Mr Ciarelli has published ThinkSecret.com for six years, a blog providing inside information and news scoops on Apple Mac computers.
ThinkSecret published a leaked report detailing Apple's new MacMini computer and iLife software ahead of the official announcement at Mac World on 11 January. Apple claims that ThinkSecret is illegally soliciting information from Apple employees in breach of confidentiality clauses in their contracts, and last week announced legal action against Mr Ciarelli.
The 19-year-old Harvard student said that Apple's decision "presents a troubling affront to the protections of the First Amendment" and claims that all his news stories were gathered using legal reporting processes.
Mr Ciarelli has been supported by free speech campaign group the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which helped to recruit legal support. Mr Gross will be representing ThinkSecret on a pro bono basis.
More news for dotJournalism:
Local news blog set to battle the big guys
Online job boards in legal limbo
Free speech documented online
Free daily newsletter
If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).
