About

Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP


Ballard Spahr’s Media and Entertainment Law practice is led by Charles D. Tobin. In New York, the team includes Senior Counsel David Schulz, Partners Tom Sullivan Jacquelyn Schell and Joe Slaughter, as well as Of Counsel Lynn Oberlander. Together, the team represents media clients in New York and across the nation in defamation, invasion of privacy, access, intellectual property, and other content-related matters.

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 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 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 and other content-based claims, such as copyright and trademark.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Media & Entertainment: First Amendment Litigation - New York

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Ballard Spahr LLP houses renowned litigators frequently sought out by major entertainment, media and technology companies as well as well-known individuals. The firm provides impressive counsel in high-profile First Amendment disputes, and is also adept at handling intellectual property disputes. It is notable for its superb trial capabilities, calling upon a strong roster of litigators and appellate specialists in New York and nationally.

Work Highlights

  • Ballard Spahr LLP represented The New York Times and editor James Bennet in a defamation suit brought by former Alaska governor, Sarah Palin.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

David A Schulz
S
David A Schulz
S
Senior Statespeople
David Schulz is a seasoned First Amendment litigator, and offers a wealth of experience handling high-profile defamation and access disputes for media organizations.
Jacquelyn Schell
2
Jacquelyn Schell
2
Band 2

Jacquelyn Schell has a burgeoning practice in media and First Amendment law. She frequently defends media companies in defamation claims and is also adept at intellectual property and privacy claims.

Jacquelyn is great on her feet, which is very important in dealing with intense adversaries.

Lynn Oberlander
2
Lynn Oberlander
2
Band 2
Lynn Oberlander is renowned for her extensive experience in the media law sphere. She is an especially strong choice to provide prepublication review as well as counsel on contractual, copyright and licensing.

Lynn draws on her in-house experience very effectively.

Lynn is always very responsive and on top of everything. She has so much experience.

Thomas B. Sullivan
2
Thomas B. Sullivan
2
Band 2
Thomas Sullivan is renowned for his expert representation of media companies in defamation and intellectual property disputes.

Tom is a technically proficient and pragmatic attorney. 

He leaves no stone unturned.

Ranked Lawyers at
Ballard Spahr LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

New York

Media & Entertainment: First Amendment Litigation

David A Schulz
S
David A Schulz
S
Senior Statespeople
Jacquelyn Schell
2
Jacquelyn Schell
2
Band 2
Lynn Oberlander
2
Lynn Oberlander
2
Band 2
Thomas B. Sullivan
2
Thomas B. Sullivan
2
Band 2
Media & Entertainment: Litigation

Thomas B. Sullivan
3
Thomas B. Sullivan
3
Band 3

Members

Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP

Jacquelyn Schell

Joseph Slaughter

Lynn Oberlander