DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s telecoms group is trusted by its roster of clients to undertake large-scale, complex transactions which often significantly impact the wider industry. Notably this year, the team advised both T-Mobile and Verizon on their pending acquisitions of UScellular and Frontier Communications respectively. The practice has a global presence within the satellite and telecoms infrastructure sector wherein they execute the broad array of transactions. ’One of the best strategic minds’ Michael Senkowski and ‘outstanding attorney’ Nancy Victory lead the team and act across its highest-profile matters, both combining their regulatory expertise with their M&A experience. Eric DeSilva specializes in wireless transactions while Michael Hazzard, who represents a number of software-based communications companies, has a particular focus on domestic and global telecoms infrastructure matters. Peter Shroyer brings extensive FCC regulatory experience, advising on commercial mandates, spectrum acquisitions and transactions requiring FCC approval. Seattle is home to Ariel Diamond West who also provides advice on FCC matters and is a key member of the firm’s satellite practice. Aside from Diamond West, all team members mentioned are located in Washington DC.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'They are excellent professionals, they're very competent and they guide clients through the whole process as well as any difficulties that arise.'
- 'They put forward agile and efficient solutions for our problems.'
‘DLA has a unique position among outside law firms for telecoms issues as it can support both US-centric issues as well as international issues. Moreover, the firm has embraced a multi-disciplinary approach -- employing engineers as well as attorneys. This enables the firm to best meet our requirements, as a variety of our matters are technical in nature.’
‘Eric DeSilva at DLA has an outstanding breadth of legal and technical expertise and knowledge and is able to efficiently and effectively manage any task sent his way. Michael Senkowski is one of the best strategic minds in the legal world - he is able to formulate strategies for our company that allows for innovative resolutions of complicated issues. Nancy Victory provides detail-oriented and cogent advice in a myriad of complex areas of the law, especially with respect to transactions.’
‘The DLA telecom team is highly knowledgeable and has a deep understanding of how our business operates. They provide very practical advice and are great communicators.’
‘Nancy Victory is a titan in the telecom law sector and a wonderful legal advisor. I know I can rely on her advice in multi-stakeholder, complex legal matters related to the Federal Communications Commission.’
‘DLA Piper has deep regulatory experience at the FCC. They are a trusted regulatory advisor of our company and have successfully represented the company in multiple transactions over many years. DLA works well with in-house counsel and it is truly a collaborative relationship in working to advance the company's goals. ’
‘Nancy Victory is an outstanding attorney and advocate for the company. She is very respectful of in-house counsel's expertise and works collaboratively to solve problems. She is a creative problem-solver and strategic thinker. She treats everyone with respect, regardless of title or position.’
Key clients
- T-Mobile USA, Inc.
- Verizon Communications Inc.
- América Móvil S.A.B. de C.V.
- Ooredoo Group
- Globalstar
- Deere & Company (John Deere)
- 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 in a transaction valued at $4.4bn.
Advising Verizon with respect to obtaining federal and state regulatory approvals for its proposed acquisition of Frontier Communications, a transaction valued at approximately $20bn.
Advised T-Mobile with respect to its acquisition of MVNOs Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile including securing all federal and state regulatory approvals and successfully leading the client through review by the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector.
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.
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
Michael Senkowski; Nancy Victory
Other key lawyers
Eric DeSilva; Michael Hazzard; Peter Shroyer; Ariel Diamond West