Hogan Lovells US LLP stands out for its expertise in the space and satellite sector. It excels in handling complex cross-border transactions that often span multiple jurisdictions, leveraging the firm’s extensive global telecom, aerospace and M&A network. The team covers a wide array of work, including commercial contracts, joint ventures, mobile network operator arrangements, network construction and deployment agreements, and master lease agreements. Alongside its specialization in the space and satellite sector, the firm also handles terrestrial transactions involving towers, networks and technology. In Northern Virginia, Randy Segal leads on space-related international cross-border transactions, such as acquisitions, bankruptcy, divestitures and joint ventures, for industry operators, investors, sovereigns, customers and technology providers. In Washington D.C., Steven Kaufman brings financial expertise to the team and leads on contractual issues and transactions involving the space industry. Alexis Sáinz handles commercial space issues and satellite transactions, while Ari Fitzgerald is knowledgeable on spectrum issues, fiber optics, and towers. The four aforementioned lawyers jointly lead the practice.
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.
‘The Hogan Lovells telecom, space and satellite practice is the go-to legal team for commercial space. Their breadth of experience with the legal and regulatory complexities of commercial space operations is top-tier. They are trusted advisors on the transactional front. I have counted on them repeatedly and they have delivered each time, expertly advocating for us while ensuring that time-sensitive deals get done.’
‘Randy Segal is a pillar of the commercial space community, with deep expertise in the development, deployment, and financing of satellite and space systems. She is my go-to advisor on commercial space and corporate governance. Steven Kaufman is the go-to legal expert for navigating complex business transactions within the communications and space industries. Alexis Sáinz is efficient and effective legal expert in strategic commercial and corporate transactions.
‘The Hogan Lovells team is a true partner to our firm. They are a trusted advisor who is always thinking ahead and is extremely reliable. We have relied on them to help structure incredibly complicated multi-billion dollar deals that span differing investment securities and regulatory bodies. The team is sharp and detail-oriented, but they are also able to ratchet up to what is actually important and are focused on helping deals get done successfully while minimizing risk.’
‘Randy Segal and Gabrielle Witt are our go-to partners at Hogan Lovells, and they are both rockstars. We place a huge amount of trust in them, and they continue to earn that trust day in and day out. We can throw them any problem, and they are able to get down to the crux of the issue and help find a solution in short order. They are also just a pleasure to work with, and they help keep things light and positive during strenuous processes.'
‘Hogan Lovells is mission and client-oriented rather than transactionally focused. On multiple occasions, I have seen them put the client's interests above their own. This is a rare trait and clearly distinguishes them from their peers. ’
‘Alexis Sáinz is a real gem and an exceptional attorney. She reached out to our advisory firm to seek a partner to support the Office of Strategic Capital loan program and help clients access the capital they need, consistent with Administration priorities. Drawing on prior experience, she saw an opportunity to improve client application success and patiently led the integration of a firm like ours into the loan qualification and application process.’
Key clients
- SES S.A.
- Impulse Space
- Sophia Space
- Astroscale
- Redwire Space
- Airbus
- Ovzon
- Neo Space Group
- Astrum Mobile
- UAE Space Agency
- ST Engineering Satellite Systems
- Omnispace
Work highlights
Advised SES on its $3.1b acquisition of its competitor, Intelsat.
Advised Impulse on licensing Impulse-2 in frequency bands that one U.S. federal agency initially opposed.
Assisted Airbus with the formation of the Starlab joint venture with Voyager Space.
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.
Alexis Sáinz
Practice head
Randy Segal; Steven Kaufman; Alexis Sáinz; Ari Fitzgerald
Other key lawyers
George John; Gabrielle Witt; Michael Rogers; Michele Farquhar