Cynthia Lynn Counts

Cynthia Lynn Counts

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 33 years

Libel and slander Lawyer at Atlanta, GA
Practice Areas: Libel & Slander, Privacy, Communications & Media ... +3 more

Resurgens Plaza, 945 East Paces Ferry Rd. NE, Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA

About Cynthia

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Libel and Slander 25%

Represent media clients, website owners and bloggers in civil litigation and injunction hearings. Clients hire me because of my excellent track record: as lead counsel I have never lost a libel or privacy case.

34 years | 75 cases

25%
Privacy 25%

34 years | 60 cases

25%
Communications and Media 15%

Injunction hearings, motion to quash subpoenas, criminal arrests/ charges against reporters, and civil litigation.

34 years | 75 cases

15%
Intellectual Property 15%

Preparing and prosecuting trademark and copyright registrations. Representing national client in in trademark litigation. Defending national publisher in copyright litigation. My team and I have innovative methods in order to successfully resolve our client's intellectual property issues.

22 years | 7 cases

15%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in New York for 7 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2018

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in Georgia for 33 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1992

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

FisherBroyles, LLP

Resurgens Plaza, 945 East Paces Ferry Rd. NE, Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA, 30326

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Cynthia Lynn Counts's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

5 Client Reviews

5 star (5)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Kenneth | September 11, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing Attorney

I was at my "wit's end" after 16 months with the legal system having charged me with 4 criminal counts. I contacted Counts Law Group on Friday for HELP and Cynthia Counts agreed to meet with me on Saturday at 10:30 (Father's Day Weekend w/Family visiting) to evaluate my case. Come early Monday mornin...g Cynthia and Family were siting on a Court room bench with me. She had taken a Good part of her Father's Day Weekend to prepare my case before the court and traveled two hours "early thirty" Monday to have the court to acknowledge her as my co-counsel and at noon to present a motion to dismiss all 4 charges. Because of her arguments before the court, ALL 4 charges were later dismissed! If the legal system had more Cynthia Counts, those condensing "lawyer" jokes would most likely disappear! Bottom Line - 16 Months of sleepless nights vs. a weekend

Posted by C. Herman | January 15, 2015

one of America's best First Amendment lawyers and GA Anti-SLAPP proponents

I was served in April '14 in GA; this was the only time I have been sued. It was a terribly stressful time because I was struggling to make ends meet and with two small babies in diapers, my wife and I did not know where to turn for help. I asked the lawyer of a colleague if he knew a good attorney ...to help me in a defamation lawsuit. Without any hesitation, he emphatically told me, “Cynthia Counts is the best there is for that type of case”. The fact that my colleague’s lawyer knew of Cynthia and was so adamant in stating her abilities immediately gave me confidence because the referring lawyer is a criminal defense attorney whose clientele and case load are in a different realm of law than what my case was, yet he knew of Cynthia Counts and her abilities. I immediately called Ms. Counts and let her know who referred me to her. We agreed to have an initial consultation to discuss the case. Not having any previous experience in legal matters, I was concerned about being kept in the loop and having a comprehensive understanding of what was taking place, as I tend to be somewhat of a micro-manager, which is a difficult thing to be in a subject for which I had no formal training. It became apparent to me immediately that there was an added benefit when I learned that Ms. Counts is an adjunct professor, as she was able to frame things for me in an easy-to-understand context. Her teaching experience was also an added benefit because when I expressed my desire to be able to assist in my own defense, she gladly provided me the opportunity and gave me specific research assignments and tasks to be performed in order to help myself. She would then take the time to explain the results, meaning and impact of my research while all the time continuously teaching me and citing other precedents and GA case law concerning defamation and Free Speech. She also provided an in-depth and invaluable education in Georgia’s Anti-SLAPP legislation, background and intent. Furthermore, once we entered the courtroom for the first time and found out that the Plaintiff’s attorney steered the intended purpose of the initial hearing from evidentiary to something else, I got to see what Ms. Counts was really made of. She basically walked into an ambush on that first day in court and we were not prepared at all for where the first day lead us because it was supposed to be an evidentiary hearing that ended up being bifurcated, for which the first part was never disclosed in advance by the Counsel for Plaintiff but for which he was fully prepared. So we started our first day in court with the deck stacked against us, but in the end it did not matter because Ms. Counts knew the law. Because of her vast knowledge and depth of understanding of Georgia law, Federal law, Constitutional Law and her intimate familiarity with the Georgia Anti-SLAPP statute and precedents, she was able to successfully ward off the attack by Counsel for Plaintiff not only that day but two days later when we continued. Her courtroom delivery over those two days resulted in turning an ambush, and potential disaster, into the Judge issuing an order that protected my speech and resulted in Plaintiff’s immediate dismissal of the case. Throughout all phases of the case, Ms. Counts was always available either in person or via proxy through one of her diligent and well-written associates. Even when time constraints and schedule conflicts would have prevented other people from making time to talk, she was available and responsive through holidays, weekends, as well as nights. She is passionate about her work, knowledgeable about the law and is one of few that still believes in the truth above all else. If you are being sued for defamation or other alleged First Amendment violations and you were right and you were just in your actions, Cynthia Counts is the lawyer for you. She is highly recommended by me; simply 'Google' Cynthia Counts and the results speak for themselves.

Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2014

Excellent First Amendment / civil rights and trial attorney - very well-prepared and competent.

Cynthia worked on my trial on false criminal charges that stemmed from a civil rights violation. She has demonstrated a thorough and in-depth knowledge of First Amendment and other constitutional and civil rights case decisions and a willingness to think outside the box. I consider her to be a firs...t-rate attorney, especially for media and free speech matters. When questioning one of the witnesses at my trial, Cynthia was matter-of-fact, calm, and professional in working inconsistencies out of the witness. When writing motions, she cited an extensive case law history that applied to my specific case - demonstrating to me that she works hard on her cases. Also, Cynthia is one of the most ethical and trustworthy attorneys I would recommend - her manner of speaking is very straightforward and her presentation skills are first-rate. She arrived early for my continuance sign-ins to avoid the huge waste of time that I've seen other defense attorneys put on their clients, and her court time was used efficiently and appropriately during trial. It was a truly healing experience being vindicated at trial. As a client, I have been treated with respect and dignity and was followed-up with promptly on questions. This is one lawyer I will always have on my short list to refer other people to, especially regarding civil rights matters.

Posted by Lisa | September 25, 2012

Number 1 Lawyer in Atlanta

I have an extensive history of working with Lawyers but I can say that Cynthia is indeed the best I ever had to work with. She was not only incredibly knowledgeable in her craft but she was extremely compassionate. Cynthia is the type of lawyer who gives real personal attention to her cases and ma...kes her client's needs a priority. She is expertly skilled and knowledgeable but also has the personality it takes to be a top trial lawyer. It was great to see the other side "squirm" when they knew I had hired Cynthia Counts. I would recommend her to my friends and family as well as professional colleagues. If you want to win a case hire Cynthia Counts of Counts Law Group.

Posted by Peter | November 15, 2011

Excellent Libel and Defamation Attorney

I hired Cynthia to represent me in a libel and defamation case. She exceeded every expectation. She made constant effort to understand my concerns as a client. She worked exceptionally hard to represent my interests. Then she went beyond that to make sure that I was fully and completely compensated a...nd shielded from further damage - all at a very reasonable rate. I am more than glad to refer her. In fact, I am an attorney myself and I am more than glad to refer her to my own clients when they have libel/defamation issues. This attorney goes above and beyond expectations.

See All Client Reviews

Cynthia Lynn Counts's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Cynthia
Susan Janette McCoy headshot
Susan McCoy

Constitutional lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Peter Hills Acker headshot
Peter Acker

Libel and slander lawyer | Nov 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am glad to endorse Cynthia. She is a phenomenal attorney who is incredibly dedicated to her clients. She is also one of the premiere libel/defamation attorneys in the State of Georgia."

View All Endorsements

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This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Georgia Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2023

Ranked - Band 5 Litigation, Chambers USA

2022

Georgia Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2021

Georgia Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters

2020

Georgia Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters

2019

Georgia Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2018

Georgia Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Georgia Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2016

Georgia Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2015

Georgia SUper lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2014

Georgia Super Lawyer, Thompson Reuters

2013

Top Lawyers In Georgia, The Legal Network

2013

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2004

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1991

First Place National; Second Place International, Jessup International Moot Court Team

1990

First Place Winner, Russell Moot Court Competition

Work Experience

2020 - Present

Partner, FisherBroyles, LLP

2012 - Present

Adjunct Professor of Media Law, Emory Law School

2015 - 2020

Partner, Duane Morris, LLP

2012 - 2014

Adjunct Professor of Media Law, Emory University's Journalism Program

2000 - 2015

Managing Member, Counts Law Group

1998 - 2000

Senior Associate, Dow Lohnes & Albertson

1992 - 1998

Associate, ALSTON + BIRD LLP

Associations

2014 - Present

American Bar Association, Forum on Communications Law

Governing Committee

2014 - Present

Georgia First Amendment Foundation

Board of Directors

2007 - Present

A2A4A

Organizing Member

2005 - Present

Media Law Resource Center's Newsgathering Committee

Co-chair

1999 - Present

American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Media, Privacy and Defamation Law Committee

Member

1994 - Present

Georgia Bar Media and Judiciary Annual Conference Planning Committee

Member

2001 - 2002

American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Media, Privacy and Defamation Law Committee

Past Chair

1999 - 2001

American Bar Association, Forum on Communications Law, Women in Communications Law Subcomittee

Co-chair

1998 - 2010

American Bar Association, Forum on Communications Law, Women in Communications Law Subcomittee

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Obtained early dismissal in Libel claim against Utah Broadcaster

Dismissal with prejudice

Obtained early dismissal with Prejudice for Wisconsin Broadcaster

Dismissal with prejudice

Secured appellate affirmation of defamation claim dismissal

Appellate Affirmation of trial court dismissal of defamation claim

Jury Verdict in Favor of Maine reporters and Newspaper

Jury verdict in favor of reporters in defamation claim

Limited purpose public figure finding disposes of libel case

Final summary judgment granted in favor of Maine newspaper

Dismissal of Defamation claim against NY TV station

Dismissal of defamation claim using anti-SLAPP statute

Summary judgment in favor of Maine's largest newspapers

Summary judgment dismissal of libel claim

Obtained dismissal in Michigan Libel claim

Dismissal with prejudice

Successful anti-SLAPP motion ends Libel allegations

Dismissal

Defamation Matter Dismissed with Prejudice

Dismissed with prejudice

Quashed Attempt to Compel Reporters' Testimony

Motion to quash granted

Significant Appellate Decision Affirming Grant of Summary Judgment in Libel Case

Affirmed Summary Judgment

Website Defamation Claim Against Cox Communications In Michigan Dismissed

Dismissed with prejudice

Defamation Claim Against Cox Communications In Nevada Dismissed

Dismissed with prejudice

Gauthier v. Vaughn

Libel claim dismissed

Ladner v. New World Communications of Atlanta, Inc.

Summary judgment in favor of client

State of Georgia v. Kenneth Ray Chiavone

Charges against client dismissed

Nedra Dodds v. Adam Murphy, CBS46, Channel 2 Action News, and Unknown John Does

Libel claim dismissed

Mickey Wright, Jr. v. Kimberly Michelle Pate, et al.

Summary judgment in favor of client

Gabriela Gonzalez-Lamberson v. Davis Broadcasting Company

Summary judgment in favor of client

Viking Fence Company, LLC v. Charles Denyer and Megan Denyer

Judgment for clients on the pleadings

Torres Advanced Enterprise Solutions, LLC v. Christopher G. Herman

Claim against client dismissed

Amy Barnes v. Cobb County et al.

Settlement in favor of client

Gilbert v. Mickell

Case led to changes in state rules (favoring client) for vanity license plates

Caldwell v. State of Georgia

Dismissed case after favorable Georgia Supreme Court ruling

Zeigler v. FOX Broadcasting

Granted motion for summary judgment because of lack of evidence establishing an employer-employee relationship, without any discovery being conducted

Bodana v. Fox News

Case dismissed without engaging in formal discovery

Hindu Temple and Community center of Georgia v. New World Communications

Secured Dismissal within two weeks of filing

Boxcar Development v. New World Communications

Dismissal pursuant Georgia's Anti-SLAPP Statute

M.S. Koly and Delcath Systems, Inc., v. Elizabeth Enney, Case No. 3:06-CV-68-JTC

12(c) motion for judgment on pleadings

Evans v. Chicago Reader

Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed

Godfrey v. Cobb County

Granted summary judgment in favor of FOX 5 on claims of defamation, false light invasion of privacy, and public disclosure of private facts

Hendrix v. Hightower

Quashed Subpoena

Giddens v. Advantage Mobility Solutions LLC

Granted FOX 5's motion to quash plaintiff's subpoena seeking disclosure of reporter's newsgathering materials

Stewart v. WAGA FOX 5

Secured voluntary dismissal

Blue World Pools v. New World Communications

Denied Motion Emergency Injunction

State v. Nichols

Granting camera access

OSHA Security, Inc. v. FOX 5

Plaintiff dismissed voluntarily

Light Sources, Inc. v. Cosmedico Light, Inc.

Granted in part plaintiff's motion for summary judgment

Jalliet v. Georgia TV. Co

Summary Judgment

Nichols v. Hendrix

Granted motion to dismiss

Jersawitz v. Creative Loafing

Granting summary judgment for libel and invasion of privacy claims

Willis v. United Family Life

Affirmed 12(b)(6) dismissal

Disaster Services, Inc. v. ERC Partnership

Affirmed summary judgment in tortious interference case

Ford v. Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Co.

Reversal of a 43 million dollars verdict

Barber v. Gillett Communications of Atlanta, Inc.

Affirmed jury verdict

W.R. Grace & Company-Conn. v. Taco Tico Acquisition Corp.

Reversed jury verdict

Kirkendoll V. City of Smyrna et al.

Obtained $85,000 settlement for client (2012)

Bunch v. Maytag Corporation

Summary judgement affirmed

Collins v. Creative Loafing

summary judgment affirmed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

University of Georgia School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2012

What You Need to Know About Public Records and Open Meetings

The Basics of Georgia's Open Records Law

2011

Discussion with Attorney General Sam Olens on how Open Records Uncovered the APS Cheating Scandal

Open Records Requests

2011

Digital News: Bluejeans Workshop

Legal Issues Arising from the Use of Social Media

2011

BookLogix Seminar

Libel & Privacy 101 for Authors

2010

ABA Forum on Communications Law

Alternative Billing Arrangements

2008

Media Law Resource Center National Seminar

Deposition 101 in Libel and Privacy Cases

2000

LDRC Breakfast

Ways to Improve Relationships Between the Bar, Media and Judiciary

1998

Curbing Discovery Abuse Seminar

Answering Discovery Requests

1996

Georgia ICLE

Curbing Discovery Abuses: Answering Discovery Requests

1995

Civil Litigation for Younger Lawyers Seminar

Motions for Summary Judgment and Other Pre-Trial Motions

Publications

2012

Atlanta Journal-Constitution DeKalb County Should Open Process

2011

ABA Media, Privacy, and Defamation Law Committee Newsletter Strategies for Efficiently and Economically Winning a Media Case

2011

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Taxpayer Money Always Needs Public Scrutiny - No Exceptions

2010

Media Law Resource Center Avoiding the Blitz: The MLRC Model Decorum Order for High Profile Cases

2009

Media Law Resource Center Georgia TV Station Wins Summary Judgment: News Broadcast was True; Plaintiff Failed to Show Fault

2008

Media Law Resource Center - Media Law Letter Georgia’s Anti-SLAPP Statute Applied in Media Case” First Published Decision Applying Statute to Media Defendant Boxcar Development Corp., et al. v. New World Communications of Atlanta

2001

Media Law Resource Center - 50 State Survey of Privacy Law Co-Author - "Survey of Georgia Privacy Law", Libel Defense Resource Center

1996

Albany Law Review Co-Author of "Libel in Cyberspace: Liability and Jurisdictional Issues in this New Frontier"

1996

Appellate Law Review Co-Author, Handbook Appellate Procedure in Georgia

1996

5th Annual Product Liability Seminar Co-author, "Litigating Product Liability Case Under the Banks "Risk/Utility" Test: Predicting the Line Between Summary Judgment and Triable Claims and Outlying Trial Strategies for a Risky but Utilitarian World"

Languages

English

Activity

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