James H. Barker > Latham & Watkins LLP > Washington DC, United States > Lawyer Profile

Working in tandem with the firm’s communications, copyright and privacy, and data security groups, Latham & Watkins LLP’s connectivity, privacy and information team advises an impressive range of telecoms, broadcast and satellite clients. The practice remains at the cutting edge of sector development, advising clients on matters such as net neutrality and broadband discrimination, as well as the deployment of wireless networks and next-generation connected car matters. Along with representing telecoms providers in litigation, the team advises broadband internet service and content providers, cable and satellite operators, radio and television stations and digital streaming services. Matthew A. Brill heads the Washington DC-based team and is a leading figure in the sector, working with investors and lenders and advising on emerging technologies in the industry. The experienced James H. Barker fields extensive knowledge of the regulation of wireless communications technologies, cable, direct broadcast satellite and other carriers. Matthew T. Murchison regularly handles proceedings before the FCC, including robocall mitigation and satellite matters. With a clientele that spans the cable, radio and internet media sectors, Sy Damle specializes in copyright matters, alongside New York-based copyright litigator Allison Levine Stillman. Elizabeth R. Park is experienced in proceedings before the FCC and the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the US Telecommunications Services Sector.

Latham & Watkins LLP combines traditional telecoms advice with copyright litigation and  data protection and privacy expertise. The practice’s broad, cross-practice expertise positions it at the forefront of key developments in the industry, representing broadband associations in broadband discrimination matters and active in the appellate arena regarding net neutrality. With the emergence of generative AI and the growing attention on internet privacy, the firm has also increased its emphasis on its internet-focused practice. Across the communications, copyright, and privacy and data security teams, the firm advises a diverse mix of service, infrastructure and equipment providers, cable operators, telecommunications carriers, satellite operators, radio and TV stations, content providers, and providers of data storage, and security solutions, and e-commerce and value-added services. As a prominent figure in communications industry transactions, Matthew A. Brill leads the Washington DC-based connectivity, privacy and information team, advising private equity firms and lenders. James H. Barker fields an impressive clientele of telecoms, broadcast and satellite companies, including cable, direct broadcast satellite and other distributors, and telephone companies and other common carriers. Matthew T. Murchison plays a key role in obtaining deal clearances before the FCC and Team Telecom. Elizabeth R. Park advises communications companies on M&A, private equity investments and financing transactions.

Housing a formidable CFIUS practice, Latham & Watkins LLP secured key roles on a host of high-profile reviews over the past year. The group’s success is due in no small part to its strong combination of standalone national security expertise together with its ability to service clients from top-tier offerings across the firm, including M&A, energy, life sciences and TMT. Widely acknowledged to rank among the market leaders for CFIUS matters, Damara Chambers co-heads the CFIUS and US national security department; she recently represented Consolidated Edison in obtaining clearance for the sale of its interest in its wholly owned subsidiary, Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses and its subsidiaries, to RWE Renewables Americas. Les P. Carnegie co-leads the Washington-based CFIUS and US national security practice and represents a broad range of companies, financial institutions and private equity funds on security reviews. Rounding out the senior partners is global chair of the connectivity industry group, James Barker, who has extensive experience in CFIUS and Team Telecom matters. The practice additionally draws on a strong second line of non-partners, including new counsel Catherine Hein, who joined in May 2023 from the USDT; counsel Ruchi Gill, who formerly served as Deputy Chief Counsel for the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; and Zachary Eddington, who was promoted to counsel in early 2024.