HBO Original documentary chronicles legal team’s dogged efforts to prosecute white supremacists following deadly Charlottesville rally

September 29, 2023, NEW YORK – Bloch & White LLP is proud to share their involvement in the upcoming HBO Original documentary, “No Accident.” The documentary will premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival on September 29, and will be available to stream on HBO Max on October 10.

“No Accident” documents the seminal lawsuit, Sines v. Kessler, which was filed against 17 white nationalist leaders and organizations on behalf of the nine plaintiffs who suffered physical and emotional injuries while peacefully counter protesting the deadly 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville. The lawsuit alleged that the event was not an isolated, spontaneous gathering, but rather a well-planned and coordinated conspiracy to incite racially motivated violence and to advance an anti-Semitic, race-war agenda.

The documentary chronicles the years-long efforts of the legal team to develop and deploy a strategy to hold white supremacist organizers accountable and to put hate on trial. It follows members of the team, including Michael Bloch, who served as co-lead counsel, and Benjamin White, in their fight to give a voice to everyday citizens in standing up to condemn hate. The team secured a historic $26 million judgement for plaintiffs following a four-week jury trial.

“Sines was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to seek justice following the violence that caused loss of life and overwhelming physical and emotional pain for members of the Charlottesville community. We are deeply grateful for director Kristi Jacobson and the production team behind the documentary for allowing us to share the stories of the plaintiffs we fought to represent and for understanding the importance of keeping this story—and the fight against white supremacy—alive,” said Michael Bloch.

The documentary was directed by Emmy^® Award-winning filmmaker Kristi Jacobson. Those featured in the film include attorneys Roberta Kaplan, Karen Dunn, Michael Bloch and Jessica Phillips and plaintiffs Marissa Blair, April Muñiz, Natalie Romero, Elizabeth Sines, Devin Willis and Seth Wispelwey.

“The impact of Sines sent a clear message that the actions of violent extremists, and their underlining ideologies, must be dealt with head on. “No Accident” captures the tremendous work that went into this case and reinforces how bringing light to these issues, and the individuals involved, can help force them back into the shadows. We are so appreciative of everyone involved in helping this documentary come together,” added Benjamin White.

Bloch & White was launched in 2022 in part to litigate high impact public interest matters, including in the spheres of political extremism, criminal justice reform, gun violence and many others. Michael and Benjamin’s work in Sines v. Kessler helped influence the trajectory of their careers and their steadfast commitment to equity, dignity and justice.

More information about the documentary can be found here and the official trailer can be viewed here.

Image courtesy of HBO