Wiley Rein's Telecom Practice Receives Top-Tier Ranking from US Legal 500

June 22, 2009

The 2009 edition of US Legal 500 has ranked Wiley Rein’s Telecommunications group among the nation’s top tier of regulatory practices, singling out Managing Partner Richard E. Wiley and Telecom chair R. Michael Senkowski as “Leading Lawyers” in their field.  Partners Nancy J. Victory and Helgi C. Walker and of counsel Tyrone Brown also received recognition.

The directory notes the depth and breadth of the practice and its unparalleled ability to operate at the junction of the regulatory and public policy arenas.

‘Wiley Rein LLP [is] the first name as far as regulatory counsel go,’ say clients. Indeed, the firm’s success in translating an unrivalled history of achievement in the Washington DC communications market to a modern practice equipped to handle the rapidly changing needs of clients, has helped them to lead the market for over two decades.

The integration of regulatory and public policy has been the cornerstone of the team’s structure; indeed only the few local communications boutiques are able to argue such positioning and they can’t match the firm’s level of resources. By virtue of superior numbers of experts and a blend of attorneys with backgrounds at the commission and young talent, the team has maintained its capabilities to address issues from every corner of the communications world.

Plaudits extend to several members of the practice.  Clients note that Richard E. Wiley is “looked to from every quarter of this industry as the outstanding figure in telecommunications law.” Mr. Senkowski is described as “an encyclopedia on telecom law” and “unbeatable if you’re looking for guidance on an FCC issue.”  Ms. Walker received praise for her “strength in both the disputes and the regulatory arena. According to clients, she has a ‘great understanding of the FCC and how to untangle the regulatory problems but still retain an eye on the commercial current.’” 

Also commended is former NTIA Administrator Nancy Victory, who clients call a “rising star” who has “done so much quality work she’s a first choice,” and former FCC commissioner Tyrone Brown, whose return to the firm is seen as “a further boost for a group which has seen a continuous flow of big-name hires over the last 3-5 years.”

The Legal 500 directories aim to provide independent, unbiased commentary on the leading law firms—and lawyers—in the most important legal marketplace in the world.  The research for the editorial sections is based on the combined opinions of the many lawyers interviewed in each practice area, commentary from corporate clients and analysis of deals or contentious issues reported.