Media & Entertainment
USA Guide 2024 : District of Columbia
Band 1
Contact number
+1 202 661 2200About
Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP
Ballard Spahr’s Media and Entertainment Practice Group has the most wide-ranging and far-reaching First Amendment and media law practice in the United States. Our lawyers have played a leading role in many of the most significant Media and First Amendment cases in recent years. Collectively, we have hundreds of years of experience advising and representing content providers of all types and sizes – from international television broadcasters to start-up websites and from the nation’s leading newspapers to small book publishers and everything in between.
Our attorneys regularly defend local, national, and international media companies in an array of content-related matters, including defamation, privacy, intellectual property, and newsgathering litigation. We also routinely counsel media clients before broadcast and publication to avoid the risks of libel, privacy, and intellectual property claims, and to assist them in their news and information gathering. In addition, we help clients secure access to public records, court documents, and government proceedings. And, we represent content providers in responding to civil and criminal subpoenas that seek information related to newsgathering, confidential sources, and anonymous online speech.
Chambers Review
Ballard Spahr LLP is an impressive firm with a deep bench of attorneys and a strong foundation of expertise in cutting-edge First Amendment disputes. The group is engaged by traditional and new media organizations to litigate defamation and access-to-information claims. It is also adept in IP and rights of publicity disputes arising in the context of media and entertainment.
Work Highlights
- Ballard Spahr defended Politico against allegations of defamation brought by a former member of the White House National Security Council during the Trump administration.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are first-class, outstanding and provide exceptional first amendment support."
"The firm is very responsive, has a high calibre of attorneys and is known throughout the US for the work it does."
"They are one of the best media law firms in the US, just outstanding. They are on our shortlist of firms we use for the biggest, most important cases we face."
"They are first-class, outstanding and provide exceptional first amendment support."
"The firm is very responsive, has a high calibre of attorneys and is known throughout the US for the work it does."
"They are one of the best media law firms in the US, just outstanding. They are on our shortlist of firms we use for the biggest, most important cases we face."
Notable Practitioners
Chad Bowman acts on behalf of media companies as well as non-governmental organizations in a range of First Amendment matters. He impresses with a high-profile roster of clients.
"He is an expert in the field and offers practical solutions."
"Chad has a wonderful way with clients, judges and opposing counsel, managing to achieve excellent results on a wide range of cases. He is focused on what the client's goals are and how to best achieve these."
"He really knows his clients and is able to sharpen our position. He has incredible reach and is absolutely phenomenal."
Charles Tobin has earned a stellar reputation for his First Amendment practice. He is frequently engaged in high-profile defamation and Freedom of Information Act disputes on behalf of leading news organizations.
"Charles is an industry leader. He is highly sophisticated, active and responds quickly."
"His capacity to provide expert legal advice quickly and to prioritize matters make him a true expert in the field."
"Charles is a zealous advocate, an expert in his area, an excellent litigator and is second to none in his brief writing."
Jay Ward Brown is sought out by major newspapers and television networks to handle complex First Amendment disputes.
"We call Jay for all types of difficult questions and advice. We really rely on him for our most crucial issues."
"Jay is a master of argument with a wonderful skill to make the complex seem simple."
"He is great at rendering legal advice into plain English."
Seth Berlin is a skilled litigator with particular prowess in First Amendment matters. He is regularly engaged to defend defamation claims and has significant experience in dealing with Freedom of Information Act matters.
"Seth has complete understanding of what any challenge will be, for any type of claim. He is very efficient and provides really thoughtful advice on a short turnaround. He is able to translate an argument in a way that resonates with our interests and objectives."
"He knows his way around the courtroom as well as being a deep thinker in terms of media law."
"He's very knowledgeable and he is excellent in brief writing and with strategy."
Alia Smith is of counsel in the firm's media and entertainment practice in Washington, DC. She is recognized for her work in the publishing and broadcasting sectors, with particular expertise in copyright matters.
"Alia provides an excellent and responsive service. She is very knowledgeable in her subject area."
Matthew Kelley is of counsel in the firm's Washington, DC office. He is an experienced media lawyer, with expertise handling defamation, freedom of information and privacy matters.
"Matt has an incredible depth of experience, which we value hugely."
Associate Maxwell Mishkin is increasingly prominent in First Amendment litigation, frequently advising on behalf of news organizations and journalists in defamation, access, intellectual property and privacy issues.
"Max works quickly on short deadlines and creates an excellent work product."
"Max is bright, intelligent, a good writer and a great support."
Ranked Lawyers at
Ballard Spahr LLP
District of Columbia
Members
Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP
Alia L. Smith
Head of Department
Matthew E. Kelley