CANOGA PARK, CA — Ohio is a state that knows a few things about disrespecting adult businesses, which may well be one reason why so many of the state’s industry-friendly attorneys are honed so sharp. It may also be one reason that the Free Speech Coalition has selected J. Michael Murray and the Cleveland-based law firm of Berkman, Gordon, Murray and DeVan to assist with litigation challenging the latest revision of 18 U.S.C. 2257 regulationsAccording to an organization press release, a two-month Request for Proposal period saw applications from both industry and mainstream legal eagles and law firms.

“We had an abundance of riches in that all firms that applied were highly competent and impressive,” according to FSC executive director Diane Duke. “After lengthy and careful evaluation, the committee agreed that Michael Murray and the firm of Berkman, Gordon, Murray and Devan were the right choice.”

Responsible for reviewing the applications and making recommendations was the FSC Attorney Selection Committee, comprised of board member and Titan Media attorney Gil Sperlein, Adam & Eve founder Phil Harvey, FSC member/performer/producer Dave Cummings, DC-based Raben Group lobbyist Dave Grimaldi and FSC board president and Everett Group Consulting president Jim Everett.
Serving in non-voting but advisory roles were Duke, FSC board Chair Jeffrey Douglas and FSC board legal committee chair, Reed Lee.

Murray, who will take point in 2257 litigation for his firm, has more than 32 years experience practicing law with Berkman, Gordon, Murray and DeVane and has advocated vigorously on the part of First Amendment rights for adult entertainment. The press release states that in addition to his First Amendment work, Murray has trial experience on both the state and federal levels in criminal and civil rights matters.

Heading to the Supreme Court is the Connection Distributing Co. case, which Murray is presenting as a Constitutional challenge to 18 U.S.C. 2257. The case began in 1995.

Thanks to Free Speech Coalition et. Al. v. Attorney General, a Denver, CO 2257 case which was dismissed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, the FSC is now free to continue to pursue that matter on a federal level, challenging the statue and regulations’ constitutionality.