Levitt v. Morning Sun, obtained dismissal of defamation, false light and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims on interlocutory appeal, after trial court denial of summary judgment. No. 330946 (Mich. App. May 16, 2017) (unpublished)
Doe v. Cox Communications (No. 17-108537-CZ, Genesee County Circuit Court 2017). Obtained trial court dismissal with prejudice of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and related claims under Section 230 of the Communications Decency A
McAllister v. Oakland Press (No. 17-157375-CZ, Oakland County Circuit Court 2017). Obtained dismissal of defamation lawsuit prior to start of discovery.
Huizenga v. Gwynn, 225 F. Supp. 3d 647 (E.D. Mich. 2016). Acting as local counsel, assisted in successfully obtaining dismissal of the New York Post on jurisdictional grounds.
Nakash v. Hamtramck Review, No. 326152 (Mich. App. Mar. 15, 2016) (unpublished). Preserved trial court dismissal of defamation and tortious interference lawsuit.
Successfully obtained Show Cause Order upon filing FOIA suit with public body settling as a result.
People v. Leist, No. 14-049-FY (Mich. Dist. Ct.), secured dismissal of a criminal action against a photographer filed in connection with photographs of an airplane crash site.
Gary v. Discovery Communications (No. 12-10521, E.D. Mich. Feb. 28, 2013). Obtained dismissal of defamation lawsuit.
Gary v. E!, No. 304720 (Mich. App. Aug. 23, 2012) (unpublished). Obtained dismissal, affirmed on appeal.
Johnson v. Herald-Palladium. Obtained dismissal of defamation lawsuit prior to start of discovery
Shumake v. WJBK. Successfully obtained dismissal of defamation/privacy claims against defendant broadcasters (2011)
McIntosh v. The Detroit News, 2009 Mich. App. LEXIS 128; 37 Media L. Rep. 1193 (2009) (unpublished) (libel/fair report privilege)
Detroit News v. City of Detroit. Represented newspaper in lawsuit under Michigan Freedom of Information Act for release of text messages involving Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick and his Chief of Staff. Michigan Supreme Court Docket No. 135841, Michigan Court of
Hamilton v. Detroit News, 2008 Mich. App. LEXIS 1729 (Mich. App. Aug. 26, 2008) (unpublished) (libel/privacy by prominent club owner)
Fewins v. Grand Traverse Record Eagle, Case No. 08-8223-NO (Benzie County Circuit Court) (defamation case brought by county sheriff)
Cecil Fielder v. Greater Media, Inc., No. 267495 (Mich. App. July 25, 2006) (unpublished) (libel lawsuit by former Detroit Tigers All-Star)
United States v. Koubriti, 252 F. Supp. 2d 424, 31 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 1940 (E.D. Mich. 2003) (closure of voir dire in first post 9-11 terrorism trial)
In re DaimlerChrysler AG Sec. Litig., 216 F.R.D. 395, 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 15145 (E.D. Mich. 2003) (reporters’ privilege arising out of publication of book on the Daimler/Chrysler merger)
International Sports Marketing v. Saatchi & Saatchi North America, Inc. Obtained reversal of trial court’s imposition of default judgment in excess of $20M against client. 2002 Mich. App. LEXIS 1877, December 3, 2002
Detroit Free Press v. Ashcroft, 303 F.3d 681, 30 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 2313 (6th Cir. 2002) (closure of immigration proceedings)
Detroit News, Inc. v. Policemen & Firemen Ret. Sys., 252 Mich. App. 59; 651 N.W.2d 127 (2002) (FOIA)
The Detroit News v. Wayne County, Docket #235831 (Mich App 2002) (unpublished) (FOIA case involving wage and other information)
Olympia Entertainment Inc. v. Brass Ring Productions. Represented plaintiff in series of commercial disputes, successfully obtaining partial summary disposition and injunctive relief. 467 Mich. 855 (2002); 2002 Mich. App. LEXIS 621.
Tomkiewicz v. Detroit News, 246 Mich. App. 662 (2001). Represented newspaper in defending defamation and privacy suit. Successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of defendant
Cross v. Detroit News, 29 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 2439 (Mich. App. 2001) (libel claim by business owner)
American Transmission v. Channel 7 of Detroit, 239 Mich. App. 695; 609 N.W.2d 607; 28 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 1823 (2000) (libel/other torts involving “Call for Action” investigation)
People v. Pastor (In re March 1999 MSU Riots), 463 Mich. 378, 617 N.W.2d 310, 2000 Mich. LEXIS 1493, 28 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 2398 (2000) (reporter’s privilege arising out of riots at MSU following NCAA “March Madness” game)
Kevorkian v. American Medical Association, 237 Mich. App. 1, 602 N.W.2d 233; 28 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 1532 (1999) (libel claim by Dr. Jack Kevorkian)
Teamsters Local 372 v. Detroit Newspaper Agency. Defended employer in § 1983 suit brought by unions and bringing RICO counterclaim. Successful survived multiple motions to dismiss RICO counterclaim. 956 F. Supp. 753 (1997); 993 F. Supp. 1052 (1998)
Fronning v. Jenny Jones Show, 1996 U.S. App. LEXIS 5725 (6th Cir. 1996) (invasion of privacy claim by stripper who appeared on Jenny Jones show)
Michigan v. Schmitz, 24 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 2535 (Mich. App. 1996) (court access involving murder trial arising out of “same sex-crush” Jenny Jones show)
Northland Wheels Skating Center, Inc. v. Detroit News et al, 213 Mich. App 317 (1995). Represented newspaper in defending defamation suit. Successfully obtained summary judgment
Garvelink v. Detroit News, 206 Mich. App. 604 (1994). Represented newspaper in defending defamation suit. Successfully obtained summary judgment
Detroit News, Inc. v. Recorder's Court Judge, 202 Mich. App. 595 (1993) (access to court records)
Locricchio v. Evening News Ass’n, 438 Mich. 84; 476 N.W.2d 112 (1991); cert. denied, 503 U.S. 907 (1992) (libel case involving reporting on mafia connections to Pine Knob)
Pesta v. CBS, Inc. (60 Minutes), 653 F. Supp. 350 (E.D. Mich. 1986); 686 F. Supp. 166 (E.D. Mich. 1988); 837 F.2d 1091 (6th Cir. 1988). Represented defendants and ultimately obtained jury verdict of no-cause after multi-week trial.
Advising and representing media entities throughout Michigan (and the United States) on obtaining records under Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act, including handling administrative appeals, negotiating resolution, and pursuing legal action.
Advising and representing media entities throughout Michigan on Michigan’s Open Meetings Act, including challenging closures informally, negotiating resolution, and pursuing legal action.
Submitted multiple amicus briefs in various courts on media issues for multiple clients, including media associations, newspapers and broadcasters.
