Displaying ‘top notch work and great responsiveness’, Akin supports financial institutions and investments funds operating in the TMT space, assisting in the regulatory aspects of transactions and restructurings in the telecoms, broadcast and space sector. The firm is also well-versed in representative matters before the FCC, NTIA and NOAA, and acts in appellate-level challenges and defenses of agency decisions. Leading the team in Washington DC, Jennifer Richter advises on FCC enforcement actions, wireless transactions and supply chain issues in the telecoms industry. Offering ’excellent’ legal advice, Steve Rowings assists clients in rulemakings, spectrum auctions and license transfers. ‘A true asset to the firm’, Sean Conway joined the practice from the NTIA in March 2025. He brings expertise in federal broadband funding procedures and insight into policy regarding emerging technologies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Thought leaders and well-connected practitioners.’
‘Sean Conway is a true asset to the firm.’
‘Their depth of knowledge about the past, present and future regulatory environment is extremely beneficial. Top to bottom the Akin team is aware of potential issues and identify them up front before they became an issue.’
‘I can't say enough good things about Steve Rowings. He listens, gives direction, advises when to correct course, clearly demonstrating his subject matter expertise.’
‘Top notch work and great responsiveness.’
‘Steve Rowings and Sean Conway are top-notch lawyers who are responsive and a pleasure to work with. Their legal advice is excellent.’
Key clients
- AT&T
- The Walt Disney Company
- Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
- Apollo Group
- Blue Owl Digital Infrastructure Advisors
- Burns & McDonnell, Inc.
- Logix Fiber Lender Group
- Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., LTD
- Zipline International, Inc.
- NextWave Holdco, LLC
- MidWave Wireless, Inc.
- Mercury Broadband, LLC
Work highlights
Represented AT&T in several FCC-related matters, most notably the company’s high-profile Fifth Circuit appeal of a landmark $57.3 million Forfeiture Order issued by the FCC for alleged privacy violations related to the use of customer location data to provide location-based services.
Advising on wireless, licensing, policy, compliance and commercial issues for Disney, as well as transactions, related to their theme parks and their wireless and broadcast assets, including for ABC and ESPN.
Represented SpaceX at the FCC and the D.C. Circuit in the reconsideration of FCC orders granting Starlink’s Gen1 license modification and authority to launch the initial tranche of its Gen2 authorization.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jennifer Richter
Other key lawyers
Douglas Brandon; Steve Rowings; Virgina Hiner Antypas; Sharanya Sriram; Sean Conway