About

Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP

Our Media and Entertainment Law practice is a nationally renowned powerhouse that represents the biggest and most prominent names in the industry.

 

This unparalleled group of attorneys has played a leading role in many of the most significant media and First Amendment cases in recent years. Collectively, the group has hundreds of years of experience advising newspapers, broadcasters, cable television and Internet companies, journalists, advertisers, authors and individuals on an array of media law, First Amendment, and speech-related issues. We represent clients facing defamation, invasion of privacy, infringement of the right of publicity, and related content-based claims. We work with clients both large and small, from international news organizations and multinational corporations to local newspapers and television stations, freelance journalists and individuals. We have expertise in both traditional and new media, including counseling clients before publication to avoid the risks of libel, privacy, publicity, and other content-based claims, such as copyright and trademark.

 

In the fight for government transparency, we help clients secure access to public records, court documents, and proceedings—under public records statutes as well as the First Amendment. We also represent content providers in responding to civil and criminal subpoenas, including grand jury subpoenas that seek information related to newsgathering, anonymous sources, and anonymous online speech. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

First Amendment Litigation - USA - Nationwide

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What the Team is Known For

Ballard Spahr LLP houses a top-flight First Amendment practice which is viewed as a first port of call to defend high-stakes defamation claims. It is also noted for its skillful handling of privacy and access issues across the media and entertainment industry. The group acts for an enviable client base consisting of leading news organizations as well as individual reporters.

Work Highlights

  • Ballard Spahr LLP represented CNN and four of its journalists in a defamation claim filed by Dr Michael Black.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

David A Schulz
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David A Schulz
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Senior Statespeople
David Schulz attracts acclaim for his tremendous experience representing news organizations and reporters in access cases. He assists news organizations with obtaining access to sensitive information pertaining to national security and criminal justice. He is also noted for his academic work, including as part of Yale Law School's Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic.
David J Bodney
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David J Bodney
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Senior Statespeople
David Bodney is based in the firm's Phoenix office and brings a wealth of knowledge to his First Amendment practice, which sees him defend news organizations in libel and privacy lawsuits.

David is experienced and knowledgeable.

Charles D Tobin
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Charles D Tobin
Head of First Amendment Litigation
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Charles Tobin is revered for his expert handling of First Amendment litigation. He is highly skilled in the representation of news organizations in defamation claims as well as disputes involving the Freedom of Information Act.

Charles is very business-minded. His advice is well rounded and something that takes into account the reality of business.

He is not only a great lawyer but also focused on making sure that the client service that his firm provides is amongst the best.

Jay Ward Brown
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Jay Ward Brown
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Jay Ward Brown is a Washington, DC-based attorney and a popular choice to defend complex First Amendment disputes. He has a strong track record of defending newspapers and journalists in sophisticated defamation claims.

Jay is a stellar litigation lawyer. 

Leita Walker
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Leita Walker
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Leita Walker is a Minneapolis-based First Amendment litigator. Her practice includes defending defamation claims for major news and media organizations. She is also experienced in right of public access claims.

Leita Walker is a fantastic lawyer.

Leita's client service is exceptional.

Michael Berry
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Michael Berry
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Michael Berry is an established trial lawyer. He has particular experience representing media and news outlets in matters relating to defamation, rights of the press, freedom of information and newsgathering disputes.

Michael is an excellent lawyer and knows his way around the issues.

Kaitlin Gurney
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Kaitlin Gurney
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Up and Coming

Kaitlin Gurney is an increasingly recognized litigator in the media and entertainment industry. She has particular expertise defending companies against alleged defamation and invasions of privacy and represents newsroom clients in freedom of information and court proceeding access issues.

Kaitlin is a terrific litigator, strategist and adviser.

Maxwell Mishkin
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Maxwell Mishkin
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Up and Coming

Maxwell Mishkin is a partner in the firm's Washington, DC office. He assists clients with defamation and right of access disputes, as well as providing prepublication counsel.

Maxwell is a phenomenal lawyer.

Ranked Lawyers at
Ballard Spahr LLP

Provided by Chambers
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Band

USA - Nationwide

First Amendment Litigation

David A Schulz
S
David A Schulz
S
Senior Statespeople
David J Bodney
S
David J Bodney
S
Senior Statespeople
Charles D Tobin
1
Charles D Tobin
Head of First Amendment Litigation
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Band 1
Jay Ward Brown
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Jay Ward Brown
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Band 1
Leita Walker
3
Leita Walker
3
Band 3
Michael Berry
4
Michael Berry
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Band 4
Kaitlin Gurney
U
Kaitlin Gurney
U
Up and Coming
Maxwell Mishkin
U
Maxwell Mishkin
U
Up and Coming