What we say about the firm's legal practice in United States
Media, technology and telecoms
Within Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP is a first tier firm,
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.