Jacquelyn N. Schell

Partner She / Her / Hers

New York

Tel 646.346.8048
Fax 212.223.1942

Jacquelyn N. Schell is an experienced media lawyer and litigator whose practice focuses on First Amendment law. She defends media and entertainment companies, journalists, and other clients against libel, defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright, and content-based claims.

Jacquelyn also advises clients on newsgathering questions and minimizing pre-publication risks. She represents news outlets seeking to enforce statutory and First Amendment rights of access to courts and government information or asserting reporters’ privilege defenses to subpoenas and search warrants. She also maintains an active pro bono practice representing individuals and nonprofits against similar claims.

Before joining Ballard Spahr, Jacquelyn worked at another national law firm, where, in addition to media law, she litigated a wide range of commercial and white collar disputes. This broad litigation experience informs her practice today. In her first years as a lawyer, she served as a Special Assistant District Attorney in metro Atlanta.

Services

Representative Experience

Representative Matters

Successfully defended The New York Times against the libel suit brought by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin at trial in the Southern District of New York, where the jury found The Times not liable, and on appeal to the Second Circuit.
Successfully defended broadcast news station against defamation claims filed by a youth athletic director accused of abusing students in his care, winning summary judgment and successfully defending it on appeal. Charcholla v. Channel 13 News, No. E2020006583 (N.Y. Sup Ct., Monroe County), Nos. 22-01160, 24-00215, and 24-01650 (4th Dep’t).
Successfully defended celebrity news publication against defamation claims asserted by public figure. Sheindlin v. Accelerate360, et al.<, No. 2:24-cv-553 (M.D. Fla.).

On behalf of WLBT-TV, sued the City of Jackson under the Mississippi Public Records Act for failure to provide timely, complete responses to public records requests. Following a six-day bench trial, WLBT-TV won on all counts and was awarded the largest Ethics Commission penalty in state history.
On behalf of Hell Gate, LLC, successfully litigated Article 78 Petition to compel production of public records pursuant to New York’s Freedom of Information Law and to award fees incurred in doing so. Hell Gate, LLC v. The City of New York Office of the Mayor, Index No. 160022/023 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. N.Y. Cnty.).
Obtained early dismissal of copyright and breach of contract claims against Bounce Television in litigation filed by documentary film producer over documentary and contemplated special production. Bolton-Curley, et al., v. Bounce Media, LLC, No. 1:23-cv-05931-JBP (N.D. Ga.), No. 24-12914 (11th Cir.).
Defended Us Weekly against defamation claims arising out of photo use in online article, including successfully litigating motion to transfer case from Georgia to New York, opposing plaintiff’s attempt to proceed pseudonymously, and obtaining dismissal of all claims. See Bloom v. A360 Media LLC, No. 1:23-cv-11024-JSR (S.D.N.Y.), formerly 1:23-cv-2954 (N.D. Ga.).
On behalf of Penguin Random House, won early motion to dismiss defamation claim arising out of a book publication and obtained fee award under New York’s anti-SLAPP statute.
Represented The E.W. Scripps Company in FOIL litigation against the NYPD, leading to the release of data about how the NYPD compiles and reports crime statistics and clearance rates. The resulting reporting by Scripps prompted the NYC Mayor’s Office to change its public crime reporting system to be more accurate and transparent.
Obtained early dismissal of a copyright infringement claim against Penguin Random House in an action alleging infringement of an unpublished border lore manuscript about a historical figure.
Brought successful First Amendment challenge to the New York County Clerk’s policy for press access to newly filed complaints, obtaining a preliminary injunction requiring disclosure and leading to multi-county improvement in access.
Defended online dating app against claims brought by former user based on ex-boyfriend’s use of the dating app to harass him.

Professional Highlights

Professional Activities

New York State Bar Association, Committee on Media Law, Former Chair

ABA Forum on Communications Law, Governing Committee; Conference Planning Committee, Former Member-at-Large

Media Law Resource Center, Criminal Law Committee, Co-Founder, Former Co-Chair

Recognition & Accomplishments

Chambers USA, Media and Entertainment: First Amendment Litigation (New York), Band 2, 2025; "Up and Coming," 2023, 2024

The Best Lawyers in America, "Ones to Watch," Communications Law, 2022 - 2024 (New York)

Publications

Co-author, "Lyrics in Limine: Rap Music and Criminal Prosecutions," Communications Lawyer, January 2023 (excerpted and re-printed in GP Solo Magazine’s “Best of ABA Publications”)

Co-author, “New Trade Agreement Extends CDA Section 230 Immunity Abroad,” Ballard Spahr alert, October 4, 2018

Co-author, “First Amendment Bars Trump from Blocking Critics on Twitter, Court Rules,” Ballard Spahr alert, May 24, 2018

Related Insights

Credentials

Education

Vanderbilt University Law School (J.D. 2009)

Vanderbilt University (B.A. 2006)

Admissions

New York

District of Columbia

Georgia

U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second, Sixth, and Eleventh Circuits

U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Eastern, Western, and Northern Districts of New York

U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Georgia