Career Highlights

• Won a Texas Shield Law motion for a broadcaster including sanctions of $22,757 in attorneys’ fees.
• Dismissal of two Arkansas class actions arising from the alleged depreciation of labor costs by insurance company defendants on standing and limitations grounds, avoiding costly class certification briefing and merits trials.

Litigation

Insurance

• Stacy has obtained Rule 12 dismissals on behalf of insurance company clients in several large federal class actions involving first-party breach of contract and unfair insurance practices claims, including parallel litigation in bankruptcy court to deprive a debtor plaintiff of standing, avoiding millions of dollars in additional attorneys’ fees and costs.
• Stacy has defended major insurers in federal and state consumer class actions in Texas, Missouri, and Arkansas, obtaining favorable results.
• A national reinsurance pool brought a complex fraud and RICO federal action in the Northern District of Illinois against one of its members, alleging over $1 billion in damages resulting from the alleged underreporting of premiums by that member. The alleged underreporting pool member brought third-party claims against the members of the pool’s Board of Governors (including Stacy’s client), alleging breach of fiduciary duty.  After aggressive discovery aimed at exposing the lack of evidence supporting the breach of fiduciary duty claim, Stacy obtained a settlement providing for a dismissal with prejudice of the claim for zero dollars paid.
• In a multimillion dollar arbitration against a leading national managed care insurer, Stacy and a team of Jackson Walker healthcare lawyers worked closely with business-side executives to leverage concurrent contract renewal negotiations, achieving a favorable global resolution of all disputes prior to expensive and time-consuming discovery.
• After damaging cross-examination of hostile witnesses at an administrative hearing, Stacy negotiated a favorable settlement with insurance regulators of statutory claims against an out-of-state third-party administrator before the ruling was issued.

Media and First Amendment

• Stacy defended a periodical publisher in a defamation/tortuous interference action brought by a distributor who alleged he did not get business from the publisher on account of false accusations of theft. Faced with summary judgment after aggressive discovery and motion practice and a highly favorable deposition of Plaintiff which undermined his position,  Plaintiff non-suited the case for zero dollars.
• Stacy has defeated subpoenas directed to broadcasters seeking production of unaired footage and reporter’s notes in motions brought under Texas’ journalist shield law, including obtaining sanctions of $22,757 in attorneys’ fees for discovery abuse.
• Stacy successfully opposed a petition to expunge stories about the petitioner’s arrest record from a broadcaster’s website as an unconstitutional prior restraint on speech.

Intellectual Property

• In defending patent infringement suits involving everything from sophisticated medical devices, software activation, Bluetooth frequency-hopping technology, network security software, iOS applications, and submersible pump transformers used in the oil and gas industry, Stacy has vigorously pursued third-party and informal discovery to unearth damaging evidence useful in asserting counterclaims and obtaining favorable settlements well before trial.
• In defending copyright infringement claims against an internet service provider, Stacy developed evidence supporting DMCA defenses and counterclaims for fraud that forced a settlement below the amount previously offered by his client and prior to costly trial preparation.

Other High-Profile Litigation

• Stacy authored a U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief in Standard Fire Ins. v. Knowles which played an important role in obtaining a unanimous decision reversing a lower court ruling permitting class action plaintiffs to defeat CAFA removal by stipulating to cap the recovery of the putative class at less than $5 million.
• By aggressively challenging a medical association’s standing to sue a managed care company under a state unfair trade practices statute, Stacy obtained an early dismissal upheld by the Connecticut Supreme Court, avoiding massive and costly discovery.
• Stacy headed a team of lawyers that were the first to ever place a commercial airline into an involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Non-Litigation

• Stacy routinely provides prepublication review and other risk-avoidance counseling to television broadcasters and other news organizations.
• Stacy has spoken and written extensively about the right of publicity, defamation, privacy, open access and other issues of interest to news organizations and entertainment and video game companies, and routinely testifies before the Texas legislature on behalf of the Texas Association of Broadcasters.
• Stacy has successfully represented insurance companies before state insurance regulators in evidentiary hearings on applications for approval of mergers and acquisitions of other licensed insurance entities.

• Distinguished Service Award, Texas Association of Broadcasters, 2025
• The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Commercial Litigation, 2022-2026
• Fundraising Volunteer of the Year, American Red Cross of Central Texas, 2009

Publications

• “Will Supporters of Press Freedoms and Government Transparency Face Headwinds in the 2023 Texas Legislative Session?” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (October 2022)
• Texas Association of Broadcasters Newsroom Legal Guide (2012; Updated 2022)
• “The 2021 Legislative Session: Texas Broadcasters Taking Victories Where They Can Find Them,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (August 2021)
• “U.S. Supreme Court Rules High School Cheerleader Cannot Be Disciplined for Criticizing School’s Decision Keeping Her Off Varsity Team,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (June 2021)
• “2019 Legislative Session Marked by Important Victories for Texas Newsrooms,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (September 2019)
• “For Frankie Carbone, Crime Doesn’t Pay,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (March 2018)
• “The 2017 Texas Legislative Session: A Mixed Bag for Texas Newsrooms,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (June 2017)
• “Just the Facts,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (March 2017)
• “‘The Autumn Wind’ and the Right of Publicity,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (June 2016)
• “Newsroom Victories During the 2015 Texas Legislative Session,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (October 2015)
• “The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly: Unpopular Celebrities And The Right Of Publicity,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (April 2015)
• “Video Game Makers Strike Out In College Athlete Cases – Coaching Tips For The Virtual World,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (September 2014)
• “Looking Back 50 Years At ‘N.Y. Times v Sullivan’ and the Civil Rights Movement,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (March 2014)
• “2013 Legislative Session a Success for Texas Newsrooms,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (August 2013)
• “Neely v. Wilson and the Third-Party Allegation Rule,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (July 2013)
• “Third Circuit Reverses Summary Judgment In Favor of Video Game Maker In Important Right of Publicity Case,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (May 2013)
• “Right of Publicity: Advantage Athletes,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (February 2013)
• “Will Accurately Reporting the Statements of Others Remain Enough?” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (July 2012)
• “First Amendment v. Right of Publicity: Game On,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (January 2012)
• “The Shield Comes Down for Message Board Posters,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (July 2011)
• “U.S. Supreme Court Decision – Controversial Picketing Signs Protected by First Amendment,” Jackson Walker Alert (March 2011)
• “Monetizing a Virtual Identity,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (January 2011)
• “Roberts v. Kagan and the First Amendment,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (July 2010)
• “Breaking the First Amendment Barrier,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (January 2010)
• “When Losing Is Winning,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (June 2009)
• “Right of Publicity for Business Entities,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (December 2008)
• “Non-Human Persons and the Right of Publicity,” Media Law Resource Center Bulletin 2008 Issue 4 (December 2008)
• “In Defense of Free Expression and Bad Music,” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (May 2008)
• “Will the Proposed Federal Shield Law Provide Journalists With Enough Protection?” Jackson Walker Media VIA ePostcard (October 2007)

Speaking Engagements

• Speaker, “Hot Topics in Video Game Law,” Austin Bar Association – Entertainment & Sports Law Section CLE (March 2015)
• Moderator, “They’re Not Just for Kids: Video Games and the Future of Soft IP Law,” American Bar Association – Intellectual Property Litigation in Texas (February 2015)
• Speaker, “Newsroom Legal Toolbox,” Texas Association of Broadcasters, Webinar (January 2017)
• Speaker, “Newsroom Focus,” Texas Association of Broadcasters, TAB Legislative Day Conference (January 2017)
• Broadcaster Issue Briefings, presented at TAB Legislative Day (Austin, Texas; January 2015)
• Southwest Broadcast Newsroom Workshop Presenter, Texas Association of Broadcasters (September 2014; October 2012)

• American Red Cross of Central Texas
  • Board Chairman, 2010-2012
  • Director, 2007-2014
• Media Law Resource Center, Committee Member, 2013-Present
• Anti-Defamation League, Austin Steering Committee Member, 2016
• Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB), Newsroom Legislative Committee
• The Copyright Society of the USA (CSUSA) – Austin Chapter, Founder/Chairman, 2014-2015

More Client Results

JW Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter – October 2025

View Jackson Walker’s October 2025 Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

Newsletters • October 6, 2025

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 “Lawyers of the Year” and 106 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.

Attorney News • August 21, 2025

Stacy Allen Presented Distinguished Service Award at Texas Association of Broadcasters’ Annual Gala

The Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) honored Jackson Walker partner Stacy Allen with the Distinguished Service Award during its Annual Awards Gala. This event brought together radio and television professionals from across Texas and the United States to celebrate the outstanding achievements of broadcast leaders and stations.

Attorney News • July 11, 2025

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.

Attorney News • August 15, 2024

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.

Attorney News • August 17, 2023

Texas Journalists and Open Government Advocates Won on Both Sides of the Ball in the 2023 Legislative Session

In his work for the Texas Association of Broadcasters, Stacy Allen had a ringside seat for some pitched battles to save landmark statutes protecting public access to government records and free speech against encroachment by bills that would chip away at Texans’ right to know and speak their minds about matters of public concern. This article walks through significant victories that were won in defending against bad legislation.

Insights • July 26, 2023

Texas Bill to Reduce Frivolous Lawsuits Could Crush Free Speech | KTRH News

As longtime counsel to the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB), Stacy Allen appeared before the Texas Senate at a March 9, 2023, hearing on SB 896 to provide testimony and suggestions on how to improve Senate Bill 896.

Mentions • May 12, 2023

Texas Legislation to Watch in Early 2023: Open Records Issues and Nursing Shortage

In a Law360 article discussing key issues that Texas lawmakers may address in 2023, Jackson Walker partners Stacy Allen and Denise Rose shared insight on efforts to restrict public records access and the workforce shortage in the hospital industry.

Mentions • January 3, 2023

JW Media | VIA ePostcard – October 2022

View the October 2022 edition of the JW Media | VIA ePostcard.

Newsletters • October 4, 2022

Will Supporters of Press Freedoms and Government Transparency Face Headwinds in the 2023 Texas Legislative Session?

By Stacy Allen

Because I have had the privilege of testifying on behalf of JW client Texas Association of Broadcasters regarding bills pending in past Texas legislative sessions, I have regularly written about the aftermath of those sessions and their impact on Texas newsrooms. This time, I’d like to offer a preview of opposition that past successes and proposed bills affecting journalists could face in the upcoming 2023 session.

Insights • October 4, 2022

Paul Watler and Stacy Allen Update TAB Newsroom Legal Guide

Paul Watler and Stacy Allen prepared an update for the Newsroom Legal Guide published by the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB). First published in 2012, the guide covers legal principles and considerations affecting Texas broadcasters in gathering and reporting the news.

Attorney News • August 25, 2022

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.

Attorney News • August 18, 2022

New Texas Laws Impacting Businesses

On September 1, 2021, more than 650 new Texas laws went into effect. As businesses ensure compliance with several of the new laws, Jackson Walker provides a summary below of a number of newly effective and upcoming laws related to “Constitutional Carry”; COVID-19; diversity, equity, and inclusion; open government; sexual harassment claims; and the Texas Business Organizations Code.

Insights • September 2, 2021

The 2021 Legislative Session: Texas Broadcasters Taking Victories Where They Can Find Them

During the 2021 Texas legislative session, Stacy Allen was in the trenches alongside longtime client Texas Association of Broadcasters, advocating for bills that advance the interests of open government and journalists. Of the eight newsroom legislative priority bills from TAB, only two made it to the governor’s desk and will become effective September 1.

Insights • August 30, 2021

JW Media | VIA ePostcard – August 2021

View the August 2021 edition of the JW Media | VIA ePostcard.

Newsletters • August 30, 2021

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 178 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2022 Edition, Including 8 “Lawyers of the Year” and 31 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 178 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 67 specialty practice areas in its 2022 edition, including 8 Lawyers of the Year and 31 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.

Attorney News • August 19, 2021

U.S. Supreme Court Rules High School Cheerleader Cannot Be Disciplined for Criticizing School’s Decision Keeping Her Off Varsity Team

By Stacy Allen
For the first time in over 50 years, a high school student has won a free speech case in the Supreme Court. In a narrow decision issued on June 23, 2021, an 8-1 majority (including all but Justice Clarence Thomas) ruled that a Pennsylvania high school could not punish a student for sending an off-color Snapchat to about 250 people in which she complained about not making the varsity cheerleading squad or getting her preferred softball team position.

Insights • June 24, 2021

JW Media | VIA ePostcard – October 2019

Featuring “Dallas Media Shines in Coverage of Amber Guyger Murder Trial”; “Jackson Walker Celebrates 114 Years of Service to Media Clients at MLRC London Conference”; “Nate St. Clair Moderates College Athletics Panel at NSLI Conference”; “Igniting Change: Jackson Walker Rises in Ranks for Diversity & Inclusion Efforts.”

Newsletters • October 21, 2019

Jackson Walker Celebrates 114 Years of Service to Media Clients at MLRC London Conference

As the Firm celebrates 114 years of uninterrupted service to our media clients, Stacy Allen, Chip Babcock, Joel Glover, Nancy Hamilton, and Bob Latham trekked more than 4,700 miles to attend the Media Law Resource Center’s London Conference held September 15-17, 2019.

Spotlight • October 14, 2019

JW Media | VIA ePostcard – September 2019

Featuring insights on Ariana Grande’s lawsuit against Forever 21; key legislative victories for the Texas Association of Broadcasters; Jackson Walker’s representation of an investment in Austin FC; three media attorneys named to the 2019 “Texas Super Lawyers” list; and the mascot free agency.

Newsletters • September 16, 2019

2019 Legislative Session Marked by Important Victories for Texas Newsrooms

The 2019 Texas Legislative session will be remembered for several hard-won victories by a coalition of advocates for free expression, news reporting, and open access to government records led by Jackson Walker client the Texas Association of Broadcasters.

Insights • September 13, 2019

JW Media | VIA ePostcard – February 2019

Featuring “The First Amendment and the Struggle for Black Equality”; Bob Latham’s latest Winners & Losers column; a video featurette on the TAB Legislative Day Conference; and the fourth installment in the “Internet of Things” series.

Newsletters • February 25, 2019

Stacy Allen, Bob Latham, and Paul Watler Represent Media Law Group at TAB Awards Gala

As the Texas Association of Broadcasters hosted its 65th Annual Awards Gala to celebrate five exceptional industry leaders, Jackson Walker partners Stacy Allen, Robert P. Latham, and Paul C. Watler gathered to recognize their accomplishments.

Spotlight • September 6, 2018

JW Media | VIA ePostcard – August 2018

In the August 2018 edition, Bob Latham reveals the potential consequences of Rudy Giuliani’s meme-worthy “truth isn’t truth” statement; Jackson Walker continues its decades-long support of the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB); and Best Lawyers recognizes Paul Watler in the area of Media Law.

Newsletters • August 31, 2018

JW Media | VIA ePostcard – March 2018

View the Jackson Walker VIA Media e-Newsletter from March 2018.

Newsletters • March 31, 2018

More Attorney News

Stacy is frequently quoted on topics related to media law, open records access, and Texas legislation. Highlights of which include the following:

• Critics: Texas Bill to Reduce Frivolous Lawsuits Could Crush Free Speech – KTRH Local Houston and Texas News (2023)
• Texas Legislation To Watch In Early 2023 – Law360 (2023)
• State lawmaker takes aim at journalists – Weatherford Democrat (2017)
• Fake news phenomenon blurs lines between reality and fiction – KSAT12 TV (2016)
• Accurate news may be at stake with one-party consent ban facing Texas – Watchdog Arena (2015)
• Lawmaker Says Death Penalty in Jeopardy – The Texas Tribune (2015)