Carl Metz handles a wide variety of litigation matters, with a particular emphasis on antitrust litigation and controversies involving the First Amendment.

Carl has represented journalists and some of the nation's leading print and broadcast news organizations in libel cases, and in litigation over the confidentiality of their news gathering methods and sources.  He has also represented members of the press seeking to overturn prior restraints on speech and public access to sealed court files.  In addition, he successfully represented Governor Rick Scott as a candidate for Governor in overturning speech restrictions in Florida's campaign finance laws.

Carl was selected for inclusion in the 2014 edition of Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers for Antitrust Litigation, and was previously recognized on its list of "Rising Stars" in the same field by the 2013 edition of Super Lawyers.  Carl defended one of the nation's largest agricultural cooperatives against claims of price fixing, market allocation and monopolization, and has formerly represented companies in the pharmaceuticals industry against claims of unlawful competition and unfair trade practices.  He has also represented an array of other clients in complex civil litigation, including participation in the successful defense of former New York Stock Exchange chief executive Richard A. Grasso against the highly publicized lawsuit brought by former New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. 

Carl was born in Evanston, Illinois and grew up in Evanston and Munich, Germany.  He received his B.A. from Northwestern University in 2000, and his J.D. with honors from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif.  Carl clerked for the Honorable Jerry E. Smith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit before joining Williams & Connolly in 2004.   

Representative Experience

Though all cases vary and none is predictive, Carl’s experience includes:

  • Represented leading agricultural cooperative in lawsuits alleging price fixing and monopolization
  • Represented television networks in lawsuit alleging conspiracy in restraint of trade and deprivation of rights of publicity
  • Represented television network and individuals in lawsuit alleging product disparagement and libel
  • Participated in the successful defense of former Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange Richard A. Grasso against lawsuit brought by the Attorney General of New York
  • Successfully represented then-candidate for Governor of Florida Rick Scott in lawsuit challenging restrictions on speech in Florida’s campaign finance laws

Education

Clerkships

Recognitions

Selected to Super Lawyers, 2014

Selected to Washington, D.C. “Rising Stars” list, Super Lawyers, 2013

Admissions

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