The Legal 500

Covington & Burling LLP’s ‘highly skilled and responsive’ regulatory group is considered ‘the best in the field’ and its attorneys win praise for ‘high-quality work, responsiveness, acumen and value’, combining close ties to the Washington DC bar and the FCC with a growing West Coast presence. The practice’s engagement with the critical issues affecting the dynamic telecoms industry has brought it a prestigious list of media and broadcast clients. Work in 2010 focused on developments in the online space including mobile DTV as well as legislative matters around broadcasting spectrum, signalling and retransmission consents. The group continues to represent clients at the FCC regarding legislative developments and regulatory investigations. Gerard Waldron, who rejoined the firm after a term on Capitol Hill as Chief Counsel of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, operates at the intersection of communications and energy law and policy, advising on the emerging smart grid. The ‘superb’ communications and media practice group chair Mace Rosenstein, who combines transactional mandates with FCC expertise, leads a team representing Univision Communications, the nation’s largest integrated Spanish language media company and the fifth-largest broadcast network, in significant transactional matters; FCC compliance; and a dispute with the Arbitron ratings service and spectrum policy and strategy. Yaron Dori, who specialises in communications and privacy matters, advised longstanding client Microsoft on compliance with FCC rules and proceedings on net neutrality and the future of media and on product development and launches, including the Windows Mobile 7 Platform. Kurt Wimmer brings recent industry experience to the group. Co-chair of the technology and media group Jennifer Johnson focuses on broadcast and media work. Together with Jonathan Blake, she advises TV industry trade associations, the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), on legislative and regulatory issues including initiatives stemming from the FCC’s National Broadband Plan, which was submitted to Congress in March 2010. The firm’s range of expertise and prestigious client list are testament to the resources and energy it continues to commit to this practice area. Clients include Bank of America, TDS Telecommunications, Gannett Co, Hulu, Newport Television and NBC Television Affiliates.

Latham & Watkins LLP fields ‘a world-class team in terms of business acumen and industry knowledge’, drawing on the firm’s strength in IP, media, litigation, M&A and antitrust law and significant international footprint to advise a growing global client base. Based in Washington DC, the regulatory group handles a variety of roles related to the firm’s significant activities in communications, finance and M&A. The firm’s size enables it to handle the largest deals for clients ranging from carriers to satellite and broadcast companies and investors in the dynamic telecoms industry as well as providing regulatory support to major investors in the communications sector. Matthew Brill ‘does a terrific job’, and represents Time Warner Cable in regulatory matters involving cable television, broadband and digital phone services, notably regarding net neutrality, spectrum auctions and proceedings before the FCC and in disputes with local phone companies. Partner and deputy practice chair, the ‘brilliant’ John Janka, receives plaudits for ‘business focused and strategic legal advice and fantastic judgment’. His ‘primary interest is ensuring his clients’ success’, and he is recognised throughout the market for his specialist expertise in the satellite industry. Work in 2010 included representing nationwide owner of newspaper and TV stations Freedom Communications in connection with its Chapter 11 reorganization. Jim Barker represented Leap Wireless and Cricket Communications, the seventh largest wireless carrier in the US, on M&A transactions and joint ventures, spectrum swaps and leasing arrangements, the US spectrum auction process and high-profile FCC proceedings involving wireless roaming issues and joint ventures formed under FCC rules. He provides regulatory advice to Toyota regarding in-vehicle entertainment and information services. Former FCC advisor Karen Brinkmann represented CenturyLink at the FCC regarding its acquisition of Qwest. 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. A cohesive international outlook has given the group an advantage in winning and retaining clients with foreign interests, and overseas clients looking to move into the US market. Clients include ViaSat, Inmarsat, Global Crossing, Regent Communications, USA Mobility, Discovery Communications and Telecom Italia.

Wiley Rein LLP’s ‘expertise in FCC matters is the best. It is able to get things done, and brings expertise and energy to the tasks’. The 48-partner group handles regulatory and appellate work as well as litigation and big-ticket transactions. The integration of regulatory and public policy has been the cornerstone of the team’s structure; matched by only a few communications boutiques, which are unable to match the firm’s level of resources. The team, which includes a blend of attorneys with backgrounds at the commission and young talent, is recommended for ‘difficult projects where specialized expertise and scalability are important’ and is praised by clients as ‘outstanding on all counts’. Former FCC chairman, firm founder and communications practice head Richard Wiley is recognized throughout the industry as a ‘leading practitioner’, and in 2010, the team was further strengthened by the arrival of litigator William Consovoy from the Supreme Court. Flagship clients in each sector are able to retain teams of specialists, lawyers with decades of FCC dealings and ancillary litigation and appellate expertise. The team has consistently wins mandates as regulatory counsel on high-profile mergers. Michael Senkowski, chair of the telecommunications practice, and Nancy Victory represented Verizon Wireless in its $28.1bn acquisition of Alltel, in the most significant merger in the telecommunications industry in recent years, making Verizon Wireless the largest US mobile phone service provider. The team handled all regulatory aspects of the deal, notably securing FCC approval of the transaction in under five months. The team is frequently the first stop for carriers on FCC matters. Helgi Walker successfully represented Comcast in appealing the FCC’s first network neutrality enforcement. Wiley and his team are representing companies including Newspaper Association of America, Belo, Gannett, Morris Communications and Clear Channel Communications in connection with proposed revisions to FCC multiple ownership rules, including elimination of the ban against common ownership of a newspaper and a broadcast station in the same local market, both before the FCC and in ongoing litigation before the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The group assists numerous banks with media company restructuring, notably representing JPMorgan Chase Bank as administrative agent in connection with the bankruptcy of the Tribune Company. Andrew McBride, who is commended for his ‘excellent presentations to appellate courts, excellent analytical work’, is representing Verizon Wireless in continued proceedings of the Murray v Motorola litigation regarding the alleged health effects of radiofrequency emissions. ‘Excellent litigators’ Joshua Turner and John Barry are also recommended. Other clients include, Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola, Viacom/CBS, AT&T and Goldman Sachs.

Telecoms boutique Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP’s market-leading practice is commended as ‘expert in FCC regulatory matters and responsive to clients’ needs’. With 43 attorneys devoted to communications and technology law, following significant expansion in 2009, the firm now has the largest such stand-alone practice in the country and continues to win and retain high-profile clients. A team led by Kenneth Satten, who heads the firm’s broadcast and media practice, is lead FCC counsel to NBC Universal (NBCU) in Comcast-General Electric-NBCU Joint Venture, and is involved in applications for FCC consents surrounding a $30bn transaction that will combine the NBCU broadcast, cable network, film, and theme park businesses with Comcast’s cable networks, regional sports networks, and certain digital properties. Clients commend former FCC chief of staff and managing partner Bryan Tramont is ‘an excellent lawyer who also has a pulse on the industry and the FCC’, and regularly provides strategic FCC counsel to Verizon Communications. Cheryl Tritt, who clients praise for her ‘leadership, savvy, and business acumen’, successfully secured FCC Approval for Atlantic Tele-Network in a 26-market acquisition from Verizon Wireless David Solomon, whose ‘years at the FCC make him a very effective lawyer’, and Russ Hanser, described as ‘one of the best and fastest writers’, successfully represented longstanding client Qwest Communications in litigation to stop traffic pumping schemes, whereby conference calling and chat-line charge long-distance providers rates vastly in excess of the costs imposed by the traffic. ‘Rising star’ Adam Krinsky is ‘extremely strong on wireless issues and is very effective as a litigator and advocate at the FCC’. Ray Gifford and his team in Denver strengthen the firm’s state regulatory and smart grid practice. William Maher is also recommended. Other key clients include Bonneville International, Cisco Systems, Cox Enterprises, CTIA-The Wireless Association, DISH Network and the Telecommunications Industry Association.

Bingham McCutchen LLP’s ‘responsive, insightful and thorough’ team acts as regulatory counsel in a wide range of matters, from restructurings and litigation to mergers and private equity transactions for competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) and others operating in the communications industry. According to clients, it has been ‘instrumental in securing policy outcomes pivotal to our industry’s future’. ‘Strong team leader’ Andrew Lipman and Jean Kiddoo ‘listen to their clients, understand their objectives and offer sound advice’. In 2010, Lipman and his team represented some 36 applicants for federal broadband stimulus funding, including applicants which were granted approximately $250m in funding. The transactional and regulatory elements of the practice are closely linked, enabling Lipman and his team to handle numerous matters for Level 3 Communications, including FCC representation in major universal service contribution policy proceedings; in the FCC’s important special access proceedings advocating a freeze of current pricing pending further investigation and reform; in significant proceedings before the Washington state commission and state and federal courts concerning an intercarrier compensation dispute with Qwest and in regulated financing transactions valued at nearly $1bn, which involved structuring advice and obtaining government approvals. Other work included representing global audio equipment manufacturer Shure in a prolonged controversial spectrum policy before the FCC and legislators. Key clients include Skype, MagicJack and Vonage.

Dow Lohnes PLLC 25-strong telecoms regulatory team handles broadcast and cable matters for clients across the media sector, and is commended as an ‘outstanding boutique with a pulse on specific industry issues and ability to provide practical advice’. Michael Basile and his team represented a coalition of 16 local television station groups that own and operate 225 stations in an FCC proceeding focused on the delivery of high-speed broadband services to underserved areas of the country and the possibility of using additional radio frequency spectrum to support wireless broadband networks. Network neutrality is another important concern. Having built outward from a core of media clients, the team has embraced the regulatory and transactional aspects of industry consolidation and the collocation of services and has assisted numerous television station clients in successfully completing the transition of their transmission facilities from analog to digital operation. The team assists media companies with financial, business and regulatory matters, supported by a dedicated tax planning group. In 2010, it continued to undertake mandates at the intersection of FCC requirement and bankruptcy rules, notably representing Tribune Company in relation to its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, advising on ownership issues and working to obtain the FCC approvals necessary for the reorganized company to emerge from bankruptcy while retaining its existing newspaper-broadcast combinations and television duopolies. John Feore and John Logan have significant involvement in complex ownership issues. Anne Swanson is recommended as ‘incredibly responsive, diligent, hard-working and a great writer’. Kevin Latek is commended for his ‘exceptional knowledge of carriage issues’, and David Wittenstein for his ‘knowledge and experience in intellectual property and new media’. Trademarks expert Mitch Stabbe and Christina Burrow, who has a ‘good knowledge of the practical application of political rules’, are singled out for praise. In 2011, the team was further strengthened by FCC veteran Michael Pryor from Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. in Washington DC. Other key clients include Cox Communications, Comcast, Allbritton Communications, McGraw-Hill Broadcasting, Local TV, TiVo and Ion Media Networks.

Hogan Lovells US LLP’s ‘excellent, efficient and cost-effective’ group has increased its depth and extended its international reach. Its 20-lawyer group in Washington DC can rely on the support of a global network of some 200 lawyers working in the technology, media and telecoms industry sector. The group’s regulatory and transactional specialists offer a wide range of services for longstanding clients. Close links with the FCC bring steady flow of compliance work and key FCC mandates, advising on spectrum auctions, smart grid and wireless issues, and specialist sectors such as telemedicine. Washington DC practice head Michele Farquhar and her team represent Vodafone on FCC broadband regulatory and spectrum policy matters, including monitoring developments on network neutrality and broadband reclassification, and assist with advocacy efforts. The firm also advises T-Mobile USA on FCC proceedings focusing on broadband regulatory and spectrum policy matters. Ari Fitzgerald and Mark Brennan have ‘extensive experience and relationships with the FCC and a deep knowledge of current and proposed regulations’. Other highlights included advising AirCell in its acquisition of a broadband air-to-ground license, and assisting with its efforts to apply for broadband stimulus funding; and assisting Sprint Nextel with filings and strategic advice in regulatory proceedings involving spectrum issues, including wireless broadband filings, TV white spaces and the AWS-2 spectrum bands. 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 assisted Bright House Networks on repricing the pole attachments used by cable operators to provide broadband service, leading to a positive recommendation in the FCC’s National Broadband Plan. Zenas Choi’s practice focuses on the juncture of technology and telecoms, with particular expertise in satellite-related matters. Karis Hastings, who represents SES World Skies, is recommended as ‘supremely patient, extremely experienced and knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Government agency officials know, respect and like her’. Joel Winnik is ‘extremely knowledgeable, smart and responsible; he has contacts everywhere and knows everyone’. Clients include Tata Communications, General Motors, GE Health Care, ATX Group, Fox and XO Communications.

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP’s 11-partner practice, based in Washington DC and Chicago, is recognized for its representations at state and federal level and has an excellent reputation among local carriers. According to clients, the group’s ‘broad telecom practice can provide expert assistance in all areas of telecom. No firm has a stronger practice in this area’. Clients appreciate practice head Robert Aamoth for his ‘understanding of past and present telecoms issues and regulatory bodies in different jurisdictions’ and his ‘diplomacy in international negotiations’. He continues to represent Guyana Telephone & Telegraph (GT&T) in its ongoing efforts to establish a new interconnection agreement with its principal mobile competitor in Guyana. These efforts have included first-chair representation of GT&T in open hearings before the Public Utility Commission concerning establishing fixed and mobile termination rates, as well as negotiating the rates, terms and conditions of an interconnection agreement. Aamoth also works with foreign carriers entering the US market. Brad Mutschelknaus represents carriers in matters before the FCC, state PUCs and in federal courts Steven Augustino has a particular focus on defending clients in FCC enforcement actions, including Universal Service Fund (USF) audits and compliance investigations and has filed multiple appeals of USAC administrative decisions. Clients appreciate his ‘excellent business acumen which means that his insight is on point and applicable, from a legal perspective, and from a real world business perspective’. John Heitmann is commended for ‘quick, cost-effective solutions’. Clients include XO Communications, First Communications, and its subsidiary, GlobalCom, Nuvox, Broadview Networks, Cavalier Communications and T-Mobile.

Washington DC telecommunications boutique Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, P.L.L.C. is recommended for its ‘expertise in appellate matters related to telecommunications and antitrust law’, and handles numerous matters before the FCC and, where necessary, the federal courts. The firm’s regulatory expertise has earned it numerous instructions from leading carriers including AT&T and Verizon. The group handles a mixture of policy and appellate work, and includes several FCC “veterans”. 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 is respected throughout the market. Mark Hansen, whose clients include Verizon, is recommended, along with litigator Colin Stretch. David Frederick successfully represented cell phone providers and manufacturers in the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which held that state-law claims predicated on radio frequency emissions that differed from FCC standards were preempted by FCC rules. He is an expert witness on behalf of Virgin Media in the UK case British Sky Broadcasting Ltd v Office of Communications competition appeal tribunal concerning program access rules for premium programming. Clients include AT&T, BellSouth, BellAtlantic, the State of Hawaii, Qwest, TCR Sports Broadcasting Holding and Verizon.

Washington DC boutique Lawler, Metzger, Keeney & Logan, LLC’s telecommunications practice is led by former FCC official Richard Metzger. The firm’s core competence of advising leading wireless and wireline carriers on FCC compliance issues has won it an excellent market reputation and a loyal client following. Attorneys’ expertise on boundary-pushing compliance, spectrum, and licensing proceedings, along with the partner attention and personal service that characterize a smaller boutique firm, gives the firm an edge over larger and more generalist practices. The team represented longstanding client Sprint Nextel in special access pricing proceedings before the FCC and wireless-related issues, and advised Comcast on the provision of VoIP, as well as assisting in legislative efforts at the federal level on its behalf, notably in relation to the universal service fund. Former FCC staff, name partners Richard Metzger, former chief of the Common Carrier Bureau, Gina Keeney and Charles Logan give the group a unique combination of public service and private practice experience which support its negotiating strength. Gil Strobel is also recommended. The firm also has substantial experience with FCC merger review proceedings, advising Comcast on its acquisition of Cimco Communications, and General Electric in its joint venture with Comcast involving NBC Universal. The group is advising XO Communications on the National Broadband Plan.

Sidley Austin LLP’s David Lawson in Washington DC has represented AT&T for over a decade, notably in regulatory proceedings before the FCC and the US Congress. The group’s activity in the US is largely focused on providing regulatory advice to its flagship client. With 15 partners divided between Chicago and Washington DC, where it has close ties to the communications bar, the team’s ‘level of service is excellent, with particular expertise in FCC matters’. Recent mandates for AT&T include advising on wireless regulation and roaming rights, acting on several inter-carrier compensation disputes, and advising on the auction of wireless spectrum for broadband services. Cybersecurity and location reporting are other key issues. Carter Phillips and Mark Schneider, a former FCC associate general counsel, are assisting News Corporation, Fox Television Stations, and Tribune Company with challenges to the FCC’s maintenance of rules governing the cross-ownership of newspapers and broadcast properties and multiple ownership of television stations. The firm has also represented News Corporation and Fox in a variety of challenges to FCC rulings concerning its ban on broadcast indecency. Other work included advising GE Capital on the regulatory implications of restructurings and reorganizations, notably the impact of attribution, multiple and cross-ownership, and foreign ownership rules. Schneider and Michael Nemeroff successfully represented United States Cellular (USCC) in responding before the DOJ and FCC to a complaint filed under the False Claims Act against an FCC applicant in which a USCC subsidiary is the significant limited partner. The DOJ declined to prosecute the complaint, and the FCC granted the related applications.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s communications group is led by Antoinette Cook Bush, who is considered the ‘go-to person for political and technical advice on FCC regulation’. The team has repeatedly demonstrated that it offers the skills and resources to execute the most complex regulatory instructions and orchestrate compliance on large-scale complex transactions for flagship clients in the wireless, wireline and cable industries. These skills, in the context of a practice with ties to some of the largest names in media and broadcast, have given the team the ability to win high-profile engagements. Cook Bush represented ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and Univision, the five largest broadcast networks, in defending the statutory retransmission consent regime, which permits broadcast station owners and networks to bargain for fair compensation in exchange for cable and satellite operators’ right to retransmit the broadcasters’ signals. She also advised Hargray Communications on the FCC’s review of its local switching support regulations and together with Cliff Sloan, who combines telecoms with media expertise, she advised Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) on the FCC’s broadband plan, content piracy, and other proceedings at the FCC. Ivan Schlager’s clients include Huawei Technologies USA, a global telecommunications solutions provider. Jared Sher, who advises Viacom, News Corporation and Border Media, is singled out for praise. The group continues to represent Virgin Mobile in regulatory, business and transactional matters involving its mobile virtual network operator service offering, including federal and state regulatory compliance, and advises T-Mobile USA on various wireless regulatory and tax issues.

Steptoe & Johnson LLP’s seven partner group, led by satellite and wireless expert Philip Malet in Washington DC, is ‘the best in the field’, representing the leading names in the wireline, wireless, satellite, media, and internet sectors. Specialisms include wiretapping issues associated with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (CALEA) and data security and privacy matters as well as media representation and encryption issues. The group offers particular expertise in satellite matters, with Pantelis Michalopoulos and his team advising longstanding client DISH Network and its spin-off company EchoStar on numerous issues, notably assisting DISH to obtain “qualified carrier” certification, thus gaining a waiver of a nationwide court injunction, and winning the right to provide distant network stations to qualified subscribers. The team represented DISH in its effort to obtain meaningful net neutrality rules, including non-discriminatory access to the broadband pipe, and equal treatment of the EchoStar Sling product on mobile broadband platforms. Other work included representing AOL in relation to net neutrality and the Comcast merger proceeding. The group operates at the intersection between technology and telecoms, advising on broadband and net neutrality issues as well as more controversial topics. Head of technology department Alfred Mamlet is representing joint venture OnAir Switzerland on FCC, legislative, security, and FAA issues involved in providing in-flight telecommunications services to mobile phones – services that are currently prevented by US law. Other major clients include Inmarsat, Cricket Communications and Alinda Capital Partners.

WilmerHale offers expertise and experience in wireline and wireless telecommunications, internet policy, e-commerce and media law. Led by Jonathan Nuechterlein in Washington DC, the group represents clients in regulatory and enforcement proceedings before the FCC and state and international agencies, handles high-stakes litigation in federal, state and European courts and agencies; and assists with complex deals and related matters. Nuechterlein, who is recommended for his ‘high-quality analysis and legal thinking’, advised AT&T on the National Broadband Plan and in the Court of Appeal opposing the cable television industry’s appellate challenge to new FCC rules that require incumbent cable companies to share affiliated programming with rival multichannel television providers. He successfully represented Quest Communicationsand T-Mobile in appellate litigation. Samir Jain represents satellite communications provider Globalstar on a range of regulatory issues before the FCC, including applications and other necessary filings to modify its licenses to transition from first-generation to second-generation satellite constellation. J Beckwith Burr specializes in privacy and e-commerce, which is increasingly relevant to the telecoms industry in light of the development of mobile applications, location data and cutting-edge wireless applications.

Communications and technology boutique Wiltshire & Grannis LLP is known as the ‘go to firm for FCC advice’ as the majority of its attorneys have had prominent roles in the commission. John Nakahata, who heads the telecoms practice, 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 knowledge of the industry as well as policies, procedure and processes. Christopher Wright, who heads the appellate practice, and Paul Margie, who combines telecommunications and technology expertise, are recommended. Name partner William Wiltshire draws on upon years of regulatory and litigation experience. The highly diversified practice represents communications and information technology firms before the courts, the FCC, the Congress, national executive agencies and state public utility commissions. It represents clients before foreign governments and regulatory agencies both directly and through foreign-based affiliates. 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; Kent Bressie advises Tyco, a leading supplier of undersea cable systems. The team is particularly strong the wireless and satellite arenas, with recent mandates include representing equipment manufacturers on technical and spectrum policy matters before the FCC. It also advises on convergence-related matters, including mobile technology, VOIP and the National Broadband plan and how existing FCC rules apply to new technology. Clients include T-Mobile, Sprint Nextel, CTIA (The Wireless Association), Comcast, Atlantic Broadband, Vantage, Cisco and Dell.

Arnall Golden Gregory LLP’s practice, led by Don Hackney in Atlanta, provides regulatory assistance to telecommunications clients at federal, state and local levels. Work includes transactional support and stand-alone regulatory mandates, notably assisting clients to obtain CLEC certification in numerous states. The team has significant experience of cell site permit-related issues and has achieved a successful resolution in the majority of these cases. IP and technology practice head Scott Taylor is praised for his ‘responsiveness and excellent work’ and has successfully represented numerous clients in land use and zoning matters relating to the location and construction of telecommunications facilities.

Arnold & Porter LLP’s Washington DC group, led by Patrick Grant, who combines litigation, transactional and regulatory expertise, advises wireline, cable and broadcast clients ranging from telecoms giant AT&T to entrepreneurial communications companies. Former practice group head Norman Sinel advises Comcast on regulatory matters. Building on its substantial record of working for SBC prior to, and in connection with, its merger with AT&T, the team has focused on regulatory counseling and assisting in securing FCC approval for large telecommunications transactions. The firm’s antitrust and lobbying credentials are recognized by the market, with a prestigious client list including AT&T, Dobson Communications and Aloha Partners.

Cahill Gordon & Reindel’s Chérie Kiser undertakes regulatory, litigation and transactional support work. In 2010, she successfully represented Intrado Communications in a series of arbitrations against Verizon, AT&T, Embarq and other regional telecommunications carriers in disputes arising from interconnection agreements. She represented Intrado before the FCC, state agencies and courts in connection with its deployment of a nationwide 911 services IP network. Other highlights included representing the firm’s roster of leading investment and commercial banks as regulatory counsel in various financings and other transactional support. Clients include Cable One and RNK.

Jenner & Block LLP’s combination of leading litigation and appellate attorneys with a top FCC practice enables it to provide comprehensive solutions including compliance and trial representations. The nine-partner group, led by former FCC general counsel Samuel Feder in Washington DC and litigator John Harrington in Chicago, is recognized as ‘responsive and knowledgeable regarding federal and state regulatory matters’. Feder, who wins praise for ‘listening well to clients’ goals and objectives’ and for his ‘strong writing and verbal advocacy skills’, acted as lead counsel for Cablevision on the FCC’s broadband reclassification proceeding concerning whether to change the framework for regulating broadband internet access, and assisted Comcast in securing FCC approval of the Comcast-NBCU transaction. Harrington and his team successfully represented longstanding client Neutral Tandem in a series of regulatory disputes and federal litigation matters. In 2010, the team handled significant content-related communications work for the firm’s music industry and media clients, notably representing the Recording Industry Association of America in the FCC’s net neutrality proceeding and is commended for providing ‘superb, top notch legal analysis’. Other clients include Sprint, Sorenson Communications and several industry associations.

Mayer Brown combines regulatory expertise with a nationwide telecoms litigation practice. Although the seven-partner group is relatively small, it provides ‘first-class service’ and has handled the majority of landmark cases under the 1996 Telecommunications Act in multiple forums. The national outlook afforded by the group’s long-term placement of resources in the Chicago office has put it among a small group of firms truly able to offer extensive litigation experience across the state courts and before the FCC. The group handled 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. In just 30 days during February and March 2010, partners in our group argued three appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit – and won them all. 2010 saw increasing focus on net neutrality, wireless services and data infrastructure as well as an increase in class actions around the location of cell towers. The team represents major client AT&T in disputes with local authorities over local communications regulations. It is representing AT&T Mobility in several states where permission was denied for cell towers. Chicago partner Ted Livingston, who leads the practice, has represented AT&T dating back to the group’s formation, offering ‘excellent value, knowledge, advice and results’. He is currently handling numerous antitrust cases which involve communications regulatory rules and orders, and consumer class actions under the communications laws, successfully arguing for the dismissal of a class action challenging the FCC order prohibiting exclusive deals between video providers and owners of apartment complexes. Together with Hans Germann, Livingston successfully represented AT&T’s incumbent local exchange carriers in prosecuting suits in five federal courts of appeal, eight federal district courts, and three state regulatory commissions for violation of federal and state tariffs and breach of interconnection agreements obtaining a $31m judgment against the defendant carriers from a federal district court in North Carolina. Demetrios Metropoulos also represents AT&T in concurrent cases before regulatory commissions in several states concerning the rates AT&T pays for access to the networks of local carriers for AT&T customers’ intrastate long-distance calls. Although the team operates in a specific niche, it is recognized for offering a specialized set of skills that are matched by few in the market.

Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP advises on the regulatory aspects of complex transactions as well as stand-alone regulatory matters. Its ‘knowledgeable and responsive’ integrated telecoms practice benefits from the firm’s transactional and corporate strength and broad national and international footprint. In Washington DC, Carl Northrop advises wireless companies on federal regulatory issues, licensing work, regulatory policy issues (at the FCC and on Capitol Hill) and communications-related litigation. Telecom regulatory work for longstanding client MetroPCS, the fifth largest facilities-based provider of broadband personal communications services in the US, included FCC regulatory and policy advice on net neutrality, broadband reclassification, data roaming and spectrum allocations. The group also handles the extensive regulatory sections of the company’s SEC reports and regulatory aspects of financing transactions, including a $750m notes offering completed in September 2010, and the purchase and sale of wireless spectrum and telecommunications assets. Tara Giunta specializes in international telecoms and satellite-related work, notably acting as counsel of record in Telx’s IPO, assisting with the preparation of regulatory risk factors in connection with the IPO and a prior debt financing transaction. She advised on complex and nuanced area of dark fiber and the regulatory intersection of telecommunications and information services and on the complex regulatory implications of potential new service offerings. Stephen Kinnaird is commended for his telecom appellate work. Other key clients include Revol Wireless, Syniverse HBK and foreign governments and institutions.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s communications group handles broadcast, satellite and telecom work and is commended for its ‘strong industry knowledge of satellite communications, and consistently identifying important issues well in advance’. Broadcasting is a key focus area. The group provides regulatory support to large-scale transactions and handles FCC compliance matters, supported by the team’s litigation capabilities. Communications group head Clifford Harrington is representing longstanding client Sinclair Broadcast Group in challenges to FCC “eight voices” test and to FCC’s “Quadrennial Regulatory Review” decision and in retransmission dispute with Mediacom Communications Corporation. Bruce Jacobs, who ‘has a tremendous fund of knowledge in difficult areas of satellite and spectrum law’, is advising LightSquared secure FCC approval for improvements to its authorization to reuse its satellite spectrum to operate a nationwide 4G LTE terrestrial wireless network. John Hane assisted Skybox in obtaining NOAA and FCC authorization to launch and operate an innovative and cutting-edge earth imaging satellite system. Richard Zaragoza provides regulatory support in major transactions, notably assisting Mercury Capital and its affiliates with acquiring interests in radio station properties and advising Alta Communications on FCC-related issues and strategies for its broadcast investments, including acquisitions, sales and restructurings. The group also advises financial institutions and investment companies that operate in the communications space. Other key clients include the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations (NASBA) and Atalaya Capital Management. Litigator Bob Metzger, in Los Angeles, advises on issues such as video services offered by telecom companies, compliance of IP video product with state laws, and municipal attempts to regulate carrier deployment of landline and wireless facilities. He also assists with the development of regulatory strategies and dealings with local and state governments.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP’s communications practice is led by litigator Chris Huther in Washington DC, who advises equipment manufacturers on navigating FCC equipment regulations. In 2010, he represented GTE, Verizon and SBC in development defense, and critique of telecommunications cost models; and acted for Verizon in pole attachment and intercarrier compensation litigation. Brian Weimer specializes in satellite, broadcasting and wireless matters. His primary satellite clients include SAT-GE and SES World Skies, and also acted as corporate and FCC regulatory counsel to San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) in connection with its acquisition of two wireless licenses from a subsidiary of NextWave. Megan Troy focuses on telecommunications litigation, regulation and policy.