One of the first places I've investigated on my own is the District of Columbia Court Cases page (https://www.dccourts.gov/cco/maincase.jsf)) and I've found 7 cases linked to a James Alefantis and at least 3 related to David Brock in D.C. I'm not big on legal talk, so I thought I would post them here for someone who knows a thing or two about legal cases.
If this has already been posted in the thread, let me know and I'll take it down. If you have more to add to this, message me.
Here is all of the cases linked to James Alefantis:
http://imgur.com/gallery/fSiYI
Here is all of the cases linked to David Brock:
http://imgur.com/gallery/sGgZ9
I think it would also be worthwhile to look into some people involved with these men.
Kwijibo ago
They are civil suits (lawsuits) It is fairly normal for business owners to be sued, especially in small-claims court. Without knowing the other party or the outcome and amount of settlement, it is difficult to say if this is significant or not.
k9walker ago
check the neighboring, virginia area also
LionParty ago
https://www.dccourts.gov/cco/maincase.jsf Found five cases for a "David Brock" might be a different one, haven't looked at them myself.
LionParty ago
https://www.dccourts.gov/cco/maincase.jsf This case has ALEFANTIS AND BROCK being sued by someone named William Grey
dindonufin ago
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/02/27/media-matters-boss-paid-former-partner-850g-blackmail-settlement.html
interesting...
DamnTheTorPEDOES ago
https://www.dccourts.gov/cco/maincase.jsf
insurgentsoul ago
Also another link! https://voat.co/v/pizzagate/1446541
insurgentsoul ago
I'm also not very well-versed in legal talk, as you mentioned, but I did find another Voat thread related to your post. Here's the link: https://voat.co/v/pizzagate/comments/1446206
:)