Tell Us Everything!: The Demand for Information in High-Profile Trials

In a 24-hour news and social media era, is it possible to satisfy the public’s demand for real-time information about the most newsworthy trials without compromising other interests? At this great Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue event, we’ll examine the challenges that come up repeatedly in such trials, as courts try to ensure robust public and press access without jeopardizing the integrity of the proceedings or the security of jurors, witnesses, and court personnel. Our distinguished panelists will talk about a range of interesting issues, including:

• The media’s role as the public’s “eyes and ears,” especially in courts that do not offer live-streams or television cameras;
• The use of gag orders, and if it’s possible to balance litigants’ free speech rights with the potential for prejudice or threats on social media;
• Best practices for making trial exhibits and court filings available to the public and press during trial; and
• How judges try to protect jurors’ safety, privacy, and impartiality while honoring the goal of a public trial before a jury of known peers.

This, and more, will be discussed with an all-star panel representing participants across all aspects of high-stakes trials.

A reception will follow.

MODERATOR:

Thomas G. Hentoff, Williams & Connolly LLP, (Co-Chair of Williams & Connolly's First Amendment and Media practice group)

PANELISTS:

• The Honorable Beryl A. Howell, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
• The Honorable Matthew M. Graves, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia
• Benjamin G. Chew, Partner, Brown Rudnick LLP (trial lawyer for Johnny Depp in Depp v. Heard)
• Charles D. Tobin, Partner, Ballard Spahr LLP (head of Ballard’s media practice)
• Carol Leonnig, The Washington Post (4-time Pulitzer winner and bestselling author)

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Misty Thomas Zaleski for details about how you or your business can sponsor our Bench-Bar-Media series.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Williams & Connolly LLP, 680 Maine Avenue Southwest, Washington, United States