Wiley Rein’s Scott Delacourt Profiled by Law360 as ‘Telecommunications MVP’

December 17, 2018

Washington, DC – Scott D. Delacourt, partner in Wiley Rein’s Telecom, Media & Technology Practice and chair of the firm’s FTC Regulation group, was profiled by Law360 as a 2018 “MVP” in Telecommunications. Mr. Delacourt was one of the top five lawyers recognized in his practice area on this elite national list.

This is Mr. Delacourt’s second Telecommunications MVP recognition from Law360, which previously named him to the list in 2015. In the past year, he “has established himself as a leader on hot-button policy topics” related to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and connected vehicles, according to the article.

Law360 cited Mr. Delacourt’s testimony before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation at an April 18 hearing on how to crack down on abusive robocalls. Appearing on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform, he told the committee that the TCPA has “become an obstacle, preventing legitimate and lawful communications between businesses and consumers” because it focuses on technology methods rather than exploitative uses. It was “an honor to be in that role ... representing the industry on something that I think is a challenging issue, and also before a body that is well-versed on the issue,” Mr. Delacourt told Law360.

Law360 also highlighted Mr. Delacourt’s standout work this year in the emerging area of connected vehicles, including spectrum use and regulation of “smart” and fully autonomous vehicles. His representation of General Motors has focused on defending auto industry use of of 5.9 GHz band which, as Law360 noted, is set aside to help fulfill some of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s highway safety initiatives, including highway sensor technology incorporated into some new vehicles.

“We’re hearing more about the AV future, and connected vehicles are a stepping stone to that future,” Mr. Delacourt said. “While I don’t know what the outcome will be [for 5.9 GHz], I think the FCC will be very diligent before taking spectrum away from technologies that could make America’s roadways safer.”

When asked what motivates him, Mr. Delacourt told Law360 he’s driven to succeed in his practice by developing long-term relationships with clients and working with them to secure results in often-tricky policy areas. He also said he is inspired by the ever-changing communications landscape and how regulatory issues shift with each new generation of technology. Practicing in the fields of tech and telecom law means “learning about technology [and] keeping an eye toward what’s coming next,” Mr. Delacourt said. “The issues are different every day.”

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