Alex Kasner

Alex is an experienced litigator in complex civil litigation, with particular experience helping clients prevail on critical motions and at trial with an eye toward preserving victory on appeal. He has represented a range of businesses – including internet, digital media and technology companies, as well as world-renowned universities and top law firms – in high-stakes litigation raising novel questions of law, with a focus on First Amendment issues, online content and platform moderation. A member of Cooley’s Supreme Court and appellate practice group, Alex has played a leading role in antitrust, trademark, copyright, business tort and First Amendment disputes before the federal courts of appeals. He has argued appeals in federal and state courts, and he has authored numerous amicus briefs in front-page free speech and civil rights litigation before the US Supreme Court.

While Alex works with his clients to successfully navigate all levels of appeal, their partnership begins in the trial court. He has litigated two federal jury trials as well as an arbitration to complete victories, including cutting-edge technology disputes involving virtual reality technology ownership and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. He has briefed and argued dispositive motions in federal and state courts, including successfully arguing multiple motions to dismiss before the US District Court for the District of Columbia and assisting a leading law firm in its First Amendment challenge to executive action.  Alex also has a substantial track record in free speech and defamation law as a litigator and counselor for clients. He has advised numerous nonprofits on First Amendment challenges to administrative actions, defeated several defamation suits, and helped emerging companies protect their reputation and navigate media attention. Alex also devotes significant time to pro bono work; in addition to his experience with LGBTQ+ advocacy, asylum claims and voting rights protection, he led a successful postconviction effort to challenge a client’s death sentence, including presenting opening statement and examining multiple witnesses.