About

Provided by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Kelley Drye’s advertising attorneys combine deep regulatory knowledge with courtroom-tested litigation skills and a reputation for integrity earned through experience with, and across the table from, the FTC and other regulators. We advise leading brands, agencies, and platforms at the intersection of marketing, technology, and regulation, delivering pragmatic, business-oriented counsel across the full lifecycle of advertising—from claim development to ongoing compliance and dispute resolution.

NAD Proceedings

We represent clients in high-stakes NAD disputes, including challenges to comparative claims, performance and pricing representations, sustainability messaging, influencer and native advertising, and health and wellness claims. We take a strategic approach to resolving disputes while protecting brand equity and managing litigation risk.

Transactional & Regulatory

We advise on all aspects of advertising and marketing law across traditional and digital media, including promotions and sweepstakes, influencer and social media compliance, agency and media agreements, branded content and talent engagements, and loyalty programs. Our practice is anchored by attorneys with firsthand FTC experience who bring institutional insight into the Commission’s priorities. We provide practical guidance on claim substantiation, risk assessment, and responses to investigations. We also advise on privacy, data use, and evolving adtech regulation.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory - USA - Nationwide

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP has a broad-based practice noted particularly for its expert handling of complex regulatory challenges. The department acts on false advertising disputes before the NAD. It also represents clients involved in FTC enforcement proceedings. The team is a leader in Telephone Consumer Protection Act matters, defending clients from both regulatory and consumer actions in this area. It is also well equipped to advise on promotional campaigns and claims substantiation.

Work Highlights

  • Kelley Drye & Warren successfully advised Verizon on an appellate NAD challenge against AT&T over the company’s “Learn how everyone gets iPhone 16 Pro on us” ads.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

John E Villafranco
1
John E Villafranco
1
Band 1
John Villafranco is known for his strong record of handling false advertising matters before the NAD. His client base includes those active in the food and beverage, consumer products and manufacturing sectors.

John really understands how to analyze risk, balancing both the regulatory considerations and commercial initiatives.

John is very good at both the substantive law as well as the relationship management. He always makes sure we are well served and satisfied.

John is an extremely knowledgeable resource in our industry. He has relationships with the FTC which are key in reaching amicable resolutions.

Christie Grymes Thompson
3
Christie Grymes Thompson
3
Band 3
Christie Grymes Thompson is a go-to lawyer for leading brands. She assists clients with the full range of regulatory matters arising out of their marketing campaigns.

Christie provides practical advice and wonderful service.

Christie gives pragmatic and thoughtful advice.

Gonzalo Mon
3
Gonzalo Mon
3
Band 3
Gonzalo Mon advises clients on all aspects of their advertising strategy, including claims substantiation and privacy concerns.

Gonzalo is a terrific lawyer.

Any time we request something, Gonzalo gets it done. He's even-tempered but also a fierce advocate.

Gonzalo is well-versed in his area of expertise.

Donnelly McDowell
4
Donnelly McDowell
4
Band 4
Donnelly McDowell is noted for his expertise in the advertising space, chairing the advertising and marketing group at Kelley Drye.

Donnelly provides wonderful service and practical, business-friendly advice.

Donnelly is an excellent lawyer with strong strategic vision and execution. He is highly respected by our in-house department and his colleagues.

Donnelly is a masterful counselor and attorney. His even-keeled temperament makes him an ideal lawyer for high stakes representation.

Ranked Lawyers at
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

USA - Nationwide

Advertising: NAD Proceedings

John E Villafranco
1
John E Villafranco
1
Band 1
Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory

Christie Grymes Thompson
3
Christie Grymes Thompson
3
Band 3
Gonzalo Mon
3
Gonzalo Mon
3
Band 3
John E Villafranco
3
John E Villafranco
3
Band 3
Donnelly McDowell
4
Donnelly McDowell
4
Band 4