First Amendment Litigation
USA Guide 2024 : USA - Nationwide
Band 1
Contact number
+1 202 973 4200About
Provided by Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Davis Wright Tremaine’s First Amendment litigation team is widely recognized as the leading group in the country. With a long history of handling high-stakes, precedent-setting cases, the team has successfully represented many of the country’s leading studios, networks, publishers, producers, creators, journalists, performers, and distributors. The team has a significant presence in the media centers of New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., as well as nationally recognized practitioners in the technology hotbeds of San Francisco and Seattle. The team brings its multidisciplinary expertise to bear in trial and appellate courts throughout the country, assisting clients in groundbreaking litigation affecting free expression, content ownership, access to public records, journalists’ privilege, and other vital issues. American Lawyer Media describes Davis Wright Tremaine as “practically synonymous with First Amendment litigation” and Law360 has honored the team as Media/Entertainment Practice Group of the Year for five years straight. In the Hollywood Reporter’s 2019 Power Lawyers issue, the magazine singled out Davis Wright for its “outsize influence on media at a particularly critical moment.”
Chambers Review
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP fields an impressive team of First Amendment litigators, providing first-rate representation to clients in the media and entertainment industry. It attracts acclaim for its expert handling of complex defamation disputes, and is also frequently entrusted to handle right of publicity and access-to-information claims. The group draws upon a deep, bicoastal bench of expert practitioners to offer a comprehensive litigation practice as well as regularly assisting clients with prepublication review.
Work Highlights
- Davis Wright Tremaine won an appeal at the US Court of Appeals Sixth Circuit for its client, ABC News, regarding its reporting of a confrontation between a Native American activist and a former student.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Davis Wright Tremaine is a top-notch legal team."
"They are champions of the press, and have strategic and thoughtful lawyers who execute their briefs incredibly well."
"They are top-notch, responsive and know the media industry very well."
"Davis Wright Tremaine is a top-notch legal team."
"They are champions of the press, and have strategic and thoughtful lawyers who execute their briefs incredibly well."
"They are top-notch, responsive and know the media industry very well."
Notable Practitioners
Victor Kovner is a hugely respected figure in the market. He offers a wealth of experience in defamation, reporter's privilege and privacy claims, and continues to advise a diverse client base, which includes clients in the news, publishing and entertainment sectors.
Elizabeth McNamara is a preeminent First Amendment litigator with a stellar reputation defending media companies in high-profile defamation matters. She also demonstrates strength in intellectual property disputes.
"Liz is extremely well respected and at the forefront of the practice."
Kelli Sager is the undisputed doyenne of the First Amendment Bar in California, with an exceptionaltrack record of representing national newspapers and major television networks in defamation and right of publicity claims.
"She is a very significant attorney in this space."
"Kelli is a preeminent First Amendment lawyer. She is incredibly dedicated to her work and clients, working phenomenally hard."
Laura Handman acts for an impressive roster of clients, which includes major newspapers, reporters and digital media companies. She remains a go-to for complex defamation disputes.
"Laura is an expert in this field. She is well connected and really understands what we are trying to achieve."
Katherine Bolger's impressive First Amendment practice sees her regularly handling high-profile defamation claims on behalf of major media companies.
"Katherine is an experienced defense lawyer. She is terrific and a pleasure to work with."
Nathan Siegel has a strong track record of handling high-profile disputes involving press freedom.
"Nate brings great experience to his practice."
Rachel Strom has significant experience defending national newspapers, television networks and digital media companies in high-stakes defamation and access disputes.
"Rachel is an extraordinary lawyer."
Robert Balin offers prepublication counsel to major news outlets, and also often assists clients with defamation lawsuits and resisting subpoenas.
"Robert is a smart, effective and decent lawyer working in this space."
Thomas Burke receives recognition for his specialist knowledge of anti-SLAPP law. He is vastly experienced in representing media companies and journalists seeking access to sensitive information and other First Amendment litigation. He has been particularly active in disputes involving freedom of speech on the internet.
"Thomas has an incredibly deep knowledge of every matter that comes up. He is an extremely inclusive person and knows how to help his clients. He can think well through both a legal and a business lens."
Ranked Lawyers at
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
USA - Nationwide
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