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Courtney T. DeThomas

She/Her

Counsel

T 202.973.4288 Washington, D.C.
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Courtney DeThomas is a skilled and thoughtful litigator who specializes in guiding clients through thorny legal issues in the tech, telecom, and media industries. She has experience in all phases of litigation, including trying federal jury trials through verdict. Her listening and people skills, combined with her legal acumen, get results for technology-focused clients faced with competitive business disputes. She excels in advancing the interests of her communications industry clients, from helping them achieve practical solutions to contract and real estate disputes to overcoming hurdles to the deployment of telecommunications networks and facilities nationwide. She also regularly advocates for media clients, including publishers, journalists, broadcasters, and content creators who are fighting defamation suits and subpoenas.

Courtney understands that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to her clients' problems. Instead, she tailors her 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, cloud service providers, major social media and data services companies, broadcasters, publishers, environmental advocacy groups, 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, reproductive rights, and applications for asylum.

Energy Transfer LP v. Greenpeace

Defending Greenpeace against allegations of defamation and property-related claims arising from the protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline that occurred in and around Standing Rock in 2016. (Ongoing)

Defamation defense

Defending Canada's public broadcaster against defamation lawsuit brought by charity in U.S. federal court. (Ongoing)

Defense of cloud services provider

Defended provider of pre-engineered cloud solutions and platforms against lawsuit alleging breach of contract and fraud brought by former business partner.

Subpoena defense

Represents journalists and news organizations seeking to quash non-party discovery subpoenas. (Ongoing)

Defense of data services provider

Defended Democratic data services vendor in suit brought by its competitor in federal court alleging defamation and misappropriation of trade secrets.
*Denotes an attorney's experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine
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Admitted to Practice

  • District of Columbia, 2018
  • California, 2013
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
  • U.S. District Court, District of Maryland

Education

  • 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
  • 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

Professional Recognition

    • Selected to a list of "Ones to Watch" in Communications Law (Washington, D.C.), Best Lawyers, 2022
    • 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
    • Named to "Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll" by the D.C. Court of Appeals and the D.C. Superior Court, 2024 (High Honors)

Background

    • 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
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Publications
08.19.21
News
Twelve From Davis Wright Tremaine Named 2022 "Lawyers of the Year" by Best Lawyers Read More
Beams of golden light
08.05.21
Insights
Data Protection
Another Court Limits Discovery Protections for Digital Forensic Investigations Read More
American flag
01.19.21
Insights
Congressional Activity
Congress Expands Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to Allow Family Members to Terminate Internet, Phone, and Cable Contracts Read More
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