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Overview
Dilworth Paxson’s Media Law Group focuses on defending the First Amendment rights of our clients. Our lawyers work with editors and reporters on a daily basis, providing counsel from the newsroom to the courtroom on a wide range of issues, including: pre-publication review of articles; seeking access to public information from government agencies; responding to subpoenas issued to reporters for either testimony or documents; protecting intellectual property rights; providing strategic advice to Internet content and service providers on defamation and privacy issues; and defending defamation actions in court.
Lawyers in Dilworth Paxson’s Media Law Practice Group understand the particular needs posed by our clients. We realize the paramount importance of upholding the First Amendment rights of freedom of the press and free speech, protecting confidential sources, the vital role that our media clients play in ensuring transparency in government and the unpredictable nature of the news cycle.
The Media Law Practice Group regularly handles matters in state and federal court for our clients. The group is comprised of seasoned litigators with significant experience practicing in media law and related areas.
Among others, the group represents the publisher of the largest newspaper and the largest news-oriented Web site in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Newspapers, LLC, publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News and philly.com.
Representative Matters
- Obtained a reversal by the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records of the City of Philadelphia’s denial of access to birthdates and home addresses of city employees.
- Dismissed a defamation claim at the summary judgment stage.
- Quashed subpoenas to reporters for both documents and testimony in a Pennsylvania grand jury leak investigation.
- Successfully asserted qualified reporters’ privilege in keeping two reporters off of the witness stand in a criminal case in Philadelphia County.
Representative Matters
- Obtained a reversal by the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records of the City of Philadelphia’s denial of access to birthdates and home addresses of city employees.
- Dismissed a defamation claim at the summary judgment stage.
- Quashed subpoenas to reporters for both documents and testimony in a Pennsylvania grand jury leak investigation.
- Successfully asserted qualified reporters’ privilege in keeping two reporters off of the witness stand in a criminal case in Philadelphia County.
