Williams & Connolly LLP is a leading First Amendment practice, representing newspapers, magazines, television networks, publishers, motion picture studios and individuals in high-profile defamation cases. Other than its strength in First Amendment cases, the team has also been active in libel and copyright infringement litigation. The team is based in Washington DC with practice head Thomas Hentoff handles a mix of IP disputes, First Amendment and media law and civil litigation. Co-chair Joseph Terry largely advises media companies, financial services clients and law firms in both civil and criminal litigation. The go-to for clients who require defending against First Amendment cases is co-lead Stephen Fuzesi who has defending major news organizations in defamation lawsuits related to both traditional and digital media as well as represented journalists and media companies. Nicholas Gamse is also well-versed in First Amendment and media law, while Gloria Maier represents media and technology clients in investigations and litigations brought by the Department of Justice and state attorneys general.
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Testimonials
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- 'Extremely knowledgeable in the internet search and search text ad spaces, as well as AI and emerging technologies.'
Key clients
- Shannon Sharpe
- The Washington Post
- The Atlantic Monthly Group
- Amazon
- Wausau Pilot & Review
- Dow Jones and Alex Gladstone
- Amy Phillips
- Lynn Goldsmith
Work highlights
Represented former Fox Sports commentator Shannon Sharpe in a defamation action brought by Brett Favre regarding Sharpe’s comments on his Fox Sports show about Favre’s purported connection to a Mississippi welfare fraud scandal.
Represented The Washington Post in a defamation suit brought by four alumni of the Kappa Gamma fraternity at Gallaudet University.
Represented The Atlantic Monthly in a lawsuit filed in DC federal court by writer Ruth Shalit Barrett, in which she asserts defamation and other claims against The Atlantic.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Thomas Hentoff
Joseph Terry
Stephen Fuzesi
Other key lawyers
Nicholas Gamse
Gloria Maier