Announcements and News
WBK NewsRoom
DAVID O'CONNOR JOINS WILKINSON BARKER KNAUER
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Washington, D.C. communications law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP has announced that David A. O’Connor joined the firm as a partner effective August 1, 2008.
Mr. O’Connor was a Partner (and previously an Associate) in the Telecommunications Practice Group of the Washington, DC office of Holland & Knight. While in law school, he served as a Legal Intern in the International Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission and in the Office of the Chief Counsel of the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
While in private practice, Mr. O’Connor has advised clients in the negotiation of agreements for the purchase and sale of numerous television and radio stations around the country and for retransmission consents with cable, satellite and IP video providers. He has also provided regulatory guidance and expertise to his broadcast clients as well as to other clients on FCC-related matters in such diverse areas as the upcoming digital television (DTV) transition, the provision of Telecommunications Relay Services, the leasing of Educational Broadband Service spectrum, satellite-delivered services (including Direct Broadcast Satellite service), the provision of Internet-based video relay services (VRS) and the E-rate program. Mr. O’Connor also has been an active member of the Federal Communications Bar Association, currently serving as co-chair of the association’s Mass Media Practice Committee and the Nominations Committee.
In welcoming Mr. O’Connor to Wilkinson Barker Knauer, L. Andrew Tollin, Managing Partner, said, “We are delighted that David has chosen to join our firm. His broad set of legal skills will further enhance Wilkinson Barker’s ability to provide top-quality services to our clients. In addition, David’s broadcast expertise will add additional depth to our growing media and technology practice.” Mr. O’Connor commented, “I am very excited to be able to move my practice to one of the premier communications firms in the country, whose talented pool of lawyers will enable me to better serve my clients. I am also looking forward to assisting the firm’s existing client base and being part of the firm’s continued growth.”
Mr. O’Connor received his B.A. degree, cum laude, from Florida State University. He earned his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Brooklyn Law School. In addition, he holds an LL.M. degree in International and Comparative Law from Georgetown University Law Center, which he received with distinction in all subjects.
For additional background information about Mr. O’Connor, please visit http://www.martindale.com/David-A-Oconnor/26777921-lawyer.htm.
Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP is one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated exclusively to the practice of communications and technology law. The firm advises its clients, which range from global Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups, in regulatory, transactional, corporate and litigation matters involving all aspects of telecommunications and mass media. More information about the firm can be found at http://www.wbklaw.com.
RUSSELL HANSER ARTICLE IN FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS LAW JOURNAL
ANDREW TOLLIN SELECTED FOR INCLUSION IN WASHINGTON DC'S SUPER LAWYERS FOR 2008
The Firm had two partners named Washington DC’s Super Lawyers for 2008 , including Andrew Tollin (the firm's Managing Partner) . There were 33 lawyers in Communications named to the list based on a peer review – and WBK was one of a handful of firms with multiple entries
BRYAN N. TRAMONT AND RUSSELL P. HANSER PREFACE IN COMMLAW CONSPECTUS
November 26, 2007
LUISA L. LANCETTI REJOINS WILKINSON BARKER KNAUER AS OF COUNSEL
WASHINGTON, DC - Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP is pleased to announce that Luisa L. Lancetti has returned to the firm as Of Counsel.
Ms. Lancetti, who has received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest possible peer rating, AV®, previously served as an associate and partner with the firm from 1982-2001.
For the past six years, Ms. Lancetti has held the position of Vice President – Wireless with Sprint Nextel Corporation and Sprint Corporation. During her tenure, she was responsible for wireless regulatory affairs and successfully developed policy and represented the companies on a wide range of substantive issues and compliance matters, including spectrum matters, new technologies (3G, 4G, VoIP), E911, universal service, numbering, homeland security, disabilities access and consumer protection, among others.
Ms. Lancetti graduated from Indiana University - Bloomington with a B.A. in Political Science. She earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
In welcoming Ms. Lancetti back to Wilkinson Barker Knauer, L. Andrew Tollin, Managing Partner, said, “Luisa has been a colleague and partner dating back to the early days of the firm. Her work on behalf of one of the nation’s major communications carriers has only served to broaden her understanding of the industry and related business issues. Luisa’s expertise strengthens and adds an important dimension to our already deep telecommunications team.”
Ms. Lancetti commented, “I am very pleased to be rejoining the Wilkinson Barker Knauer team and am looking forward to advising clients regarding legal and regulatory matters impacting their business.”
Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP is one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated to the practice of communications and technology law. The firm’s distinguished client roster ranges from global Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups in regulatory, transactional and litigation matters involving all aspects of telecommunications and mass media. More information about the firm can be found at http://www.wbklaw.com.
September 12, 2007
DAVID H. SOLOMON COLUMN IN RADIO WORLD ON BROADCAST RENEWAL ISSUES
June 18, 2007
DAVID H. SOLOMON COLUMN IN BROADCASTING & CABLE MAGAZINE ON TV VIOLENCE
February 1, 2007
DAVID H. SOLOMON COLUMN IN RADIO WORLD ON COMPLIANCE PLANS
January 2007
DAVID H. SOLOMON AND BRYAN TRAMONT ARTICLE IN RFIDWIZARDS.COM: "AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION"
November 3, 2006
BRYAN TRAMONT APPOINTED TO NTIA'S SPECTRUM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 20, 2006
DAVID H. SOLOMON COLUMN IN RADIO WORLD: "INDECENCY: PROCEED, WITH CAUTION "
March 15, 2006
ANDREW TOLLIN, MICHAEL SULLIVAN CO-AUTHOR "LITIGATION BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION"
WASHINGTON, D.C. — "Litigation before the Federal Communications Commission," by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP partners L. Andrew Tollin and Michael Deuel Sullivan has been published by Aspatore Books as the lead article in a collection entitled "Inside the Minds: Telecom Law Best Practices."
In this overview of FCC litigation, Mr. Tollin and Mr. Sullivan explain how FCC litigation differs from typical civil litigation, discuss the various players and issues involved, and note that there are many different types of FCC litigation. They describe the varied types of procedures used in FCC proceedings and how such proceedings can be affected by developments in other areas of the government. Finally, the authors discuss how to develop an appropriate litigation strategy for FCC proceedings.
"Inside the Minds: Telecom Law Best Practices" is a collection of essays by leading telecom law practitioners providing an insider's perspective on the complex issues telecom companies face, including litigation, compliance, tax planning, and advanced technology.
February 1, 2006
DAVID H. SOLOMON COLUMN IN RADIO WORLD: "AVOIDING THE RADIO PAYOLA POLICE"
December 7, 2005
FCC LEGAL ADVISOR RUSSELL HANSER TO JOIN WILKINSON BARKER KNAUER
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP is pleased to announce that Russell P. Hanser will join the firm in January 2006 as a partner. Mr. Hanser spent his last three years as one of the leading FCC attorneys on wireline communications policy. During his FCC tenure, he held senior positions in the Wireline Competition Bureau, the Office of General Counsel, and most recently the Office of Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy, where he served as her Acting Legal Advisor for Wireline Competition Issues. Mr. Hanser played a key role in the development of the Commission’s approach to competition policy, broadband deployment, and the regulation of IP-enabled services.
In welcoming Mr. Hanser to Wilkinson Barker, L. Andrew Tollin, managing partner of the firm, said, “Russ has been on the front lines of the most contested wireline issues at the Commission, and has emerged with a tremendous reputation for his piercing intellect, skillful writing, and sterling integrity. Russ strengthens and adds an important dimension to our existing wireline legal team.”
Mr. Hanser commented, “The regulatory hurdles faced by communications companies in today’s converging market are substantial, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with Wilkinson’s clients to ensure they receive the very best advice to navigate these difficult challenges. With the recent addition of my former colleagues Bryan Tramont and David Solomon, the Firm extended its substantive reach and again demonstrated the value it places on advocates deeply rooted in communications law and policy. I look forward to joining the team.”
While at the Commission, Mr. Hanser also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the George Washington University Law School. Previously, he was an attorney at Wilmer Cutler & Pickering, where he focused on pricing-related wireline competition matters, and at Ropes & Gray, where he practiced commercial litigation. Mr. Hanser clerked for Judge Norman H. Stahl on the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He is an honors graduate of the Harvard Law School, where he was a Primary Editor on the Harvard Law Review. He received his Political Science degree magna cum laude from Amherst College. He is admitted to the District of Columbia and Massachusetts Bars.
Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP is one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated to the practice of communications and technology law. The firm assists U.S. and foreign clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to small start-ups in regulatory, transactional and litigation matters involving all aspects of telecommunications and mass media. More information about the firm can be found at www.wbklaw.com.
November 2005
JONATHAN COHEN ARTICLE IN TELEPHONY MAGAZINE: "THE SPECTRUM OF INNOVATION"
September 2005
DAVID H. SOLOMON COLUMN IN RADIO WORLD: "HOW TO STAY OUT OF FCC TROUBLE"
August 2005
DAVID H. SOLOMON COLUMN IN BROADCASTING & CABLE MAGAZINE: "PLAYOLA: THE NEXT BIG STORM?"
July 2005
METROPOLITAN CORPORATE COUNSEL INTERVIEW WITH DAVID H. SOLOMON
June 14, 2005
FORMER FCC CHIEF OF STAFF BRYAN TRAMONT TO JOIN WILKINSON BARKER KNAUER
Bryan Tramont, Chief of Staff of the Federal Communications Commission under former Chairman Michael Powell, will become a partner in Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, a Washington, D.C. communications law firm, in September 2005 after completing a visiting professorship this summer.
As FCC Chief of Staff, Mr. Tramont directed the agency’s staff in implementing FCC policies in all areas of regulation. Before being elevated by Chairman Powell to the Chief of Staff post, Mr. Tramont was the Chairman’s Senior Legal Advisor, advising him generally on FCC agenda and circulate issues, and specifically on wireless, international, technology, and consumer issues. Mr. Tramont also served as Senior Legal Advisor to Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy and, before that, to Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth. Before joining the FCC in 1999, Mr. Tramont practiced communications law at Wiley Rein and Fielding in Washington, D.C. He also served as a law clerk for the Honorable Duane Benton on the Supreme Court for his home state of Missouri.
Mr. Tramont is an adjunct law professor at The Catholic University of America, and currently is the Silicon Flatirons Visiting Professor at the University of Colorado’s Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program in Boulder, where he is co-teaching (with Professors Dale Hatfield and Phil Weiser) a telecommunications policy course titled “Foundations of Telecommunications Policy.” Mr. Tramont serves on the Executive Committee of the Federal Communications Bar Association, and was awarded the organization’s Distinguished Service Award. He is the author of numerous articles on communications policy and is a frequent speaker and lecturer at academic and industry events.
Bryan Tramont graduated summa cum laude from The George Washington University with a degree in political science. He earned his law degree from Yale Law School, where he served as editor of the Yale Law & Policy Review.
L. Andrew Tollin, managing partner of Wilkinson Barker, said, “Bryan’s leadership abilities, wide-ranging substantive knowledge and good judgment were proven over and over in the many roles he played at the FCC. Bryan will be an important addition to our practice, and we are delighted to welcome him to our firm.” Mr. Tramont commented, “Government service is an honor and privilege and I will miss all the talented professionals and my close friends at the Commission. Leaving government has been easier because I am so proud to be joining the Wilkinson Barker team. Over my years at the FCC, I have always admired their legal skill, passionate advocacy and strong values. I look forward to building on that fine tradition of excellence.”
Mr. Tramont, who can be reached effective today at 202-383-3331 or at btramont@wbklaw.com, is the second high-ranking FCC official to join Wilkinson Barker recently. David H. Solomon, until recently Chief of the FCC Enforcement Bureau, also became a partner in the firm this week.
DAVID SOLOMON, FORMER CHIEF OF FCC ENFORCEMENT BUREAU, JOINS WILKINSON BARKER
Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP welcomes David H. Solomon, former Chief of the Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who joins the firm as a partner on June 13, 2005. Mr. Solomon brings to Wilkinson Barker 24 years of experience in private practice and government service. He was appointed to organize and lead the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau when it was created in 1999, and he served as the Bureau's first Chief, from 1999-2005.
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