Media & Entertainment: Litigation
USA Guide 2024 : New York
Band 4
Contact number
+1 212 223 0200About
Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP
Ballard Spahr’s Media and Entertainment Law practice is led by Charles D. Tobin. In New York, the team includes Senior Counsel David Schulz, Partners Tom Sullivan Jacquelyn Schell and Joe Slaughter, as well as Of Counsel Lynn Oberlander. Together, the team represents media clients in New York and across the nation in defamation, invasion of privacy, access, intellectual property, and other content-related matters.
This unparalleled group of attorneys has played a leading role in many of the most significant Media and First Amendment cases in recent years. Collectively, the group has hundreds of years of experience advising broadcasters, cable television and Internet companies, journalists, advertisers, authors and individuals on an array of media law, First Amendment, and speech-related issues. We represent clients facing defamation, invasion of privacy and related content-based claims. We work with clients both large and small, from international news organizations and multinational corporations to local newspapers and television stations, freelance journalists and individuals. We have expertise in both traditional and new media, including counseling clients before publication to avoid the risks of libel, privacy and other content-based claims, such as copyright and trademark.
Chambers Review
Ballard Spahr LLP houses renowned litigators frequently sought out by major entertainment, media and technology companies as well as well-known individuals. The firm provides impressive counsel in high-profile First Amendment disputes, and is also adept at handling intellectual property disputes. It is notable for its superb trial capabilities, calling upon a strong roster of litigators and appellate specialists in New York and nationally.
Work Highlights
- Ballard Spahr represented former Trump Campaign staffer Jessica Denson, in a class action pertaining to the enforceability of the Campaign's non-disclosure agreements.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are very strong in terms of their responsiveness, the quality of their advice, the humanity behind the team and their expertise."
"They know how to negotiate matters with finesse. They have excellent industry knowledge and are plugged into the legal world of NY. They are street wise and know how to get you out of a pickle."
"My go-to. They have a depth of copyright law knowledge, write outstanding briefs, communicate with ease and are efficient in their strategy."
"They are very strong in terms of their responsiveness, the quality of their advice, the humanity behind the team and their expertise."
"They know how to negotiate matters with finesse. They have excellent industry knowledge and are plugged into the legal world of NY. They are street wise and know how to get you out of a pickle."
"My go-to. They have a depth of copyright law knowledge, write outstanding briefs, communicate with ease and are efficient in their strategy."
Notable Practitioners
David Schulz is a seasoned First Amendment litigator, and offers a wealth of experience handling high-profile defamation and access disputes for media organizations.
"David is a leading advocate in the FAL space, particularly for access issues. He is a deep thinker and the type of attorney you'd send your most thorny and complex access-related matter to first."
Lynn Oberlander is renowned for her extensive experience in the media law sphere. She is an especially strong choice to provide prepublication review as well as counsel on contractual, copyright and licensing.
"She is an expert in the field; engaged, passionate on the issues and really smart. If you don't understand the issues, she's incredibly good at explaining them."
"Lynn is our go-to for all newsroom matters. She is incredibly experienced and wonderful with the clients. She is seamless."
Thomas Sullivan is renowned for his expert representation of media companies in defamation and intellectual property disputes.
"Thomas is an expert in copyright and libel matters. He is focused on resolving these issues in a cost-effective and efficient manner."
"He is a reliable, responsive, thorough and excellent attorney who is succinct in his writings."
"His has a sophisticated level of knowledge about the publication industry and how it works. He is able to advise on things you wouldn't expect to come up."
Jacquelyn Schell has a burgeoning practice in media and First Amendment law. She frequently defends media companies in defamation claims, and is also adept at intellectual property and privacy claims.
"She is incredibly bright, produces an outstanding written product and has an organized mind that translates into her oral arguments and writing. She is a strong presenter, hard-working and focuses on the interests of the client."
Ranked Lawyers at
Ballard Spahr LLP
New York
Members
Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP
Jacquelyn Schell
Joseph Slaughter
Lynn Oberlander