Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm specializing in defamation cases, has appointed First Amendment attorney Rodney Smolla as senior counsel. Smolla, who played a pivotal role in Dominion Voting Systems’ $787.5 million defamation settlement with Fox News, brings extensive experience in media law and constitutional litigation to the firm.
The formation of Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch in August 2023 followed the departure of four non-equity partners from Clare Locke, a boutique firm known for its defamation practice. The partners—Megan Meier, Daniel Watkins, Andrew Phillips, and Dustin Pusch—cited the “entrepreneurial spirit” of Clare Locke’s founders as inspiration for establishing their own practice. Their new firm focuses on combating misinformation and addressing reputational harm in the digital age. ([abovethelaw.com](https://abovethelaw.com/2023/08/after-helping-secure-787m-in-fox-news-dominion-case-partners-set-up-new-defamation-boutique/?utm_source=openai))
Smolla’s addition to Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch underscores the firm’s commitment to high-profile defamation litigation. His involvement in the Dominion case, which resulted in one of the largest defamation settlements in U.S. history, highlights his expertise in holding media entities accountable for disseminating false information.
The departure of the four partners from Clare Locke was reportedly influenced by internal disagreements over the firm’s role in the Dominion lawsuit. According to sources, co-founder Elizabeth “Libby” Locke expressed a desire to withdraw from the case, leading to tensions within the firm. This internal discord contributed to the partners’ decision to establish their own practice. ([canadanewsmedia.ca](https://canadanewsmedia.ca/how-a-case-against-fox-news-tore-apart-a-media-fighting-law-firm-the-new-york-times/?utm_source=openai))
Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch aims to leverage its collective experience to address the challenges posed by misinformation in the era of artificial intelligence and social media. The firm’s focus on defamation cases positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of media law. Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm specializing in defamation cases, has appointed First Amendment attorney Rodney Smolla as senior counsel. Smolla, who played a pivotal role in Dominion Voting Systems’ $787.5 million defamation settlement with Fox News, brings extensive experience in media law and constitutional litigation to the firm.
The formation of Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch in August 2023 followed the departure of four non-equity partners from Clare Locke, a boutique firm known for its defamation practice. The partners—Megan Meier, Daniel Watkins, Andrew Phillips, and Dustin Pusch—cited the “entrepreneurial spirit” of Clare Locke’s founders as inspiration for establishing their own practice. Their new firm focuses on combating misinformation and addressing reputational harm in the digital age. ([abovethelaw.com](https://abovethelaw.com/2023/08/after-helping-secure-787m-in-fox-news-dominion-case-partners-set-up-new-defamation-boutique/?utm_source=openai))
Smolla’s addition to Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch underscores the firm’s commitment to high-profile defamation litigation. His involvement in the Dominion case, which resulted in one of the largest defamation settlements in U.S. history, highlights his expertise in holding media entities accountable for disseminating false information.
The departure of the four partners from Clare Locke was reportedly influenced by internal disagreements over the firm’s role in the Dominion lawsuit. According to sources, co-founder Elizabeth “Libby” Locke expressed a desire to withdraw from the case, leading to tensions within the firm. This internal discord contributed to the partners’ decision to establish their own practice. ([canadanewsmedia.ca](https://canadanewsmedia.ca/how-a-case-against-fox-news-tore-apart-a-media-fighting-law-firm-the-new-york-times/?utm_source=openai))
Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch aims to leverage its collective experience to address the challenges posed by misinformation in the era of artificial intelligence and social media. The firm’s focus on defamation cases positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of media law.