-school students, parents, and teachers in school related disputes. She has challenged unlawful discipline, compelled compliance with contractual, statutory, and constitutional protections, and defended families and students facing retaliation for speaking out. Her practice sits at the intersection of education law and constitutional rights, where she works to ensure that institutions respect due process, parental rights, and free expression.
Prior to co-founding Sweigart Murdock, LLP, Karin was counsel at Dhillon Law Group, where she focused on defamation, anti-SLAPP litigation, First Amendment law, and civil rights matters. At Dhillon Law Group, she represented high-profile clients across the country in both state and federal courts, serving as lead and co-counsel in cases involving public officials, media defendants, and individuals. Prior to her time at Dhillon Law Group, Karin worked for litigation non-profits helping advocate for individual rights against the government. She began her legal career as an attorney in the United States Congress, helping conduct oversight and investigations on behalf of members of congress for agencies such as the Department of Justice, FBI, ATF, EAC, and FEC.
Karin’s recent wins include:
Obtaining numerous dismissals under state anti-SLAPP statutes and securing attorneys’ fees awards for clients forced to defend against retaliatory litigation.
A million-dollar jury verdict on behalf of private school students expelled without due process.
California court of appeals anti-SLAPP victory on behalf of a defamed high school student.
In a case of first impression, winning the right for a sexual assault victim sued for defamation to use a pseudonym.
Forcing public officials to rewrite unconstitutional government policies for their rights violations.
Negotiating a seven-figure settlement on behalf of a student defamed and denied due process by a private school before filing a lawsuit.
Karin’s work has helped shape the developing landscape of online speech, media accountability, and education governance.
Beyond the courtroom, Karin acts as a trusted advisor to individuals facing a wide range of complex matters, including defamation, due process concerns, Title IX proceedings, and constitutional rights violations. She guides clients through sensitive legal issues both in pre-litigation and litigation postures, bringing creativity and strategic insight to even the most unique legal challenges.
Karin is admitted to practice law in California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, federal district courts in California, the District of Columbia, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, the Ninth and Third Circuit Courts of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court. She has appeared pro hac vice in courts across the country in matters involving defamation, constitutional claims, and education law disputes.
Karin has been featured in national and regional media outlets in connection with high-profile speech, reputation, and education cases including on Fox News, ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, and Newsmax. She has appeared on numerous radio shows and in print publications discussing cutting edge litigation and developments in the law and is regularly called upon to present continuing legal education programs for attorneys in her areas of expertise. She serves on the Federalist Society’s Education Practice Group.