From the newsroom to the courtroom, Walter & Haverfield's media lawyers are dedicated to protecting the freedom of the press and the public's right to know. With an eye to preventing litigation, our attorneys provide pre-publication reviews and counsel in identifying potential publisher liability for advertising and other editorial content. Our First Amendment and Media Defense Group utilizes a team approach to assist media clients in obtaining access to public information and court proceedings, and defends against intrusions into the newsgathering processes, such as attempts to obtain unpublished materials and confidential sources.
In particular, Walter & Haverfield lawyers have defended defamation claims arising from print and broadcast news and investigative reports; defended invasion of privacy, trespass, wiretapping and other claims arising from reporters' newsgathering activities; defended copyright infringement claims; instituted mandamus actions to force the release of public records and the opening of courtrooms to cameras; defended civil rights claims that the media conspired with local government officials to violate a plaintiff's civil rights; defended breach of contract and promissory estoppels claims against reporters arising from an alleged breach of a confidentiality promise; and authored amicus briefs on behalf of diverse media coalitions in public records cases before the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Providing full service to its media clients, Walter & Haverfield also offers counsel in business services, employment and labor issues, employee benefits and antitrust and unfair trade matters.
