Ambassador David A. Gross and Kathleen A. Kirby Named Co-Chairs of Wiley Rein’s Preeminent TMT Practice

September 7, 2016

Washington, DC—Wiley Rein LLP announced today that Ambassador David A. Gross and Kathleen A. Kirby have been selected to lead the firm’s renowned Telecom, Media & Technology (TMT) Practice. Amb. Gross and Ms. Kirby were named as co-chairs of the multidisciplinary TMT Practice, effective September 2016.

Amb. Gross and Ms. Kirby will provide the firm’s TMT attorneys—many of whom have held high-level positions at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Justice—with the leadership and strategic vision to support clients across a broad spectrum of global telecom, media, and technology industries.

“Our TMT Practice has a long tradition of serving as one of the most esteemed and prominent in the nation, and we are proud to have David and Kathy as such outstanding, well-respected new co-chairs of the practice,” said Managing Partner Peter D. Shields. “Their strong leadership and influence—both within the firm and throughout the TMT sectors—will provide our clients with the guidance and vision they need to stay ahead of the curve.”

Wiley Rein’s multidisciplinary team operates at the intersection of politics, law, government, business, and technological innovation, representing a wide range of TMT clients—from Fortune 500 corporations to trade associations. The group covers virtually all facets of federal, state, and international laws governing the telecommunications, media, and technology industries. The attorneys’ deep-rooted experience and understanding of the complexities and implications of industry changes and regulatory challenges provides clients with a unique vantage point. The TMT Practice—comprised of more than 65 lawyers and other professionals—is regularly ranked by Chambers USA in the No. 1 band in the “Media: Regulatory” and “Telecom, Broadcast & Satellite” areas. The practice was also named a 2015 “Practice Group of the Year” by Law360.

“We have a world-class team of partners, associates, engineers, and other technical professionals who are focusing on successfully solving for our clients complex legal and public policy issues arising from constant innovation,” said Amb. Gross. “Because of the firm’s well-earned preeminent position domestically and globally, we are able to attract groundbreaking clients and provide creative and innovative legal solutions that allow them to win in the marketplace. It’s a great privilege to have been asked to co-lead this impressive group of diverse talent. The team includes extraordinary next-generation leaders who are helping to pave the way for our clients to build the future of the telecom, media, and technology industries.”

Ms. Kirby commented, “In my nearly 20 years at Wiley Rein, I have been fortunate to learn from renowned senior lawyers who shaped telecom and media policy, and to be integrally involved in assembling a team of the best and the brightest to carry that legacy forward. We understand the industries we serve like few other practices, and we have extensive familiarity with and deep connections within the government institutions that affect our clients’ businesses. I am looking forward to collaborating with David to lead our unparalleled team of professionals as we build upon our strengths and partner with our clients as they innovate and grow.”  

Amb. Gross, one of the world’s foremost international telecommunications and Internet policy experts, served in the U.S. Department of State as the U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy from 2001 to 2009. He draws on his unique insights to counsel clients on a wide range of Internet and telecom policy issues around the world. He advises global companies seeking to enter or expand international businesses, as well as invest in, monitor, and understand U.S. and international markets. Amb. Gross has often testified before Congress, has addressed the United Nations General Assembly, and has led more U.S. delegations to major international telecommunication conferences than anyone else in modern history.

Ms. Kirby, who serves on the firm’s Executive and Management Committees, is a highly respected member of the communications bar, and has held numerous leadership positions throughout her career. She is continually recognized by the industry for her superior subject expertise, commitment to clients, and relationships in the media sector. Ms. Kirby represents many of the leading radio and TV group owners and programming networks on transactional, regulatory, policy, content licensing and distribution, and technology matters, including before the FCC and Congress. Her work on First Amendment matters, particularly those involving newsgathering and publication, has earned her acclaim, including induction into the National Freedom of Information Hall of Fame and the Radio Television Digital News Association’s prestigious First Amendment Leadership Award.