First Amendment Litigation: Nationwide

Floyd Abrams is “in a class of his own.” Based in New York, Abrams is widely recognized for his expertise in representing networks and print media clients before the Supreme Court.

Kelli Sager operates out of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP's Los Angeles office. Her clients include studios. 

Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz has an impeccable reputation nationally for First Amendment work, with a host of its attorneys impressing sources. Lee Levine is one of the standouts, drawing considerable praise for his expertise, experience and superior judgment. Notable work includes successfully defending The New York Times Company in a highly publicized defamation action regarding references in an article about Senator John McCain.

Chip Babcock is acknowledged as “a first-class media lawyer and a highly effective courtroom advocate.” He is based in the Houston office, and is one of Texas’ leading lawyers for First Amendment and defamation issues.

New York-based David Schulz is hailed for his expertise in access litigation. He gained considerable plaudits for his representation of The Associated Press, The New York Times and USA Today in challenging the government’s attempt to seal completely the factual return in every habeas proceeding brought by a Guantanamo Bay detainee.

Kevin Baine is “a terrific all-round litigator, and a real standout courtroom advocate.” He operates out of the Washington, DC office, and is particularly noted for his work on behalf of longstanding client The Washington Post.

Based in Hogan Lovells US LLP's New York office, Slade Metcalf stands out for his courtroom tenacity and his extensive First Amendment experience. His practice is focused on the representation of prominent media entities, including Fox Television Stations and The New York Post.

Bruce Johnson is Davis Wright Tremaine's leading First Amendment attorney in the Pacific Northwest. He is particularly recognized for his knowledge of the print media sector.

Bruce Sanford operates out of the Washington, DC office of Baker & Hostetler LLP. His status as one of the country's leading press and libel attorneys is borne out by his phenomenal track record, which includes representation of a range of clients from both media and publishing, including ABC, NBC, Hearst and Random House.

Charles Tobin heads up the national media team at Holland & Knight LLP. He is a well-established media lawyer, and is the chair-elect of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Communications Law. He recently acted on behalf of the Software & Information Industry Association, winning an appellate decision providing website operators with the right to protect the anonymity of people who send or post information on their sites.

Jonathan M Albano is "a brand name that everyone respects," and is lauded for his exceptional media law expertise.

Laura Handman is based in Davis Wright Tremaine's Washington, DC office. She is known for her courtroom competence, tactics and advice pre-trial.

Michael Sullivan worked with Lee Levine in the successful defense of the New York Times Company. He is acknowledged as a formidable trial attorney.

Paul Smith of Jenner & Block LLP in Washington, DC is recognized as “an excellent media lawyer, and a particularly strong appellate advocate.” He is noted for his Supreme Court experience, which encompasses commercial speech and defamation matters.

Ted Boutrous is singled out by sources as “an exceptional First Amendment specialist.” His client base encompasses reporters, authors and networks.

Thomas Kelley works out of Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz’s Denver office. He is recognized as a go-to lawyer for libel defense and media litigation, both regionally and nationally. He is noted for his work with the Denver Post, Freedom Newspapers and Examiner.com.

Miami-based Tom Julin is the leading First Amendment specialist at Hunton & Williams LLP. His clients applaud his pre-trial advice and his strategic thinking. He is a noted expert in commercial speech issues.

New York-based Victor Kovner is a veteran First Amendment attorney.

Boston-based Joseph Steinfeld is the mainstay of the First Amendment practice at Prince, Lobel, Glovsky & Tye. His practice encompasses a raft of complex commercial and civil rights litigation, and commentators acknowledge his solid reputation in First Amendment work.