We have deep knowledge of First Amendment principles. We understand journalism. We share our clients' passion for conveying important information to the public. And we bring that knowledge and passion to every client, in addressing every problem.
We have successfully represented publishers, broadcasters, and other media entities throughout the U.S. in First Amendment, defamation, and privacy suits, and have fought to obtain access to information.
We have handled countless matters for media clients in state and federal courts. We have tried jury cases in which powerful people, with much social and political influence, have been the opponents. We have gone to court on numerous access matters to obtain information the press needed immediately. We also have represented reporters faced with contempt proceedings, who have refused to testify, or otherwise aroused the ire of a judge.
We work closely with news organizations to obtain information from the government at the local, national, and international level. Assisting journalists with obtaining information, through requests, negotiation and, if necessary, litigation, is important to our clients and to us, as these sources of information are critical to reporting and keeping governments transparent.
Publishers, broadcasters, and information providers have special needs. Our First Amendment + Newsroom practice, which includes several former journalists, provides fast, responsive advice from a group of attorneys who bring a depth of experience to the wide range of issues faced by these clients.
Our representation of newsroom and communications companies includes:
We have a reputation for litigating high-profile defamation and privacy claims brought by powerful public officials and well-known personalities. We have successfully handled claims brought by justices and judges, law enforcement officials, mayors, legislators, and a variety of public and private figures. Handling hundreds of such claims for a variety of clients enables us to draw upon a wealth of experience and offer first-rate, efficient representation to our clients.
Due to our trial and appellate experience, national and local media clients have selected us to handle their significant matters. We take pride in our ability to use our knowledge of First Amendment principles and our understanding of journalism in presentations to judges and juries.
We have helped unlock documents public officials have sought to keep secret, and opened courtrooms in significant criminal and civil cases. We have litigated numerous open records cases and courtroom access issues. We provide sound advice on how to craft freedom of information requests, and assist clients in negotiating release of information short of litigation. We train news organizations on the myriad aspects of the law, and give hands-on advice on drafting effective requests for public records. The goal of the practice is to ensure that all those using these complex laws understand the rules of the road, how to use public records requests to full advantage, and make sure they obtain all that the laws require.
We provide all of the other legal assistance publishers and broadcasters need to perform their jobs, including pre-publication and pre-broadcast vetting, protecting sources of news, and providing advice regarding the handling of claims for clarifications, and challenging statutes that threaten our clients’ newsgathering and publication rights. Experienced attorneys are available 24 hours a day to respond to questions or concerns so that our clients can meet their deadlines.
We have represented, among others, the following:
Defamation and Privacy Matters
Newsroom