The team at Williams & Connolly LLP is sought out by clients for its ability to handle a variety of litigations across the media and entertainment landscape, with a particular focus on print media and First Amendment matters. Led by Thomas Hentoff, Joseph Terry, and Stephen Fuzesi, all based in Washington DC, the team handle copyright, employment, and antitrust matters. Hentoff focuses his practice on IP disputes and First Amendment matters, including trademark issues, defamation, and class action litigations. Terry brings a focus to First Amendment cases and handles clients from media companies, public offices, and financial services companies. Fuzesi is also focused on First Amendment mandates, and represents media companies and journalists in defamation cases. Nicholas Gamse adds depth to the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘There is no one better for high stakes media litigation - Williams & Connolly LLP shines for its trademark zealous advocacy, unmatched depth of actual trial experience, and deep bench of partners and associates. It pairs that with top-notch subject matter expertise.’

  • ‘Stephen Fuzesi has a great depth of knowledge and is a strategic thinker.'

  • 'Joseph Terry has a strong depth of knowledge and is a great on-his-feet advocate.'

  • 'Thomas Hentoff has unmatched subject matter expertise and is creative & strategic.'

Key clients

  • The Washington Post
  • The Atlantic Monthly Group
  • The New York Times
  • Google
  • Dow Jones and Alex Gladstone
  • Bloomberg
  • CVS
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation
  • Amazon
  • Kevin Liles
  • Justin Tucker

Work highlights

Represented The Washington Post in multiple matters, including defending against a defamation lawsuit filed by former Congressman Devin Nunes against the Post.
Represented Google in litigation brought by the Ohio Attorney General seeking a judgment declaring that Google Search be classified as a common carrier under Ohio common law.
Represented The Atlantic Monthly in a lawsuit filed in DC federal court by writer Ruth Shalit Barrett, in which she asserted 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