Noted for its ‘knowledge, experience, and efficiency’, the team at DLA Piper LLP (US) advises on the regulatory aspects of major telecoms transactions across the US and act for companies and regulators in significant telecoms litigation before the Supreme Court. Developing an integrated team of qualified engineers, the firm’s expertise includes supporting clients in emerging sectors, including space and satellite. Co-heading the team, Nancy Victory advises clients on regulatory issues affecting spectrum and fiber transactions, while Michael Senkowski has expanded the firm’s showing in the satellite sector, advising leading clients on the deployment of their global satellite systems. Peter Karanjia assists clients in government investigations and acts before regulators in rule-making procedures. Eric DeSilva specializes in wireless telecoms matters, from spectrum allocations and auctions to wireless transactions and technical interference claims. Based in San Francisco, Kristin Jacobson focuses on wireless and broadband, with particular insight into the California regulatory landscape. Providing ’outstanding support’, Peter Shroyer advises clients on transaction approvals and compliance issues concerning FCC regulation. Lawyers are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise. At the beginning of 2025, John Peter Frantz and Julie Kearney joined the team from in-house positions. Ariel Diamond West has left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The knowledge, experience, and efficiency of the DLA team stand out.'
- 'Their lawyers stand out for their technical knowledge, capability, and experience.'
‘Nancy Victory, Mike Senkowski and the entire DLA team bring tremendous substantive, policy, and political judgement to their work.’
‘Very strong telecom practice across all areas.’
‘Kristin Jacobsen is a rock star. She knows her area of expertise from all angles and has a background that few attorneys in our industry have. She is a joy to work with and we appreciate her a great deal.’
‘DLA has a cross-functional practice that includes attorneys as well as engineers. This allows the firm to help counsel our company on complex legal and technical regulatory matters.'
'Eric DeSilva brings decades of experience in wireless matters and efficiently and effectively crafts helpful advocacy for our issues. Peter Shroyer is detail oriented and provides outstanding support for a myriad of complex regulatory matters for our company.’
‘Deep, established FCC connections and relationships sets the team apart.’
‘Eric DeSilva and Nancy Victory do an incredible job and provide valuable insight. They are very experienced with FCC matters, detail oriented, always delivers on time, go above and beyond to meet the client's needs.’
‘John Frantz is an extraordinary partner and brings a great deal to any matter on which he is staffed. He is brilliant but also down to earth, a rare and winning combination.’
Key clients
- Verizon Communications Inc.
- T-Mobile USA, Inc.
- CTIA-The Wireless Association
- Harrison Street Real Estate Capital, LLC
- Former FCC Chairs and Commissioners
- S&P Global Markets Intelligence Inc.
- Gigs, LLC
- Tennessee Titans
- Globalstar, Inc.
- Blue Stream Fiber
- Space Logistics LLC
- Venturi Astrolab
Work highlights
Advised T-Mobile on regulatory approvals and related issues associated with its US $4.3B acquisition of substantially all of the wireless operations of United States Cellular Corporation, the largest facilities-based regional wireless provider in the US.
Advising Verizon with respect to obtaining federal and state regulatory approvals for its proposed US $20B acquisition of Frontier Communications, the 4th largest fiber internet provider in the US.
Successfully resolved on favorable terms more than 25 lawsuits (collectively seeking more than US $500 million) and government investigations arising out of a major California wildfire - the “Silverado Fire.”
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.
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; Peter Shroyer; Michael Hazzard; John Frantz