WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP has announced the addition of Phillip R. Marchesiello, who has joined the firm as a partner effective today. Mr. Marchesiello, who was a partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, will bring his broad-based communications law practice to Wilkinson Barker Knauer. He represents broadcast, telecommunications, multichannel video programming distribution (MVPD), satellite, wireless and advanced technology companies in corporate, transactional and policy matters and in matters before the FCC, state public utility commissions, various foreign telecommunications agencies, the International Telecommunications Union, and the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. Mr. Marchesiello also advises financial industry entities, including investment banks and hedge and private equity funds, with respect to their investments in, and financing of, communications enterprises. In addition, he assists clients in negotiating enterprise-level communications and information technology commercial transactions.

Bryan Tramont, Managing Partner of Wilkinson Barker Knauer, said, “Phil’s wide-ranging and deep expertise will add to our firm’s breadth of experience and will allow us to better serve our existing clients. Similarly, having access to our lawyers will assist Phil in expanding his practice. Phil is a rising star in the communications bar and has been a tremendous friend to many of us for many years. He will be a great fit here, and we look forward to his contributions to the continued growth of the firm.” Mr. Marchesiello commented, “WBK is one of top communications law firms in the country. I’m excited to join a practice with such a broad and deep scope of capabilities and experience.”

Mr. Marchesiello received his B.A. (cum laude) in economics from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 1994 and his J.D. (magna cum laude) in 1997 from the Georgetown University Law Center, where he was awarded the Order of the Coif. He is a member of the Virginia, Maryland and District of Columbia Bars and an active member of the Federal Communications Bar Association.

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP is one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated to the practice of communications and technology law, and in 2010 was ranked as a “first tier” firm by both Legal500 (Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory) and US News & World Report (Communications Law – both nationally and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area). The firm, which grew aggressively over the past year and opened an office in Denver, Colorado in 2010, 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, mass media and privacy law.

Information about Mr. Marchesiello can be found at http://www.wbklaw.com/sub/bio/PhillipR.Marchesiellor.htm and additional information about Wilkinson Barker Knauer can be found at http://www.wbklaw.com. Mr. Marchesiello can be reached at (202) 383-3343 and at pmarchesiello@wbklaw.com