First Amendment Expert Witnesses

Atlanta, Georgia

Artificial Intelligence, Behavioral and Social Sciences - AI, Defamation, Online Harassment, Statistical Analysis, Sampling Bias, Polling Methodology, Survey Design, Survey Validity, Polling Methodology, Social Media, Political Advertising, Cyberbullying, Conspiracy Theories, Political Communication, Election Disputes, First Amendment, Vaccine Hesitancy, LLM, Measurement Error, Data Analysis

Sean Richey, Ph.D., is a Full Professor of Political Science at Georgia State University specializing in digital communication, online information environments, public opinion formation, and survey methodology. His research examines how narratives spread online, how individuals form beliefs, and how communication environments influence perception, reputational harm, and behavior. Dr. Richey has authored seven books and more than thirty peer-reviewed publications on political communication, online discourse, persuasion, conspiracy beliefs, civic behavior, and internet-mediated information environments. His recent work includes research on artificial intelligence systems, social media amplification, misinformation, and digital persuasion dynamics. He provides litigation consulting and expert analysis in matters involving: online defamation and reputational harm, AI-generated misinformation, social media amplification, digital narrative spread, survey methodology disputes, polling i...

Bound Brook, New Jersey

Defamation - defamation, media law, Slander, invasion of privacy, television, journalism, litigation support, press, online privacy, newspaper, voting, First Amendment, actual malice, defense, media, Libel, social media, reputation

Candace Kelley is a leading expert in reputational harm, specializing in high-profile defamation cases at the intersection of journalism, music, media, and culture. Through her work she provides critical insights that help with navigating the complexities of defamation, the First Amendment and related constitutional challenges. She works closely with legal teams to assess the strength of a case, develop litigation strategies, and provide detailed legal expert reports. Expertise in balancing free speech rights with reputational protection, particularly in cases involving public figures. Practicing Journalist: Candace is a journalist firmly planted in modern newsday practices who knows about workflows, social media integration, and real-time reporting, Areas of Expertise: Entertainment Industry & Celebrity Defamation, Public Figures & Actual Malice Standard, Defamation in Journalism & News Media, Social Media & Digital Defamation, AI-Generated Misinformation & Deepfakes, First Ame...

Dallas, Texas

Education & Schools - Title IX, Title VI, Section 504/Title II of the ADA, Special Education and Disability Law, student athletics, athletics equity, NCAA compliance, sex and racial discrimination and harassment, general civil rights compliance, student data privacy, safety and security, general school administration (k-12), First Amendment

Jackie Gharapour Wernz is an expert in the fields of school administration and school compliance with the requirements of Federal civil rights laws. She has over 15 years of experience working with elementary and secondary K-12 public and private/independent schools, including charter schools, and colleges, community colleges, and universities and can serve as an expert in the areas of: peer harassment, including harassment under Title VII (discrimination in employment); Title IX (discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity), Title VI (discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on race, color, and national origin), and Section 504/Title II of the ADA (discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on disability); hazing; bullying; educator sexual misconduct; educator sexual abuse; transgender issues; Greek organizations; steps a school should take to create a safe environment free from discrimination, harassment, an...