DLA Piper LLP (US) continues to showcase its prowess in telecom transactions through its involvement in major telecom acquisitions, joint ventures, and spectrum deals. The practice is based out of Washington DC, and is jointly led by telecom specialists Nancy Victory and Michael Senkowski. Victory has a wealth of experience advising on fiber joint venture transactions and acquisitions. Senkowski has broad expertise across telecom mandates, advising global telecom clients on significant transactions. He is also active in the satellite sector, advising a mix of satellite and space companies. Other key team members includes Eric DeSilva, who is the go-to for wireless telecoms transactions, and Michael Hazzard, who is sought out by software-based communication companies to aid with telecoms transactions and infrastructure matters. For transactions requiring FCC or state PUC approval, Peter Shroyer is the name to note. In January 2025, the team was strengthened by the arrival of John Peter Frantz, who sits in New York and advises clients on telecom and technology transactions.
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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘DLA Piper has a cross-disciplinary group that combines lawyers with attorneys. This unique construct has allowed the firm to help our company navigate complex and technically complicated transactions. They have also utilized AI and other technology to help drive efficiency in reviews and to allow for better understanding of larger transactions.’

  • ‘Michael Senkowski and Nancy Victory lead the regulatory team. They have decades of experience navigating transactions in the wireless, wired, and satellite realms. They provide concise and actionable advice as we consider different transactions. Julie Kearney provides similar levels of guidance for satellite transactions and Eric DeSilva is a critical participant in any and all wireless transaction matters. ’

  • ‘The team is very experienced with telecom and wireless telecom and the intricacies of the industry and the real-world application and processes related to the FCC requirements and regulations.’

  • ‘Eric DeSilva and Nancy Victory do an incredible job and provide valuable insight. Very experienced with FCC matters, detail oriented, delivers on time, goes above and beyond to meet the client’s needs. They have great real-time problem solving.’

  • ‘John Peter Frantz navigated some truly unique regulatory challenges and developed a strategy and messaging that won the day.’ 

  • 'DLA Piper has experience both at the federal and state regulatory commissions and provides comprehensive advice in a transaction where approvals are required at both the state and federal levels. They have been a trusted advisor to the company in many of its most significant transactions.' 

  • 'Nancy Victory is an exceptional attorney. She is very responsive and treats all clients, no matter their title or level, with respect. She works collaboratively with in-house counsel to address issues and matters.' 

Key clients

  • Verizon Communications Inc.
  • T-Mobile USA, Inc.
  • Harrison Street Real Estate Capital, LLC
  • S&P Global Markets Intelligence Inc.
  • Gigs, LLC
  • Tennessee Titans
  • Globalstar, Inc.

Work highlights

Advised T-Mobile on regulatory approvals and related issues associated with its $4.3b acquisition of substantially all of the wireless operations of United States Cellular Corporation.
Advised Verizon on obtaining federal and state regulatory approvals for its proposed $20b acquisition of Frontier Communications.
Advised T-Mobile on regulatory approvals and related issues associated with two joint venture transactions related to fiber.

Lawyers

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Practice head

Nancy Victory; Michael Senkowski

Other key lawyers

Eric DeSilva; Michael Hazzard; John Peter Frantz; Peter Shroyer; Julie Kearney