North America - United States • Media, technology and telecoms

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

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With a strong background in the cable industry, the telecoms team at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP advises a range of cable providers and industry groups, with a particular focus on infrastructure mandates. The firm fields a growing space and satellite practice, taking on a number of new clients from the sector in the past year, and representing satellite operators in FCC proceedings. Focusing on the satellite and wireless sectors, Brian Weimer leads the Washington DC-based team. Paul Werner has an established contentious practice, representing communications providers in litigation and arbitration at state, federal, appellate and international levels. Dave Thomas has built up a diverse clientele that ranges from telecoms providers to broadcasters, advising on wireless and broadband networks, satellite communications, licensing and permitting, and spectrum use, while Douglas Svor brings extensive experience before the FCC and a ‘deep regulatory background’, advising operators and investors in the wireless, satellite and technology sectors. Imad Matini, Abraham Shanedling and Hannah Wigger are other key names to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Strong, deep bench of attorneys specializing in FCC and related telecommunications regulatory issues.’

  • ‘Brian Weimer is an excellent group leader who makes himself easily accessible and is quick to support. Douglas Svor is outstanding second chair to Brian with deep regulatory background and also readily accessible. Jodi Goldberg is highly qualified and responsive team member.’

  • ‘Douglas Svor is incredibly responsive and knowledgeable, and really lovely to work with. His insight into the industry is invaluable.’

  • ‘Very strong knowledge base and relationships in the industry.’

  • ‘Brian Weimer and Douglas Svor: great attention to detail, always available and thinking outside the box to find a solution to a problem.’

Key clients

  • OneWeb
  • Charter Communications
  • SES S.A.
  • Comcast Communications
  • Nova Labs (Helium Mobile)
  • True Anomaly Space
  • ArrowMark Partners
  • San Diego Gas & Electric
  • VIZIO
  • Astra Capital Management
  • Snap
  • Cox Communications
  • New England Cable & Telecommunications Association, Inc.
  • Ohio Cable Telecommunications Association
  • Sidus
  • Spire

Work highlights

  • Represented OneWeb in its $3.4bn merger with Eutelsat, creating a multi-orbit satellite fleet, advising on FCC regulatory approvals for the merger and providing representation in a related review by Team Telecom, which involved a national security agreement.
  • Advising Charter Communications on its nationwide initiative to expand its networks into rural unserved and underserved areas under the RDOF program.  
  • Acted for SES S.A. as lead FCC regulatory and litigation counsel with respect to the FCC’s efforts to convert the “C-Band spectrum” from satellite to terrestrial use.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Brian Weimer