Laura Prather, a partner at Haynes Boone and a nationally recognized First Amendment advocate, served as an advisor to the newly launched SLAPP Back Initiative, the first database in the United States dedicated to tracking strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). Developed by First Amendment Watch at New York University, the initiative is designed to bring transparency and data-driven insight to the growing use of lawsuits that seek to silence speech on matters of public concern.
The project stems from Prather’s 2022–2023 Fulbright Scholarship, where she studied transatlantic protections for freedom of expression. Her comparative findings — published in the Northwestern Journal of Human Rights — identified a significant gap in efforts within the U.S. to monitor SLAPP suits, contrasting them with more structured approaches in the European Union.
“We have seen increasing use of lawsuits aimed at silencing public discourse in the U.S. over recent years,” Prather said. “The launch of a national SLAPP tracker is a crucial step in defending open dialogue and press freedom.”
Prather has long been at the forefront of legal battles defending free expression. She currently represents a coalition of news organizations seeking the release of public records related to the tragic May 2022 mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. She also recently secured a major First Amendment victory in Book People, Inc. v. Wong, in which the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas struck down the rating system in Texas House Bill 900 (the READER Act) as unconstitutional.
The SLAPP Back Initiative is now publicly accessible and actively tracking hundreds of cases where SLAPP-related motions have been filed. It serves as a resource for journalists, academics, policymakers and advocates seeking to understand and counter legal intimidation tactics.
As chair of Haynes Boone’s Media and Entertainment Law Practice, Prather’s work reflects the firm’s longstanding commitment to defending constitutional rights, promoting transparency and supporting the rule of law.
The Haynes Boone Media Law Practice Group is nationally ranked by Chambers USA. With offices across the world, Haynes Boone offers a full range of litigation, counseling and advocacy services in all aspects of media and entertainment law nationwide. The firm also supports clients with a broad array of services in connection with media, intellectual property, cybersecurity, data privacy and related issues.
