Wiley Rein Remains Atop the Field As Washington, DC's Best Media Regulatory Group

June 13, 2011

The 2011 edition of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business again ranks Wiley Rein's Media Practice as the only top tier regulatory-focused group in Washington, DC and names Managing Partner Richard E. Wiley and Media Group co-chair Kathleen A. Kirby as "Leading Lawyers" in the Media Law arena.

Commending the group for providing "fantastic service," Chambers describes the firm as having "established a leading reputation for its communications practice. Its 80-strong team works with a number of notable clients from the media, technology and communications sectors. The group's regulatory expertise garners the most plaudits, with commentators praising its broadcasting, cable, programming and content regulation experience. Sources continue to regard this firm as a standout choice for FCC issues, pointing to the numerous team members who have previously held FCC positions."

Noting that he is "regularly dubbed 'the dean of DC communications law,'" Chambers writes that former FCC Chairman Richard Wiley "brings considerable invaluable expertise to bear on behalf of his clients." The directory reports that Mr. Wiley is "currently representing JPMorgan Chase as administrative agent in the bankruptcy of the Tribune Company."

Kathleen Kirby is commended for her work handling "a range of regulatory, policy and transactional matters before the FCC." Chambers adds that Ms. Kirby "also works with both new and traditional media clients on affiliation and content-licensing agreements."

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.