Becker Joins CBA @theBar Podcast to Discuss High-Profile Defamation & Harassment Claims
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP partner Jeffrey S. Becker joined a panel of legal professionals on the Chicago Bar Association’s @theBar podcast on June 11, 2025 to examine the high-stakes legal drama surrounding the film It Ends With Us.
In this episode, Jeff was joined by Kyla Miller, an employment attorney at Mayer Brown, and James Hemphill, a First Amendment and media law attorney at Graves Dougherty, Hearn & Moody. The group analyzed the unique intersection of entertainment, employment, and defamation law at play in the widely publicized dispute, offering insight into how such high-profile cases unfold both in court and in the public eye.
Drawing from his experience in entertainment and media law, Jeff discussed the strategic considerations behind public litigation by celebrities, including the reputational risks, potential motives, and the growing influence of social media in shaping public perception and legal outcomes. He also examined the challenges of pursuing defamation claims in an era where viral content can spread faster than legal remedies can keep up. Listen to the full interview here.
The @theBar podcast is produced by the Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association. It features unscripted, engaging conversations with lawyers, judges, and other professionals about timely legal issues, trending cases, and the human stories behind the headlines. The show aims to make the law more accessible while spotlighting the work of Chicago’s legal community. Learn more about the Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association.
Jeffrey S. Becker founded the firm's Entertainment and Media Law Practice Group in 2012. He is also a member of the firm's Intellectual Property and Commercial Litigation Practice Groups. His clients include Grammy Award-winning musicians, producers and songwriters, publishers and record labels, professional athletes and other creative individuals, and entertainment-related businesses. Becker is a sitting member of the Board of Governors for the Chicago Chapter of the Recording Academy and co-chair of its Legislative Advocacy Committee. Learn more about Jeff and his practice here.
