Paul Hastings LLP advises clients across the telecoms, broadcast and satellite sectors on FCC proceedings, from traditional license maintenance to the expansion into streaming services. The practice works in tandem with the firm’s restructuring group to advise on the media, telecoms and regulatory aspects of financing and restructuring matters. Bringing expertise on both the regulatory and transactional side of matters, Sherrese Smith leads the Washington DC-based team. Smith boasts private sector and government experience and advises on media, communications, internet, digital technology and e-commerce issues, as well as privacy, security and data security matters. Promoted to of counsel in 2023, John Gasparini is part of both the privacy and cybersecurity and the TMT teams and brings extensive knowledge of privacy regulatory compliance, data breach response and regulatory investigations and proceedings. He provides TMT clients with regulatory advice on satellite, spectrum, wireline broadband, wireless infrastructure and video programming matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Great insight into the industry and its legal challenges.’

  • ‘Sherrese Smith is an incredibly talented lawyer and counselor.’

  • ‘Sherrese Smith is outstanding.’

  • ‘Sherrese Smith delivers to her clients a real-world and savvy understanding of the inner workings of the FCC. She is also a problem-solver and an able sherpa through the intricacies of Washington’s regulatory agencies. I do not think of the firm as strong in this area apart from Sherrese’s distinctive strength and she is a standout.’

  • ‘This practice punches above its weight. Although small, they cover a lot of ground on a wide range of telecommunications issues.’

  • ‘Sherrese Smith is a force to be reckoned with. She is well connected, sharp as a nail, and a pleasant person to boot.'

  • 'John Gasparini is a strong up and coming attorney.’

Key clients

  • TEGNA
  • National Association of Broadcasters
  • Fox Corporation
  • Providence Equity Partners
  • Cox Enterprises
  • AT&T (BellSouth Telecommunications)
  • Novacap Technologies

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading lawyers
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sherrese Smith

Other key lawyers

John Gasparini