Gawker argues because internet we are trial#
Gawker argues because internet we are professional#

What do you make of that judgment?ĭH: The verdict to me says it all: The jury was absolutely sending a message. RGJ: The jury awarded Hogan $140 million. So really you have to start considering things in a different manner than if you were for instance representing someone who doesn’t have celebrity status. So you really have two conflicting thoughts at times about what’s best for the client in terms of protecting the client legally and then what’s best for the client to perpetuate their ability to earn a living. When you’re dealing with a celebrity, you have to remember that part of your job is to not do anything that jeopardizes their ability to earn a living. You don’t want your client talking to the media. What’s it like being a lawyer for a celebrity?ĭavid Houston: It’s an entirely different set of rules because most lawyers live by the rules, of course, you want to keep your client away from the media. Reno Gazette-Journal: You’ve represented clients like Gene Simmons of KISS, Joe Francis of Girls Gone Wild and, now, Hogan. Houston talked with the Reno Gazette-Journal about the Gawker trial, what it’s like representing a celebrity and what’s next for the case. Houston added “consigliere” might be an appropriate term.

Gawker argues because internet we are professional#

He asked Houston to represent him in that case as well.Įventually, Houston said, Hogan grew to trust Houston to the point where the Reno lawyer now serves as the former professional wrestler's chief litigation counsel. While the case was unfolding, Hogan was served with divorce papers. “I thought I was being put on by one of my friends.”īut it wasn’t a practical joke and Houston, who has practiced law in Reno for more than 30 years, ended up representing Hogan’s son.

“I’m at home and I hear this pretty distinctive voice saying, ‘Hey, brother,’” Houston said, referencing one of Hogan's catchphrases. Hogan needed an attorney and Houston said Dwayne “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman passed on a recommendation after Houston successfully represented Girls Gone Wild Founder Joe Francis.

Gawker argues because internet we are trial#

However, Houston’s journey to Hogan’s counsel during the Gawker trial started nearly a decade ago when Hogan’s son was in a car accident. The website claimed they were protected under the First Amendment, but the jury rejected that argument, awarding Hogan $140 million. Houston was lead counsel for Hogan’s lawsuit against online website Gawker for publishing a sex tape of Hogan taken without his knowledge. Reno residents watching the sex tape trial between Gawker and Terry Bollea, better known as famed wrestler Hulk Hogan, might have recognized a familiar face in the courtroom, that of local lawyer David Houston.