Wiley Rein's TMT Practice Wins Law360 ‘Practice Group of the Year’ Award

January 27, 2016

Wiley Rein’s prominent Telecom, Media & Technology Practice has been named a 2015 “Practice Group of the Year” by Law360. The team spent the last year “looking forward to new technology, never before done auctions, and new clients around the world,” said Law360.  The publication cited Wiley Rein’s policy work regarding the FCC’s first-of-its-kind incentive auction, its representation of a radio station and a satellite provider in major acquisitions, and its role in the high-profile net neutrality and municipal broadband litigation as key factors in being named to the list.

Telecom, Media & Technology Practice (TMT) Practice co-chairs R. Michael Senkowski and Kathleen A. Kirby and International & Internet Practice chair and former U.S. Ambassador David A. Gross were interviewed for the article.

“I think our interesting dynamic is we started out as a firm that was primarily based on communications,” said Mr. Senkowski, who also serves as chair of Wiley Rein’s Telecommunications Practice. “While we have diversified the firm as a whole, the communications group [also] has continued to grow as a group.” As attorneys expanded practices in other areas, they developed “synergy relationships with the core.”

The article noted Wiley Rein’s “forward-looking approach” in advising the Expanding Opportunities for Broadcasters Coalition, a group of 87 TV stations focused on the FCC’s incentive auction. “I think the officials in the FCC have some trust in us that we understand their objectives and we also understand our industry like very few other TMT practices do,” said Ms. Kirby, who also serves as chair of the firm’s Media Practice. Mr. Kirby credited associate Ari Meltzer with winning the trust of the coalition and praise of the FCC in the process.

Citing Wiley Rein’s international client base, Amb. Gross said: “As a result of the preeminent position the firm has had for many, many years, we have been able to attract clients from around the world.”

Law360 received 730 submissions for the series—now in its sixth year—and selected 184 winners across 30 practice areas for honors. Wiley Rein was one of nine law firms to receive
awards in four categories this year. In addition to Telecommunications, the firm’s received honors for its Insurance, International Trade, and Government Contracts practices.

To read the full article, please click here.