Molly G. Rothschild

She is recognized by Super Lawyers magazine as a 2023-2025 “Rising Star” in Intellectual Property Litigation. Best Lawyers in America includes her on its “Ones to Watch” list for Litigation – Intellectual Property for 2026.

Molly’s practice focuses on defamation, obscenity, right of publicity, false advertising, copyright, trademark, and general commercial contract disputes.  She represents individuals and corporations in a variety of industries including publishing, advertising, theatre, television, film, fashion, and sports. In a media industry undergoing massive change, Molly is passionate about free speech, content, and the First Amendment—and has particular expertise in analyzing First Amendment issues in the context of book banning and obscenity, as well as defamation claims.

Molly’s recent representative litigation matters include:

• Successfully defended a best-selling author and leading publisher against obscenity claims, securing dismissal of case with a holding that the statute at bar was unconstitutional on First Amendment and Due Process grounds;
• Successfully defeated a motion to dismiss in a rights dispute on behalf of an award-winning playwright;
• Successfully defended telecommunications company in opposing preliminary injunction in false advertising case;
• Defending advertising agency in defamation and breach of contract case;
• Defended online fashion retailer against right of publicity and trademark claims.

Molly is an adjunct professor, teaching communications law at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications in New York City. She also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee and provides pro bono representation to non-profits focused on free expression, as well as to immigration clients.

Prior to joining Frankfurt Kurnit, Molly was a litigation associate at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Cole Schotz P.C.

Before law school, Molly worked as an editor and writer for several print and digital publications. She is admitted to practice in New York and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.