Insight

In the News Weekly Roundup: Facebook's Free Speech Controversy

Recent news from Best Lawyers listed lawyers and firms. New hires at Akerman and King & Spalding, and a win for Greenberg Traurig.

Image that aligns with article content.
Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers

August 3, 2018 12:00 PM

Comings and Goings

Akerman: Two new partners are joining the firm in its corporate practice group, continuing expansion in its DC and New York offices. The new hires, Peter Eccles and Karyn Koiffman, are two of nine to be brought on to the practice group since January. “Peter and Karyn are consummate corporate lawyers with decades of combined experience handling highly complex transactions,” Jonathan Awner, practice group co-chair, said in a press release. “With them, we continue to expand our robust New York presence while adding significant bench strength to our national team of M&A and private equity lawyers, who represent clients in all facets of their transactions across markets sectors and jurisdictions.”

King & Spalding: Jonathan Melmed, Enrico Granata, and Ted Markson will join the firm as partners in its New York office. According to a release on the subject, Melmed will focus on power and infrastructure sectors. He will co-chair the global private equity practice group, and will also head the U.S. power & infrastructure group. King & Spalding’s depth, breadth, brand, and talent in the energy sector present a tremendous opportunity for our team and our clients to build on an integrated energy platform supporting transactions around the globe,” Melmed said in the August 1 release.

Reed Smith: The firm’s middle east expansion includes three new hires: Sachin Kerur, Michelle Nelson, and Shourav Lahiri. Kerur will become the office managing partner for Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “Sachin and Michelle are highly regarded in the region, and we are thrilled to have them join us,” Tamara Box, the managing partner of Reed Smith’s Europe and Middle East offices, said in a press release. “They have worked closely with Shourav for many years and together, this team will be a real boost to our Middle East offering and represents a game-changer in the local legal market. Under Sachin’s leadership, we are looking forward to growing our platform to increase our services to both local and global clients active in the region.”

Awards and Honors

Greenberg Traurig: Nicole M. Goodwin, the firm’s managing shareholder, was highlighted by Arizona Business Magazine as one of 2018’s Most Influential Women in Arizona. Goodwin was named along with Cathy Carlat, mayor of Peoria, and Misty Hyman, an Olympic gold medalist. Her practice focuses on corporate governance disputes, financial services litigation, real estate litigation, post-acquisition disputes, and health care litigation, as outlined in a press release.

Industry News

Cahill Gordon & Reindel: Floyd Abrams, a First Amendment attorney and three-time “Lawyer of the Year” award-winner in his New York practice, spoke with the Washington Post about ongoing issues with Mark Zuckerberg and free speech.

“They say ‘we don’t do editing’ but they do make choices,” Abrams told columnist Margaret Sullivan, about Facebook’s most recent blunder—when the social media giant appeared to give Holocaust deniers a voice on the platform. Despite the backlash Zuckerberg continues to face, Abrams sided with the right to open opinion and discussion. He said that, while overt racism should not be allowed, “the public is served best when they lean heavily toward allowing speech.”

Related Articles

Internet Speech in the Crosshairs


by Jamie Gorelick and Ari Holtzblatt

Charges of anti-right bias notwithstanding, online platforms are on solid ground when they defend their policies and procedures as neutral and protected by the First Amendment.

Image that aligns with article content.

California Grad Student Strike Sparks Legal Free-Speech Battle


by Gregory Sirico

Graduate students in California strike over free speech rights amidst university crackdowns on Pro-Palestine protests, fueling an ongoing legal battle.

Megaphone held up by arm wrapped in barbed wire

Facebook Whistleblower Testimony Shines A Light On Credibility Factor


by Justin Smulison

Landmark whistleblower testimony was provided on Capitol Hill which may have a national—and even worldwide—effect on how governments regulate Big Tech companies.

Image that aligns with article content.

The Green Rush: Cannabis Is a Growing Industry


by Justin Smulison

Connecticut announced it will legalize high-THC cannabis for adult use on July 1, making it the 19th state to do so in the U.S. As of June 2021, 38 states and Puerto Rico have legalized cannabis for medical use.

Image that aligns with article content.

Funding for University Programs Takes a Hit


by Joseph Begonis

From student rights litigation to public safety investigations, Best Lawyers-recognized counsel tackle pressing issues across Canada.

Image that aligns with article content.

Legal News Highlights from New York Firms and Cases


by Best Lawyers

News and Events for New York Lawyers

Image that aligns with article content.

In the News: Northern California


by Best Lawyers

News and notes from lawyers in Northern California

Image that aligns with article content.

Notable Legal News and Recognition from Tampa


by Best Lawyers

Firefighter’s cancer claim, trademark battles and law firm shifts highlight a dynamic week in Tampa’s legal scene.

Image that aligns with article content.

In the News: Connecticut


by Best Lawyers

A roundup of notable news of listed lawyers in your area.

Image that aligns with article content.

Patricia Brown Holmes: The Attorney Behind Jussie Smollett's Case


by Best Lawyers

Patricia Brown Holmes had a celebrated career long before she began defending Jussie Smollett.

Image that aligns with article content.

In the News: Pennsylvania


by Best Lawyers

A Legal Roundup Featuring Best Lawyers in Pennsylvania

Image that aligns with article content.

In the News: Georgia


by Best Lawyers

Trinity Hundredmark wins a Moxie Award; Pete Robinson joins King & Spalding; and L. Lin Wood goes against Elon Musk.

Image that aligns with article content.

ACLU Charges Racist Practices Against Aurora Police


by Best Lawyers

A look at the listed lawyers making headlines in Colorado.

Image that aligns with article content.

New York Legal News: Key Cases and Firm Updates


by Best Lawyers

From courtroom wins to landmark investigations, New York lawyers continue to shape the legal landscape.

Image that aligns with article content.

Tampa Legal Community Update: Noteworthy News and Honors


by Best Lawyers

A roundup of relevant news from listed lawyers in Tampa.

Image that aligns with article content.

In the News: Southern California


by Best Lawyers

A roundup of notable news of listed lawyers in Southern California.

Image that aligns with article content.

Trending Articles

Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore


by Jennifer Verta

This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore

Revealing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria


by Jamilla Tabbara

These honors underscore the reach of the Best Lawyers network and its focus on top legal talent.

map of Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria

Effective Communication: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher


by Jamilla Tabbara

The power of effective communication beyond the law.

 Image of Jefferson Fisher and Phillip Greer engaged in a conversation about effective communication

The 2025 Legal Outlook Survey Results Are In


by Jennifer Verta

Discover what Best Lawyers honorees see ahead for the legal industry.

Person standing at a crossroads with multiple intersecting paths and a signpost.

The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.

Lawyers networking

Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking


by Jamilla Tabbara

How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.

Abstract web of connected figures symbolizing online networking among legal professionals

Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections


by Jamilla Tabbara

How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.

Lawyer typing blog content on laptop in office

Jefferson Fisher: The Secrets to Influential Legal Marketing


by Jennifer Verta

How lawyers can apply Jefferson Fisher’s communication and marketing strategies to build trust, attract clients and grow their practice.

Portrait of Jefferson Fisher a legal marketing expert

A Guide to Workers' Compensation Law for 2025 and Beyond


by Bryan Driscoll

A woman with a laptop screen reflected in her glasses

Is Your Law Firm’s Website Driving Clients Away?


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key website issues that may be affecting client engagement and retention.

Phone displaying 'This site cannot be reached' message

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends in Texas, Utah, Georgia and SC


by Bryan Driscoll

A fresh wave of medical malpractice reform is reshaping the law.

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends hed

Why Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk Want to 'Delete All IP Law'


by Bryan Driscoll

This Isn’t Just a Debate Over How to Pay Creators. It’s a Direct Challenge to Legal Infrastructure.

Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey standing together Infront of the X logo

Best Lawyers Launches CMO Advisory Board


by Jamilla Tabbara

Strategic counsel from legal marketing’s most experienced voices.

Group photo of Best Lawyers CMO Advisory Board members

As Fla. Pushes to Repeal Controversial 'Free Kill' Law, DeSantis Signals Veto


by Bryan Driscoll

The fight to transform state accountability standards may be in trouble

free kill law hed

Changes in California Employment Law for 2025


by Laurie Villanueva

What employers need to know to ensure compliance in the coming year and beyond

A pair of hands holding a checklist featuring a generic profile picture and the state of California

Key Issues to Tackle on Law Firm Landing Pages


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key issues on law firm landing pages to improve client engagement and conversion.

Laptop showing law firm landing page analytics