Department profile
First Amendment Litigation
USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
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Work Highlights
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Williams & Connolly LLP represented former Fox Sports commentator Shannon Sharpe against a defamation action brought by NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre regarding Sharpe’s comments on his Fox Sports show, “Undisputed,” about Favre’s purported connection to a Mississippi welfare fraud scandal.
Strengths
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The team is made up of terrific lawyers who do a great job.
First Amendment Litigation respondentUSAThe team at Williams & Connolly is experienced and has a strong bench that allows it to really tackle the most complex issues.
First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA
Notable Practitioners
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Senior Statespeople 
Senior Statespeople Kevin T. Baine
Kevin Baine enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the most respected First Amendment litigation experts in the country. He has a wealth of experience handling libel claims on behalf of major news organizations and journalists. Band 1 
Band 1 Thomas G. Hentoff
Thomas Hentoff has a broad litigation practice, which includes notable experience with First Amendment cases, and he is also frequently sought out to conduct prepublication review. His varied client base includes newspapers, broadcasters and online media companies. Thomas is an incredible adviser and counsellor.
First Amendment Litigation respondentUSA
Ranked Individuals at Williams & Connolly LLP (2)
USA - Nationwide
Kevin T. Baine
First Amendment Litigation
View profile Thomas G. Hentoff
First Amendment Litigation
View profile
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