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.


+1-202-661-2218

Charles D. Tobin

Partner
Ballard Spahr
District of Columbia

Practice Area: Litigation, Media and Entertainment Law

BTI Client Service All-Star History

  • 2025
  • 2024
  • 2011
All-Star

WHAT CLIENTS SAY

"Chuck is overall a genuinely good person and a fantastic oralist. He has a very calm demeanor and is excellent at explaining complicated concepts and getting things done."
"Chuck is an expert in his field, listens to our ideas, and knows the law well."
"Chuck thinks ahead, an essential skill in my line of work. His knowledge of the industry is impressive and his outstanding work helps me sleep at night."

MY CLIENT PHILOSOPHY

"Lawyers for the media must be responsive to the 24/7 needs of their newsroom clients. We also must believe – heart and soul – in the vital First Amendment work of journalists. I bring an energetic, focused, can-do approach to our news media clients every day, all day. I'm proud that all lawyers in Ballard Spahr's Media & Entertainment Law Group share the same attentive devotion to the newsrooms that we serve."

– Charles D. Tobin

ALL-STAR BIOGRAPHY

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.

Visit All-Star's Firm »


+1-202-661-2218

Charles D. Tobin

Partner
Ballard Spahr
District of Columbia

Practice Area: Litigation, Media and Entertainment Law

M&A All-Star

ALL-STAR BIOGRAPHY

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.

Visit All-Star's Firm »