Edward L. Birk, Shareholder at Marks Gray, P.A. begins another term on the Media and Communications Committee

Edward Birk, a First Amendment and media partner at Marks Gray, P.A., has been appointed to another term on the Florida Bar Media and Communications Law Committee.  The committee provides attorneys a forum for exchanging information and educating the public about free speech, free press, and the ever-developing world of electronic communications.  Committee members often represent news organizations as well as government agencies involved in public records and open government issues.  The committee engages in activities touching the full spectrum of communications methods, including print, broadcast, cable, the internet, and emerging technologies. The committee also promotes better understanding among members of The Florida Bar, the news media, and the public. The committee plans the annual Media Law Conference, Reporters’ Workshop, Media Awards and produces and updates the Reporter’s Handbook.

Mr. Birk has served on the committee for several years, including in the positions of vice-chair and chair.  Before entering the practice of law, he worked as a reporter and editor for The Associated Press in Massachusetts and Florida. For nearly twenty years, he has been representing clients in matters related to the First Amendment, privacy, open government, access to courts, news gathering torts, copyright and trademark infringement.  Clients call on him during all stages of newsgathering, from conception of story ideas, to source development, research, writing, script and story review, broadcast and publication to post-broadcast responses and defenses against legal action when the arise.