Contact number
+1 202 661 2200Provided 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.
Provided by Chambers
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.
Ballard Spahr LLP represented The Associated Press in challenging the Trump Administration’s decision to ban The AP from the White House press pool.
Provided by Chambers
Ballard's team of attorneys are hardworking and effectively anticipate legal issues and obstacles.
Ballard knows media law intimately.
The firm is able to clearly and persuasively argue cases on the client's behalf.
Ballard's team of attorneys are hardworking and effectively anticipate legal issues and obstacles.
Ballard knows media law intimately.
The firm is able to clearly and persuasively argue cases on the client's behalf.
Provided by Chambers
Charles Tobin is an outstanding counselor.
Jay has an outstanding knowledge of the law.
Leita is a really strong litigation lawyer with great defamation instincts.
Leita is personable and has a great command of the law.
Leita is a terrific lawyer.
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.
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.
Emmy Parson of Ballard Spahr represents media and entertainment clients in defamation and access litigations. She has particular experience representing news outlets and individuals.
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.
Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP
Head of Department
Elizabeth Seidlin-Bernstein
Kaitlin Gurney
Michael Berry
