Haynes and Boone, LLP has bolstered its highly respected media law group with the addition of two nationally recognized attorneys, Laura Lee Prather and Catherine Robb.

Both Prather, who comes to the firm as partner, and Robb, arriving as of counsel, are moving from Sedgwick LLP.

“With the addition of this duo, our media litigation practice group continues to strengthen its offering to clients,” said David Harper, co-section leader for litigation. “Both bring extraordinary media law experience protecting the rights of the media and handling copyright and other intellectual property disputes. We look forward to having them on our team.”

The two incoming attorneys complement the existing talent of Haynes and Boone’s media and business litigation team with their vast experience in providing counsel in media law and First Amendment legislative and litigation concerns.

“Transitioning to Haynes and Boone seemed like a natural step for me because the firm has a deep bench in First Amendment rights, social media and intellectual property,” said Prather. “Such a strong platform will allow our team to provide enhanced client service addressing a wide range of needs.”

As the lead author and negotiator of the reporter’s privilege and anti-strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) statute, Prather is an authority in media law serving an extensive array of content providers, including online and traditional newspapers, magazines, radio and broadcasters, cable television stations, production companies and music and sports entities. Her practice includes general commercial, intellectual property and open government litigation as well as pre-publication review work for media clients.

In addition, Prather works on legislative initiatives and lobbying as a member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters’ Legislative Task Force, the Public Participation Project’s National Board of Directors, the general counsel for the Legislative Advisory Committee of the Texas Daily Newspaper Association and the Texas Press Association, and as a co-chair of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Legislative Committee. She has also initiated and chairs the Media Libel Resource Center’s State Legislative Committee, bringing together lobbyists from virtually every state to work on legislation impacting the media industry and government transparency.

Her latest accolades include being named as one of the top 45 women lawyers in the nation younger than age 45 by the American Lawyer in 2011, receiving the 2010 Legacy Award from the Texas Daily Newspaper Association, and being designated one of Texas Lawyer’s Extraordinary Women in Texas Law in 2008.

Robb’s practice is focused on commercial and business litigation, First Amendment litigation, pre-publication review and editing, copyright and trademark litigation, general commercial litigation, open government issues and privacy concerns.

Currently, she serves as the president of the Austin Film Society and vice-chair of the board for the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders and KLRU (where she also serves on the Austin City Limits committee), in addition to volunteering with other community service organizations. Robb was recently awarded with the “Austin Under 40 Community Service Award” by the Austin Young Men’s Business League and Austin Young Woman’s Alliance.

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