Wiley Recognized for Media Advocacy Work by The American Lawyer

August 21, 2025

Wiley has been named a finalist by The American Lawyer for the Media Advocacy Award, which recognizes firms and lawyers who advocate for the freedom of the press.

Wiley was selected for its work in Human Rights Defense Center v. Ishee, in which the firm successfully represented the petitioner, a nonprofit publisher, in a First Amendment suit concerning the improper censorship by North Carolina prison officials of Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC) publications that resulted in a $1.2 million settlement.

The award will be presented at the annual American Lawyer Industry Awards event in New York City on November 13.

The Wiley team, which represented HRDC pro bono, was led by Telecom, Media & Technology Practice partner Ari Meltzer, and included associate Scott Bouboulis and Litigation Practice associate Leah C. Deskins.