ABA webinar explores legal rules behind ‘Whistleblowers, Leaks and the Media’
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ABA webinar explores legal rules behind ‘Whistleblowers, Leaks and the Media’

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WASHINGTON, April 17, 2017 — In this news climate focused on the scope and degree of Russian hacking, release of materials to Wikileaks and the effect on the outcome of the 2016 presidential election, we are reminded that the legal line between whistleblowing and leaking is thin, as is the line between journalism and activism. The continued flood of leaks raises questions about the First Amendment, the role of the press, whistleblower protections and the power of the government to investigate illegal disclosures.

What: Whistleblowers, Leaks, and the Media: A Webinar on the Legal Rules

Sponsored by the ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security

When: Noon-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25

While the topic generates strong opinion, this webinar, which features a panel of journalists, lawyers and cyber security experts, will help ground the discussion in existing law and policy.

The panel includes:

  • Moderator Harvey Rishikof, chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Securit Advisory Committee
  • Shane Harris, national security and intelligence senior writer at The Wall Street Journal
  • Paul Rosenzweig, founder of Red Branch Consulting and former deputy assistant secretary for policy at Department of Homeland Security
  • Ellen Shearer, professor and co-director of the National Security Journalism Initiative, Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University
  • Mark Zaid, managing partner, Law Office of Mark S. Zaid

Registrants also will be able to order a free copy of the book, “Whistleblowers, Leaks and the Media: The First Amendment and National Security.” Discount code will be provided upon registration. This webinar is free for members of the press. For media credentialing and more information, please contact Jennifer Kildee at 202-662-1732 or Jennifer.Kildee@americanbar.org.