Wiley Rein's Telecom Practice and Richard E. Wiley Receive Top Honors From Chambers USA; Six Partners are "Leading Lawyers"

June 10, 2011

The 2011 edition of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business ranks Wiley Rein's Telecommunications Practice in its top tier of DC-area firms. Named as "Leading Lawyers" in the Telecom, Broadcast & Satellite regulatory arena are Managing Partner Richard E. Wiley, practice chair R. Michael Senkowski and partners Andrew G. McBride, Henry M. Rivera, Nancy J. Victory and Helgi C. Walker.

Chambers reports that "with more than 80 lawyers, this practice has a heavyweight presence, and handles regulatory and transactional matters as well as litigation. The team recently advised Verizon Wireless on its acquisition of Alltel for $28.1 billion, making it the largest US mobile phone service provider. It also advised Iridium Satellite on regulatory issues regarding the replacement of its global satellite system with the next generation constellation, Iridium NEXT. The group's clientele also includes CBS and Comcast." A source adds that the practice's "industry knowledge and business awareness are top-notch. The lawyers' response times are great and their advice is consistently good."

"Doyen of the communications space" Richard Wiley is singled out by Chambers as a "Star Individual," a rating given to "lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their field." Indeed, sources tell Chambers that "Dick Wiley is a star, no question. He is unique in his influence and reach. His knowledge and institutional experience are obviously of immense value."

Michael Senkowski is hailed as "an acclaimed expert on FCC and public policy matters" and for knowing "more about the FCC, both at a procedural and substantive level, than any lawyer in the USA." Clients say "he's a tremendous strategic adviser on complex regulatory issues."

Andrew McBride, who co-chairs the firm's Communication Litigation and Appellate Practices together with Helgi Walker, is commended for "his skills as a litigator, notably on behalf of telecom firms dealing with restrictions on the deployment and use of facilities." Ms. Walker, Chambers notes, "excels in appellate, litigation and regulatory matters." A client adds that "she is smart and has excellent judgment, works incredibly hard, and produces terrific results for us."

Former FCC Commissioner Henry Rivera receives praise for his "seasoned expertise in the area of telecom transactions and telecom-related bankruptcies." Nancy Victory, who co-chairs the firm's International Telecom Group, is lauded "for her work in the wireless and satellite spheres."

The Chambers ratings are based on extensive interviews of law firms' clients, colleagues and competitors. Inclusion in the directory is determined through a rigorous vetting process.