Blake Lively has filed a request for $8,035,040 in legal fees and costs following her successful defense against a countersuit brought by director and co-star Justin Baldoni. A federal judge previously ruled that Lively is entitled to these costs after Baldoni’s massive civil extortion and defamation claim was dismissed in June 2025.
The Breakdown of the legal fee claim
According to a legal filing submitted on June 30, Lively’s attorneys, Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, have itemized the expenses incurred during the conflict. The requested total includes $7,495,526.87 in attorney fees and $539,514.01 in associated litigation costs.
These figures cover the period from January 2025 through June 2025. This timeframe encompasses Lively’s defense against Baldoni’s countersuit, which was filed in response to an initial complaint of sexual harassment she raised against him the previous month.
The legal request covers legal work performed during a period of intense discovery and pre-trial motions that preceded the settlement of the primary It Ends With Us dispute in May 2026.
Why Lively’s Legal Team Cites “Scorched-Earth” Tactics
In a 15-page memorandum of law, Lively’s legal team characterized the actions taken by Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios as a “scorched-earth” strategy. Her attorneys argued that the litigation was not intended to succeed on its legal merits but rather to exhaust her financial resources.
Gottlieb and Hudson highlighted several specific behaviors they claim were designed to intimidate their client, including:
- A “near-daily” press campaign aimed at framing the lawsuit as a public dispute.
- The issuance of expansive and irrelevant discovery demands.
- Persistent obstruction of discovery requests directed at Baldoni and his affiliated third parties.
- A pattern of abusive docket filings that forced Lively to seek frequent relief from the court.
Legal Precedent and Future Implications
The ruling that Lively is entitled to fees marks a significant moment for litigants facing similar retaliatory claims. In a statement to the Guardian, attorneys Gottlieb and Hudson noted that the decision serves as a warning to those who might use the court system as a “weapon of intimidation.”
The legal team emphasized that the value of the court’s ruling lies in the precedent it establishes. By imposing accountability for what the court identified as an abuse of the legal system, the decision aims to protect individuals who speak out from facing costly, retaliatory countersuits.
When reviewing complex litigation, look for “fee-shifting” provisions. These are court orders that require one party to cover the winner’s legal expenses, often used to discourage frivolous or bad-faith lawsuits.
What Happens Next?
Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios face a deadline of July 13 to respond to the filing. They must decide whether to accept the cost assessment or formally challenge the amount in court. As of early July, representatives for Baldoni had not issued a public response, though the Guardian reported reaching out to his legal team for comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit dismissed?
Baldoni’s massive countersuit, which alleged civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy, was dismissed by a federal judge in June 2025.
What does the legal figure cover?
The figure covers attorney fees and litigation costs incurred by Blake Lively between January and June 2025 while defending against Baldoni’s countersuit and addressing a pending petition for damages.
Is the settlement between Lively and Baldoni final?
Yes, the primary lawsuit between the two parties was settled in early May 2026, though the issue of legal fees remained under court review.
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