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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very focused approach to problem-solving with issues addressed knowledgeably and succinctly.'
- 'Michael Senkowski has an unbelievable ability to provide concise and strategic advice on multi-faceted problems. He has an unmatched ability to develop an approach that mitigates effects on our company while simultaneously being acceptable to government regulators.'
- 'Nancy Victory is well-recognized as being one of the top practitioners in the telecoms field, especially as it relates to mergers and acquisitions. '
- 'DLA Piper is beginning to fill what I have found to be a gap in the market for state telecommunications regulatory practitioners, particularly in California.'
- 'Eric DeSilva and Nancy Victory are two extremely brilliant individuals who help us navigate the most complex and innovative ways to deal with regulatory questions and challenges.'
- 'Peter Shroyer is a truly talented litigator who knows how to position matters that are heading to court. His legal acumen is second-to-none and his advice is coveted.'
- 'Eric DeSilva has the ability to understand the most technical and arcane subject matter and provide outstanding advice and advocacy supporting our business needs.'
- 'Excellent technical capacity, experience and knowledge of the issues, regulations and agencies. Very professional, proactive and always focused on providing effective solutions to the client.'
Key clients
- T-Mobile USA, Inc.
- Verizon Communications Inc.
- América Móvil S.A.B. de C.V.
- CTIA-The Wireless Association
- Motorola Solutions, Inc.
- Ooredoo Group
- Globalstar
- Open AI
- Deere & Company
- Satelio IoT Services USA, Inc.
Work highlights
Advising T-Mobile on all regulatory aspects of its proposed acquisition of the wireless operations of UScellular, the largest regional wireless provider in the US valued at $4.4bn.
Defending T-Mobile in more than 25 lawsuits and government investigations arising out of a major California wildfire—the October 2020 “Silverado Fire.”
Advising Verizon with respect to obtaining federal and state regulatory approvals for its proposed acquisition of Frontier Communications, a transaction valued at approximately $20bn.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Nancy Victory; Michael Senkowski
Other key lawyers
Eric DeSilva; Peter Karanjia; Kristin Jacobson; Ariel Diamond West; Ian Forbes; Peter Shroyer; Michael Hazzard