Wiley Rein Adds Former FCC Media Bureau Chief, a Veteran Communications Lawyer, to Its Preeminent TMT Practice

April 19, 2017

Washington, DC—Wiley Rein LLP announced today that former FCC Media Bureau Chief William T. Lake, a veteran communications lawyer, has joined the firm’s Telecom, Media & Technology (TMT) Practice as consulting counsel. Mr. Lake will provide counsel to clients on a variety of telecommunications and media issues.

Mr. Lake served as head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Media Bureau from 2009 to 2017, advising companies in the U.S. and international communications industries on regulatory, competition, intellectual property, and trade issues. Mr. Lake was named to that leadership role following his service as FCC coordinator for the digital television transition in 2009.

“Bill’s intellectual rigor, unique insight, and deep experience make him a valuable addition to our TMT Practice, and we’re delighted that he is joining the team,” said Kathleen A. Kirby, co-chair of the Practice. “He is an exceptional lawyer, widely regarded for his work at the FCC, and his government perspective and private sector experience on critical issues impacting companies in the telecommunications and media industries will be of immense value to our clients.”

Prior to joining the FCC, Mr. Lake was a partner at a large Washington, DC law firm, where he led the communications and electronic commerce practice. He also has served as Principal Deputy Legal Advisor to the U.S. Department of State, Counsel to the Council on Environmental Quality, and Counselor to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Wiley Rein has an unparalleled regulatory team with outstanding expertise in transactional and policy issues in the media and telecom sector,” said Mr. Lake. “Their preeminent TMT Group is one that combines regulatory prowess with public policy, international advocacy, trade, intellectual property, government contracts, and litigation experience. I am proud to join this team of consummate professionals.”

Mr. Lake served as a law clerk to the Honorable John M. Harlan of the Supreme Court of the United States, and the Honorable Henry J. Friendly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York. He received his LL.B. degree from Stanford Law School and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Yale University. 

Wiley Rein has the largest Telecom, Media & Technology law group in the country, with more than 60 attorneys and engineers engaged full time in the practice. The TMT Practice encompasses virtually all aspects of the federal, state, and international laws governing the telecommunications, media, and technology industries. Our team includes individuals who have occupied high-level positions at the FCC, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, as well as on Capitol Hill. 

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Founded in 1983, Wiley Rein is a dominant presence in the nation’s capital. With 240 lawyers, the firm has earned international prominence by representing clients in complex, high-stakes regulatory, litigation, and transactional matters. Many of Wiley Rein’s lawyers and public policy advisors have held high-level positions in the White House and federal agencies and on Capitol Hill. The firm represents a wide range of clients—from Fortune 500 corporations to trade associations to individuals—in virtually all industries.