DLA Piper LLP (US) continues to expand its full-service offering for telecoms and broadcast clients, showcasing its ‘deep knowledge and innovative approach’. The market-leading telecoms team remains at the forefront of key transactions in the sector, advising T-Mobile on its merger with Sprint and handling telecoms assets, fiber and spectrum deals. The firm’s space and satellite group has also seen continual growth, handling agreements for satellite providers and involved in satellite system deployment on a global scale. Michael Senkowski led the recent integration of the firm’s legal, regulatory and engineering offering, heading both the firm’s US and global telecoms teams alongside Nancy Victory. Eric DeSilva handles wireless communications transactions and Tony Lin boasts particular expertise in the space and satellite sector. Michael Hazzard’s international expertise sees him advise global communications, infrastructure and software clients on cross-border transactions, reorganizations and restructurings. From San Francisco, Kristin Jacobson takes a lead role in investigations and enforcement actions, fielding a wealth of public sector experience. Also bringing FCC experience to the team, Peter Shroyer handles FCC approvals for transactions, as well as commercial matters and spectrum acquisitions. From Seattle, Ariel Diamond West advises an extensive clientele that includes global software and communications companies. The team is based in Washington DC, unless stated otherwise. Edward “Smitty” Smith left the firm in December 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘DLA's telecom practice is differentiated by their deep knowledge and innovative approach to problems. The latter, of course, benefits tremendously from the former. They also have the experience with the various industry players to know what approaches are most likely to succeed.’
‘Kristin Jacobson's years of knowledge and sound strategy advice has been a huge win for us. We have succeeded in building connections and influencing industry policy based on her guidance and input.’
Key clients
- T-Mobile US, Inc.
- Deutsche Telekom AG
- Globalstar, LLC
- LS Networks
- AST SpaceMobile
Work highlights
- Represented T-Mobile in selling the legacy Sprint wireline business, which it gained this business as part of its acquisition of Sprint, to Cogent Communications.
- Advising T-Mobile on its acquisition of MVNOs Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, including all regulatory aspects of the transaction at both the federal and state levels, such as review by the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector (Team Telecom).
- Advised LS Networks on its acquisition of PocketiNet, handling all aspects of the acquisition, including negotiating the corporate agreements, conducting regulatory due diligence, and securing regulatory approvals to transfer control of PocketiNet's regulatory licenses.
Lawyers
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; Michael Hazzard; Kristin Jacobson; Peter Shroyer; Tony Lin; Ariel Diamond West