Charles Tobin

Charles D. Tobin

Partner
Washington, DC

Charles D. Tobin is a litigator, former journalist, and the Practice Leader of Ballard Spahr's Media and Entertainment Law Group. He defends the media in libel and privacy lawsuits in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout the country. He conducts prepublication content review and advises clients on subpoenas, access and privilege issues, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, copyright matters, and First Amendment rights.

Chuck also represents businesses in matters involving unfair competition, disparagement, and false advertising. He helps digital media clients respond to takedown requests, develop terms of use and privacy policies, and fend off subpoenas seeking the identities of anonymous posters. In addition, he advises media clients on the developing laws regulating drone use.

Professional Highlights

Professional Activities

Member, National Press Club Journalism Institute Board of Directors

Past Chair, American Bar Association Forum on Communications Law

American Bar Association, Litigation Section, Senior Editor, Litigation Journal

Recognition & Accomplishments

Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award,  2020

2018 Alumni of Distinction Award, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida 

National Press Photographers Association, Alicia Calzada First Amendment Award, 2017

Speaking Engagements

"United States v. Sealed Search Warrant," New York City Bar Committee on Communications & Media Law, September 29, 2022

"Arts, Entertainment, Media and Sports Law Community Media Law Committee Meeting," District of Columbia Bar, September 14, 2022

"Depp v. Heard Defamation Trial: Part II," MLRC, March 31, 2022

Publications

Co-author, "'The Happiest Courtroom on Earth': Disney & Friends Take on DeSantis," MLRC MediaLawLetter, September 2023

Co-author, "Inadvertent Disclosure of FOIA-Exempt Material Cannot Justify Prior Restraint," MLRC MediaLawLetter, September 2023

Co-author, "Journalist Who Fled Mexico After 2008 Death Threats Finally Granted Asylum," MLRC MediaLawLetter, September 2023

Credentials 

Education

University of Florida (J.D., with honors)

University of Florida (B.S., Journalism, with high honors)

Admissions

District of Columbia

Florida

Virginia

U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

U.S. Court of Federal Claims

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

U.S. Supreme Court