Lauren P. Russell is an associate in the Litigation Department with a focus on media and entertainment. She regularly defends news outlets and other content creators against defamation and privacy lawsuits, and brings lawsuits against government agencies to gain access to public records and official proceedings. Lauren also provides prepublication and newsgathering advice to her clients.
Lauren’s work is informed by her experience working as a photo editor and associate producer at CNN, and aiding in the coverage of the October 2016 term of the U.S. Supreme Court as an intern at NPR.
Prior to joining Ballard Spahr, Lauren represented clients in complex corporate and commercial litigation proceedings in Delaware.
Professional Highlights
Pro Bono Experience
Lauren has provided pro bono litigation representation to journalists and speakers defending against defamation lawsuits and seeking records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). She has also represented clients in immigration matters.
Judicial Internships
Hon. Patrick Auld, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, June 2016-July 2016
Publications
Co-author, "North Carolina Court Holds Records in Possession of Third-Party Contractor Subject to Public Records Disclosure Requirements," MLRC MediaLawLetter, September 2023
Co-author, "Colorado Court Grants Anti-SLAPP Motions of Media Defendants Sued for Reporting on Health Company Fallout With State," MLRC MediaLawLetter, August 2023
"Colorado Court of Appeals SLAPPs Dentist’s Defamation Case Over Consumer Review," MLRC MediaLawLetter, February 2023
Credentials
Education
University of North Carolina School of Law (J.D. 2018, with honors)
Comments Editor and Staff Member, North Carolina Law Review
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.A., Journalism, 2012)
Arts Editor, The Daily Tar Heel
Director of News, Reese News Digital Newsroom
Admissions
District of Columbia
Delaware
Maryland
North Carolina
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina