Cynthia Counts

Summary

Cynthia Counts is a partner in the Atlanta office of FisherBroyles LLP, focusing on libel, privacy, copyright and First Amendment law. A litigator with more than 25 years of experience, Counts defends individuals, newspapers, websites, television stations and broadcast networks nationally in libel, as well contract, privacy, fraud and media access matters. She is best known for her aggressive motions practice, and for success in winning libel cases outright in the early stages of litigation before expensive discovery becomes necessary. Recent matters: Obtained unanimous jury verdict favoring Maine newspaper & 2 reporters accused of defamation for reporting on adolescent boys’ accusations of sexual abuse by a former police captain (2022); appellate affirmation of trial court decision dismissing defamation claim against 2 television reporters for stories about appellant’s social media posts about “Alt-Right Rally” in Charlottesville (2022); secured dismissal of libel claim against Maine’s largest newspapers filed by former podiatrist embroiled in accusations that veterans were receiving poor medical care from VA facility (2021); obtained order granting anti-SLAPP motion and awarding media client all attorneys' fees in Ga. defamation case (2019); secured dismissal for media company in Michigan defamation case in exchange for agreement not to seek sanctions/attorney fees against plaintiff for false pleading of material facts (2018); assisted in successful anti-SLAPP defense for television client in a California libel matter and won award for attorney fees (2018); summary judgment for client in defamation claim filed against Atlanta TV station for story reporting that veteran had lied about receiving Purple Heart award (2016); dismissal of a defamation claim against CBS affiliate by physician investigated in cosmetic surgery deaths (2015); summary judgment for a reality TV performer in a libel claim over comments she made on her network show (2015). Counts has also litigated successfully for clients with free speech concerns: from those speaking out about assisted suicide, to individuals facing anti-gay discrimination, to those wrongfully arrested for verbally criticizing law enforcement. Memberships have included governing board of the ABA Forum on Communications Law; the board of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation; and former chair of the Media Law Resource Center’s Newsgathering Committee. Education: 1992 graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law and a 1989 cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.