Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP‘s group has particular expertise in enforcement and investigation defense matters, as well as mobile and IoT product development and market entry. The team is led by John Heitmann in Washington DC and Geof Vickers in Nashville. Heitmann has extensive experience advising clients in market entry, subsidy program participation, investigations and corporate transactions, as well as in regulatory and compliance matters. Steven Augustino is an expert in matters relating to the USF, anti-robocall tech and the TCPA. Debra McGuire Mercer covers a wide array of issues, including compliance, transactions, spectrum licensing and the marketing of radiofrequency devices. Joshua Guyan is also a name note. Unless otherwise specified, noted attorneys are based in DC.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The Nelson Mullins team brings a tremendous amount of experience in our industry. Both the longevity and depth of their experience is outstanding, and the support team is appropriately sized and skilled. ’
‘The partner team of John Heitmann, Joshua Guyan, and Debra McGuire Mercer are each outstanding, and as a team, they work very well with each other. The responsiveness from each is tremendous, and respect for the client (and any particulars of a client situation) is always evident.’
‘Steven Augustino is a very experienced and knowledgeable telecoms practitioner and has advised and represented us on FCC and other regulatory issues for years. His advice always reflects his deep knowledge of the nuances of this area of law, of which there are many. He is responsive to our questions and well-versed on the issues, and is well-supported by the Nelson Mullins team. We would recommend him highly.’
‘Debra McGuire Mercer does a fantastic job for us. She is a true expert and provides 360 degree service, including annual training, to ensure our ongoing compliance with the law.’
‘Nelson Mullins stands out as a law firm that not only provides top-tier legal services but also prioritizes strategic collaboration and advocacy. Attorneys John Heitmann and Josh Guyan bring a wealth of experience and unmatched expertise in regulatory compliance with the FCC and state regulations. Their dedication to ensuring low-income Americans maintain access to essential communication services has solidified their reputation as industry leaders.'
‘John Heitmann exemplifies professionalism and subject matter expertise. His contributions go beyond legal advice; he amplifies our mission to a broad audience.’
‘Steve Augustino is second-to-none in the telecoms industry in the US. His depth and breadth of knowledge on regulatory matters and contractual matters is impressive, and his contacts throughout the telecoms space are well-nurtured and continue to grow.'
- 'Michael Nemcik is very knowledgeable in the industry. His summary of new rules, regulations and notices of proposed rule making are insightful, on-point, and make the information much easier to consume for a layperson.’
Key clients
- National Lifeline Association (NaLA)
- AMG Technology Investment Group, LLC d/b/a Nextlink Internet
- American Broadband and Telecommunications Company
- British Telecom
- BT Americas, Inc.
- Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
- CGM, LLC
- Community Outreach Partners
- Deutsche Telekom North America Inc.
- DISH Wireless LLC
Work highlights
- Representing the National Lifeline Association in advocacy before the FCC and on Capitol Hill focused on federal and state subsidy programs worth over $25bn.
- Representing NetNumber, Inc. in FCC matters, including in relation to robotexts and numbering, and as a participant in CTIA’s Secure Messaging Initiative, working with CTIA and law enforcement to provide access to nnSR information used to trace unwanted spam texts to wireless numbers.
- Advising DISH Wireless relies on compliance issues, particularly its participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline program, and with representation and compliance counseling on FCC and consumer protection-related regulatory matters.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Geof Vickers; John Heitmann
Other key lawyers
Steven Augustino; Debra McGuire Mercer; Joshua Guyan; Michael Nemcik