Wiley Rein's Telecom Practice and Richard E. Wiley Receive Top Tier Honors From Chambers USA for Ten Years in a Row

June 12, 2012

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business ranks Wiley Rein's Telecommunications Practice in its top tier of DC-area firms, recognition the practice has received every year since the directory's inception in 2003.  Once again, Chairman Richard E. Wiley, practice chair R. Michael Senkowski and partners Andrew G. McBride, Nancy J. Victory and Helgi C. Walker have secured rankings as "Leading Lawyers."  In the directory's 2012 edition, no other firm received more individual rankings in the area of Telecom, Broadcast & Satellite Regulatory law.

Chambers reports Wiley Rein is "noted for its impressive FCC capabilities and known to be keenly attuned to regulatory developments."   The directory reports on the 80-strong bench in the firm's communications practice that "gives the team a depth and breadth that attracts clients of the highest caliber."  Chambers goes on to say "the practice offers expertise in transactional, appellate, litigation and global policy matters, making Wiley Rein a firm of choice for a number of the market's most prominent names."  A source says the group has "excellent client relations skills" and is "keenly attuned to what the FCC is doing as well as what is going on in the wider communications sphere."

"Godfather of the Bar" Richard E. Wiley, chair of the firm's Communications Practice and former FCC Chairman, is singled out as a "unique eminence" in his field.  For 10 years in a row, Mr. Wiley is named a Chambers "Star," a ranking bestowed on "lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their field."

Michael Senkowski leads a Telecommunications team of more than 40 attorneys and engineers and is praised by clients as "an excellent strategist."  The directory notes that his work advising Iridium on a next-generation satellite system "illustrates Senkowski's depth of expertise in the regulatory sector."

Communications Litigation chair Andrew McBride is hailed by sources as a "fantastic asset" with a "gifted mind."  Chambers notes he is currently representing CTIA - The Wireless Association in challenging the City of San Francisco's radio-frequency labeling requirement for cell phones.

Nancy Victory, who chairs the firm's Wireless Group, is lauded for her international focus and her recent work advising leading companies on regulatory policy.

Chambers reports that Communications Appellate Group chair Helgi Walker is "fast garnering a reputation for excellence in appellate matters" and clients describe her as "a brilliant legal mind," "a rising star" and a "smart, well-respected" practitioner.  The publication notes Ms. Walker leads a team handling Verizon's challenge to net neutrality rules and the FCC's Data Roaming Order.

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.

For more information, please contact Patricia O'Connell at 202.719.4532 or poconnell@wiley.law.