Lathrop & Gage Obtains Success for Student Journalists
CHICAGO (June 30, 2011) – Lathrop & Gage litigators Blaine Kimrey (Business Litigation – Chicago) and Bryan Clark (Business Litigation – Chicago) recently defeated a subpoena for notes from student journalists at The Loyola Phoenix. This may be the first decision in Illinois that applies the Illinois Reporter’s Privilege Act to a student newspaper.
The student journalists at Loyola University of Chicago were subpoenaed in March by criminal defendant Kevin McAndrew for journalistic material relating to two articles the student newspaper published. These articles covered an alleged hate crime for which McAndrew faces felony charges. Kimrey and Clark objected to the subpoena on several grounds, including the Illinois Reporter’s Privilege Act, which protects reporters’ journalistic work product. McAndrew’s counsel filed a motion to strip the paper’s protection under the act. The motion was denied and the subpoena was quashed after Cook County Circuit Court Judge Dianne Cannon ruled that the reporter’s shield law protects both professional and student journalists.
Kimrey concentrates his practice in business litigation, media law and intellectual property. He was honored by Chambers USA in 2011. Kimrey is the managing partner of the firm’s Chicago office. Clark also concentrates his practice in business litigation, media law and intellectual property. Clark was the primary drafter of The Loyola Phoenix’s brief and Kimrey made the oral argument.
About Lathrop & Gage LLP:
A full-service law firm, Lathrop & Gage LLP has more than 320 attorneys in 12 offices nationwide – from Los Angeles to New York. In 2011, Chambers USA ranked Lathrop & Gage’s corporate, environmental, intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, real estate and transportation teams among the best in their regions. For more information, visit www.lathropgage.com.
