Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Prevails in Court of Appeal in Defamation Case Based on Section 230 Immunity and Anti-SLAPP Statute
December 2022 - The First District of the California Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s grant of the firm’s client’s anti-SLAPP motion.   The plaintiffs-appellants had brought a defamation claim based on the defendant-appellee’s online sharing of a Facebook post for a march designed to protest against racist incidents at a Bay Area high school.   The trial court struck the claim under the anti-SLAPP statute, Civil Code section 425.16, and held that defendant was entitled to immunity under Section 230, 47 U.S.C. § 230(c)(1).   The Court of Appeal also affirmed the trial court’s award of attorneys’ fees and costs to the defendant-appellee.   Kevin Vick argued before the Court of Appeal and was assisted at the trial and appellate levels by Jeffrey Payne.   A copy of the Court of Appeal’s decision is available here.   Coverage of the decision by Professor Eric Goldman can be found here.   Firm Secures Significant Insurance Recovery Victory In The California Supreme Court
November 2022 - William T. Um secured an important insurance recovery victory for long time firm client, Yahoo Inc., in an unanimous decision by the California Supreme Court.   The Court, in response to a certified question by the Ninth Circuit, determined for the first time underlying California insurance law, that commercial general liability policies that provide coverage for injuries arising out of the “oral or written publication” of “material that violates a person’s right of privacy” may trigger an insurer’s duty to defend lawsuits alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which involves the privacy right of seclusion.   As noted by an insurance coverage expert, “the California Supreme Court became the strongest voice in a chorus of state high courts to rule in favor of coverage for TCPA claims, recognizing that such claims involve the publication of material that violates a person’s right to privacy.”   Jassy Elected Treasurer of Media Law Resource Center
November 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy was elected Treasurer of the Media Law Resource Center, a non-profit membership association for members of the media and their defense lawyers..   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Prevails on Anti-SLAPP Motion Regarding NXIVM Docuseries
November 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy and Meghan Fenzel brought a successful anti-SLAPP motion against a NXIVM member who sued Starz / Lions Gate for his brief portrayal in the docuseries Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult.   The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California struck all claims without leave to amend, holding that his defamation case and related claims failed as a matter of law.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Again Gets Top Rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Best Law Firms
November 2022 - After a comprehensive peer review process, Jassy Vick Carolan LLP has been named again nationally as a Tier 1 (highest tier) law firm in the fields of First Amendment Litigation and Media Law.   The Firm was also recognized as Tier 1 in the same fields in Los Angeles, as well as in insurance law, and Tier 1 in media law in San Francisco.   Carolan to be honored by SPJ/LA with 2022 Freedom of Information Award
September 2022 - The Society of Professional Journalists Los Angeles Pro Chapter has named Duffy Carolan its 2022 Freedom of Information Award recipient.   The Freedom of Information award honors a non-journalist who has helped promote First Amendment issues.   Duffy has long represented the Southern California News Group chain of newspapers, helping their reporters gain access to vital government records for their reporting.   Duffy previously has been honored by the Northern California Chapter of SPJ with its Counsel of the Year award as well as several honorary citations for her work with journalists from the Bay Area News Group among other news organizations.   View announcement here.   Firm Secures Access to Juvenile Case Files in Sophia Mason death case
September 2022 - Following a petition for access to juvenile case files, Duffy Carolan and Meghan Fenzel secure a court order for the Mercury News mandating disclosure of social services agency records in a juvenile death case involving at least 8 complaints to social services in Alameda County before Sophia Mason, 8, was brutally murdered.   The matter has gained state-wide attention with California AG Rob Bonta’s Sept. 10^th press conference announcing several arrests following a joint investigation between DOJ and detectives from Merced, where Sophia’s body was found.   Jassy Named By His Peers as "Lawyer of the Year" In Two Categories
August 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy was selected by his peers and Best Lawyers in America® as the Los Angeles "Lawyer of the Year" in both the fields of First Amendment Law and Litigation - First Amendment, which follows his "Lawyer of the Year" honors in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021.   Jassy on the Radio Discussing Free Speech Lawsuit Against LA Mayoral Candidate's Business
August 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy was interviewed for a public radio news broadcast concerning a free speech lawsuit filed against a shopping mall owned by one of LA mayoral candidate Rick Caruso's businesses. The news segment aired on August 18, and can be found here.   Jassy, Carolan and Um Listed Again in The Best Lawyers in America®
August 2022 - Duffy Carolan, William Um and Jean-Paul Jassy were listed again in The Best Lawyers in America®, a peer-selected honor.   Carolan has been listed since 2008, and was recognized in the fields of Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.   Um has been listed since 2017, and was recognized in the field of Insurance Law.   Jassy has been listed since 2011, and was recognized in the fields of First Amendment Law, Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.   Firm Prevails In Federal Court in D.C. Again Concerning Conspiracyland Podcast
July 2022 - Last year, a federal court in Washington, D.C. dismissed defamation, and other related claims, against investigative journalist Michael Isikoff's Conspiracyland podcast about the murder of Seth Rich.   A copy of the Court's 2021 ruling can be found here.   In July 2022, the Court denied the plaintiff's request to file an amended complaint, putting an end to the case in a decision that can be found here.   Jean-Paul Jassy and William Um were on the JVC team that prevailed for the clients.   Jassy Recognized Again By Chambers And Partners In First Amendment Litigation
June 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy was recognized again by the prestigious Chambers & Partners in the field of Media & Entertainment: First Amendment Litigation - California.   He has been listed in Chambers & Partners since 2018.   Jassy Quoted in The New Yorker Concerning Jerry West's Complaint to HBO Over Basketball Docudrama "Winning Time"
May 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy was quoted in The New Yorker concerning basketball legend Jerry West's complaint about his portrayal in HBO's docudrama series, "Winning Time." A copy of the article can be read here.   Jassy also spoke in a special presentation for the Media Law Resource Center entitled, "Libel (and False Light) in Docudramas and the Jerry West Complaint."   Firm Assists ABC News to Secure Access to Records In Turpin Matter
May 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy represented ABC News in seeking, and securing, access to sealed court records concerning children who were held captive and abused by their parents for decades.   Jassy Served As a Panelist on "Libel in Fiction" at Entertainment and Media Law Conference
April 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy spoke on a "Libel in Fiction" panel at the Southwestern Law School Biederman Institute & Media Law Resource Center annual conference.   Jassy Speaks on Bar Association Panel Discussing First Amendment Issues
March 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy served on a panel for the Los Angeles County Bar Association alongside UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh to discuss recent developments in First Amendment law.   Jassy Speaks on Panel Asking "Does the First Amendment Still Protect Free Speech?"
February 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy served on a panel discussion for Zocalo/ASU Cronkite School addressing the question: "Does the First Amendment Still Protect Free Speech?"   Jassy answered the question in the affirmative.   Jassy Serves as Lead Facilitator on Reporter's Privilege Issues at ABA Conference
February 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy served as lead facilitator for a boutique session called "Hot Issues in Reporter's Privilege" at the annual conference of the American Bar Association's Forum on Communications Law.   Jeffrey Payne Selected to Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars List for 2022
February 2022 - Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Of Counsel Jeffrey Payne was selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2022. This peer designation is awarded to no more than 2.5% of accomplished attorneys in each state who are either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. The Rising Stars selection process takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors.   William Um Provides Expert Commentary to Legal Publication, Law360
February 2022 - William Um provided expert commentary to Law360 regarding insurance coverage for opioid disputes that have been filed throughout the country in recent years.   Um explained that despite the recent slew of insurance disputes involving coverage for opioid bodily injury claims, this latest wave of lawsuits are not likely to follow in the asbestos coverage footsteps, noting, “I’m not sure that this is like asbestos, where there were literally hundreds of thousands of manufacturers and distributors along the chain that were impacted” and instead, “[y]ou’re talking about a relatively small handful of companies” such as pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies.   See link here to the Law360 article titled, “Opioid Disputes Not Poised To Follow In Asbestos’ Footsteps.”   Jassy Speaks to New York State Bar Association, Media Committee
January 2022 - Jean-Paul Jassy spoke to the New York State Bar Association's Media Committee about his experience representing Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist John Carreyrou in the U.S. v. Elizabeth Holmes case.   Carreyrou is the journalist who broke the Theranos story when he was with The Wall Street Journal, wrote the best-selling book Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Start-Up and hosted a podcast, Bad Blood: The Final Chapter.   Firm Secures Win for HuffPost in 5th Circuit Defamation Case
December 2021 - In a published opinion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a defamation lawsuit against firm client, TheHuffingtonPost.com (now owned by firm client BuzzFeed) for lack of specific personal jurisdiction.   Jean-Paul Jassy and William T. Um secured this precedent setting decision limiting the jurisdiction in which a company with an internet presence can be sued.   The Fifth Circuit confirmed that HuffPost’s operation of a website alone, is not enough to confer personal jurisdiction for a libel claim that is not directed at the forum state.   The court’s opinion can be viewed here.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Again Gets Top Rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Best Law Firms
November 2021 - After a comprehensive peer review process, Jassy Vick Carolan LLP has been named again nationally as a Tier 1 (highest tier) law firm in the fields of First Amendment Litigation and Media Law.   The Firm was also recognized in the same fields in the Los Angeles and San Francisco metropolitan areas, and was recognized in the field of insurance law in Los Angeles.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Prevails in Court of Appeals in Copyright Case Concerning Avatar and Taken
October 2021 - The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of a copyright case against firm clients Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp., Lightstorm Entertainment Inc., News Corp. and James Cameron, concerning the movies Avatar and Taken.   Jean-Paul Jassy and Kevin Vick were on the team that prevailed for the clients.   Firm Prevails For Pulitzer Prize-Winning Reporter John Carreyrou In U.S. v. Elizabeth Holmes Criminal Case
October 2021 - Jean-Paul Jassy and Jeffrey Payne successfully represented Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist John Carreyrou in the U.S. v. Elizabeth Holmes criminal case pending in the Northern District of California.   Carreyrou is the journalist who broke the Theranos story when he was with The Wall Street Journal, wrote the best-selling book Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Start-Up and hosted a podcast, Bad Blood: The Final Chapter.   When Holmes's counsel put Carreyrou on her witness list, Carreyrou was excluded from attending trial or reporting on aspects of it because of an order excluding witnesses from attending trial or speaking about their testimony.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP attorneys successfully moved the Court for an order exempting Carreyrou from the exclusion and gag orders so that he could freely attend the trial and continue his reporting.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Defeats Defamation Case Concerning Conspiracyland Podcast
September 2021 - A federal court in Washington, D.C. dismissed defamation, and other related claims, against investigative journalist Michael Isikoff and Verizon Communications concerning Isikoff's Conspiracyland podcast concerning the murder of Seth Rich.   A copy of the Court's ruling can be found here.   Jean-Paul Jassy and William Um were on the JVC team that prevailed for the clients.   Second Circuit Issues Third Decision In Client Vimeo's Favor
September 2021 - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued another decision affirming a district court order dismissing a lawsuit against firm client Vimeo, Inc.   Vimeo had taken down the channel of a user (a church and its pastor) that had been advocating sexual orientation change efforts.   Vimeo determined that the user's videos violated its terms of service.   The Court held that the Plaintiffs' allegations were insufficient to state a claim.   The Court's new opinion (replacing prior opinions) can be found here.   Jean-Paul Jassy and Kevin Vick worked on the briefing, and Vimeo's General Counsel, Michael Cheah, argued and briefed the case.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Unseals Body Camera Footage
September 2021 - Jeff Payne and Jean-Paul Jassy successfully argued on behalf of The Desert Sun newspaper that a trial court should unseal police body camera footage played at a preliminary hearing in a homicide case.   The newspaper put the footage up on its website, which can be seen here.   Jassy, Carolan and Um Listed Again in The Best Lawyers in America
August 2021 - Duffy Carolan, William Um and Jean-Paul Jassy were listed again in The Best Lawyers in America, a peer-selected honor.   Carolan has been listed since 2008, and was recognized in the fields of Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.   Um has been listed since 2017, and was recognized in the field of Insurance Law.   Jassy has been listed since 2011, and was recognized in the fields of First Amendment Law, Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.   Carolan 17^th Year to be Named to Super Lawyers – Northern California Edition
July 2021 - Duffy Carolan was named for the 17th consecutive year to the Northern California edition of Super Lawyers, following a peer-nominated, peer-reviewed and independently researched process to find the top 5% of attorneys in Northern California.   Carolan was listed in the field of Media & Advertising.   Second Circuit Issues New Decision In Client Vimeo's Favor
July 2021 - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a new decision affirming a district court order dismissing a lawsuit against firm client Vimeo, Inc.   Vimeo had taken down the channel of a user (a church and its pastor) that had been advocating sexual orientation change efforts.   Vimeo determined that the user's videos violated its terms of service.   The Court held that Vimeo was immune from suit pursuant to Section 230.   The Court's new opinion (replacing its opinion from earlier in the year) can be found here.   Jean-Paul Jassy, Kevin Vick and Elizabeth Baldridge worked on the briefing, and Vimeo's General Counsel, Michael Cheah, argued and briefed the case.   Firm Prevails in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Affirming Jury Award for Yahoo
June 2021 - The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed and left undisturbed the jury award of more than $600,000 in attorney fees that William T. Um and Elizabeth Baldrdige obtained on behalf of Yahoo.   The three-judge panel unanimously ruled that it would not disturb the jury award Yahoo received following the jury’s determination that National Union committed bad faith when it denied insurance coverage to Yahoo.   See here.   Jassy Recognized Again By Chambers And Partners In First Amendment Litigation
May 2021 - Jean-Paul Jassy was recognized again by the prestigious Chambers & Partners in the field of Media & Entertainment: First Amendment Litigation - California.   The entry reads: "Jean-Paul Jassy is noted for his expertise in First Amendment issues and his wide-ranging practice also sees him handle copyright infringement, profit participation and breach of contract claims."   An interviewee comments: "He is one of the go-to experts in the country. He takes such a personal interest in all of his cases."   Jassy Speaks on Bar Association Panel Discussing Defamation and Anti-SLAPP Issues
May 2021 - Jean-Paul Jassy served on a panel for the Los Angeles County Bar Association titled "So Your Client Wants to Sue the Internet."   Jassy discussed defamation and anti-SLAPP issues and considerations.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Wins Public Records Act Case Against Ford and City of Los Angeles
May 2021 - Jean-Paul Jassy and Elizabeth Baldridge secured a victory under the California Public Records Act for client Vox Media LLC against Ford Motor Company and the City of Los Angeles.   The case concerned documents exchanged between Ford and the Los Angeles Police Department that Ford argued were exempt from disclosure as trade secrets.   The Court disagreed with Ford and ruled in Vox Media's favor.   A copy of the Court's order can be viewed here.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Prevails in Defamation Action for TechCrunch Against GOP Congressional Candidate
April 2021 - A court in Florida dismissed a defamation action brought by GOP congressional candidate Laura Loomer against Jassy Vick Carolan LLP client TechCrunch.   The team on the matter was Jean-Paul Jassy, William Um and Elizabeth Baldridge.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Secures Dismissal in Defamation Case for Environmental Non-Profit
March 2021 - Jean-Paul Jassy and Jeffrey A. Payne prevailed on an anti-SLAPP motion in Los Angeles Superior Court, securing a victory for an environmental non-profit accused of defamation.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Client Vimeo, Inc. Secures Victory in Second Circuit Court of Appeals
March 2021 - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed a district court order dismissing a lawsuit against firm client Vimeo, Inc..   Vimeo had taken down the channel of a user (a church and its pastor) that had been advocating sexual orientation change efforts.   Vimeo determined that the user's videos violated its terms of service.   The Court held that Vimeo was immune from suit pursuant to Section 230.   The Court's opinion is here.   Jean-Paul Jassy, Kevin Vick and Elizabeth Baldridge worked on the briefing, and Vimeo's General Counsel, Michael Cheah, argued and briefed the case.   Jassy Speaks on Bar Association Panel Discussing First Amendment Issues
March 2021 - Jean-Paul Jassy served on a panel for the Los Angeles County Bar Association alongside UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh to discuss recent developments in First Amendment law.   Jassy Vick Carolan Obtains Court Order Requiring Disclosure of COVID-19 Infection Numbers at Long-Term Care Facilities in County
January 2021 - Duffy Carolan obtains court order under the state’s Public Records Act requiring the County of Alameda to disclose the number of staff and patients infected with COVID-19 and resulting deaths at named long-term care facilities in Alameda County over county’s objection that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act prohibited disclosure.   In a first of its kind decision in California, the Court ruled that HIPAA does not supersede the state’s Public Records Law; rather, that law falls within the “required by law” exception to HIPAA and compels disclosure unless the records are exempt under the CPRA.   The court also ruled that the county failed to prove that its health department was a “covered entity” subject to HIPAA or that the aggregate data being sought by firm client the Bay Area News Group constituted “individually identifiable health information” within the meaning of HIPAA.   The court’s ruling, as noted, falls in line with other out-of-state decisions addressing the intersection of HIPAA and a state’s open records laws, but is the first in California to address the issue.   East Bay Times article here.   The Court's opinon can be found here.   Jassy Vick Carolan Obtains Order Striking Libel Complaint Brought by Candidate for School Board
December 2020 - Duffy Carolan and Elizabeth Baldridge successfully defended firm client Embarcadero Media in libel suit brought by a candidate running for a local school board in Palo Alto, CA.   In striking the complaint under the state’s Anti-SLAPP statute and awarding fees in favor of the paper, the Santa Clara County Superior Court ruled that the plaintiff failed to prove constitutional malice—that is, that the paper knew its articles were false or acted in reckless disregard for the truth.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Successfully Defends Huffington Post From Defamation Suit
December 2020 - Jean-Paul Jassy, William Um and Elizabeth Baldridge successfully defended the Huffington Post from a defamation suit brought in federal court in Texas by conservative activist Chuck Johnson.   Jassy Speaks on Defending the Subpoenaed Journalist
December 2020 - Jean-Paul Jassy spoke to a group of lawyers about the law and strategies for defending subpoenaed journalists, their sources and unpublished material in a seminar put on by the First Amendment Coalition and the Press Freedom Defense Fund of First Look Media.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Again Gets Top Rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Best Law Firms
November 2020 - After a comprehensive peer review process, Jassy Vick Carolan LLP has been named again nationally as a Tier 1 (highest tier) law firm in the fields of First Amendment Litigation and Media Law.   The Firm was also recognized as Tier 1 in the same fields in the Los Angeles and San Francisco metropolitan areas, and was recognized in the field of insurance law in Los Angeles.   Jeffrey Payne writes about gap grants and copyright termination under the 1976 Copyright Act
October 2020 - Jeffrey A. Payne published an article in Law360 titled “Copyright Gap Grant Nontermination Was No Accident.”   The article argues that the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause explains why Congress likely intentionally omitted so-called “gap grants” (that is, grants of copyright interests made before 1978 for works that were not actually created until in or after 1878) from the 1976 Copyright Act’s new copyright termination provisions.   The article can be found here.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Defeats Copyright Infringement Claims Concerning Avatar And Taken
October 2020 - A team comprised of Jean-Paul Jassy, Kevin Vick and Elizabeth Baldridge, representing Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp., Lightstorm Entertainment Inc., News Corp. and James Cameron, prevailed on a motion to dismiss copyright infringement and related claims concerning the movies Avatar and Taken.   The Court dismissed the claims with prejudice and entered judgment in the Firm's clients' favor.   A copy of the order is here.   Jassy Serves As Panel Facilitator at Media Law Conference
October 2020 - Jean-Paul Jassy served as a facilitator leading discussion on libel and privacy issues at the Media Law Resource Center's annual conference.   The discussion included high profile defamation cases, #MeToo cases and developments in actual malice.   He also served as a facilitator on a separate panel discussing issues in photography, focusing on linking, embedding and DMCA issues.   Jeffrey A. Payne Joins Jassy Vick Carolan LLP
September 2020 - Jeffrey A. Payne has joined Jassy Vick Carolan LLP as Of Counsel, where he focuses his practice on entertainment, intellectual property, and general litigation matters.   He brings unique insight into the entertainment industry's complex deals and accompanying business and legal needs, having joined the firm following a stint as a business and legal affairs executive at Showtime Networks.   Before Showtime, Jeff spent nearly five years as a litigation associate at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP following clerkships in the Central District of California and the Ninth Circuit.   "We are thrilled to have Jeff join our team," Jean-Paul Jassy said.   "Jeff has fantastic experience in our boutique specialties as well in general litigation.   His work in-house and as a federal court clerk offer valuable additional insight that will benefit our practice and clients."   Jeff’s bio is available here.   Jassy, Carolan and Um Listed Again in The Best Lawyers in America
August 2020 - Duffy Carolan, William Um and Jean-Paul Jassy were listed again in The Best Lawyers in America, a peer-selected honor.   Carolan has been listed since 2008, and was recognized in the fields of Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.   Um has been listed since 2017, and was recognized in the field of Insurance Law.   Jassy has been listed since 2011, and was recognized in the fields of First Amendment Law, Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.   Additionally, Jassy was selected by his peers as the Los Angeles "Lawyer of the Year" in the field of First Amendment Law, which follows his "Lawyer of the Year" honors in 2015, 2016 and 2019.   Jassy Comments on Executive Order Targeting TikTok
August 2020 - Jean-Paul Jassy was quoted in a Hollywood Reporter article concerning President Trump's Executive Order targeting social media application TikTok.   The article can be found here.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Defeats Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Second Attempt at a Defamation Suit Against Huffington Post
June 2020 - Duffy Carolan on behalf of firm client The Sun successfully defeated West Valley Water District’s complaint and ex parte application for a restraining order prohibiting The Sun and its reporter from writing any articles gleaned from an internal investigation report lawfully obtained by the reporter and requiring the paper to destroy all copies of the report.   In so ruling, the San Bernardino County Superior Court found that the requested relief, if granted, would be an unconstitutional prior restraint on the press.   The district later voluntarily dismissed the case.   Jassy Vick Carolan Defeats Water District’s Attempt to Obtain Prior Restraint Against Paper
April 2020 - Jean-Paul Jassy, William Um, and Elizabeth Baldridge secured the dismissal of Sheriff Joe Arpaio's defamation complaint against Huffington Post in the District Court for the District of Columbia.   After the Jassy Vick Carolan LLP team successfully moved to dismiss Arpaio's initial case alleging defamation in October of 2019, Arpaio filed a second suit based on the same underlying allegations.   The Court’s order dismissed the case with prejudice.   Jassy Recognized Again By Chambers And Partners In First Amendment Litigation
April 2020 - Jean-Paul Jassy was recognized again by the prestigious Chambers & Partners in the field of Media & Entertainment: First Amendment Litigation - California.   The entry reads: "Jean-Paul Jassy is noted for his expertise in First Amendment issues and his wide-ranging practice also sees him handle copyright infringement, profit participation and breach of contract claims.   An interviewee comments: 'He is an excellent lawyer, who is extremely smart, very calm and has a fantastic analytical sense.'"   Duffy Carolan Honored by the Northern California Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalist
March 2020 - March 2020 – Duffy Carolan was honored by the Northern California Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists with a Special Citation for her work on behalf of the First Amendment Coalition, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the Nor. Cal. Chapter of the SPJ to unseal search warrant materials pertaining to the unconstitutional searches by San Francisco Police officers of Journalist Bryan Carmody’s home, office and cell phones.   Due to Covid-19 concerns, the annual James Madison Freedom of Information awards ceremony was moved online.   See here.   Jassy Speaks on Reporter's Privilege Issues at ABA Conference
February 2020 - Jean-Paul Jassy spoke at the "Hot Issues in Reporter's Privilege" session at the American Bar Association's annual Forum on Communications Law Annual Conference in Austin, TX.   Jassy Moderates Conference Panel On Life Rights
January 2020 - Jean-Paul Jassy moderated a panel on "Life Rights in the U.S. and Abroad" at the Southwestern Law School Biederman Institute & Media Law Resource Center's Annual Conference in Los Angeles, CA.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Helps Secure Dismissal of Claims Against Vimeo
January 2020 - Jean-Paul Jassy, Kevin Vick and Elizabeth Baldridge aided in the defense of video-sharing website Vimeo against claims for taking down a channel for objectionable content.  Domen v. Vimeo, Inc., --- F.Supp.3d ---, 2020 WL 217048 (S.D.N.Y. 2020)   Jassy and Vick Named Again to Super Lawyers - Southern California Edition
January 2020 - Kevin Vick and Jean-Paul Jassy were named again to the Southern California edition of Super Lawyers, following a peer-nominated, peer-reviewed and independently researched process to find the top 5% of attorneys in Southern California.   Jassy is listed in the fields of Media & Advertising, General Litigation and Intellectual Property Litigation; and Vick is listed in the fields of Intellectual Property Litigation, Business Litigation, Media & Advertising and Entertainment & Sports.   Jassy and Vick Named Top Lawyers by Pasadena Magazine
January 2020 - Jean-Paul Jassy and Kevin Vick are named "Top Lawyers" in media law by Pasadena Magazine.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Again Gets Top Rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Best Law Firms
November 2019 - After a comprehensive peer review process, Jassy Vick Carolan LLP has been named again nationally as a Tier 1 (highest tier) law firm in the fields of First Amendment Litigation and Media Law.   The Firm was also recognized as Tier 1 in the same fields in the Los Angeles and San Francisco metropolitan areas, and was recognized in the field of insurance law in Los Angeles.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Defeats Defamation Case Brought by Sheriff Joe Arpaio
October 2019 - Jean-Paul Jassy, William Um and Elizabeth Baldridge prevailed for Huffington Post in a defamation case brought by Sheriff Joe Arpaio.   The Court dismissed with prejudice Arpaio's claims for defamation, false light and tortious interference with prospective business relations.   Arpaio v. Zucker, 414 F.Supp.3d 84 (D.D.C. 2019)   Jassy and Vick Present On Anti-SLAPP Developments
October 2019 - Jean-Paul Jassy and Kevin Vick delivered a presentation to the Media Law Resource Center's California Chapter on new developments in the interpretation of California's Anti-SLAPP Law.   Jassy Vick Carolan Prevails for First Amendment Coalition in Public Records Act Litigation Against County of San Diego
October 2019 - Jassy Vick Carolan LLP prevailed on behalf of firm client First Amendment Coalition (“FAC”) in an action seeking disclosure of public records under California’s Public Records Act.   FAC sought public records relating to sexual harassment and sexual misconduct complaints against employees of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.   The San Diego Superior Court ordered the County and the District Attorney’s Office to produce responsive records.   The County also will pay nearly $100,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs.   Jassy Vick Carolan attorneys Kevin L. Vick, Jean-Paul Jassy and Elizabeth Baldridge represented FAC in the matter.   FAC’s summary of the case is available here.  Media coverage of the case is available here and here.   Jassy Vick Carolan Successfully Moves Separately Before Five Superior Court Judges to Unseal Journalist Bryan Carmody Search Warrants
August 2019 - Duffy Carolan on behalf of firm clients First Amendment Coalition, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the Northern California Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists successfully moves five superior court judges to unseal search warrant affidavits purporting to support an unconstitutional search on journalist Bryan Carmody’s home, office and cell phones.   Carmody lawfully obtained, and disseminated news packages from, an internal investigation report pertaining to the death of then San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi.   In unsealing the warrant materials, each judge recognized that the warrants should not have issued in the first place given Carmody’s status as a journalist and the substantial protections afforded newsgathering materials under California constitutional and statutory law as well as federal law.   Link here.   Jassy, Carolan and Um Listed Again in The Best Lawyers in America
August 2019 - Duffy Carolan, William Um and Jean-Paul Jassy were listed again in The Best Lawyers in America, a peer-selected honor.   Carolan has been listed since 2008, and was recognized in the fields of Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.   Um has been listed since 2017, and was recognized in the field of Insurance Law.   Jassy has been listed since 2011, and was recognized in the fields of First Amendment Law, Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.   Jassy Vick Carolan Wins Motion to Unseal Poway Shooting Search Warrant Records for Media Clients
July 2019 - The San Diego Superior Court granted Jassy Vick Carolan's media clients' motion to unseal seventeen search warrants in the Poway synagogue shooting case.   Associate Elizabeth Baldridge appeared on behalf of the the San Diego Union-Tribune, NBC 7 San Diego, KFMB News 8, FOX5 San Diego, and the Associated Press at the hearing.   The unsealing allowed access to information about the alleged shooter's home, online activity, and bank records through the affidavits supporting the warrants.   Among other information, Jassy Vick Carolan's clients were able to report details about how the alleged shooter bought the weapon used in the attack.   A San Diego Union-Tribune article reporting on the unsealing can be found here.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP filed amicus brief in important student speech rights case
July 2019 - The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of speech rights for a UC San Diego student newspaper in a watershed case, The Koala v. Khosla.   Jean-Paul Jassy and Kevin Vick filed an amicus brief for the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and the Cato Institute in support of the student newspaper.   An article by FIRE about the case can be found here.   Carolan 15^th Year to be Named to Super Lawyers – Northern California Edition
July 2019 - Duffy Carolan was named for the 15th consecutive year to the Northern California edition of Super Lawyers, following a peer-nominated, peer-reviewed and independently researched process to find the top 5% of attorneys in Northern California.   Carolan was listed in the field of Media & Advertising.   Jassy Vick Carolan Petitions Superior Court to Unseal Synagogue Shooting Search Warrants
June 2019 - The San Diego Superior Court will hear argument on a motion to unseal search warrants in the Poway synagogue shooting case that Jassy Vick Carolan brought on behalf of media entities San Diego Union-Tribune, NBC 7 San Diego, KFMB News 8, FOX5 San Diego, and the Associated Press. The motion is set for hearing on July 25, 2019. An article covering the unsealing motion can be found here.   Jassy Serves on Bar Association Panel to Discuss First Amendment Issues
June 2019 - Jean-Paul served on a panel for the Los Angeles County Bar Association alongside UC Berkeley Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky to discuss recent developments in First Amendment law.   An article about the event can be found here.   Jassy Vick Carolan Secures Jury Verdict on Behalf of Yahoo
May 2019 - A California federal jury unanimously found on May 22, 2019, that National Union, an AIG subsidiary, acted in bad faith when it failed to defend Yahoo in connection with various underlying class action lawsuits.  The jury verdict followed a five-day trial in the United States District Court, Northern District of California.   Will Um and Elizabeth Baldridge secured the jury verdict on behalf of Yahoo.     Jassy Recognized Again By Chambers And Partners In First Amendment Litigation
April 2019 - Jean-Paul Jassy was recognized again by the prestigious Chambers & Partners in the field of Media & Entertainment: First Amendment Litigation - California.   Vick Presents Program on California Supreme Court’s Recent Anti-SLAPP Decision, Rand Resources, LLC v. City of Carson
April 2019 - Kevin Vick gave a presentation on the California Supreme Court’s recent anti-SLAPP decision in Rand Resources, LLC v. City of Carson at the Media Law Resource Center’s California Chapter’s Quarterly Meeting in Los Angeles. Rand Resources addressed the question of what constitutes an “an issue of public interest” under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, Code of Civil Procedure § 425.16. Vick had previously discussed Rand Resources on the Daily Journal’s Weekly Appellate Report podcast.   Vick Serves on Los Angeles County Bar Association Panel to Discuss Entertainment Law and Litigation
March 2019 - Kevin Vick served on a panel for the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s “Bridging the Gap” Program.   Vick and his fellow panelists discussed entertainment law and litigation.   The Facebook page for the event can be found here.   Kevin Vick Interviewed For Daily Journal Article Discussing Justice Thomas’ Desire To Revisit New York Times Co. v. Sullivan
February 2019 - Kevin Vick was interviewed for the Daily Journal’s article discussing United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’s controversial concurrence in the Court’s denial of certiorari in a defamation matter in which Justice Thomas stated that he thinks the Court should reconsider its landmark First Amendment decision New York Times Co. v. Sullivan.   Jassy and Vick Named Again to Super Lawyers - Southern California Edition
January 2019 - Kevin Vick and Jean-Paul Jassy were named again to the Southern California edition of Super Lawyers, following a peer-nominated, peer-reviewed and independently researched process to find the top 5% of attorneys in Southern California. Jassy was listed in the field of Media & Advertising and Vick was listed in the field of Intellectual Property Litigation. A link to the publication can be found here.   Jassy Vick Carolan Convinces Ninth Circuit to Certify Important Insurance Question to the California Supreme Court
January 2019 - The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal has asked the California Supreme Court to weigh in on a tricky insurance coverage question in a case where its client, Yahoo Inc., is seeking insurance coverage for defense costs incurred to defend several underlying class action lawsuits alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.   Specifically, the Ninth Circuit has certified a question to California’s high court asking whether under California law, Yahoo's corporate "personal injury" insurance policy covers privacy claims based solely on the right to seclusion—to be left alone—where no private information is disclosed.   There currently is a conflict in decisions in the California intermediary appellate courts and the outcome of this decision could have far reaching implications for insurance coverage for privacy matters in California.   Will Um argued the case.  Link   California Court of Appeal Affirms Granting of Anti-SLAPP Motions
January 2019 - The California Court of Appeal affirmed a trial court's decision to grant anti-SLAPP motions brought by the Los Angeles Times in a defamation suit brought by Theodore Rall III, a former political cartoonist and blogger for The Times.  Jassy Vick Carolan LLP filed an amici curiae brief for the California News Publishers Association and the First Amendment Coalition supporting The Times.  The Court's opinion can be found here.   Jassy Vick Carolan Prevails for Publisher in Ninth Circuit Appeal
January 2019 - The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court’s dismissal order under FRCP Rule 12(b)(6) in favor of Providence Publications in a published decision analyzing the publication’s use of an insurance company’s trademarks in connection with an educational seminar about the company’s insurance program.  Applying the three-part nominative fair use test established in New Kids on the Block, the Ninth Circuit held that the publisher’s use of the marks in describing the seminar was necessary to convey that it was specifically about plaintiff’s insurance program, the publisher used no more of the marks than was reasonably necessary, and any sponsorship by the insurance company was negated by language indicating that the purpose of the seminar was to critique plaintiff’s insurance program.  Duffy Carolan argued the case.  Link   Kevin Vick Writes about Olivia de Havilland’s Petition to United States Supreme Court
November 2018 - In a guest column for the Daily Journal, Kevin Vick analyzed the California Court of Appeal’s decision in De Havilland v. FX Networks, LLC, 21 Cal. App. 5th 845 (2018), where the court struck de Havilland’s right of publicity and false light claims against FX Network and others stemming from her portrayal in the miniseries Feud: Bette and Joan.  Vick also discussed de Havilland’s pending petition for a writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court.   Jassy Vick Carolan Prevails For YouTube In Appeal
November 2018 - The California Court of Appeal affirmed in full the trial court’s judgment in favor of YouTube in a suit brought by a former YouTube user based on the suspension of his account and removal of content. The Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s ruling that various claims were barred by the one-year limitations period in YouTube’s Terms of Service, and further held that the plaintiff’s Business and Professions Code § 17200 claim failed as a matter of law. A copy of the Court of Appeal’s opinion is here.  Coverage of the decision by Professor Eric Goldman’s Technology & Marketing Law Blog is here.   Jassy Featured in Best Lawyers Article
November 2018 - Jean-Paul Jassy, who was named the 2019 First Amendment "Lawyer of the Year" in Los Angeles by Best Lawyers, was featured in a "Legal Insights" profile article.   Kevin Vick Discusses Key Anti-SLAPP Case Pending In California Supreme Court
November 2018 - Kevin Vick discussed Rand Resources, LLC v. City of Carson on the Daily Journal’s Weekly Appellate Report podcast, available here and here.  The California Supreme Court recently held oral argument in Rand Resources, where the Court is poised to address the issue of what constitutes an “an issue of public interest” under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, Code of Civil Procedure § 425.16.   Karlene Goller profiled in Women in Communications Law Committee’s November 2018 Newsletter
November 2018 - The Women in Communications Law Committee for the ABA Forum on Communications Law (“WICL”) profiled new Jassy Vick and Carolan Of Counsel Karlene Goller in its November 2018 Newsletter.  Karlene was profiled by the group in 2008 during her tenure as First Amendment and sole content counsel for the Los Angeles Times and its regional and local news enterprises.   Documents Unsealed in Facebook Case at Urging of Media
November 2018 - San Mateo County Superior Court orders some previously sealed discovery documents unsealed in app developer’s case against Facebook.  Duffy Carolan represented The New York Times Company, The Associated Press and The Washington Post in efforts to unseal the materials, which were submitted to the court as part of the plaintiff’s opposition to Facebook’s motion to strike under the Anti-SLAPP statute.  The app developer, Six4Three, accuses the platform of exploiting user data to force rival companies out of business.   Duffy Carolan Leads FAC Training Session on Reporter’s Privilege
November 2018 - Duffy Carolan, President of the First Amendment Coalition (“FAC”), along with Davis Wright Tremaine partner Thomas Burke, lead a training session for lawyers seeking to represent journalists compelled to testify, disclose confidential sources or produce unpublished newsgathering materials protected under the state’s shield law or the First Amendment.  The session was designed to give lawyers the legal knowledge and skills necessary to represent journalists pro bono through a FAC initiative called the legal defense fund.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Again Gets Top Rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Best Law Firms
November 2018 - After a comprehensive peer review process, Jassy Vick Carolan LLP has been named again nationally as a Tier 1 (highest tier) law firm in the fields of First Amendment Litigation and Media Law.   The Firm was also recognized in the same fields in the Los Angeles and San Francisco metropolitan areas.   Fraud, Abuse and Waste Reports Sought in CPRA Lawsuit
October 2018 - Jassy Vick Carolan files suit against Riverside County to obtain reports of fraud, abuse and waste by county employees.  Duffy Carolan filed the California Public Records Act lawsuit on behalf of The Press-Enterprise, a Southern California News Group paper, after the County claimed the reports were confidential by law and that disclosure, even in redacted form to protect reporting parties, would discourage reporting.   Elizabeth Capel Joins Jassy Vick Carolan LLP
October 2018 - Elizabeth Capel joined Jassy Vick Carolan LLP as an associate. Elizabeth clerked for the Honorable Otis D. Wright II, of the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Prior to joining the Firm, Elizabeth worked as a litigator at an AmLaw 100 law firm, focusing on intellectual property and complex litigation matters. Elizabeth's bio can be found here.   Judge Reverses Prior Restraint Against Media
October 2018 - Orange County Judge reverses order barring media from reporting on search warrant materials and seizing the warrants from reporters who were present in court to cover the arraignment of a Newport Beach surgeon and his girlfriend accused of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women. Duffy Carolan represented the Orange County Register, AP, and ABC, Inc. in the effort to have the court’s order vacated as an unconstitutional prior restraint on speech. Though previously ordered sealed, the warrants were lawfully obtained by the media outlets on the day of the arraignment from a local county supervisor running against the incumbent district attorney. In reversing, the court acknowledged that its order against the media was an unconstitutional prior restraint, and lifted the prior sealing order as entered in violation of the strict requirements for sealing judicial records. See here and here.   Karlene Goller, Former L.A. Times V.P. and Deputy General Counsel, Joins Jassy Vick Carolan LLP
September 2018 - Karlene Goller, an expert media lawyer who has won numerous awards and accolades, joined Jassy Vick Carolan LLP as Of Counsel. She was Deputy General Counsel and the sole content counsel for the Los Angeles Times for more than 20 years, guiding victories on landmark cases and legislation and supporting award-winning journalism around the world. Karlene's practice specializes in content vetting for all platforms, new media and transactional matters, and public records/freedom of information law. Karlene's bio can be found here.   Jassy and Carolan Listed Again in The Best Lawyers in America
August 2018 - Duffy Carolan and Jean-Paul Jassy were listed again in The Best Lawyers in America, a peer-selected honor.  Carolan has been listed since 2008, and was recognized in the fields of Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.  Jassy has been listed since 2011, and was recognized in the fields of First Amendment Law, Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.   Jassy Named First Amendment "Lawyer of the Year" in Los Angeles
August 2018 - Jean-Paul Jassy was selected by his peers as "Lawyer of the Year" for his work in First Amendment Law in Los Angeles.  Only a single lawyer in a specific practice area and location is honored with this designation, which is published in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Sues San Diego District Attorney for Disclosure of Public Records
July 2018 - On behalf of its client, the First Amendment Coalition, the firm sued the County of San Diego and the San Diego District Attorney under the California Public Records Act to compel the disclosure of records relating to instances of sexual harassment and other misconduct in the DA's office.  A further summary of the matter can be found here, and press about the suit can be found here and here.   Vick Serves on Panel Discussing Recent Developments in Anti-SLAPP Law
June 2018 - Kevin Vick spoke on a panel at the Beverly Hills Bar Association’s program “New Developments In SLAPP Law & How It Affects The Entertainment Industry.”   Judge Orders Release of Warrant Materials in Suspected Serial Killer Case
June 2018 - Court unseals over 170 pages of warrant materials in Golden State Killer case upon media request to unseal the investigatory materials.   Duffy Carolan represented The Associated Press, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Digital First Media, Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle and ABC News in the group's effort taking place over three days while the Court took oral argument and considered various redaction proposals ostensible to protect Defendant Joseph DeAngelo’s fair trial rights.   The Court ultimately ruled that the public’s First Amendment right to judicial records required disclosure of the materials pertaining 13 homicide cases against Mr. DeAngelo, while rape cases beyond the statute of limitations are to remain sealed for now.   Release of the materials on June 1, gave the public its first detailed look at state’s case against Mr. DeAngelo.   See The New York Times  The Washington Post  East Bay Times  The New York Times  San Francisco Chronicle.   Jassy Recognized By Chambers And Partners In First Amendment Litigation
May 2018 - Jean-Paul Jassy was recognized by the prestigious Chambers & Partners in the field of Media & Entertainment: First Amendment Litigation - California.   Jassy Serves On Los Angeles County Bar Association Panel Discussing Developments in First Amendment Law
April 2018 - Jean-Paul Jassy served as a panelist discussing developments in First Amendment law for a program hosted by the Entertainment & Intellectual Property Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.   Vick Writes Chapter on Right to Be Forgotten for Media Law Resource Center’s Practically Pocket-Sized Guide to Internet Law
February 2018 - Kevin Vick wrote a chapter entitled “The Right To Be Forgotten” in the Media Law Resource Center’s 2018 edition of its Practically Pocket-Sized Guide to Internet Law treatise.   Vick’s chapter and the larger treatise are available to MLRC members at here.   Jassy and Vick Named Again to Southern California Super Lawyers
January 2018 - Following an independent evaluation and peer-review selection process, Jean-Paul Jassy and Kevin L. Vick were named again to the list of Southern California Super Lawyers, an honored bestowed on only 5% of lawyers in the region.  Jassy was listed in the field of Media & Advertising, and Vick was listed in the field of Intellectual Property Litigation.   Carolan appointed President of the First Amendment Coalition
January 2018 - Duffy Carolan, a long-time board member and member of the executive committee of the First Amendment Coalition, has been appointed president of FAC’s Board of Directors. FAC is a non-profit public interest organization dedicated to advancing free speech, more open and accountable government, and informed civic engagement. Carolan will maintain her full-time law practice at Jassy Vick Carolan during her term as president. See link.   Carolan Quoted in San Francisco Chronicle Article about Glassdoor revealing identities
November 2017 - Duffy Carolan was quoted in an article discussing a Ninth Circuit Appeals Court ruling that Glassdoor must reveal revewier's identies in fraud case.   The article can be found here.   Carolan Quoted in San Francisco Chronicle Article about Glassdoor revealing identities
November 2017 - Duffy Carolan was quoted in an article discussing a Ninth Circuit Appeals Court ruling that Glassdoor must reveal revewier's identies in fraud case.   The article can be found here.   Jassy Quoted in Article Discussing National Anthem in High Schools
October 2017 - Jean-Paul Jassy was quoted in an article discussing the constitutionality of school district efforts to compel student athletes to stand for the national anthem.   The article can be found here.   Jassy Quoted in Columbia Journalism Review Article About Journalist Arrests
October 2017 - Jean-Paul Jassy was quoted in a Columbia Journalism Review piece by Jonathan Peters about handling the arrests of journalists.  The piece can be found here.   Carolan Selected Again to The Best Lawyers in America®
August 2017 - Duffy Carolan was again selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for her work in First Amendment Law, Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.   Jassy Authors Article About Legal Issues for Advertising Cannabis Across Different Media
August 2017 - Jean-Paul Jassy authored an article for Cannabis Business Executive discussing the legal implications for advertising marijuana and related products across print, broadcast, internet and other media.  The article can be found here.   Jassy and Vick Teaching First Amendment Law at USC Law School
August 2017 - Jean-Paul Jassy and Kevin Vick started teaching a full semester course on the First Amendment at the University of Southern California Law School.   Jassy Selected Again to The Best Lawyers in America®
August 2017 - Jean-Paul Jassy was again selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in First Amendment Law, Litigation - First Amendment and Media Law.   Jassy Interviewed For Podcast Discussing First Amendment Limits To Targeting Contractors
August 2017 - Jean-Paul Jassy was interviewed for the Daily Journal podcast discussing the First Amendment limits, and potential First Amendment challenges, to actions by the City of Los Angeles and other local governments targeting bidders for contract work on the proposed border wall. A link to the podcast can be found here (beginning at 01:10).   11 Journalists Represented by Jassy Vick Carolan Avoid Taking Stand as Prosecution's case comes to end in Colonies corruption trial
July 2017 - 11 current and former journalists at the Southern California News Group subpoenaed to testify by the prosecution in one of San Bernardino County's largest public corruption cases avoid having to take the stand as parties reach stipulations on admission of published statements in lieu of testimony, despite earlier court ruling finding journalists' could be compelled to testify about published statements.   Carolan Listed Again in Super Lawyers
July 2017 - Duffy Carolan is listed again in Northern California Super Lawyers in a peer-review process that includes only 5% of area attorneys.  Carolan is listed in Media & Advertising.   Carolan Obtains Fair Use Victory for Providence Publications
July 2017 - Duffy Carolan obtained a dismissal of all counts under the nominative fair use defense in trademark infringement and Lanham Act case involving defendant Providence Publication's use of plaintiff Applied Underwriters trademarks in title of online seminar critical of Applied's insurance program EquityComp.  The Eastern District of California granted Providence's motion to dismiss with leave to amend.   Vick Speaks To The Wrap About Emotional Distress Claims Against The Media
June 2017 - Kevin Vick provided The Wrap with comment regarding First Amendment barriers to emotional distress claims against the media.  Vick explained that "courts usually reject emotional distress claims against the media because they are subject to First Amendment limitations."  See here.   Vick Elected to Board of Trustees of Los Angeles County Bar Association
June 2017 - Kevin Vick was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.  Vick, former Chair of the Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section of the County Bar, will serve a two-year term as a Trustee.  See here.   Carolan Serves on Panel to Discuss Take Down Requests
May 2017 - Duffy Carolan served on panel with news publishers to discuss threatened libel actions and take down requests at California News Publishers Association's annual Press Summit in Santa Monica, CA.   Carolan Speaks to Freelance Journalists about Access to Public Records
May 2017 - Duffy Carolan spoke to area journalists about the Freedom of Information Act and California Public Records Act at the Media Law Resource Center's annual Workshop for Journalists, which took place at the San Francisco Chronicle.   Jassy Serves on Panel Discussing Public Records Litigation
May 2017 - Jean-Paul Jassy spoke on a panel at the California Newspaper Publishers Association's annual Press Summit about Public Records Act litigation.   Jassy Vick Carolan Prevails For YouTube In Breach of Contract, Defamation and Section 17200 Action
April 2017 - The Orange County Superior Court dismissed all of plaintiff's claims against YouTube on demurrer and summary judgment.   The failed claims included breach of contract, defamation, interference with prospective economic advantage, and alleged violations of Business and Professions Code § 17200.   Jassy Speaks to California Chapter of Media Law Resource Center About Government Efforts To Gather Information
April 2017 - Jean-Paul Jassy spoke to the California Chapter of the Media Law Resource Center about challenging government efforts to subpoena and obtain information and documents from reporters and internet service providers.   Jassy Serves On Los Angeles County Bar Association Panel Discussing Developments in First Amendment Law
March 2017 - Jean-Paul Jassy served as a panelist discussing developments in First Amendment law for a program hosted by the Entertainment & Intellectual Property Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.   Threatened Suit Unlocks Records On Deadly Ghost Ship Fire
February 2017 - After threatening to sue over “inexcusable delays” in disclosing records in response to Public Records Act requests made by the East Bay Times for records pertaining to the Dec. 2, 2016 Ghost Ship warehouse fire that killed 36 people in Oakland, Ca., the City of Oakland capitulates, disclosing hundreds of records revealing dozens of calls to police and contacts prior to the tragic fire.   See here and here   Jassy and Vick Listed Again in SuperLawyers
January 2017 - Jean-Paul Jassy and Kevin L. Vick are recognized again as Southern California Super Lawyers in a peer-reviewed process that includes only 5% of area attorneys.  Jassy is listed in Media & Advertising and Vick is listed in Intellectual Property Litigation.   Jassy Serves As Speaker On Reporter's Privilege Issues For MLRC Institute
January 2017 - Jean-Paul Jassy spoke on reporter's privilege and reporter's shield issues at a media law workshop for reporters hosted by the Media Law Resource Center Institute.   Press Victory in Libel Trial
December 2016 - Jassy Vick Carolan wins trial de novo in small claims libel case brought against Bay Area News Group/Digital First Media stemming from its reporting on a civil suit filed against members of a small water reclamation district by two of its employees.  In reversing a judgment in favor of plaintiffs, the Honorable Steve Treat of Contra Costa County Superior Court found lacking evidence of constitutional malice as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court in New York Times v. Sullivan. Between 1982-1983, Judge Treat clerked for the U.S. Supreme Court Justice who wrote the Court’s 1964 opinion in Sullivan – Justice William Brennan.   Firm Successfully Resolves Boal v. U.S. Suit Concerning Bergdahl Tapes
December 2016 - After a military prosecutor demanded 25 hours of unedited interviews between Oscar®-winning reporter/filmmaker Mark Boal and Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the Firm sued the Government in July to enjoin enforcement of a subpoena to Boal.   In a resolution with the Government, Boal released only about 15 minutes of the interviews, corresponding to what was already published in the popular podcast Serial, without revealing any confidential material.   The resolution was covered by the Washington Post, Hollywood Reporter and Variety.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Gets Top Rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Best Law Firms
November 2016 - After a comprehensive peer review process, Jassy Vick Carolan LLP has been named nationally as a Tier 1 (highest tier) law firm in the fields of First Amendment Litigation and Media Law.   The Firm was also recognized as top tier in the same fields in the Los Angeles and San Francisco metropolitan areas.   Vick Serves As Panelist on Recent Developments in Section 230
October 2016 - Kevin Vick served as a panelist discussing recent developments regarding Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, 47 U.S.C. § 230(c), at an event hosted by the California Chapter of the Media Law Resource Center.  The panel discussed recent decisions including Hassell v. Bird, Doe No. 14 v. Internet Brands and Sikhs for Justice v. Facebook.   Vick Presents Program on Intellectual Property Torts
September 2016 - Kevin Vick co-presented a session on Intellectual Property Torts at the MLRC’s annual Media Law Conference in Reston, VA.  The session addressed recent developments in subjects including online copyright law, the right of publicity, the Lanham Act and the Rogers v. Grimaldi First Amendment test, and Section 230.   Jassy Interviewed for Daily Journal Podcast About Intersection of Trademark and First Amendment Law
August 2016 - Following on a column published last month, Jean-Paul Jassy was interviewed by the prominent legal newspaper Daily Journal for a podcast on appellate issues concerning the "disparagement clause" in trademark law and appellate litigation regarding that clause's constitutionality under the First Amendment.  A link to the podcast can be found here.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Sues US Government To Protect First Amendment Rights of Oscar®-Winner Mark Boal
July 2016 - The Firm filed suit in federal court in Los Angeles to protect the First Amendment rights of journalist/screenwriter/filmmaker Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty) from a military prosecutor seeking to subpoena Boal for all of his recorded interviews of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the subject of the second season of the hit podcast Serial.  See articles from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Heads To Trial In Public Records Case
July 2016 - Public records cases rarely go to trial, but on July 11, 2016 the Firm started trial on behalf of Professor Richard Sander and Joe Hicks seeking access to California State Bar database information on an anonymized basis.  A decision in the bench trial is likely in the Fall.   Jassy Vick Carolan Prevails in Public Records Act Battle; District Pays Fees
May 2016 - Firm client the Contra Costa Times, a Digital First Media paper, wins access to investigation report after 2 ½ year Public Records Act battle against school district. District pays firm $225,000. See coverage here.   Carolan Argues before 9th Circuit for Release of Names of Graduates of U.S. Military Training School in Long-running FOIA case
May 2016 - Carolan argued before a panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal in a long-running FOIA case seeking access to the names of graduates and guest instructors at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, a military training school for Latin American personnel located at Fort Benning, Ga., formerly known as the U.S. Army School of Americas. The Department of Defense appealed a district court judgment granting public access to the names and military unit information of the graduates and instructors under the Freedom of Information Act after DOD’s practice of publicly releasing the names ceased in 2004. See coverage here.   Jassy Vick Carolan Defeats Defense Motion to Bar Cameras from Double Murder Trial in Marin
April 2016 - Defense motion to bar cameras from preliminary hearing in double murder case denied as Carolan goes to court for Digital First Media and Hearst to prevent court closure. See coverage here.   Carolan Moderates Public Records and Data Access Panel at CNPA’s Annual Press Summit
April 2016 - Carolan moderates panel of seasoned investigative reporters and legal experts discussing overcoming obstacles to access to government held data and records at annual CNPA’s annual press summit in San Francisco. See coverage here.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Argues That Trial In Redstone Matter Should Be Open to Public
April 2016 - Jean-Paul Jassy argued on behalf of the Los Angeles Times that the competency trial of Sumner Redstone should be open to the public, which the Court ruled it would be.   Coverage of the hearing can be found here.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Assists in Defeating State Bar's Effort to Kill Long-Running Lawsuit
April 2016 - Along with counsel from Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP representing the California First Amendment Coalition, Jean-Paul Jassy successfully argued in San Francisco Superior Court that new legislation did not merit dismissal of Firm client Richard Sander's eight-year-old lawsuit seeking records from the California State Bar.   Coverage from the Wall Street Journal can be found here.   Jassy Vick Carolan Prevails For Google In Online Defamation Appeal
April 2016 - The California Court of Appeal affirmed in full the trial court’s ruling sustaining Google’s demurrer to the plaintiff’s complaint on the grounds that plaintiff’s sole claim for defamation was barred by the statute of limitations and by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.  The firm represented Google in the trial court and on appeal.   See coverage by Eric Goldman here.   Jassy Serves As Panelist on Developments in First Amendment Law
March 2016 - Jean-Paul Jassy served as a panelist, alongside Dean Erwin Chemerinsky (Dean of UC Irvine School of Law), discussing recent developments in First Amendment law, at an event hosted by the Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.   Carolan serves on panel in honor of National Sunshine Week
March 2016 - The California Media Group, publisher of The Salinas Californian, part of the Gannett Company, sponsored a community forum to discuss transparency laws in California.  The panel was moderated by Californian senior writer and columnist Jeff Mitchell.   Carolan and First Amendment Coalition Executive Director Peter Scheer spoke on trends under California’s Public Records Act.   See coverage here.   Firm Clients Honored By Northern California Society of Professional Journalist
March 2016 - At the annual James Madison Freedom of Information banquet, The Bay Area News Group, part of the Digital First Media company, was honored for its dogged pursuit of transparency over the calendars and appointment books of two then-indicted California State Senators – Senator Leland Yee and Senator Ron Calderon.  The news organizations won a lawsuit under the Legislative Open Records Act deeming the calendars public over contentions that the deliberative processes of Legislators would be harmed by disclosure.  Jassy Vick Carolan partner Duffy Carolan represented the news organizations.   See coverage here and here.   Vick Appears on Entertainment Law Panel at Southwestern Law School
February 2016 - Kevin Vick served as a panelist on a program on careers in entertainment law presented by the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section (“ELIPS”) at Southwestern Law School.   Vick, the Chair of ELIPS for 2015-2016, and other panelists spoke to students in the Entertainment Law Society about careers in litigation and transactional law in the entertainment, media and technology industries.   Jassy and Vick Each Recognized as Southern California "Super Lawyers"
January 2016 - Jean-Paul Jassy and Kevin Vick each were named Southern California "Super Lawyers" in the annual publication of Super Lawyers Magazine.   Only 5% of area attorneys are listed, as selected by peers and third party researchers.   Jassy is listed in the field of Media & Advertising, and Vick is listed in the field of Intellectual Property Litigation.   Firm Wins Access To School District Internal Investigation Report
January 2016 - Newspaper’s two year battle over public access to internal investigation report following allegations of inappropriate contact by now incarcerated elementary school teacher ends with order requiring Mt. Diablo Unified School District to make public 2006 attorney-prepared report.   Jassy Vick Carolan partner Duffy Carolan represented the Contra Costa Times, a Digital First Media newspaper, in the Public Record Act lawsuit.  See coverage here.   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Gets Top Honors in U.S. News & World Report Ranking of "Best Law Firms"
November 2015 - In its annual "Best Law Firms" ranking, U.S. News & World Report ranked Jassy Vick Carolan LLP as a Tier 1 (top tier) law firm nationally in the field of Litigation - First Amendment.  The Firm was also ranked Tier 1 in First Amendment law in Los Angeles and Tier 1 in Media Law in San Francisco.   Jassy Appears As Panelist at Online News Association Annual Conference
September 2015 - Jean-Paul Jassy served on "The Legal Panel" at the Online News Association annual conference, discussing issues such as defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright and the reporter's privilege.   Jassy Serves As Panelist Discussing Access to Police Activities
September 2015 - In an event titled "Pulling Back the Blue Curtain: Police, Privacy and Public Access" and hosted by the First Amendment Coalition and UC Irvine School of Law, Jean-Paul Jassy appeared as a panelist discussing access to records involving police incidents, including "body cam" footage.   Jassy Named "Lawyer of the Year" In First Amendment Law Practice Area
August 2015 - Jean-Paul Jassy's peers voted him the Los Angeles 2016 "Lawyer of the Year" in the First Amendment Law practice area.   The honor accompanies his sixth consecutive listing in Best Lawyers in America.   He is listed in the First Amendment and Litigation - First Amendment categories.   Vick Elected Chair of Los Angeles County Bar’s Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section
July 2015 - Kevin Vick was selected to be the Chair of the Los Angeles County Bar's Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section ("ELIPS") for its 2015-2016 term.  Kevin formerly has served as Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Programming Co-Chair of ELIPS, and has organized panels on subjects such as copyright litigation, idea submission law, online trademark law, and recent trends in entertainment, Internet, and First Amendment law.   Jassy Appears on Panel Discussing Public Records
June 2015 - Jean-Paul Jassy served as a panelist at the 2015 California Public Records & Open Meetings Conference. The panel, hosted by the State Bar of California, Public Law Section, was titled: "Overview and Current Developments in Public Records Law."   Jassy Argues in Court of Appeal on Behalf of Media Amici
June 2015 - Jean-Paul Jassy argued in the California Court of Appeal on behalf of a coalition of media amici, including the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the National Press Photographers Association, that a new California law imposing extra penalties on reckless driving in the pursuit of newsgathering violates the First Amendment.   Jassy Serves on Panel at National Association of Broadcasters Conference
April 2015 - At an event hosted in Las Vegas, NV by the American Bar Association's Forum on Communications Law and National Association of Broadcasters, Jean-Paul Jassy served on a panel titled "Newsgathering and Reporting in the Year 2015".   Jassy Vick Carolan LLP Secures $4.2 Million Attachment Against Los Angeles Times
March 2015 - The Firm succeeded in obtaining a $4.2 million right to attach order against Orange County Register Communications, Inc. on behalf of Firm client Los Angeles Times Communications LLC, stemming from a contractual dispute between the two newspapers.   Jassy Serves As Panelist on Developments in First Amendment Law
March 2015 - Jean-Paul Jassy served as a panelist, alongside Dean Erwin Chemerinsky (Dean of UC Irvine School of Law), discussing developments in First Amendment law, at an event hosted by the Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.   Jassy Vick Carolan Prevails On Anti-SLAPP Motion For Long Beach Press-Telegram And Obtains Award For Attorneys’ Fees In Defamation Case
February 2015 - The Los Angeles Superior Court granted the Long Beach Press-Telegram’s anti-SLAPP motion and struck the plaintiff’s complaint, and separately awarded the Press-Telegram attorneys’ fees in connection with its anti-SLAPP motion.  The plaintiff had sued the newspaper for defamation based on a series of 2014 articles regarding Beach High School, including the school’s restorative justice program and policies regarding student discipline.   Firm Gets Important Win In California Supreme Court, Securing Access to Records Showing Violations of Law At State Health Facilities
February 2015 - Duffy Carolan led a successful effort to secure a unanimous decision from the California Supreme Court holding that the Department of Public Health must release complete records of patient abuse and deficiencies in care at the state’s largest institutions for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, with only patient names redacted.  The decision ended a three year Public Records Act battle by firm client the Center for Investigative Reporting.  CIR’s earlier reporting disclosed hundreds of cases of abuse at state owned and operated developmental centers in an award winning series – Broken Shield.  CIR Executive Director Robert J. Rosenthal said of the decision, “The real winners here are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, patients in state hospitals who are mentally ill and developmentally disabled.  While they may not be able to protect their own interests, this decision means journalists, family members and those who work on their behalf will be able to better hold accountable those responsible for their care.” Read the decision here, and press about the case here, here, here, here, and here.   Jassy and Vick Recognized as Southern California "Super Lawyers"
January 2015 - Jean-Paul Jassy and Kevin Vick each were named Southern California "Super Lawyers" in the annual publication of Super Lawyers Magazine.  Only 5% of area attorneys are listed, as selected by peers and third party researchers.  Jassy is listed in the field of Media & Advertising, and Vick is listed in the field of Intellectual Property Litigation.   Jassy Teaching First Amendment Law At UC Irvine Law School
January 2015 - For the fourth year in a row, Jean-Paul Jassy commenced teaching a semester-long course on the First Amendment at UC Irvine Law School.   Jassy Named "Lawyer of the Year" In Litigation - First Amendment Practice Area
August 2014 - Jean-Paul Jassy's peers voted him the Los Angeles 2015 "Lawyer of the Year" in the Litigation - First Amendment practice area.  The honor accompanies his fifth consecutive listing in Best Lawyers in America.  He is listed in the First Amendment and Litigation - First Amendment categories.   Firm Files Public Records Act Petition Seeking Disclosure of Coachella Valley's Leading Water Users
August 2014 - Jassy Vick Carolan, representing the First Amendment Coalition ("FAC"), filed a petition in Riverside Superior Court to compel the Coachella Valley Water District and Desert Water Agency to release information identifying the Coachella Valley's largest groundwater users.  After years of providing such information to the public, those public agencies recently reversed course and refused to do so – despite California's being in middle of one of the worst droughts in the state's history.  FAC filed its petition after the agencies previously denied FAC's requests for documents under the California Public Records Act (CPRA).  A copy of the Petition is available here.  Press coverage of the suit is available here and here.   Vick Elected Vice Chair of Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section of Los Angeles County Bar
August 2014 - Kevin Vick was selected to be the Vice Chair of the Los Angeles County Bar's Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section ("ELIPS") for its 2014-2015 term.  Kevin formerly has served as Treasurer, Secretary, and Programming Co-Chair of ELIPS, and has organized panels on subjects such as key issues in copyright litigation, idea submission law, and recent trends in entertainment, Internet, and First Amendment law.   Firm Files Suit On Behalf Of Media Groups To Release Records About Indicted State Senators
July 2014 - Jassy Vick Carolan LLP on behalf of the Bay Area News Group, the Los Angeles News Group, and San Jose Mercury-News, filed suit against the California Senate and the Senate Rules Committee over its blanket denial of access to the legislative calendars of now suspended Senators Leland Yee and Ron Calderon.  The news groups made the requests under the Legislative Open Records Act and sought the calendars reflecting certain meetings alleged to have taken place in furtherance of the bribery, political corruption and, as to Yee, racketeering schemes for which they are charged.  In reliance on a 1991 California Supreme Court case denying a media request for access to the governor’s calendars over a five year span, the Senate claims the records are categorically exempt from disclosure under the deliberative process privilege, which rests on the policy of protecting the decision-making processes of government agencies.  The Court in Times Mirror Company v. Superior Court, however, warned that its holding did not render the governor’s calendars inviolate and that a more focused request where the public’s interest in access is more compelling may necessitate public access no matter the incidental impact on the deliberative process.  The news groups take the position that the recent indictments of two California Senators on charges that strike at the heart of what it means to be a public official present precisely such a case.  The action was filed in Sacramento County Superior Court.    Jassy Named To Super Lawyers - Rising Star List For 10th Year In A Row
June 2014 - For the 10th year in a row, Jassy was named to the Super Lawyers Magazine Rising Stars list, a peer-reviewed honor for attorneys under 40.  No more than 2.5% of all attorneys in California may be on the list at any given time.  He is listed in the categories of Media & Advertising, General Litigation and Intellectual Property Litigation.   Carolan Recognized Again By Chambers As A Leading Lawyer
May 2014 - Duffy Carolan named one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" in Media & Entertainment: First Amendment Litigation (California) for 2014 by Chambers USA. Ms. Carolan has been ranked by Chambers since 2011.   Firm Helps Gawker Media Defend Against Copyright Infringement Suit by Quentin Tarantino
May 2014 - Quentin Tarantino voluntarily dismissed a copyright infringement lawsuit he had brought against Gawker Media. The District Court had previously granted Gawker's motion to dismiss Tarantino's original complaint, which sought to hold Gawker liable for articles that included hyperlinks to third-party websites hosting leaked versions of Tarantino's Hateful Eight screenplay. A copy of the District Court's Order is here. Jassy Vick Carolan and Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz served as co-counsel for Gawker.   Vick Appears on Entertainment Law Panel at Southwestern Law School
April 2014 - Kevin Vick served as a panelist on a program on careers in entertainment law presented by the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section at Southwestern Law School. Photos and additional information regarding the event are available at this site.   Jassy Serves As Panelist Discussing The Right To Photograph And Record In Public
April 2014 - In a panel moderated by the General Counsel of the National Press Photographers Association at Los Angeles Police Department headquarters, Jean-Paul Jassy discussed the right to record in public along with Commanders from the LAPD and Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, and the President of the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles.  A description of the event can be found here.   Firm Files Civil Rights Lawsuit On Behalf Of Photojournalist Against California Highway Patrol
March 2014 - Jassy Vick Carolan LLP files civil rights complaint against CHP, Caltrans and individual officers stemming from the unlawful arrest of The Willits News photojournalist Stephen Ernest Eberhard in July of 2013.  Eberhard was arrested for trespassing while covering protests occurring at a controversial highway construction project.  As alleged in the complaint, his arrest occurred after months of intimidation and harassment of the press by CHP personnel and with clear knowledge by the arresting officers that Eberhard was there as a journalist, not as a protester intent on interfering with the construction project.  The complaint asserts violations of Eberhard's First and Fourth Amendment rights.  The two protesters who chained themselves to equipment and stopped construction that morning were cited and released.  Eberhard was taken to county jail, photographed, booked and held for several hours.  His cameras and journalist's note pad were seized by CHP officers purportedly as evidence.  A video of Eberhard's arrest can be seen here.  The complaint is here.   Firm Fights Proposed Restraint On Publication Of News Photographs
FEBRUARY 2014 - On behalf of firm client Marin Independent Journal, Jassy Vick Carolan LLP fights to beat back defense motion to prohibit publication of photographs lawfully obtained of alleged serial bank robber outside of courthouse. Article Op-Ed   UPDATE: Carolan beat back defense motion to prohibit publication of photographs lawfully obtained of alleged serial bank robber outside of courthouse. Link   Vick Moderates “Copyright Issues in the Digital Age” Panel at ABA Conference
FEBRUARY 2014 - Kevin Vick moderated a panel on Copyright Issues in the Digital Age for the Media Advocacy Workshop at the ABA Forum on Communications Law’s annual conference in Miami. Vick was joined by panelists Lizanne Vaughan of Getty Images, Julie Ahrens of the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law School, and Allison Schary of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. They discussed the recent decisions in AP v. Meltwater and Morel v. Agence France Presse and analyzed the ramifications for creators and users of online copyrighted content. The panel addressed issues such as fair use and technological transformative use, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and statutory damages under the Copyright Act.   Top Court To Decide On Release Of Records On Patient Harm
JANUARY 2014 - The California Supreme Court unanimously granted review in a case addressing the public's right of access to citations issued by the Department of Public Health to state-operated centers for the developmentally and mentally disabled for serious violations of laws and regulations, including patient abuse. Duffy Carolan represents The Center for Investigative Reporting, which sought access to citations issued from 2002 to 2011 as part of its ongoing investigation (titled Broken Shield) into the care and oversight of one of the state's most vulnerable populations. In attempting to reconcile two statutory schemes aimed at protecting the developmentally and mentally disabled and those who reside in long-term care facilities overseen by the state, the Court of Appeal, Third District, granted access to the citations but required redaction of key information about the underlying circumstances of the violation, the severity of the violation and harm caused by the violation that CIR contends is required to be disclosed to the public. An article about the case can be found here.   Firm Files Claim Challenging Arrest Of News Photographer At Protest Site
JANUARY 2014 - Duffy Carolan filed a claim on behalf of news photographer StevenEberhard against the California Department of Transportation, California Highway Patrol and certain of their officers following his arrest in July of 2013 while attempting to cover protests in Willits, California. Eberhard's arrest, captured on amateur video, shows him walking onto the site, shaking hands with one officer and within seconds being arrested by another officer, who placed Eberhard's hands behind his back and cuffed him. The officers seized Eberhard's cameras despite knowing he was a journalist. A copy of the claim can be found here.   Jassy Teaching First Amendment Law At UC Irvine Law School
JANUARY 2014 - For the third year in a row, Jean-Paul Jassy commenced teaching a semester-long course on the First Amendment at UC Irvine Law School. "I have a passion for this subject, and it is an honor to teach at such a fine university with so many bright and engaged students," said Jassy.   Duffy Carolan Joins Jassy and Vick to Form Jassy Vick Carolan LLP
JANUARY 2014 - Veteran attorney Duffy Carolan joins forces with Jean-Paul Jassy and Kevin Vick, opening the Firm’s San Francisco Bay Area office, and changing the name of the Firm to Jassy Vick Carolan LLP. “Duffy is a tremendous addition,” said Jassy, adding that, “she is well-known throughout the State as a champion of First Amendment and media rights. We are excited to offer our clients superior, boutique service across all of California.” Duffy, who is joining the Firm from Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, was named by The Best Lawyers in America® as the San Francisco First Amendment “Lawyer of the Year” for 2013. She commented, “I’m thrilled to be teaming with such stellar attorneys. It’s a perfect fit for my core work and for providing a flexible and creative approach to legal services for our clients.”   Sander v. State Bar of California: Firm Gets Big Win in California Supreme Court for Access to State Bar Records
DECEMBER 2013 - In a unanimous decision authored by the Chief Justice, the California Supreme Court held that the public has a right of access to data maintained by the California State Bar, a judicial branch entity. Jassy argued the case on behalf of Firm clients UCLA Prof. Richard Sander and Joe Hicks, a former member of the Board of Governors of the California State Bar. In its decision, the Court recognized that “the public's interest in the information in the database would contribute to the public's understanding of the State Bar's admissions activities.” An editorial in the Los Angeles Times called the decision, a “victory for citizens’ right to know about the workings of all public institutions.” The full 36-page opinion can be found here.   Jassy Named to Board of Directors of First Amendment Coalition
DECEMBER 2013 - Jean-Paul Jassy was elected to the Board of Directors of the First Amendment Coalition (FAC). FAC is an award-winning, nonprofit public interest organization dedicated to advancing free speech, more open and accountable government, and public participation in civic affairs.   Firm Secures Favorable Settlement For Client, Getting Access To LA County Jail Visitor Logs
DECEMBER 2013 - On behalf of client First Amendment Coalition, Jean-Paul Jassy sued Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca because the Sheriff’s office refused to disclose logs showing visitors to John Noguez, the elected Los Angeles County Assessor, while he was in jail. Jassy secured a favorable settlement, which included a release of the requested logs, a change in the Sheriff’s policy for the release of information concerning incarcerated public officials and attorney’s fees. A story on the case can be found here.   Jassy Named Again To The Best Lawyers in America®
NOVEMBER 2013 - Jean-Paul Jassy was again given the peer-reviewed honor of being named to The Best Lawyers in America® in the fields of First Amendment and First Amendment – Litigation.   Vick Elected Treasurer of Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section of Los Angeles County Bar
NOVEMBER 2013 - Kevin Vick was chosen to be Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Bar’s Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section (“ELIPS”) for its 2013-2014 term.  Kevin formerly served as Secretary and Programming Co-Chair of ELIPS.

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