The Legal 500

Covington & Burling LLP continues to be rated ‘best in the regulatory area’. Clients commend lawyers as ‘highly responsive, charge reasonable rates and always staff matters appropriately’. The group’s close ties to the Washington DC bar and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) support its representation of high-profile media and broadcast clients. The group represents clients at the FCC regarding legislative developments and regulatory investigations, notably the introduction of statutory provisions increasing access to content and services for persons with disabilities. It is also representing clients before the Executive Branch, the US Congress and the FCC regarding the government’s first ever incentive auction for reclaiming broadcast television spectrum. Practice co-chair Yaron Dori, who specializes in communications and privacy matters, serves as external regulatory counsel to longstanding clients Microsoft and TDS, and together with co-chair Jennifer Johnson, advises the Washington Post Company and its subsidiaries on corporate, FCC regulatory and privacy matters. Gerard Waldron, former Chief Counsel of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, won a major victory for the Tennis Channel before the FCC in its discriminatory carriage lawsuit against Comcast. The ‘exceptionally knowledgeable, responsive and efficient’ communications and media practice group chair Mace Rosenstein, who combines transactional and FCC expertise, is advising Saban Brands on the development and launch of a national children’s television programming network. Clients recommend Johnson, who represents NBC Television Affiliates in numerous initiatives, and Matthew DelNero for their ‘excellent industry knowledge, responsiveness and willingness to go the extra mile’.

Hogan Lovells LLP Washington DC practice, led by Michele Farquhar and Dave Thomas, wins plaudits for its ‘unparalleled experience and expertise’. Supported by a global network of some 200 lawyers working in the technology, media and telecoms industry sector, the group’s regulatory and transactional specialists offer an impressive list of high-profile US and global clients a wide range of services. Close links with the FCC bring steady flow of compliance work and key FCC mandates, advising on spectrum auctions, smart grid and wireless issues. Farquhar and Ari Fitzgerald represented Vodafone on FCC, CFIUS and national security regulatory matters relating to its acquisition of Cable & Wireless Worldwide, as well as providing ongoing advice on foreign ownership, net neutrality and other topical concerns. Farquhar is representing Google on issues relating to mobile apps before the FCC, FTC, NTIA and other entities. Gardner Gillespie successfully represented Time Warner Cable in disputes and arbitrations around public, educational and government access funding. Thomas achieved a favorable settlement for Cox Communications in a case of first impression against Arkansas electric cooperative concerning access to utility infrastructure. Fitzgerald and Mark Brennan are advising General Motors and OnStar, the world’s largest vehicle-based communications and telematics service, on regulatory and consumer protection matters. The team provides ongoing advice to leading US cable television providers in their major investments in the wireless business, including assistance on spectrum policy, auction and post-auction strategy, FCC compliance and related investment matters. Daniel Brenner left the practice to serve as a judge on the Los Angeles Superior Court. Paul Werner was promoted to partner and Trey Hanbury from Sprint Nextel and Ed Thomas from the FCC joined the team. Clients include GE Health Care, Bright House networks, and XO Communications.

Clients consider Latham & Watkins LLP’s regulatory group in Washington DC is ‘terrific in every way - immediate response, high quality, excellent grasp of subject matter, policy implications and generally good advice’. The firm’s size enables it to handle multiple significant mandates involving communications, finance and M&A. Clients include carriers, satellite and broadcast companies and investors in the telecoms and communications sectors. Practice head John Janka wins plaudits for his ‘unparalleled expertise on satellite regulatory matters’ and his ‘excellent judgment and knowledge of the industry, and the regulatory environment’. Recent mandates include acting as special regulatory counsel in the reorganization of distressed satellite broadband provider LightSquared, and advising on the development and implementation of regulatory solutions to the GPS issues that were raised by the LightSquared dispute. James Barker, Matthew Brill, who is recommended for his ‘deep expertise and real-world, problem-solving attitude’, and Brian Murray represented Time Warner Cable in regulatory matters involving video, voice and broadband internet services. Brill and Barker represent the Competitive Carriers Association, which includes almost all US wireless carriers, before the FCC and other regulatory agencies including proceedings to develop data roaming requirements. Jarrett Taubman was promoted to counsel. The group’s reputation for handling regulatory issues arising from the crossover of media, broadcast and internet services has attracted marquee clients across the broadcast, cable and wireless industries, including Inmarsat, Viasat, Freedom Communications, Comcast and Tata Communications.

Wiley Rein LLP’s 41-partner group of dedicated communications and telecommunications attorneys handles regulatory and appellate work, litigation and big-ticket transactions. A marquee client list includes many of the world’s major wireline and mobile providers, industry associations, satellite companies, broadcast networks and government organizations. The team includes an impressive number of attorneys with FCC and is advising numerous industry players on communications regulatory reform and clarification of and compliance with the FFC’s new rules as well as offering in depth expertise in new media and digital technologies. The team has consistently won mandates as regulatory counsel on high-profile mergers. The universally respected founding partner Richard Wiley, a former FCC chairman, communications practice head, Michael Senkowski, chair of the telecommunications practice, and Nancy Victory served as FCC counsel to Deutsche Telekom in the aborted $39bn sale of T-Mobile USA to AT&T. Following the termination of the transaction, the group advised Deutsche Telekom in the acquisition of £3bn in spectrum from AT&T as part of the $6bn break-up fee. Victory and Eric deSilva served as FCC counsel to Verizon Wireless in the acquisition of a nationwide swath of spectrum from SpectrumCo and Cox TMI valued at $3.9bn. Helgi Walker and William Consovoy continue to advise Verizon in the lead challenge to the FCC’s order formally adopting net neutrality rules. In October 2011, Verizon’s challenge was consolidated with six others into a single proceeding before the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. Andrew McBride, Joshua Turner and Megan Brown represented CTIA in the US District Court for the Northern District of California against the City of San Francisco, challenging the radiofrequency labeling requirement for cell phones under the First Amendment and preemption doctrine in response to the City’s “Cell Phone Right-to-Know Ordinance". Other clients include Iridium, Sirius XM Radio, ictQATAR and Intelsat.

Telecoms boutique Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP’s market-leading practice win clients’ praise as, in addition to ‘unparalleled legal depth and expertise’, lawyers bring ‘unmatched policy/strategic expertise’ and are recommended as ‘smart, collaborative and know how to work with clients’. With 48 attorneys devoted to communications and technology law, the firm has the largest such stand-alone practice in the country and continues to win and retain high-profile clients. In 2012, the team was strengthened by David Oxenford from Davis Wright Tremaine LLP and Nancy Libin, former chief privacy and civil liberties officer at the US Department of Justice. Gregory Sopkin and James Albright from Squire Sanders joined the Denver office. Former FCC chief of staff and managing partner Bryan Tramont wins praise for his ‘keen insight and understanding of the FCC regulatory landscape and legendary approach to client care’. Together with Adam Krinsky, he served as lead regulatory counsel to Verizon Wireless in obtaining FCC approval for a series of spectrum acquisition and exchange transactions. The highly respected Cheryl Tritt and her team represented numerous clients, including CTIA and T-Mobile USA, in the FCC’s recently-completed reform of the regulatory regimes governing the universal service and intercarrier compensation systems. Kenneth Satten, who heads the broadcast and media practice, and Bradley Gillen act as lead FCC counsel to NBC Universal (NBCU) in Comcast-General Electric-NBCU Joint Venture. David Solomon a, ‘go-to lawyer for enforcement work and appellate litigation’, and Wade Lindsay represented Comcast in a year-long FCC investigation regarding compliance with internet-related condition of the order approving Comcast’s purchase of a controlling interest in NBCUniversal. Charles Keller has ‘unparalleled expertise on matters related to intercarrier compensation and universal service’. Natalie Roisman, who ‘is a master at client relations and well versed in navigating the halls of the FCC’, and the ‘responsive, efficient’ William Maher are also recommended. A prestigious client lists includes DISH Network, CenturyLink, Cisco Systems, DirecTV and new clients American Bankers Association, Boston Globe Media, HTC America and Viacom.

Arnold & Porter LLP’s Washington DC group, led by Patrick Grant and recently appointed co-head Maureen Jeffreys, combines litigation, transactional and regulatory expertise to advise wireline, cable and broadcast clients, notably assisting telecoms giant AT&T with strategic counseling, new ventures and regulatory issues. Peter Schildkraut and his team advise AT&T on Wireless Communications Services (WCS) spectrum regulatory issues and disputes. Grant, Jeffreys and Richard Rosen advised AT&T on regulatory aspects of its aborted $39m acquisition of T-Mobile USA, and Rosen and William Cook led a team that represented AT&T on a regulatory and antitrust review of its $1.93bn acquisition of wireless spectrum from Qualcomm. Jeffreys, Stephanie Phillipps, and former practice group head Norman Sinel worked with the firm’s FDA and healthcare groups to advise clients on emerging legal issues related to mobile health services. Other key strengths include advising various companies on online communications product development. Jeffreys and Sinel serve as legal counsel, on a pro bono basis, to the National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies - Digital Promise. Jeffreys and Phillipps prepared a report for Canadian telecom carrier TELUS on the regulation of vertical integration in the USA programming sector. Supported by practices in London and Brussels, as well as the firm’s national presence, the group’s antitrust and lobbying credentials are recognized by the market. Other key clients include Greater Washington Education Telecommunications Association (WETA), The Association of Public Television Stations and Crowley Technologies.

Bingham McCutchen LLP’s practice, led by ‘excellent regulatory lawyer’ Andrew Lipman and Catherine Wang, serves as regulatory counsel in matters ranging from restructurings and litigation to mergers and private equity transactions for competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) and other communications businesses.. In 2012, Lipman and his team handled numerous matters for Level 3 Communications, including FCC representation regarding the terms and conditions offered by AT&T, Verizon and Qwest for leases of high-capacity circuits; FCC advocacy in disputes between Level 3 and Comcast over Comcast’s imposition of charges on content delivery networks for last-mile delivery of content ordered by Comcast’s customers from high-volume content providers; and representation in regulatory proceedings in connection with major financing transactions worth over $4bn. Wang is lead outside regulatory counsel for John Deere, with representations covering policy, legal and technical issues around the use of spectrum, and commercial transactions relating to the development of new wireless and data services for the agricultural sector. Jean Kiddoo is lead counsel to T-Mobile in connection with its submission to the FCC of a petition to deny the Verizon acquisition of spectrum from SpectrumCo, Cox Communications and LEAP Wireless. Other clients include Cerberus Capital Management, Vonage, TelePacific and Cantor Fitzgerald.

Dow Lohnes PLLC’s 25-partner telecoms regulatory team, led by John Feore in Washington DC, is the nation’s largest public broadcasting and telecommunications practice, representing over 300 non-commercial radio and television stations before the FCC on licensing, operational, transactional and content issues. It represents some 350 commercial television stations, and acts for media companies on financial, business and regulatory matters, supported by a dedicated tax planning group. Feore and his team served as regulatory counsel to Tokyo-based SoftBank in its $20.1bn acquisition of a 70% stake in Sprint Nextel, the third largest wireless carrier in the US. J G Harrington served as regulatory counsel to Cox Communications in a deal where Cox and a consortium of three other cable companies sold 120MHz of advanced wireless spectrum to Verizon Wireless in a transaction valued at $3.6bn. Feore continues to represent Tribune Company before the FCC in its long, contentious bankruptcy proceeding relating to licensing and media ownership. The team continues to represent Granite Broadcasting Company in a federal antitrust lawsuit brought against it by Nexstar concerning the Fox affiliation for the Fort Wayne television market. David Mills successfully represented Sprint in a class action challenging wireless phone roaming fees, and Cox Communications in a case concerning advertised internet speed. Anne Swanson, who successfully represented Garmin International in the LightSquared matter, is singled out for praise. Other clients include Comcast, Allbritton Communications, McGraw-Hill Broadcasting, Local TV, TiVo and Ion Media Networks.

John Heitmann and Steven Augustino lead Kelley Drye & Warren LLP’s 10-partner practice which is recognized for its representations at state and federal level, and has an excellent reputation among local carriers. Clients appreciate attorneys’ ‘speed and accuracy of response, ability to reach federal regulators within a reasonable time frame and their detailed knowledge and understanding of the industry and its rules’. Augustino, together with Brad Mutschelknaus and Thomas Cohen, is representing XO Communications in connection with an audit of its federal Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution obligation and related FCC appeals. One aspect of the audit led to formal proceedings to reverse the increase in USF contributions ordered in the audit that have been supported across the industry. Cohen handles policy and regulatory work for the American Cable Association. Augustino and his team advised West on regulatory aspects of its $80m purchase of telecoms provider HyperCube Corporation; they represent West subsidiaries InterCall and Intrado on FCC policy and USF compliance and Intrado on next-generation 911 services. Heitmann and his team represented cable television operator Mediacom, one of the largest US cable television operators, in all its telephony service offerings, including securing intercarrier agreements with incumbent landline carriers and wireless service providers counseling on implementation and dispute resolution counseling and providing strategic advice on intercarrier compensation and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) technology. Henry Kelly in Chicago handles proceedings relating to cost-based pricing principles of telecommunications services, enforcement relating to state and federal provisions designed to promote competition in telecommunications markets, litigation between telco carriers and transactional due diligence. In 2012, he advised Madison Dearborn Parters in its $1bn sale of a controlling interest in NextG Communications to Crown Castle. Clients include Raytheon Systems, Nuvox, Telstra, Cavalier Communications and T-Mobile. Toshiba is a new client.

Washington DC telecommunications boutique Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, P.L.L.C. is recognized throughout the market. Attorneys handle numerous matters before the FCC and the federal courts. The firm’s regulatory strength and expertise in telecommunications and antitrust law has brought it marquee clients, notably AT&T and Verizon. The group, which benefits from the experience of several FCC veterans, handles policy and appellate work and is recommended for plaintiff and defendant work. With over 50 attorneys, the firm’s extensive mix of experience and expertise mean that it is frequently instructed on the cases that are shaping telecommunications law. Recent successes include representing Verizon and AT&T, with Scott Angstreich defending the FCC’s third attempt to adopt an order governing the payments due between telephone companies for internet access calls. Name partner Michael Kellogg, who is respected for his appellate work, represented Verizon in high-profile cases. Mark Hansen represented AT&T during its aborted merger with T-Mobile. David Frederick successfully represented cell phone providers and manufacturers in the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. In 2012, the team was strengthened by the arrival of former Verizon deputy general counsel and ‘leading antitrust expert’ John Thorne. Clients included AT&T, BellSouth, BellAtlantic, Michigan Bell, the State of Hawaii, Qwest and TCR Sports Broadcasting Holding.

Washington DC boutique Lawler, Metzger, Keeney & Logan, LLC is ‘one of the premier firms for FCC work and the quality of advice and written product is extremely high’. The telecommunications practice, led by former FCC officials Richard Metzger and Gina Keeney, advises leading wireless and wireline carriers on FCC policy and compliance issues. Clients appreciate attorneys’ expertise on boundary-pushing wireline policy, compliance, spectrum, and licensing proceedings. The group represented longstanding client Sprint Nextel in its successful opposition to the aborted AT&T and T-Mobile merger at the FCC. Keeney and Charles Logan represent Sprint Nextel in ongoing wireless proceedings at the FCC and in the FCC’s review of Softbank’s proposed $20.1bn acquisition of a 70% stake in Sprint Nextel. Gil Strobel played a key role in the firm’s representation of Sprint Nextel in special access and wireless-related proceedings at the FCC. Keeney and Steve Berman advise Globalstar on satellite-related issues before the FCC. Metzger, who wins praise as a ‘gifted attorney and excellent writer and counselor’, Emily Daniels, who is ‘a good writer and developing into a trusted advisor’, and Richard Mallen advised Comcast on issues relating to intercarrier compensation, universal service reform, number portability, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, and on the regulatory aspects of Comcast’s acquisition of Cimco Communications. The firm is recognized for its experience and expertise in FCC merger review proceedings. Name partners bring a wealth of FCC experience. Metzger is former chief of the Common Carrier Bureau. Keeney is former chief of the Common Carrier, International and Wireless Bureaus, and Logan is former chief of the Media Bureau’s Policy Division.

Paul Hastings LLP’s practice, led by Eric Greenberg, advises on the regulatory aspects of complex transactions and handles stand-alone regulatory matters. Its integrated telecoms practice benefits from the firm’s transactional and corporate strength and broad national and international footprint. Greenberg and his team represented LIN Media in all aspects of its pending $342m acquisition of 13 network affiliates from New Vision Television. Matthew Gibson managed the FCC process for this multimarket transaction. Gibson and Tara Giunta, who specializes in international telecoms and satellite-related work, obtained FCC and interagency regulatory body Team Telecom approval in the acquisition of UPN Holdings by newly formed private equity fund Ridgemont Equity. Giunta and Gibson also advised Cequel Communications, trading as Suddenlink with regard to regulatory and security issues involved in the $6.6bn acquisition of Suddenlink by BC Partners and the CPP Investment Board. Greenberg and Gibson served as special communications counsel to Bank of America in its acquisition financing of Canadian cable operator Cogeco Communications’ entry into the US market through its $1.36bn acquisition of Atlantic Broadband. New client wins include Plum Media, Wells Fargo and Lincoln Fiancial Media.

Sidley Austin LLP’s communications group has 15 partners in Chicago and Washington DC, where it has close ties to the communications bar, and is led by David Lawson, who has represented AT&T for over a decade, notably in regulatory proceedings before the FCC and the US Congress. The group’s US activity is largely focused on providing regulatory advice to its flagship client. Lawson and David Carpenter in Chicago advised AT&T on numerous matters including wireless regulation and roaming rights, privacy and data protection matters relating to wireless handsets and location-based applications, cybersecurity, intercarrier compensation disputes, class-action disputes concerning alleged price fixing, and the auction of wireless spectrum for broadband services. Carter Phillips and Mark Schneider, a former FCC associate general counsel, are representing News Corporation, Fox Television Stations, and Tribune Company in ongoing challenges to the FCC’s maintenance of rules governing the cross-ownership of newspapers and broadcast properties, and the multiple ownership of television stations. The firm acted as lead counsel representing media property owners in the industry appeal of the FCC’s media ownership rules, before the 3rd Circuit. Phillips represented News Corporation and Fox in challenges to FCC rulings concerning its ban on broadcast indecency. Schneider advises GE Capital, Canyon Partners and other lenders and investors in media and telecommunications on the regulatory implications of restructurings and reorganizations, notably the impact of attribution, multiple and cross-ownership, and foreign ownership rules; acted for United States Cellular on the FCC’s revised rules with regard to location accuracy for Enhanced 911 services and the transition to next-generation 911 services; and advised Tribune Company on proposed changes to the newspaper broadcast cross-ownership rules.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s communications group is led by Antoinette Cook Bush, who is well connected in the communications industry. The team provides the skills and resources to execute complex regulatory instructions and orchestrate compliance on big-ticket complex transactions in the wireless, wireline and cable industries. Cook Bush and antitrust experts Steven Sunshine, and John Beahn represented Sprint Nextel in successfully opposing AT&T’s $39bn acquisition of T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telecom before the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice and the FCC, and in connection with the proposed sale of wireless spectrum from SpectrumCo and Cox to Verizon. Cook Bush, Beahn and Ivan Schlager are advising DigitalGlobe before the FCC concerning its $900m merger with GeoEye. Cliff Sloan, who combines telecoms, media expertise, filed an amicus brief on behalf of a group of media and entertainment organizations including Disney Enterprises, Warner Bros and NBC Universal in a high-profile copyright litigation against YouTube and Google.

Pantelis Michalopoulos in Washington DC leads Steptoe & Johnson LLP’s practice, which represents leading satellite and wireless providers in the US and internationally, providing critical advice on cutting edge regulatory issues, strategic transactions and major industry disputes. Specialisms include video programming and online security. The group is recommended for ‘complex, high-stakes legal matters that require an abundant amount of creativity, strategic and tactical thinking’ and is ‘a highly responsive team who put the client first, and is routinely at the top of its game’. Lawyers provide particular expertise in satellite matters, advising longstanding client DISH Network in ongoing FCC proceedings to defend plans to roll out a hybrid satellite/terrestrial service to provide a broadband network across the US. The team represents DISH in the plug-and-play appeal regarding video distribution and encoding regulations before the DC Circuit and in the ongoing net neutrality dispute at the FCC. Michalopoulos is described as ‘best in the field and consistently demonstrates his command of the industry’. He and his team worked with EchoStar and Hughes Network Systems to file FCC applications to launch and operate new satellite EchoStar 16 and have been advising them on relocating satellites to launch DTH services in Brazil. Other work included representing the Open Internet Coalition on a DC Circuit appeal relating to the FCC’s open internet rules. Alfred Mamlet provides regulatory advice on domestic and international regulation of internet telecommunications services, recently advising new client Artel on a joint venture with Boeing to provide satellite services as well as on regulatory and antitrust matters and two pending litigations. ‘Rising star’ Chris Bjornson is singled out for praise. Other major clients include AOL, Agentrics, Cricket Communications and Star One.

WilmerHale’s ‘top-notch’ team, led by Jonathan Nuechterlein in Washington DC, focuses on wireline and wireless telecommunications, internet policy, e-commerce and media law. Clients appreciate the group’s ‘great lawyers’ for their ‘excellent legal advice and creative arguments’ handling regulatory and enforcement proceedings before the FCC and state and international agencies, high-stakes appellate litigation, internet issues and cutting-edge bet-the-company matters. However, in the last 12 months, the team lost J Beckwith Burr to Neustar and David Medine to the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight board. Nuechterlein and Heather Zachary represented longstanding client AT&T on intercarrier compensation and universal service reform proceedings notably in a massive industry wide appeal of the 2011 order; they also represented AT&T before the FCC in respect of spectrum auction. Neuchterlein and Samir Jain represented Comcast in an FCC dispute regarding video-over-IP matters. Other major clients include CenturyLink, Globalstar and Verizon.

Communications and technology boutique Wiltshire & Grannis LLP is recognized for its FCC knowledge and expertise as the majority of its attorneys are former FCC officials. Telecoms practice head John Nakahata was involved in the implementation of the 1996 Telecommunications Act during his time at the FCC and is respected throughout the market for his in-depth industry knowledge and expertise in policies, procedure and processes. Name partner William Wiltshire and Jonathan Mirsky acted as FCC counsel for DIRECTV on two senior notes offerings and two transactions involving revolving credit facilities. Nakahata, Mirsky and Rachel Petty represented General Communication Inc (GCI) in connection with securing FCC consent to the transfer of wireless licenses from GCI and the Alaska Communications Systems Group (ACS) to a new joint venture, The Alaska Wireless Network. Kent Bressie assisted TE Connectivity with obtaining the requisite clearances for its $2.1bn acquisition of Deutsch Group. Christopher Wright, who heads the appellate practice, successfully represented Sprint Nextel as one of 16 entities supporting the FCC’s Phoenix Forbearance Order in the face of a challenge by Quest, AT&T and Verizon. Paul Margie and Roberts Carter represent Sprint, Qualcomm, Google, Comcast, and Microsoft. The practice acts for communications and information technology firms before the courts, the FCC, the Congress, national executive agencies and state PUCs as well as representing clients before foreign governments and regulatory agencies. The group’s expertise enables it to handle highly complex matters, notably spectrum auctions, submarine cable landings and federal regulations on satellite broadband operators as well as advising on the regulatory elements involved in major telecoms transactions, dealing with FCC and governmental approvals. Clients include T-Mobile, CTIA (The Wireless Association), Comcast, Atlantic Broadband, Vonage, Cisco and Dell.

Ross Buntrock in Washington DC leads Arent Fox LLP’s 12-strong telecoms group which typically represents the market’s pioneers and innovators. Litigation accounts for about 60% of the practice; 20% is regulatory work and 20% relates to transactions. Key strengths are advising on mobile issues, advising startups and handling government relations. Buntrock is legal advisor to the App Developers Alliance and other trade associations. He is representing The Conference Group in an appeal of a FCC decision around universal service charges on conference calling companies. Michael Hazzard is advising cloud communications company Twilio, which is a new client. Stephanie Joyce’s clients include Securus Technologies, DecisionQ and Intelepeer. Jonathan Canis successfully represented the Oglala Sioux Tribe in an unprecedented agreement involving federal court litigation and FCC proceedings to secure a wireless phone service and a substantial cash payment from AT&T in return for the use of tribal land to maintain AT&T’s radio towers.

Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP’s ‘exceptional’ team wins praise for its ‘well researched, thorough oral and written advice’. In Washington DC, Chérie Kiser, who is recognized for her ‘unmatched expertise in communications law’, handling litigation, corporate work and counseling, successfully represented Cable One against attempts by the Arizona Department of Revenue and the Iowa Department of Revenue to reclassify Cable One as a telephone company or public utility company rather than a cable company for property tax purposes. Kiser successfully represented Intrado Communications against AT&T, a decision that was upheld on appeal. She represented Polycom in regulatory matters related to its $89m purchase of a business segment from Hewlett-Packard and on its regulatory obligations applicable to its Tele-Presence business in 27 countries. Other clients include GlobalTel*Link in numerous matters, notably relating to the company’s sale. Longstanding clients recommend corporate partner Jonathan Mark, who ‘understands the nuances of representing corporations that closely intersect with the federal government’, and Angela Collins ‘an excellent communication lawyer who understands the scope of the FCC’s authority over the universal service fund’.

At Dentons, Todd Daubert and his team represent major users of communications services, telecommunications providers, ISPs, software and application developers, broadcasters and investors. Recent highlights include counseling NAPM, a consortium of wireless, wireline, and cable carriers, in the negotiation and management of local number portability (LNP) contracts. Other clients include XO Communications, T-Mobile USA and Mobi PCS. Daubert represented longstanding client the Universal Service for America Coalition in advocating for reform of the Universal Service Fund system. Douglas Bonner joined Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP in Washington DC.

Jenner & Block LLP’s nine-partner group is led by former FCC general counsel Samuel Feder in Washington DC and combines leading litigation and appellate attorneys with serious FCC expertise. Its major industry clients include Comcast, Cablevision, Charter, Sprint and Sorenson Communications. Feder and his team acted as lead counsel for multiple parties challenging the aborted $39m merger of AT&T and T-Mobile USA at the FCC and DOJ. Feder and John Flynn represented Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN) on communications-related aspects of the $780m sale of Alltel to AT&T and are working to secure FCC approval for the deal. They are representing Comcast in the US Court of Appeals concerning the FCC’s Universal Service and Intercarrier Compensation Order as well as in multiple state court challenges to the regulation of Voice-over-Internet-Protocol service. Michael DeSanctis is recommended. Marc Goldman has represented Sprint in numerous cases, notably involving regulatory arbitrage. The group handles agency proceedings and regulatory litigation, and represents a diverse group of cable, wireless, satellite, often representing content providers opposing efforts to regulate the distribution of their content.

Mayer Brown’s practice, led by Howard Waltzman and Donald Stockdale in Washington DC, combines regulatory expertise with a highly respected nationwide telecoms litigation practice. Clients recommend the ten-partner group for its ‘excellent knowledge and technical understanding of telecom/common carrier law’. The regulatory group is supported by the firm’s broad national and international presence as well as its transactional strength, technology expertise and international trade law practice. Stockdale, who clients single out for praise, represented longstanding client AT&T in FCC proceedings in connection with a reverse auction to distribute universal service support to wireless companies for broadband deployment and represented a coalition of telecoms operators at the FCC in relation to a computer cost model for the distribution of universal service support for wireless broadband deployment. Walzman is advising AT&T and Verizon regarding possible amendments to communication statutes. The team provides ongoing legal and regulatory advice to Motorola Mobility in the US and globally. The US Chamber of Commerce is another key client. The regulatory practice is supported by the firm’s telecoms litigators in Chicago, who have handled numerous landmark cases under the 1996 Telecommunications Act in multiple forums. The group has a successful record in handling significant litigation matters before the FCC and in 40 states, including regulatory commissions, state and federal courts, federal Courts of Appeals for seven Circuits, and the US Supreme Court. Practice head Theodore Livingston in Chicago represents AT&T in antitrust cases which involve communications regulatory rules and orders, and consumer class actions under the communications laws. Dennis Friedman represented AT&T in interconnection agreement arbitrations. Demetrios Metropoulos also represents AT&T before regulatory commissions in several states concerning the rates AT&T pays for access to the networks of local carriers for intrastate long-distance calls.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s communications group, led by Clifford Harrington, is recommended as ‘head and shoulders above the rest’, handling broadcast, satellite and telecom work. In 2012, it was strengthened by the arrival of partner Lew Paper and counsel Andrew Kersting from Dickstein Shapiro. Broadcasting is a key focus area. The group provides regulatory support to large-scale transactions and handles FCC compliance matters. John Hane in Washington DC and Thomas Loran in San Francisco, described as ‘exceptional professionals and human beings’, assisted Australian independent satellite services provider NewSat in the acquisition of satellite spectrum licenses as part of its transformation into a global player. The firm is acting for LIN Media Corporation in three large retransmission deals and many smaller deals. Harrington is acting for longstanding client Sinclair Broadcast Group in its efforts to drive adoption of a new technical standard for American broadcasting; he is also representing LIN and Sinclair in their opposition to the FCC proposal to reclaim broadcasting spectrum and reallocate it to mobile broadband providers. Bruce Jacobs is principal outside regulatory counsel to LightSquared, and advises Xanadoo on its efforts to secure licenses and meet FCC satellite build-out requirements for new broadcast satellites. Richard Zaragoza advises umbrella organization the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations (NASBA), which provides transactional support and advises financial institutions and investment companies that operate in the communications space. Telecommunication practice head Glenn Richards is providing regulatory counsel to telecom and VoIP providers.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP’s Brian Weimer specializes in satellite, broadcasting and wireless matters, handling transactional and regulatory matters. Recent matters include successfully completing an FCC rulemaking for XSight Systems, which will utilize 76-77Ghz frequencies to detect debris on airport runways in the US and abroad; advising GECC on FCC regulatory matters in the sale of the GE-23 satellite to Eutelsat America; and advising on FCC, regulatory, corporate national security and European regulatory issues in connection with the sale of Satlynx, based in Germany, to US-based Trustcomm. Weimer has also advised San Diego Gas & Electric on FCC regulatory matters affecting its spectrum licenses used for a Smart Grid project, and represented the official committee of unsecured creditors of TerreStar as special FCC and satellite industry counsel, advising on the bankruptcy auction process and related FCC proceedings.

Robert Kelly leads Squire Sanders’ practice, which advises public and private sector clients on licensing and regulatory measures supporting new and existing communications and satellite services and securing the adoption of new regulations, spectrum allocations and licenses. It has particular expertise on intelligent transportation systems. Kelly provides ongoing advice to the 800 MHz Transition Administrator, which oversees the FCC’s 800 MHz Reconfiguration program - the largest ever spectrum configuration ever attempted and valued at $3bn. Recently promoted partner Carlos Nalda and his team served as global regulatory counsel to Panasonic Avionics Corporation on its Global Communications Suite (GCS), which will provide GSM connectivity onboard aircraft in flight. Bruce Olcott and his team assisted Horizon Wi-Com in the sale of its WCS spectrum to AT&T, including securing FCC and Department of Justice approvals. High-profile clients include Boeing, the NextNav and Progeny, The Government of Bermuda and ITS America.

Clients rate Telecommunications Law Professionals as among ‘the top communications boutiques’ in Washington DC and its team, led by Carl Northrop, is recommended as ‘knowledgeable about communications law and focused on customer service and providing well-reasoned legal work’. Northrop, who ‘combines regulatory expertise and business acumen in the telecommunications industry’, together with Michael Lazarus and Andrew Morentz is acting as lead FCC regulatory counsel for MetroPCS in connection with its highly-publicized merger with T-Mobile and providing ongoing advise on FCC regulatory and policy matters. The group advised General Communication Inc (GCI) on FCC regulatory issues regarding GCI’s joint venture with Alaska Communications Systems to create the Alaska Wireless Network. Other clients include The Competitive Carriers Association, Triad Communications and nTelos Wireless.