Michael Berry

Practice Areas

For over 20 years, Michael Berry has represented news, entertainment, and other media clients in defamation and privacy suits, fought for the right of the press and public to access government and court records, defended reporters who are subpoenaed, and advised clients on newsgathering and other First Amendment matters. He is a trial lawyer who regularly defends media companies in federal and state courts throughout the country. For example, Michael has served as trial counsel for prominent newspapers and websites and succeeded in unsealing records in high-profile criminal prosecutions and high-stakes corporate litigation. In addition, he was instrumental in drafting Pennsylvania's newly enacted anti-SLAPP law, which passed the state House of Representatives and Senate unanimously and was signed by the Governor in July 2024.

In light of his accomplishments, the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association inducted Michael into its Hall of Fame. In addition, The Best Lawyers in America named Michael its First Amendment Law Lawyer of the Year in Philadelphia for 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2025, its Media Lawyer of the Year in Philadelphia for 2019 and 2024, and its 2022 Lawyer of the Year in Philadelphia for First Amendment Litigation.

Michael speaks frequently on matters affecting the freedom of the press, and his writings about First Amendment issues have appeared in a variety of publications. Prior to practicing law, he worked on Capitol Hill for the late Senator Paul D. Coverdell (R-Ga.).

Career

Admissions

Pennsylvania

New Jersey

New York

U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Third, Ninth, and Tenth Circuits

U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Professional Memberships

Professional Activities

Media Law Resource Center Institute, Board of Directors, Secretary-Treasurer

Pennsylvania Bar Association, Co-Chair, Bar-Press Committee

Pennsylvania Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee

Spotlight PA, Ex Officio Board Member

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, Board Member

American Bar Association, Forum on Communications Law & Section of Dispute Resolution

Pennsylvania Council of Mediators

Media Law Resource Center, past Co-Chair, MediaLawLetter Committee

Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition, Founding Member, Board of Directors