First Amendment Litigator Kaitlin Gurney Joins Ballard Spahr

Kaitlin M. Gurney—a litigator who practices both media law and white collar criminal defense—has joined Ballard Spahr, Firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

Ms. Gurney defends media and entertainment companies in lawsuits alleging defamation and invasion of privacy, and she represents newsrooms in securing access to public records, documents, and court proceedings. She also regularly advises clients on pre-publication issues. Ms. Gurney is a former reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, where she covered the New Jersey statehouse. She also worked at The Charlotte Observer and the Raleigh News & Observer.

"We have the finest media law practice in the country, and Kaitlin's skill and knowledge of the Philadelphia market will make it even stronger," said Geoffrey A. Kahn, Chair of Ballard Spahr's Litigation Department. "What's more, she brings experience in another growth area for us: white collar defense in the pharmaceutical and health care sectors. She's a great addition."

Ms. Gurney advises clients during government investigations and defends them in litigation involving claims of fraud and abuse, particularly the False Claims Act. She will be a member of Ballard Spahr's White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations practice as well as its Media and Entertainment Law Group.

"Like a lot of the lawyers in our group, Kaitlin cut her teeth in a newsroom, so she understands the news value behind the cases we handle in addition to the legal issues at play," said Charles D. Tobin, co-leader of the firm's Media and Entertainment Law Group. "She's a terrific lawyer and a proven leader in the media bar. Our clients are going to love her."

The Media and Entertainment Law Group at Ballard Spahr represents clients across platforms and nationwide, including the biggest and most prominent names in the industry. Attorneys in the group have played a leading role in many of the most significant First Amendment cases in recent years. The firm was named national Law Firm of the Year for both Media Law and Copyright Law in the U.S. News & World Report-Best Lawyers rankings for 2019.

"Ballard's media law practice is a powerhouse. They're on the frontlines of the most significant cases in the industry at a time when press freedom is under attack from all sides," Ms. Gurney said. "I'm excited to be a part of the team."