Lesli Gaither

Lesli N. Gaither focuses her practice on media litigation and counseling, as well as complex commercial litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Gaither worked as an associate in the Atlanta office of an east coast law firm where she represented a variety of media companies, including broadcast, print and internet, defending against defamation, privacy, copyright and other content-related claims.

Ms. Gaither has additionally represented media organizations and journalists seeking access to records and court proceedings, as well as protecting journalists from subpoenas and requests for newsgathering materials. In addition, Ms. Gaither has handled a wide variety of commercial litigation, ranging, among other things, from complex employment matters to business valuation proceedings.

Ms. Gaither also routinely provides her media clients pre-publication and pre-broadcast review, including counseling on content issues, newsgathering techniques, and responding to threats of litigation. Ms. Gaither also assists clients with operational issues, including record retention and pre-litigation decision-making.

Ms. Gaither has practiced in both the federal and state courts of Georgia, and has also handled litigation in, among other places, New York, Florida, California, and the District of Columbia.

Ms. Gaither was recognized in 2011, 2012 and 2013 as a Georgia “Rising Star” in the area of First Amendment, Media and Advertising Law and again in 2014, 2015 and 2016 in the area of Media and Advertising Law by Super Lawyers magazine.

Experience:

• Defended radio group in high profile defamation claim arising from website of well-known radio personality.
• Represented internet company against claims asserting fraud in distribution of ownership interests.
• Defended television station in connection with defamation claims brought by participant in college hazing incident.
• Represented a consortium of media companies in seeking access to hearings and trial proceeding in high-profile murder triangle trial.
• Represented interests of media and public-interest groups in connection with revision of Georgia Sunshine Laws by Georgia Attorney General and Georgia General Assembly.
• Represented television studio and talk show host against claims for invasion of privacy and misappropriation based on appearance of minor on talk show.

Education:

• Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D. (2001)Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, Student Notes Editor
• Vanderbilt Moot Court Board, Problem Editor and Member
• Purdue University, B.A. (1997)

Admissions:

• Georgia (2004)
• District of Columbia (2002)
• Maryland (2001)

Court Admissions:

• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia