Michael Hazzard > DLA Piper LLP (US) > Washington DC, United States > Lawyer Profile

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s telecoms group is trusted by its roster of clients to undertake large-scale, complex transactions which often significantly impact the wider industry. Notably this year, the team advised both T-Mobile and Verizon on their pending acquisitions of UScellular and Frontier Communications respectively. The practice has a global presence within the satellite and telecoms infrastructure sector wherein they execute the broad array of transactions. ‘One of the best strategic minds’ Michael Senkowski and ‘outstanding attorney’ Nancy Victory lead the team and act across its highest-profile matters, both combining their regulatory expertise with their M&A experience. Eric DeSilva specializes in wireless transactions while Michael Hazzard, who represents a number of software-based communications companies, has a particular focus on domestic and global telecoms infrastructure matters. Peter Shroyer brings extensive FCC regulatory experience, advising on commercial mandates, spectrum acquisitions and transactions requiring FCC approval. Seattle is home to Ariel Diamond West who also provides advice on FCC matters and is a key member of the firm’s satellite practice. Aside from Diamond West, all team members mentioned are located in Washington DC.

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s team, which remains at the forefront of the telecoms sector, is primarily based in Washington DC. From DC, Michael Senkowski and Nancy Victory helm the telecoms group and handle the firm’s highest-profile matters, a key example being their acting for T-Mobile and Verizon in multiple ongoing acquisitions. At the same office, Peter Karanjia is head of the administrative law appellate practice and brings a wealth of regulatory expertise from his time at the FCC, while Eric DeSilva specializes in matters relating to spectrum allocations, spectrum auctions, technical interference claims, wireless transactions and general compliance. Based in San Francisco and Seattle respectively, Kristin Jacobson undertakes communications, regulatory, compliance, policy and transactional matters, while Ariel Diamond West frequently handles transactions requiring FCC approval. Also in DC, Michael Hazzard is noted for his work on infrastructure, transactions and licensing matters, Ian Forbes fields a considerable workload including advising clients on domestic and international regulatory compliance issues, and Peter Shroyer’s FCC background sees that he is well-placed to advise on FCC regulatory compliance cases. Tony Lin left the firm in September 2024.