Department profile
Ballard Spahr LLP

First Amendment Litigation

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Ballard Spahr LLP

Rankings

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

Band 1

Band 1


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

Provided by Chambers

  • Ballard Spahr LLP represented The Associated Press in challenging the Trump Administration’s decision to ban The AP from the White House press pool.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Ballard's team of attorneys are hardworking and effectively anticipate legal issues and obstacles.

    First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA
  • Ballard knows media law intimately.

    First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA
  • The firm is able to clearly and persuasively argue cases on the client's behalf.

    First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleDavid J Bodney
    Senior StatespeopleDavid J Bodney

    David J Bodney

    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.
  • Star IndividualsCharles D Tobin
    Star IndividualsCharles D Tobin

    Charles D Tobin

    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 Tobin is an outstanding counselor.

      First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA
  • Band 1Jay Ward Brown
    Band 1Jay Ward Brown

    Jay Ward Brown

    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 has an outstanding knowledge of the law.

      First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA
  • Band 3Leita Walker
    Band 3Leita Walker

    Leita Walker

    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 is a really strong litigation lawyer with great defamation instincts.

      First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA
    • Leita is personable and has a great command of the law.

      First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA
    • Leita is a terrific lawyer.

      First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA
  • Band 4Maxwell Mishkin
    Band 4Maxwell Mishkin

    Maxwell Mishkin

    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.

    • Max is sharp, thoughtful and great to work with.

      First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA
  • Band 4Michael Berry
    Band 4Michael Berry

    Michael Berry

    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 calm, efficient and communicative.

      First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA
  • Up and ComingEmmy Parsons
    Up and ComingEmmy Parsons

    Emmy Parsons

    Emmy Parson of Ballard Spahr represents media and entertainment clients in defamation and access litigations. She has particular experience representing news outlets and individuals.

  • Up and ComingKaitlin Gurney
    Up and ComingKaitlin Gurney

    Kaitlin Gurney

    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 thoughtful and sophisticated lawyer who is able to break down complex issues and provide nuanced assessments of legal arguments.

      First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Ballard Spahr LLP (8)

USA - Nationwide

Members

Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP

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