Webinar: The First Amendment and Federal Courts

This program will provide an overview of some of the current First Amendment issues pertinent to federal court practitioners, including access to coverage of court proceedings, the rise of “anti-SLAPP” statutes, and implications of false information and disinformation in the defamation context.

Presented by the Civil Rights Law Section and Federal Judicial Law Clerk Committee

About the Presenters

Leita Walker, Partner, Ballard Spahr LLP

Leita Walker is a litigator and trial lawyer in the Media and Entertainment Law Group of Ballard Spahr LLP in Minneapolis. Leita has nearly 15 years of experience defending media organizations in libel litigation and helping them obtain access to governmental and judicial records. Most recently, she served as counsel for media outlets covering the trial of officer Derek Chauvin  in the death of George Floyd, obtaining what Law360 described as “extraordinary access” to members of the public.  “Let people watch the process, because they will trust it more if they can see it,” Walker said.

Ashley Messenger, Senior Associate General Counsel, National Public Radio (NPR)

Ashley Messenger is Senior Associate General Counsel at National Public Radio (NPR), specializing in First Amendment and Media Law.  She has been a media lawyer for over 25 years at various news organizations, and was formerly a commercial radio talk show host.  She has taught First Amendment law at the University of Michigan Law School and media law at American University, The George Washington University, and George Mason University.  She is also the author of a textbook, Media Law: A Practical Guide, as well as numerous law review articles.

Eric Weslander, Attorney, Stevens & Brand LLP (Moderator)

Eric Weslander is a litigator and former journalist with Stevens & Brand LLP in Lawrence, KS. Eric uses his investigative and storytelling skills to advocate for clients in a variety of lawsuits involving tort claims, business disputes, media law and governmental regulation. He has teamed with the ACLU of Kansas to bring a First Amendment lawsuit challenging school restrictions on the contents of student protests, and has successfully defended lawsuits under Kansas’ recently enacted Public Speech Protection Act, an “anti-SLAPP” statute which aims to deter meritless lawsuits that chill public speech.

Registration

Registration is now closed.
Registrants will receive webinar access information via calendar invitation approximately 24 hours prior to the session.

Registration Fees

• FBA Member: $0
• Nonmember: $75

Live Captioning: Closed captioning is available for all virtual webcasts.

Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be made for cancellations received after the close of business on July 21, 2021. No-shows will be billed. Substitutions may be made at any time upon notification. Please contact Ariel White at awhite@fedbar.org with cancellation and/or substitution requests.

Internet Requirements: Virtual programs require suitable internet strength to stream online panels. A minimum internet connection of 800 Kbps is recommended for an optimal attendee experience. Test your connection here. 

CLE

CLE: 1 CLE Credit (60min state) / 1.2 CLE Credit (50min state)

CLE Credit will be processed/reported approximately 4-6 weeks after the event date and available for credit in states that allow credit for live webinar presentations. You must attend the live broadcast, answer engagement polls, and accurately enter your bar number in our database to receive credit. Certificates and required documentation for self-reporting states will be issued via email, upon state bar approval. Thank you in advance for your patience, as state bars are experiencing significant delays with virtual program processing.

Click Here for more information on CLE Attendance and Reporting.

Email Communication Policy: By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communications from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.

Recording Disclaimer: By registering for an FBA webinar, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.

If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact Caitlin Rider, Sr. Conference Manager.