Department profile
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Rankings

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

Band 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

Provided by Chambers

  • 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

  • The team is really good in terms of availability, flexibility and creativity. It provides practical business solutions.

    Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
  • The team offers high quality analysis, breadth of knowledge and long-standing expertise in the fields of marketing and regulatory law.

    Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
  • Kelley Drye provides business-friendly, practical advice. The attorneys we work with are quick to respond and very timely with their advice.

    Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3John E Villafranco
    Band 3John E Villafranco

    John E Villafranco

    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.

      Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
    • 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.

      Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
    • John is an extremely knowledgeable resource in our industry. He has relationships with the FTC which are key in reaching amicable resolutions.

      Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
  • Band 3Christie Grymes Thompson
    Band 3Christie Grymes Thompson

    Christie Grymes Thompson

    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.

      Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
    • Christie gives pragmatic and thoughtful advice.

      Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
  • Band 3Gonzalo Mon
    Band 3Gonzalo Mon

    Gonzalo Mon

    Gonzalo Mon advises clients on all aspects of their advertising strategy, including claims substantiation and privacy concerns.
    • Gonzalo is a terrific lawyer.

      Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
    • Any time we request something, Gonzalo gets it done. He's even-tempered but also a fierce advocate.

      Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
    • Gonzalo is well-versed in his area of expertise.

      Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
  • Band 4Donnelly McDowell
    Band 4Donnelly McDowell

    Donnelly McDowell

    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.

      Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
    • Donnelly is an excellent lawyer with strong strategic vision and execution. He is highly respected by our in-house department and his colleagues.

      Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA
    • Donnelly is a masterful counselor and attorney. His even-keeled temperament makes him an ideal lawyer for high stakes representation.

      Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP (5)

USA - Nationwide

  • Profile image of Christie Grymes Thompson

    Christie Grymes Thompson

    Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory

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  • Profile image of John E Villafranco

    John E Villafranco

    Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory

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  • Profile image of Donnelly McDowell

    Donnelly McDowell

    Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory

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Members

Provided by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

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