Jeffrey J. Pyle is a trial lawyer who represents clients in a wide variety of cases, including First Amendment litigation, multimillion dollar business disputes, libel claims, criminal cases, and civil rights matters. Jeff has argued appeals in both state and federal courts, including the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and the Massachusetts Appeals Court.
As part of his practice, Jeff represents newspapers, magazines, and investigative journalism organizations in cases involving alleged defamation, access to government documents, subpoenas to identify sources, and sealed court records. He also provides prepublication review services to media companies, advising them on how to avoid liability in reporting the news.
In 2016, Jeff argued an important appeal to the First Circuit on behalf of an online publisher, obtaining dismissal of civil claims pursuant to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. In 2015, Jeff and Prince Lobel partner Joseph D. Steinfield successfully represented the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority at the First Circuit in a challenge to the MBTA’s rejection of certain advertisements. In 2012, Jeff obtained a favorable ruling from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on behalf of a business seeking access to sealed affidavits that had been filed in support of a search warrant. In 2007, he and Joe Steinfield tried a lengthy First Amendment case on behalf of a businessman against officials of the Puerto Rico Department of Insurance, securing a $5 million verdict that was upheld by the First Circuit.
