Courtney DeThomas is a skilled and thoughtful litigator with experience at all phases of litigation, including trying federal jury trials through verdict. She excels in advancing the interests of communications industry clients, with a focus on helping companies overcome hurdles to the deployment of telecommunications networks and facilities nationwide. She also advocates for media clients, including publishers, journalists, and content creators, on a wide range of media law and First Amendment issues.
Courtney understands that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to her clients' problems. Instead, she tailors advice to their unique needs and goals and looks for strategic ways to achieve their desired outcome. Courtney's clients include a leading wireless carrier, wireless infrastructure developers, major social media and data services companies, publishers, and nonprofits.
Courtney maintains an active pro bono practice and is proud to represent clients in matters relating to Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") requests, free speech and due process violations, and applications for asylum.
Admitted to Practice
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District of Columbia, 2018
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California, 2013
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U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
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U.S. District Court Northern District of California
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U.S. District Court Central District of California
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U.S. District Court Eastern District of California
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U.S. District Court Southern District of California
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U.S. District Court District of Maryland
Education
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J.D., Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, 2013, cum laude
- Executive Board Member and Competitor, Julius H. Miner Moot Court
- Editorial Staff, Journal of International Law and Business
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B.A., Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2007, highest honors
- Academic All-American and Team Captain, Division I Varsity Gymnastics Team
- Minor, Creative Writing
Memberships & Affiliations
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- Co-chair, Judicial Practice Committee, Federal Communications Bar Association
- Co-chair, Judicial Practice Committee, Federal Communications Bar Association
Professional Recognition
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- Selected to a list of "Ones to Watch" in Communications Law (Washington, D.C.), Best Lawyers, 2022-present
- Received the "Courageous Luminary Award" for work on a FOIA action regarding information-sharing by state driver's license agencies, National Immigration Law Center, 2015
Background
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- Associate, Litigation, Paul Hastings LLP, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, 2013-2019
- Extern, Hon James B. Zagel, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago, 2011
- Assistant Editor, Random House Publishing Group, New York, N.Y., 2008-2010