Biography

Joseph R. Larsen focuses his practice on media law with extensive experience in all aspects of media newsroom representation including defending clients in defamation lawsuits, defending and handling of subpoenas, prior restraint matters, and access to governmental and court proceedings and records. He also has a practice in general and commercial litigation and bankruptcy, and is experienced in both insurance coverage disputes and insurance defense.

Publications and Presentations

• Author, “Attorneys' Fees Under the Texas Public Information Act,” Media, Privacy and Defamation Law Committee Newsletter, January 2009.
• "The Public's Business -- In Private Hands," Panel Moderator, State Conference for Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, October 24, 2008.
• “How to Win FOI Fights,” Panelist, 2008 NICAR Conference, Houston, Texas, March 1, 2008. 
• “Access to Government Records,” Speaker, ACLU of Texas, Houston, Texas, February 19, 2008. 
• “Texas Public Information Act,” Speaker, Certified Fraud Examiners, Houston, Texas, January 8, 2008. 
• “State Open Government Law and Practice in a Post 9/11 World,” Speaker, National Press Club, Washington, D.C., November 14, 2007. 
• “The Texas Public Information Act and Bioresearch: Application and Implications,” for the Congressionally-Directed Homeland Defense and Civil Support Threat Information Collection, November, 2007. 
• “Showcase Panel, Legal Assaults on the Press and Battling Back,” Speaker, National IRE Conference, Fort Worth, Texas, June 16, 2006. 
• “Brownbag with Media Lawyers,” Speaker, National IRE Conference, Fort Worth, Texas, June 16, 2006. 
• “State Bar Convention – Open Government,” Panelist, Texas State Bar, Location?, June 15, 2006. 
• “To Shield or Not to Shield: Where is Texas Law?” Speaker, HBA Law and Media Seminar, Houston, Texas, February 25, 2006. 
• “How to Write a Good FOI Request,” Speaker, South Houston Concerned Citizen’s Group, Houston, Texas, July 21, 2005. 
• “Texas Public Information Act,” Speaker, Houston Property Rights Association, Houston, Texas, April 1, 2005. 
• “Texas Open Meetings Bill Falls Short of the Mark,” American Bar Association Media, Defamation and Privacy Newsletter, Spring Edition, 2004.

Affiliations, Activities and Accomplishments

Mr. Larsen is admitted to practice in both Texas and Louisiana. He is also a board member of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas.